#edelgard x male reader | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

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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sickly-sweet-imagines · 3 years

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Masterlist

Rules

Fandoms

Ko-Fi

A comprehensive list of the fics I’ve written! It’s organized alphabetically for everything! Fics with a specified reader gender in parentheses will have that gender, otherwise they will not have a specific gender.

Corpse Party

Yoshiki Kishinuma

Soft Reader (Headcanons) (Male Reader)

S/o Comes Out as NB (NB Reader)

Yuuya Kizami

Letter to Reader

Yandere Reader (Headcanons) (Fem Reader)

Danganronpa

Trigger Happy Havoc

Byakuya Togami

S/o Comes Out as Bi (Headcanons) (Fem Reader)

Yasuhiro Hagakure

Impregnating Reader (NSFW)

Super Danganronpa 2

Nagito Komaeda

Trans Guy S/o (Headcanons)

Twogami/Ultimate Imposter

S/o Comes Out as Bi (Headcanons) (Fem Reader)

Gonta Gokuhara

S/o Comes Out as Bi (Headcanons) (Fem Reader)

Kaito Momota

Kaito Loses His Clothes

Korekiyo Shinguji

Genderfluid S/o (Headcanons)

S/o Comes Out as Bi (Headcanons) (Fem Reader)

Fire Emblem

Awakening

Chrom

Love Letter

Gaius

Valentine’s Day Baking

Valentine’s Day Baking - Part 2 (NSFW)

Henry

Nightmare Comfort, Protection in Battle (NSFW ending)

Stress Relief (NSFW)

Lucina

Partner Who Loves Fashion/Cute Things (Fem Reader)

Robin

Letter to Long-Distance Lover

Valentine’s Day Date (Male Reader)

Binding Blade

Idunn

Manakete S/o (Headcanons)

Fates

Azura

With Fearful Adopted Child (Headcanons)

Camilla

With Fearful Adopted Child (Headcanons)

Dwyer

Shy and Anxious S/o (Headcanons)

Felicia

Shy and Anxious S/o (Headcanons)

Niles

Relationship Headcanons

Ophelia

With Fearful Adopted Child (Headcanons)

Shy and Anxious S/o (Headcanons)

Orochi

With an S/o Who Predicts the Future

Peri

With Fearful Adopted Child (Headcanons)

Sakura

With Fearful Adopted Child (Headcanons)

Soleil

Shy and Anxious S/o (Headcanons)

No Reader

Nina and Niles Familial Headcanons

Niles Caring for Nina (Familial)

Nina and Forrest Relationship Headcanons

Nina and Siegbert on a Date

Sakura and Azura Ice Skating

Heroes

Alfonse

Bunny Day Outfit Teasing (Male Reader)

Nightmare Hurt/Comfort [Book Four Spoilers]

Hrid

Teaching Summoner to Ride a Horse (Platonic) (Male Reader)

Laevatein

Loving Sex (NSFW)

Veronica

Bonding Under the Stars (Platonic) (Male Reader)

No Reader

Lissa, Elise, Sharena Pranking Their Brothers

No Love Interest

Summoner Learning to Use a Whip (Male Reader)

Beating Freyja (Male Reader)

Sacred Stones

Erika

Shy and Anxious S/o (Headcanons)

Lyon

Love Letter

With a Protector (Male Reader)

Protector Part Two (Male Reader)

Three Houses

Claude von Riegan

Aftercare (Headcanons)

Falling for a Foot Soldier (Headcanons)

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd

Aftercare (Headcanons)

Breeding Kink (NSFW) (Fem Reader)

Falling for a Foot Soldier (Headcanons)

Overworked Healer Crush (Headcanons)

Valentine’s Day Confession (Headcanons)

Edelgard von Hresvelg

Bisexual S/o Comfort (TW Biphobia) (Headcanons)

Depressed S/o (Headcanons)

Falling for a Foot Soldier (Headcanons)

Felix Hugo Fraldarius

Aftercare (Headcanons)

Infirmary Hurt/Comfort

Threesome with Sylvain (NSFW) (Headcanons)

Hilda Valentine Goneril

Shy Reader Confession

Hubert von Vestra

Bisexual S/o Comfort (TW Biphobia) (Headcanons)

Love Confession

Pushed to Confess

Valentine’s Confession

Lady Rhea

Falling for a Foot Soldier (Headcanons)

Seteth

Valentine’s Day Gift (Headcanons) (Male Reader)

Sylvain Jose Gautier

Aftercare (Headcanons)

Threesome with Felix (NSFW) (Headcanons)

Five Nights At Freddy’s

Fnaf 1

Freddy

NSFW Headcanons

Bonnie

NSFW Headcanons

Chica

NSFW Headcanons

Foxy

NSFW Headcanons

Golden Freddy

NSFW Headcanons

Security Breach

Glamrock Freddy

Coming Out Comfort (Platonic) (Headcanons)

Relationship Headcanons (NSFW Ending) (Headcanons) (Male Reader)

Montgomery Gator

Coming Out Comfort (Platonic) (Headcanons)

Roxanne Wolf

Coming Out Comfort (Platonic) (Headcanons)

Legend of Zelda

Breath of the Wild

Sidon

Relationship Headcanons (Male Reader)

Marble Hornets

Ships

Jam (+ Bralex) High School AU

Monster Prom

Damien LaVey

Cosplayer S/o (Headcanons)

Valentine’s Day (Headcanons) (Fem Reader)

Writer S/o (Headcanons)

Yandere Valentine (Male Reader)

Miranda Vanderbilt

Writer S/o (Headcanons)

Scott Howl

Coming Home to a Cosplayer S/o in Costume

Wolf Pack

Valentine’s Day (Headcanons)

My Hero Academia

Denki Kaminari

Valentine’s Day (Headcanons)

Eijiro Kirishima

Valentine’s Day (Headcanons)

Izuku Midoriya

Pro Deku x Civilian Wife

Katsuki Bakugo

USJ Attack Confession (Hearing Aid AU)

Valentine Confession (Headcanons) (Fem Reader)

Valentine’s Day (Headcanons)

Momo Yaoyorozu

Valentine’s Day (Headcanons)

Shouto Todoroki

Valentine’s Day (Headcanons)

No Reader

Trans Bakugo + Kiribaku (Headcanons)

Octopath Traveler

Alfyn Greengrass

Party Members Together (Platonic)

Cyrus Albright

Party Members Together (Platonic)

Therion

Party Members Together (Platonic)

Tressa Colzione

Party Members Together (Platonic)

Soul Eater

Blair

Valentine’s Day (Headcanons)

Soul Eater Evans

Valentine’s Day (Headcanons) (Fem Reader)

171 notes · View notes

philliamwrites · 3 years

Text

The Dawn Will Come [Chpt.1]

Fandom: Fire Emblem Three Houses

Pairing: Dimitri x Reader, Claude x Reader, Edelgard x Reader, Yuri x Reader, Edelgard x Byleth, lots of minor pairings

Tags: #gn reader, # platonic love byleth & reader, #reader is a tactical unit, #angst, #slow burn, #subplots, #unreliable narrator, #pining, #remporary amnesia, #reluctant herp, #canon divergence, #lost twin au, #many chapters, #original content

Words: 5.2k

Summary: Waking up in a forest without any knowledge of your past and who you are, you join the house leaders of the Officers Academy to search for a way to return your memories. Unfortunately, the church has different plans for you, and Fate places you in the centre of a cruel game with deadly stakes. It certainly doesn't help to fall in love with a house leader who is doomed to be your demise.

Notes: Chapter 2 There’s also a playlist for this story that you can find here and here.

Chapter 01: A High Destiny

A high destiny seemed to bear me on until I fell, never, never again to rise.

[Mary W. Shelley, Frankenstein]

It starts as it will end: in darkness.

Black dots dance in front of your eyes, merging into dark shadows clawing at your consciousness. A dull throb pounds in your temple, a steady rhythm that speaks of life but isn’t enough to allow awareness of your surroundings. Memory is a foreign word you can’t explain, and trying to think of the past 24 hours is an unachievable task. Every glimpse slips through your fingers like sand, and the only steady reference point is the solid ground pressing into your hands and back.

Slowly, you open your eyes. Treetops dance in the wind, towering above you like silent guardians of ancient times. The sun winks at you through thick branchesa and dancing green crowns, indicating it’s long past daybreak—but how do you know? Your memory is still a vast pool with no bottom and no means to dive into, and yet you think there’s a voice calling out to you, a heart-wrenching young, boyish voice—no, those are real voices ringing through the woods, appearing close to you. Alarmingly close.

“You’re awake,” a woman’s voice starts, moments later followed by a corresponding face. Round, lavender eyes surrounded by thick, white lashes peak from above at you, blinking curiously. It’s an expression far from friendly, but not exactly hostile either, and of all the things you can think of at this moment, it is how strikingly beautiful she is. But before you can say anything, another person joins, leaning too close in for comfort.

“You got us worried there, stranger,” a young man chimes in, squatting down beside you. His uniform isn’t exactly what you’d call fit for travelling through the woods. A heavy yellow cape falls over his shoulder, more fanciful display than practical use. But something in his posture seems very attentive, his broad shoulders taut like a drawn bowstring that won’t miss its target. “Weird place to take a nap, but hey, I’m not judging.”

“I wasn’t—” you start, immediately struck by a throbbing pain behind your right eye that reverberates through your skull and wretches a groan from you.

“Take it easy,” another voice joins, and panic spreads through you because of the amount of people surrounding you. Where the first man is a picture of warm colours—gold and sun kissed skin nourished on warm summer days, the other man observing you with a worried expression is clad in blue and black, blond hair falling into a pale face that carries the most striking blue eyes you’ve ever seen. Or so you think, because surely a colour like this, a blue stolen right out of the sky, wouldn’t be easily forgotten.

More movement and rustling of fabric, and a chill settles in your bones as you begin to fear that you’ve run into a bunch of ruffians who’ve only kept you alive for so long because they’re hoping for valuable information. More people emerge from the underbrush, carrying large sacks and backpacks with billycans dangling at their sides. Among them, a tall man with a beard, clad in robust mercenary’s gear, steps forward, concealing another young woman with sharp features and unusual greenish blue hair.

The sight of her strikes you like a bolt. It tastes like familiarity and the relief of being reunited with a long lost friend. But that is impossible. This is the first time you meet her.

Is it?

“You brats, I told you not to head off too far,” the older man bellows, crossing logs for arms in front of his broad chest. The first three take one big, polite step away from you, but don’t look apologetic at all.

“I’m sorry for our hastiness, Captain Jeralt,” the girl says, her eyes darting from you still sitting on the ground to him towering in his full height above them. “But it seems we would have otherwise not found this person.”

“This person who wasn’t really much conscious a couple of minutes ago,” the boy in yellow adds with a crooked grin. “How bad would it have been if someone else would have beaten us to it?”

“No need to make me look like the bad guy,” Captain Jeralt interrupts with a raised hand before the boy in blue can join his friends' justifications. Instead, he turns to you and regards you with a scrutinising look.

“What are you doing out here?” he demands. “Where’s your family? Friends?”

“Uhm, they’re—” you start, but nothing comes to your mind. Not only that. You don’t know why you’re out here, where you are exactly … and basically anything that should come to you about your own person remains shrouded in darkness. “I don’t know.”

Jeralt nods like that explains the very reason you’re still sitting on the ground like a misplaced cargo of cabbage. He kneads the nape of his neck, his face softening the tiniest bit. “And what’s your name?”

Unable to hold his piercing eyes, you drop your gaze to the ground, curling your trembling fingers into the fabric of your wool jacket. “I, uh… don’t know.”

If you thought you didn’t have their attention before, now their eyes are glued on your face in different levels of shock and disbelief.

“A case of amnesia?” the blond male says, not quite managing to achieve the right balance between blatant curiosity and polite worry. “Does this mean you have nowhere to go? Don’tknow where to go?”

“Goddess help you, Dimitri,” the other boy groans, running a hand through his short, brown hair. “Be any more tactless, will ya?”

“He isn’t wrong,” the girl says, observing you like you’re a fascinating new specimen in her collection of strange things. “You need a place to stay. And help until your memories return.”

If they return, you don’t dare to say because despite all things, hope still clings to you in the deepest corner of your heart, not allowing you to follow that train of thought and what it will mean for your future.

“Then by all means, if you want to join,” Jeralt says, waving a dismissive hand in your direction. “I don’t think you kids accept a No, so I’m going to save my breath.” He turns around with a grunt. “Get them your horse, Byleth. We’re late as it is, and another night of Alois talking my ears off will make me do something I’ll regret.”

The woman called Byleth keeps staring at you even as Jeralt walks past her and gives her shoulder a solid clap. You can’t say if she’s mute or just speechless because she’s filled with the same strange overflowing sensation like you: like a basin filling with water but unable to drain off. It appears you’re the same age, a couple of years older than the other three but still much younger than Jeralt, and yet the moment your eyes lock, it feels like there is something far older than any of you together passing between you. Something ancient.

“Well, first off, on your feet, little one.” Strong hands curl around your elbows, hoisting you up in one swift movement. A wave of dizziness hits you like an unavoidable spell, and the pounding from before settles back behind your right eye.

“Amazing, Claude,” the girl hisses, and quickly steps forward to steady you, pressing one hand against the small of your back where her strong fingers curl against the curve of your spine. Her other hand gently holds yours as she helps you regain your balance. “Excuse his manners. I promise not everyone from the Officers Academy behaves like a brute.”

“The what now?” you ask, hit by another wave of dizziness that might originate more from the girl’s soft lavender fragrance rather than the world spinning around you.

“The Officers Academy at Garreg Mach Monastery,” Dimitri provides this time. His posture is straight like an arrow, the stance of a soldier speaking to his officer. “That is where we attend as students and hence are going right now.”

“And you want me to come with you?” you ask like you have the option to refuse and go somewhere else. Strangely, the thought of joining a group of armed knights and mercenaries doesn’t fill you with fear or anxiety. You’re about to tread into foreign waters, and yet your heart is calm like a still compass guiding you in the right direction.

Claude clasps his hands behind his head like he’s got nothing to do with you feeling unwell at the moment. “Unless you have another place to be?”

Luckily, your head does come clear and breathing becomes a little easier. You nod to the girl and she holds you a second longer before she nods back and lets go. “I guess not,” you mumble, looking at each one of them. Byleth still hasn’t moved. By now you can’t really tell if she’s looking at you or through you. Surely, she would have said something by now if she thought you were familiar, right?

“Then it’s settled.” The girl nods solemnly, throwing her silky, white hair over her shoulder. “We welcome you in our company. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Edelgard von Hresvelg, heir to the Adrestian Empire.” Edelgard gives you a tight-lipped smile that quickly thins into a white line when the other two introduce themselves as Claude von Riegan, grandson of the Sovereign Duke of the Leicester Alliance and Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, future king to the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. None of these names ring a bell to you, but you nod, pretending to know exactly what they're talking about.

“Okay, we need a name for you as well,” Claude proposes, tapping a slender finger against his chin. He has a strikingly sharp jaw that looks fit to cut stone. “Can’t have everyone call you stranger or little one now, can we?”

“No,” you say. “Especially since we’re about the same height.”

Claude laughs like you just told him the best joke he’s heard in years. “Soo, since we found you here … how about Glade? Or Woody?”

“How about no,” you say with furrowed eyebrows.

��Apologies.” Edeglard sighs and shakes her head, her expression a mix between disappointment and annoyance. “Claude isn’t much accustomed to the notion of consideration.”

Claude rolls his eyes. “Then you come up with something, princess. Or is it impossible because you can’t take out the stick up your—”

“Claude,” Dimitri half shrieks, his pale cheeks splotched with red dots. As he stumbles over his own words trying to apologise for Claude’s behaviour, Edelgard simply deadpans, “Bold words for someone in stabbing range.”

The fourth in this round of strange people considers you with a blank expression, her steady gaze like a solid touch on your skin. Before a greater argument can break free between the students, Byleth says a name with a surety like she’s never said anything else in her life, and hearing it, this barely whispered word immediately lost to the wind, you just know it’s your name.

“Yes, much better than what Claude proposed.” Dimitri nods, regaining his composure even though he’s still staring daggers at Claude. “It sounds more civilised as well.”

“You didn’t even suggest anything,” Claude remarks, but the huff of annoyance quickly dissipates from his voice when he jerks a thumb towards Byleth. “That’s Byleth, by the way. Funny story is, we met her just a couple of hours ago as well.”

“Fate must have brought us together here today,” Dimitri agrees with a solemn nod. “I swear on my honour as a noble knight from the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus that I will see you safe to the Monastery. Lady Rhea will surely be able to help you there.”

“Okay. Thank you,” you manage, unable to connect a face to this name in your head that feels like it’s about to burst any second anyway. The only course of action lies within those strangers who are so willingly offering help that you can’t stop worrying it’s a ruse. But without anything to offer them except your life, there’s little coming to your mind that they can anticipate in taking you with them. Tthe fact that Byleth knew your name doesn’t sit right with you as well. There’s something waiting to be grasped at the tips of your fingers, and yet you lack the strength to embrace it.

Following the little group of soldiers and students through the woods, you remain silent on the journey, only answering questions with approving or denying hums. How did you end up in this particular forest? According to Jeralt, you’re currently moving away from a village called Remire and towards the mountains to the northeast where the monastery lies tucked away between two mountains. Judging from the clothes you’re wearing, you’re a commoner, and when Edelgard pushed a slim dagger in your hand, nothing rung in intuitive knowledge about how to handle a weapon. Your mind remained silent, like an untouched chord.

There’s little you can say about the first impression those people left on you. There seems to be a unanimous dispute between the three students, hanging palpable in the air whenever an argument starts that’s pregnant with implied insults or passive-aggressive comments. From that you gather there’s tension between the governing fractions in Fódlan, something else you’ve learnt from listening to them squabbling.

Byleth and Jeralt acknowledge their bickering as if it was flies buzzing around their heads. They keep more to themselves and their mercenary comrades, indicating they’re really as much of strangers to the students as you. Their conversations are a lot quieter as well, their heads leaning close together for the illusion of privacy. More than once you notice Byleth sneaking glances in your direction, and every time you lock eyes, there’s something close to comprehension when she looks at you. The further you march through the woods, the less you try to meet her gaze. Reaching the monastery is the first step to regain who you are, or so you hope, because the opposite would mean you’ll continue stumbling through the darkness with no lead to your past or why you’re in this particular part of Fódlan, and you can only hope that this Rhea person really will be able to help you.

A sound from the underbrush cuts through your thoughts.

Thinking it might be an animal, you don’t let it bother you too much. No one else seems to have heard it, so maybe it was just your imagination. But your brain refuses to let it rest, and fails to push it away from your mind because something about the sound doesn’t seem to be right. The more you try to focus on it though, the blurrier it gets; the less you understand its origin.

Then, you hear a voice from within the woods. It sounds like a slurred whisper.

“What was that?” You stop in the middle of the road, looking around the thick trees. Claude barely manages to avoid walking into you. “What was what?”

“There’s something here.” Unable to explain further, you wave your hand around for emphasis. He looks at your hand, incomprehension written all over his face. “And that something is what exactly?” he asks.

“I don’t know.” You wave your hand wilder. “But I don’t have a good feeling venturing further.”

“You may be still tired,” Edelgard offers, not hiding her irritation that the journey stopped. “It won’t be long until we reach Garreg Mach. You can rest however long you need inside the monastery’s infirmary.”

“I’m not tired,” you hiss, hand falling back to your side where it clenches into a fist. “I just really don’t think we should go further for now.”

“And why is that?” Dimitri inquirers. He raises a hand and the soldiers following them come to a halt, a murmur of unrest breathing through their lines, and it’s just enough that you question if it would be better to play if off and admit your mind is playing tricks on you due to exhaustion.

But whenever you blink, a red veil falls over your right eye, blurring your surroundings. Little red dots move slowly in the distance through the forest. If you didn’t know better, you’d say it’s some sort of life form far away, slowly advancing on your position. “Because someone is coming,” you finally manage, scratching the thin skin below your irritated eye that’s started twitching slightly. “Someone is coming towards us from southwest. And I can’t say if they’re friendly or not.”

Three pairs of eyes consider you like you’ve grown a second head. Only Byleth stares into the woods like she might find the strangers you’re talking about waiting behind the trees if she just looks hard enough.

“Little one, are you sure this isn’t just an aftereffect from you hitting your head?” Claude offers, squinting into the woods. You’re pretty sure he’s staring directly at the moving dots but for whatever reason can’t see them.

“Unless amnesia is suddenly another term for going crazy, I don’t think so,” you snap, unable to hold back the irritation raising to the surface.

A whistle echoes through the tree crowns. Byleth snaps her head in the direction of the sound, growing all tense. She raises her hand into a tight fist, and all movement stills behind you. When you turn around, you see the mercenaries waiting in the underbrush like a flock of crows ready to swipe down on their prey. Jeralt breaks away from them and approaches Byleth, a frown cutting a deep wrinkle into his forehead.

“Bandits,” he says, and quickly signs a hand gesture to the nearest bowman. He nods and disappears between trees. “Another mile away. If we stay on this road, we’ll walk right into them.”

“Seven hundred feet, actually,” you blurt. Jeralt looks at you like you’re a cockroach under his boot. Another whistle cuts through the woods, one long followed quickly by two short. Byleth exhales audibly, and only now you notice she’s moved to stand beside you. “Seven hundred feet,” she mutters, her eyes fixed on you.

Jeralt tenses. “How do you know, kid?”

“I don’t know,” you mumble towards your boots. “I just see.”

There’s an uncomfortable silence falling around you, and you’re too afraid to look up and read distrust in their eyes.

“Does it matter?” Claude finally breaks the silence, sliding his bow from his shoulder. “They won’t be a problem with the knights and mercenaries on our side.” He jerks his chin towards Byleth, already plugging an arrow from his quiver. “You should really see her fight.”

“Wait,” you say, reflexively reaching for the hem of his cape. “Don’t engage them yet.”

Claude stops, one eyebrow arched up in a curve. “Beg your pardon?”

“They come from the woods. Which means this is their hunting ground and they have the advantage. They have dozens of archers. I think they’re waiting until you reach a glade. And then open fire.”

“Which means we’ll end up as skewers.” Claude scratches his chin and twirls the arrow between his slender fingers. “I can think of better ways to shuffle off this mortal coil.”

Dimitri perks up. “You’ve read the Tale of Hamelot I gave you?”

“I’ll give it a six out of ten. His soliloquies were awful.”

“Boys.” Edelgard snaps her fingers impatiently as Dimitri opens his mouth to protest. “Not the time.” She takes your wrist and pulls it away from Claude’s cape, her hard gaze like a sharp knife. “Are we simply ignoring the fact that we have someone in our midst knowing the enemies’ movement and deployment?” she cuts in harshly. “Is this a plan to lure us into an ambush?”

“You think someone would give away their comrades’ position just like that?” Claude eyes her wearily. “Don’t be so suspicious of everyone.”

She glares at him. “I rather be suspicious than dead.”

Which is a valid point and a trait you willingly admit to share with her, but that doesn’t really solve the problem at hand. Luckily, Dimitri seems to think the same. He doesn’t unfasten the spear on his back yet, but his fingers dance swiftly over the handle, immediately resting on where he can easily pull it from the straps if needed to strike down an enemy. “Fact is enemies are approaching,” he concludes, looking at his fellow students in search for a consensual ceasefire. “We must put an end to them before they target defenceless travellers on their way out of the forest.”

“Spoken like a true crowd-pleaser,” Claude says, either unable or not caring to hide the mock in his voice. “We can resolve our new friend’s condition after we take down the enemy.”

“I don’t agree with this,” Edelgard declares, but nonetheless unclasps the double-bit axe from her back and swings it on her shoulder like it weighs nothing. “But I accept that this is a more pressing issue.” The easiness in the movement robs your lungs of air, and even though there are more important matters to focus on, you wonder how her muscles play under her black uniform swinging around a thing like that. Your admiration comes to a quick end when Jeralt and Byleth close the circle. Her hand rests on the hilt of a short blade as she scans the underbrush, her body rigid with battle anticipation.

“Let them come to us,” Jeralt announces. “Let them think they have the advantage.”

“Your knigths over there move slow through the woods,” you say, gesturing at the waiting man clad in heavy armour and armed with shields. “But their amour can resist some stray arrows coming down on us. It’s the rearguard that will take them by surprise from another direction and—”

“And charge their flank or rear to finish them off,” Jeralt ends with a crude nod. “Indirect approach. I thought of that as well.”

Your mouth goes dry. The idea plopped seemingly out of nowhere in your mind, but yes, now that you think about it, that is the indirect approach tactic, first recorded after the Battle of Nicaea in … Faerghus? Or was it Adrestia? The picture in your mind is still blurry, but now you can make out definite lines of objects: Books with drawn pictures of pointing arrows and coloured lines, each lettered with a name or an approach in a neat handwriting that isn’t yours. The picture triggers another wave of dizziness, disappearing as fast as it appeared.

“They’re going to faint in three, two, one…” Claude’s voice rips you back to the present. You glare at him and raise a fist to show how close to fainting you really are. He only laughs at the tiny fist in front of his face.

“Enough brats, get into position,” Jeralt bellows, and the students scatter with a bouncing step in all their strides as they take the lead of a small unit.

You’re about to retreat to the furthest point away from battle when Jeralt blocks the way. “Not you. You’re going with Byleth.”

“I’m what?”

“Byleth,” Jeralt nods to the young woman ahead of you, “will be the commanding unit and you’ll help her.”

The world tilts a little as panic takes hold of you. “I can’t. I don’t know how to fight.”

“You seem to know enough to plan a counterattack.”

“That doesn’t mean anything.” Your voice sounds horribly piercing even to your own ears. “It was just a lucky guess.”

“I don’t know what’s the deal with you,” Jeralt says with a finality to his voice that doesn’t allow objection, and this time you clearly see the head of a mercenary guild, one that gives commands with every breath. “But that wasn’t a lucky guess. You see what it needs to win a battle. So you guide them.”

He turns around sharply and leaves, not bothering to check if you plan to abandon them. It’s madness. You should abandon these people, should flee from the fight that will demand blood and death. One, two, three … six steps and you’re standing beside Byleth, taking deep breaths. It doesn’t help. She eyes you sideways with a raised brow, and you flinch at the metallic rasping sound as she draws her sword.

“I shouldn’t be here,” you mumble, staring into the woods. The red dots are approaching faster, forming into more recognisable features of humans. “I’m going to die. Without knowing who I am or why I’m here. This is the worst day of my life. I think. I don’t know. It has to be.”

Byleth hums beside you. You can’t tell if it’s a thoughtful or an affirmative hum. “This might sound crazy, but I do trust you.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t,” you say, struck by a sudden fear that this all is a fever dream and you're about to lead them into ruin. It’s enough that you don’t even notice this is the first time you two are talking to each other since your meeting.

Byleth studies you out of the corner of her eyes, then says, “A very persistent voice inside me tells me I shouldn’t.”

“That’s your survival instinct. Listen to it.”

“Yeah,” Byleth says, and there’s something like a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. You blink and it's gone. “I might do that.”

You don’t really understand what’s there to smile about, but the moment quickly disappears as silence settles, only occasionally disturbed by a bird sitting in the trees above you.

“So what exactly do you see?” Byleth whispers after a moment, barely shifting in her crouching position. You on the other hand really want to move your legs before they go numb.

“I don’t know why you guys even believe me,” you mumble, and pinch the bridge of your nose with your fingers, trying to stave off another rush of dizziness. “And I don’t understand it myself. It’s the opponent, in a way. I see their strengths and weaknesses, their amour and weapons. It’s like … it’s like the flow of battle is displayed in front of me.”

Byleth hesitates a moment, then nods like everything is pretty much self-explanatory. You wonder if to her it really does sound plausible, as she is someone who is practically born in battle, a daughter to a mercenary who breathes battle and fighting. Before you can explain anything further, she ducks more into the bushes and silences you with a sharp hush, her body tensed. The first bandits approach the glade, their bows and arrows ready to strike as the Academy’s knights engage them. Swords and axes clash against each other, battle cries ring through the woods. Byleth gestures you to follow her, and out of the corner of your eyes you see the students do the same, moving around the bandits. From the distance, you notice Claude gesturing wildly. It’s a mix between pointing at himself and then at the space a couple of feet away from his unit, and though you’re unable to fully comprehend it, you shake your head. He gives a thumbs up and slows down until he halts inside the thick cover of ferns.

Just when you reach the right angle, Byleth looks back at you, waiting for your approval, and after briefly hesitating, you signal with a short nod to attack. Edelgard is the first to emerge from the underbrush. She has a dancer’s grace and a seemingly unerring instinct for what her opponent will do next. Her axe cuts through the first bandits who are too surprised to regroup in time. Dimitri and Claude are quickly to follow her. The crown prince of Faerghus wields his weapon of choice like he’s never done anything else in his entire life. The spear is the instrument to a deadly song they know by heart, and whoever stands in the way of their melody is cut down swiftly. Claude doesn’t disappoint with his steady aim either, his eyes sharper than an eagle’s. He nocks his bow, draws and impales a bandit that’s been running toward a mercenary with a crooked nose and eye patch. The mercenary gives him an offhand salute and goes back to fighting a thug twice his size.

And then there’s Byleth. At first you don’t see her as the battle’s chaos swallows her and she disappears between moving bodies. But once your eyes catch up to her again, it’s hard to look away. Byleth moves through the enemies’ lines like an avenging angel on a mission. Her sword arm causes havoc as it conducts the tact of death’s complicated choreography and one by one the bandits fall to her deadly dance. Strangely, what describes it the best, you think, is divine.

The battle is almost over. The last bandits fall or flee back into the woods as they abandon their comrades who lay down their weapons and yield. A miserable sound of relief escapes you when you see the end nearing with little casualties on your side, thanking whoever watches over you and guides your weapons in victory.

That is until you see something, and at first you aren’t really sure you see it. Veiled by a red haze, a gruesome scene unfolds before you: As Byleth is focused on helping a soldier back up on his feet, a bandit strikes her from behind, wedging a dagger through her spine and into her heart. When you blink, the scene is gone and with it the red veil covering your surroundings.

You don’t think twice. Jumping out of your hiding spot, you quickly recognise what will be Byleth’s murderer. Only he never gets the chance to approach her. With everything you’ve got, you charge into him and send him flying on the ground, you on top of him. The bandit groans, groggily turning on his back to see what struck him, and before you can start to fear for your own dear life, Byleth is beside you and rams her sword into his throat, silencing him forever.

She looks down at you and you feel like she knows what just happened. Why you jumped in. It’s in those keen, piercing eyes that speak of a unimaginable wisdom. She reaches a hand out to help you up, and when you stand, the last bandits have been secured and the chaos finally settles. That is when the throbbing pain in your right eye doubles you ever, the pain akin to a pinprick of ice hammering into your skull. The pain makes you sick as stars explode behind your closed eyes, and the more they dance in feverish circles, the harder you press your hands against your eyelids, trying to smother the pain by pressure. It doesn’t work.

Unable to breathe properly, your stumble, and when you move your hands, your fingers smear something warm and wet across your cheeks.

Someone takes in a sharp breath. “Your eye,” Byleth breathes, a hand raised but remaining hanging in the air like she’s unsure if it’s okay to touch you. In the background you hear someone calling out you’re bleeding, and it takes a few seconds to understand where you’re bleeding from. Your right eye cries blood when the pain finally knocks you out, darkness falling onto everything.

129 notes · View notes

stargazer-balladeer · 3 years

Text

Fire Emblem: Three Houses Page

Characters List:

(female/male) Byleth, Edelgard, Ferdinand von Aegir, Linhardt, Caspar, Bernadetta, Dorothea, Dimitri, Felix, Ashe, Sylvain, Mercedes, Ingrid, Claude, Lysithea, Marianne, Hilda, Seteth, Flayn, Shamir, Yuri, Balthus, Constance & Hapi.

☆彡 - sfw

★彡 - nsfw

» (female) Byleth

» (male) Byleth

» Edelgard

» Ferdinand von Aegir

» Linhardt

» Caspar

» Bernadetta

» Dorothea

» Dimitri

☆彡 Poly Relationship [Dimitri & Claude]

» Felix

» Ashe

» Sylvain

» Mercedes

» Ingrid

» Claude

☆彡 Reader that gets caught up in Claude’s shenanigans [Claude von Riegan]

☆彡 Poly Relationship [Dimitri & Claude]

» Lysithea

» Marianne

» Hilda

» Seteth

» Flayn

» Shamir

» Yuri

» Balthus

» Constance

» Hapi

» (female) Byleth

» (male) Byleth

» Edelgard

» Ferdinand von Aegir

» Linhardt

» Caspar

» Bernadetta

» Dorothea

» Dimitri

☆彡 Asking out a Clueless Reader [Dimitri & Felix] (fluff)

» Felix

☆彡 Asking out a Clueless Reader [Dimitri & Felix] (fluff)

» Ashe

» Sylvain

» Mercedes

» Ingrid

» Claude

» Lysithea

» Marianne

» Hilda

» Seteth

» Flayn

» Shamir

» Yuri

» Balthus

» Constance

» Hapi

Currently none

[x] Back to Main Notebook

#fire emblem #fire emblem x reader #fire emblem three houses #fire emblem three houses x reader #fe: three houses #fe: three houses x reader #fe: 3h #fe: 3h x reader #fe: 3h page

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thewinterwaifu · 4 years

Text

Red strings

Pairing:Bernadetta x reader

Gender of reader:male

Word count:1004

Genre:angst,fluff

Warnings:slight angst,huge spoilers,abusive family mention,war and death (It’s 3H so yeah)

Plot summary:Bernadetta and Y/N were friends who secretly liked each other before the war on the monastery.Byleth has sided with Dimitri in and didn’t recruit Bernadetta in this AU.They have tasked the reader to take over an imperial fortress being guarded by Bernadetta while he works on attacking another fortress with another group of soldiers.

A/N:For those of you who can stand angst but only with happy endings (that’s me, ha) don’t worry, there is a good ending. By the way while the reader is male (I wrote this for a friend who selfships with Bernadetta), I refer to Byleth as ‘they’ so you can choose if it’s M or F Byleth, depending on who you see canon or whatever. And one last thing, because Byleth sided with Dimitri, Edelgard is well, written as ‘being in the wrong’ here. It’s for narrative purposes!Nothing against Edelgard fans, and I’m actually working on an Edelgard fic so she will be written as ‘being in the right’ there!

Bernadetta looked at the army coming towards them at the top of the tower, struggling not to break into tears. No, she couldn’t cry, not now. Edelgard had trusted he with the defense of the tower and she wasn’t planning on failing her. Ever since their professor had returned from the dead and joined the ranks of Dimitri, the empire had been driven back harshly. She knew this was probably suicide and this tower would be taken over, but she wasn’t going down without a fight.

“A-a-lright everyone!” she said turning to her soldiers. God damn it, she still found it hard to talk to others, let alone command an army. “I h-h-hope everyone is ready for this!Drive them back!”

A loud cheer was heard in the crowd, but that didn’t help her mood at all. She hated war. Was this all truly worth it?She felt stupid for thinking it but couldn’t they just all sit down and...talk it out?Was all this innocent blood being spilled the best way? Well, there was no turning back now...Not even if she had to face her former classmates.

Eventually, the enemy arrived, commanded by no other than Y/N. Oh god, did it have to be him?Did Byleth have to send him in specific?Bernadetta’s heart broke right there and then. Truth is, even after all these years and being in opposite sides, she couldn’t get over the feelings she had always had for him. Truth is...if she was to die, she would at least get to see him one last time. Truly bittersweet.

What she didn’t know is that he felt the same way about her and well, about everything. Perhaps...just perhaps he could spare her and convince her to leave Edelgard. The empress...her heart was on the right place. Rhea was a wolf in sheep’s clothing and the way crests controlled society was unfair, but this wasn’t the way to go about it. To just outright destroy the church and declare war on everyone?Not only that, she had endangered the whole monastery when she had decided to strike a bargain with those who slither in the dark. Bernadetta wasn’t oblivious to all of this and knew Edelgard wasn’t a villain, but wasn’t exactly the good guy either. Yet...this is what destiny had chosen for her. She had been born in the empire and as such has no other choice but to fight for them. How cruel life could be.

They both had to force themselves to cast those thoughts aside as the battle began. There was no room for them now. As expected, the imperial forces were no match and were constantly driven back, now almost cornered against the stone of their own fortress they had sworn to protect for Edelgard. Soon, there were barely any left. They refused to surrender though, fighting for their side until their very last breath.

The purple haired archer was left alone, back against the walls of the tower with nobody left to fight for her. This was it...huh?This is how it all ended. In an uncontested defeat, by the hand of the ones she used to be able to call friends.

‘Oh Bernie, you always knew you weren’t really cut out for this…’ she thought to herself, tears finally falling through her pale cheeks as she closed her eyes, just waiting to be executed. But the enemy arrow, blade or spell never came.

“Bernadetta” a familiar voice called out in a warm tone.

The woman opened her eyes to see Y/N standing in front of her, holding out his hand.

“It doesn’t have to end like this. Our professor told me to give you a chance if you surrendered, Varley.” he said. ‘Please say yes’ he hoped in silence. He wouldn’t be able to bring himself to slay her.

Bernadetta almost didn’t believe it. Was she dead and this was merely a heaven created by the goddess, who turned out to exist after all? No, no it wasn’t. Life was really giving her a second chance to be with the one she loved and the side she wanted to aid. Oh by the goddess…

“H-h-how could I refuse?” she managed to speak up, a smile slowly forming on her face.

~*~

It was finally over, the war against the empire. With Dimitri as king and Byleth as archbishop, a future with a fair church and a great ruler was assured, and things were looking bright for everyone, especially for a certain couple of individuals.

Spending time with Y/N had greatly helped Bernadetta with her confidence, and he was one of the few that she could trust and were allowed to enter her room. Quite the development, honestly. She planned to take it even further, confessing her feelings. She had waited for far too long. With the war and her abusive, strict father out of the way, she was free to do as she pleased. And well, her heart wanted him. She...had never felt this way before about anyone, and even with her shyness, she couldn’t hold back any longer.

The two were walking through some fancy gardens, talking about whatever. Her heart sped up by the second in anticipation and she felt a heavy weight in her chest. She had to let it out, but she was so so nervous!She almost felt like she was about to faint at any second now. Better do it now, get it over with.

“Y-Y/N, hey!” she said, her face getting all red already

“Yeah?” he said, turning to her

“I-I-I like you a lot!” she said, handing him a flower.

He was surprised to say the least. He hadn’t expected her to be the one to confess first, and had been planning to say it himself soon…

“What?Really?!” he said and he couldn’t help but hug her, embracing her in his arms at last.

“Y-yeah, really!” she said, smiling.

As it turns out, destiny isn’t always cruel.

#bernadetta von varley #bernadetta x reader #bernadetta von varley x reader #fe3 #fe3h x reader #fire emblem #fire emblem x reader #three houses spoilers #fire emblem three houses x reader #fe fic #fe fics #fire emblem fic #fire emblem fics #bernadetta 3h #3h bernadetta

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crackimagines · 5 years

Text

Ball Dancing (FE: Three Houses Short Fic)

Ingrid x Male Reader ball dancing

On the night of the ball, Ingrid and her S/O planned to enjoy the party but not dance.

Members of the Blue Lions have other ideas.

THIS WAS PLAYING THE ENTIRE DANCE AND YOU CAN’T CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE

- When the day of the ball finally arrived, both Ingrid and her S/O agreed to not dance that night.

- While they would enjoy the party with everyone else, the two had said neither could dance well at all, and would actively avoid the main floor.

- As the night went on, they were talking with Sylvain an Dimitri.

(Sylvain) “What, you’re not dancing? Why not?”

(Ingrid) “We um...can’t dance, so I’d really prefer we not embarrass ourselves out there. Plus I’m n-not really meant for this kind of fanciness-”

(Dimitri) “Oh come on, it’s not as hard as it seems!”

(S/O) “Easy for you to say! This is the first time I’ve ever had to attend this sort of thing!”

(Sylvain) “All you’ve been doing is eating tonight, you gotta work it off somehow!”

(Ingrid) “H-Hey, it’s not my fault the food is good!”

(Dimitri) “It would not kill either of you to try it. At the very least, it will be very romantic for you two!”

Ingrid and S/O began blushing, not that the idea wasn’t appealing, it’s whether or not:

A. They wouldn’t step on each other’s feet doing so, or anyone else’s for that matter

B. They’d die from embarrassment doing this kinda cheesy thing from Operas and Tales of romance.

Ingrid began to feel a sense of danger, the one she only gets on the battlefield, that something bad was going to happen.

That feeling was only confirmed when she saw Claude drag Professor Byleth out of the crowd, and practically threw him into the center He looked extremely confused and at the same time ready to kill Claude, which made the people laugh, ranging from students to nobles and even to the knights guarding the attendees.

Edelgard walked up to the professor and bowed, asking for the dance presumably. She saw him about to decline until Jeralt stood behind him, and pushed him out, forcing him to dance.

(Dimitri) “Hah, looks like our professor is in the same boat as you two!”

(Sylvain) “Alright, if Professor Byleth is out there, then you two have no excuse!”

(S/O) “N-Now just wait a second!”

(Ingrid) “If you two even touch us!”

(Felix’s Voice) “Well then you won’t mind me, right?”

They felt themselves dragged out suddenly, panicking all the while as they got closer to the center being dragged by the wrist.

(S/O) “ACK!”

(Ingrid) “F-FELIX! LET US GO THIS INSTANT!”

They both struggled to keep an inside voice as they drew closer, with their classmates laughing.

(Ashe) “Hey, it’s about time they got out there!”

(Mercedes) “Oh how romantic! It’s like something out of a fairy tale!”

(Annette) “Wow, they’re both blushing so much! Haha!”

(Dedue) “I am surprised his highness isn’t doing this himself.”

When they were finally thrown out onto the center, they looked at each other awkwardly, not even knowing where to start.

Felix smiled while Sylvain and Dimitri joined him.

(Dimitri) “Hah, I can’t believe you did that! Ingrid is going to kill you later.”

(Sylvain) “Hey, this is for their own good, you know!”

(Felix) “Hmph. She’d do well to shut up and enjoy the time with S/O for once.”

Standing like deer in headlights, they felt several eyes upon them.

Ingrid and S/O desperately tried to get into position, but ended up looking like they were about to wrestle rather than dance.

The professor saw them as they were dancing and slowly shifted towards them, giving Edelgard to another dancer.

(Byleth) “Got dragged out onto this too, I’m assuming?”

(Ingrid) “Y-Yes sir...”

(S/O) “I don’t want to be a party foul, but I don’t really know how to begin this...”

Byleth nodded, and looked into the crowd motioning for someone to come out.

Mercedes, Annette, and Ashe came out waiting for instruction.

(Byleth) “Let’s show these two how to dance. Even though I know as much as you do, it’s my duty as Professor to make sure you two pass tonight!”

Byleth took Mercedes’ hand while Annette and Ashe paired up, both pairs making sure that Ingrid and S/O saw how to carefully get into proper form, and take the right steps.

S/O bowed towards Ingrid, extending their hand.

(S/O) “W-Well...shall we?”

Ingrid blushed at the gesture and nodded.

Swallowing their pride, they grabbed each other’s hands and slowly stepped out into the crowd that were dancing.

They could hear the four of them cheering softly, and noticed Felix, Dimitri, Dedue and Sylvain watching them as well.

Felix was standing with his arms crossed, a grin on his face while Dimitri softly clapped. Dedue stood still smiling while Sylvain waved at them, winking.

As they slowly danced together, they were breathing a bit hard, not used to being this close to each other. Neither of them hated the feeling at all though.

(Ingrid) “I swear I’m going to kill them for this!”

S/O chuckled, making her attention snap back to them. Their face was VERY close. She looked deeply to their eyes, making her face go red and mind almost blank out from anger to awe.

(Ingrid) “U-Um...It’s good that we can do something romantic like this though...”

Eventually their steps stopped being so jagged, and eventually fell in sync with the rest of the group. They began focusing only on each other and their worries from earlier eventually faded away.

(S/O) “...Ingrid?”

(Ingrid) “Hm?”

(S/O) “I love you.”

Ingrid smiled as she looked into their eyes, a blush forming on both their faces.

(Ingrid) “I...love you too.”

They didn’t even realize that Byleth and the other Blue Lions students left the dance and were watching them with Dimitri and the others.

(Byleth) “Thanks for the assist you guys. Everyone deserves to have fun tonight.”

(Dimitri) “Hah, thanks to your teachings they were able to dance. Is there anything you can’t do, Professor?”

(Byleth) “Leave apparently- AHEM....Well, you kids have fun. Be like those two and get a date for tonight, make it memorable.”

(Felix) “Oh no-”

(Sylvain) “You got it, teach!”

Some of the Blue Lions laughed while some others facepalmed, everyone scattering to be left to their own plans that night.

Ingrid and S/O however, stayed with each other that night, from dancing to their dorms.

S/O carried Ingrid to her dorm room, and gently put her down on her bed. As they got up to leave, Ingrid grabbed their arm, making S/O turn around.

(Ingrid) “Will you...stay the night?”

S/O smiled and got into the bed with Ingrid, both of them falling asleep quickly falling into a peaceful dreamless slumber, with smiles on their faces.

Author’s Note:

I’M NEVER GONNA DANCE AGAIN, GUILTY FEET HAVE GOT NO RHYTHM

THOUGH ITS EASY TO PRETEND. I KNOW YOU’RE NOT A FOOOOOOOOOL-

I SHOULD’VE KNOWN BETTER THAN TO CHEAT A FRIEND AND WASTE THIS CHANCE THAT I’VE BEEN GIVEN SO I’M NEVER GONNA DANCE AGAIN THE WAY I DANCED WITH YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU~

Sorry, had to get that out of my system.

There’s not actually a note here.

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sp00kworm · 5 years

Text

Grace (Lorenz x Female Reader)

Ko-fi Link | AO3

Link to the Story on AO3

Warning for Post-Time skip spoilers!

The heir to House Gloucester was, simply put, a pompous noble. Galivanting his way around the grounds and town, he was always chatting to women, offering flowers and trying to swindle his way into dates with the finest noble women. He was a hooligan, if ever Byleth had seen one, and the Professor made sure to put this across to his student whenever he could. Lorenz of course, disagreed with his points, claiming the attention to be valid and wanted. It was not. It never was. Byleth only asked that he stop speaking to the girls so harshly. They weren’t wanting of his endeavours, nor were any of the girls, perhaps bar Dorothea, looking for husbands during their studies. It didn’t really get through the young lord’s thick skull. His grades were still impeccable, and Lorenz overachieved despite his tendencies with the women. Byleth simply encouraged him to think on other things, yet the noble was somewhat cowed by his blunt forwardness. It was upsetting to him to think that the women and girls despised him when he was simply doing his duty to his house.

No-one understood it. Surely the other nobles did? It was his duty to find a suitable wife and continue his bloodline with their crest. It was hard enough now, with the noble blood diluting and the crests being harder and harder to bear. It was a troubling time. Lorenz knew that and had known it from being small. He had to have a suitable wife. That was the end of it. He had to make his family proud.

Lorenz sighed inside the stables. He had made sure Marianne wasn’t lingering with the horses before sitting in the stall. His horse huffed, stomping her foot against the straw bedding over the cobbles. They had been out for a small walk around the fields just outside of Garreg Mach. He knew it was dangerous, and that he was lucky he wasn’t caught breaking curfew by the Professor, but he couldn’t find it in himself to feel guilty. The young man had needed the air, and the moment away from everyone. He didn’t want anyone to see him cry. His mare snuffled softly, and Lorenz ran his hand through her black hair as he sniffled into his shirt sleeve, the cravat choking him almost as he cried.

He quietened himself as he heard someone humming. A mount whinnied and Lorenz covered his mouth before wiping his eyes on his white shirt sleeve. After taking a breath he opened his mare’s gate and peered down the aisle of other stalls. He caught sight of a very familiar looking girl then, down the stables and in her own stall. She smiled as she ran her fingers over a pegasus’ mane. Her other hand held a comb, and she ran it gently through the creature’s hair before placing it away and setting her fingers to work, braiding the section loosely, tying the end off with a deep purple ribbon. She was engrossed in her work and didn’t notice him until he was stood outside of her stall. As the woman turned, she let out a gasp and jumped. Lorenz cringed at the noise before smiling, flicking his hair from his face as he turned on the façade of carefree noble.

“Surely you are not in such awe of I that you cannot speak?” Lorenz smiled and peered over at her handy work with the Pegasus. It was a male, wings broad and strong, yet it’s snooty persona shone through as the animal looked at him with scornful eyes. He was evidently interrupting something that the Pegasus enjoyed.

You felt your cheeks flush a little with embarrassment, having been caught cooing and playing with an animal that everyone viewed as a tool, and by Lorenz no less. The rumour mill would churn viciously with Lorenz at the helm, “No, Master Gloucester, I was just looking after Percy’s coat. He got dusty and dirty in the last fight.”

“He is a magnificent creature.” Lorenz complimented, looking over the bows before he sighed, “And you are a talented woman! Such skill with hair.” The young man leaned over the stall and noticed the lack of uniform with a furrowed brow, “You are not enrolled at the academy?” Lorenz asked, lilac eyes widening with interest.

This was maybe the longest one of the academy students had ever spoken to you. You were a Knight’s apprentice, the dashing Falcon Knight taking you under her wing after seeing you looking after one of the injured Pegasus on their breeder’s farm. And orphan and now an apprentice to the most prestigious Pegasus Knight within the Knights of Seiros.

“I’m an apprentice under Primrose.” You confessed quietly, “She is a Falcon Knight and leader of the Pegasus Knights.” Your eyes went starry as you spoke of your Master.

“I have seen her in the courtyard. Her form and grace are unrivalled! Her wit as well. She is a fine woman, for a knight that is.” His off handed comment made you frown.

“Just because she is not noble, doesn’t make her achievements any less, Lorenz.” You flushed with anger at the young man, turning away from your Pegasus.

The man scoffed, “I am not insulting her, how dare you suggest that I, a noble, would fall to that level. It is slanderous.” He pulled away from the stall, manners forgotten as he scowled at the young Pegasus Knight.

“I will leave you to your grooming. Good evening, Miss.” Lorenz bowed at the waist, face twisted in upset as he moved to leave, pushing his hair back behind his ear, before realising he had fallen into the nervous habit once more.

With a thump, you threw your grooming tools on the floor and followed the noble, grabbing the back of his shirt in your fist, rubbing dust into the pristine white colour, “Then why were you in here in the first place? You come in here for hours sometimes. I heard you…” The boy stiffened in your grasp, “I heard you crying…” You whispered softly before letting go of his shirt, “I shouldn’t have been listening, I know, but its always after you go out riding…You can talk to me about it, you know…Even if you don’t want to, you can always just come here and hide.”

Lorenz clenched his jaw before looking over his shoulder at you, purple eyes burning with anger. He was humiliated. He felt completely and utterly humiliated, and by a commoner no less. An orphan. He pulled himself away and turned around, face red and eyes burning with fresh tears, “You don’t know anything!” He covered his mouth after the vicious words fell from his lips, “I…I apologise milady. I did…” He swallowed thickly before looking to the side and sighing, “Don’t…Don’t tell anyone about it, please?”

Your eyes widened as the noble drew closer, “I promise. But my offer still stands. You can talk to me…Without any of the stupid speech too if you would like?” You smiled at the young man and watched his mouth open and close like a goldfish.

Lorenz coughed, recovering the composure that he was known for, “I appreciate your offer, and I will accept it. I will…see you tomorrow?” He offered his hand before curling his fingers back towards himself. He smiled awkwardly as you caught his hand and shook it.

“Deal!” You turned back to your Pegasus’ stall and waved gently, “See you tomorrow…”

“Lorenz…Call me Lorenz. You don’t need to use titles between us.” A ghost of a smile flickered over the noble’s face as he addressed you simply by your first name.

You nodded before taking up Percy’s comb once more, “Then I’ll see you tomorrow, Lorenz.”

He didn’t see you for some time after the siege of Garreg Mach. His family was pledged into the Empire before he could raise a word with his father, and he spent years atop his horse seeking to quell the rebellions against his father’s weak decision. It was better to side with the winning force, he had told him as he came out of the empresses’ throne room. Lorenz had disagreed after some time thinking on it, and only disagreed more when he faced his teacher’s blade. The man was radiant in the dawn light, his face as cold as he remembered, yet the blade never reached him, a lance shattering before his face, the soft flutter of Pegasus wings dancing over his lavender coloured hair.

“Professor! It is Lorenz! Please! Stay your blade!” You landed softly over him, and Lorenz felt his mount heave him backwards.

He had fallen from his saddle unceremoniously, his leg tangled in his stirrups, the armour over his leg wrapped with leather and stuck fast. Lorenz prayed the mare didn’t spook and haul him through the last of the battle raging behind them. The cut over his face burned with gravel in it and Lorenz reached for his leg, pulling the leather free of his greaves before he managed to reign in his horse.

He whispered softly to the mare, looking at the cut on her flank before he looked to the bright white Pegasus, wings spread as a woman he had not seen in years defended him.

“Professor, please!” You cried, blood dripping into your armour from a gash. The lance you had used to defend him had exploded with the impact of the Sword of The Creator, and the pieces flashed back into your skin, cutting you in several places.

“How do I know he is not the enemy?” Byleth’s cold voice gave Lorenz enough sense, through his concussion, to defend himself.

“I am not.” He announced as he stood next to his mount, lance in his grasp and magic flaring in his palms, “My father is wrong. I know he is wrong to side with the Empire.” Lorenz gripped his lance before kneeling before his once Professor, “If you think I am a traitor, then strike me down! I am Lorenz Hellman Gloucester, and on my honour as a knight and a lord, I swear that I am no friend to the empire!”

He felt a hand on his shoulder after the proclamation and looked up, seeing the orphan girl he had once taken to confiding in, now grown as a woman, and a Knight.

“I know, Lorenz.” Byleth stood over him, bright hair gleaming as he offered the lord his hand, “Will you side with us? We aim to put an end to Edelgard’s tyranny.”

Without hesitation, he took the man’s hand firmly, lifting himself up, “I swear it to you, on my name and honour, I will see the empire in ruins before I abandon my friends ever again.”

Byleth smiled, “I am glad to hear it.” And clapped his student over the back before moving aside. Lorenz felt his heart swell at the sight behind him, his Academy friends, grouped together and staring at him. Claude was elated to see him and quickly strolled over, clamping their hands together before giving his back a firm slap.

“It is good to have you back on board, Lorenz, even if it was after kicking your ass off that horse.”

Lorenz scoffed at the man, “Please, Claude, you embarrass yourself. Twas not I who fell from his Wyvern moments ago.” He smirked, a cat like grin curling his lips upwards, and Claude gave the noble a glare in response. Soon, the two of them were laughing, and you smiled from the side lines before turning to the Professor. You hadn’t come to just participate in the battle. Lorenz turned away from Claude with a smile and looked over at you, blood leaking over your collar bone as you handed the man a scroll. He couldn’t hear the exchange, but he saw the seriousness on your face all the same. You weren’t the carefree girl he once knew anymore. He waited patiently by his horse for the two of you to finish your conversation before he approached, leading his pitch-black mare by her bit. Before you could jump back onto your Pegasus, Lorenz caught your arm gently.

“Forgive my brashness, my dear, but I wish to thank you.” He waited for you to face him before continuing, “Your intervention very well saved my life. I could not be more thankful for your actions. I am indebted to you.” He placed his hand over his heart before bowing at the waist, low, in a sign of gratitude. What he didn’t expect was for you to start laughing softly.

“I never thought I would see the day that Lorenz Hellman Gloucester was all grown up and thanking a commoner with sincerity.” You stood before him, clad in shining armour, hair pulled away from your face and silver winged helmet sat under your arm, the emblem of the church burning bright on your chest, “You have grown so much since I last saw you, and your hair…It is much nicer.” You teased gently, watching his expression turn shocked.

“Ah…yes w-well.” He stiffened his posture and rubbed his gauntlet covered hands together, “You have changed a great deal too. And you are a Knight of Seiros now, are you not?” Lorenz looked at your mount and pointed at it’s nose, “Yet you still have your foul tempered Percy.” He chortled as the Pegasus snorted, foot stomping against the cobbles.

Holding the reigns tighter, you laughed gently, “Of course. He is how I managed to get away that day, after all… It was a horrible battle, but I am glad to see you safe, Lorenz. I am even happier to be fighting by your side…Perhaps we could pick up our little chats once more? I…” You swallowed, “I have missed them and now you seem like you have many stories to tell.”

Lorenz felt his tongue go heavy, all eloquence disappearing from him, “But of course!” He perhaps sounded a little too eager, and he took to stroking his mare’s nose gently to ease his worries, “I would like nothing more. I have…missed you, (Y/N), more than you know.” He smiled and tucked a piece of hair behind his ear, the long lavender strands flattering to his high cheek bones and long, straight nose. They were features you had not noticed before.

“I have missed it all. The duties of a knight are far from the glamour of the fables.” Carefully, avoiding the cut on Percy’s back, you climbed back onto your mount, and smiled, “Shall I meet you tonight? I can help you with her injuries too.”

Lorenz nodded slowly, “Yes…Tonight sounds lovely.”

“Then I will see you tonight, on the edge of camp after dinner. I have a salve for those kinds of scrapes.” You reared Percy upwards, the mount galloping lopsided before taking off into the skies, leaving a gale of dust in his wake. Lorenz looked skywards and smiled, touching the rose on his armour before mounting back up to follow his classmates back to their encampment.

True to your word, you made sure to show up after dinner had been served, on the outskirts of the camp, where the mounts were being kept for the time being. Makeshift tether posts had been fashioned from wood and most of the animals were laid around or stood idly chewing oats and hay. The Wyverns were on the other side of camp, and for good measure. You placed your small bag of brushes and care equipment down by Percy before taking away the linen and salve you had already applied to his flank. The wound had closed nicely, and you sighed with relief before replacing the linen and taking hold of your comb, undoing the ribbons from the Pegasus’ hair before setting to work combing his mane.

“I’m glad to see you still have such talent.” Lorenz made you jump, and you smiled at the noble, who was leading his mare with worry, “I hope you have plenty of that salve. She may be a war horse, but she can only take so many cuts herself.” He tutted softly as he tethered his horse, fingers gentle around her legs as he looked at the cuts. A few were still seeping blood.

With a deep breath you went for your bag and pulled out a thick, green salve, “This should help her heal just fine.” You smiled and handed the man the jar.

He cringed after unscrewing the lid, “By the Goddess…What is in this?” He pinched his nose dramatically at the pungent scent of the salve.

“You’re like a child that doesn’t want bitter medicine.” You took the jar from him and looked at his mare’s legs before pushing your fingers into the herby mixture and spreading it over the little cuts, “It’s a human salve. It works just as well on animals, you know. You’ll just have to wrap her legs to stop her licking at it.” Gently you handed him the jar and wiped the mixture left on your fingers into the grass. Lorenz stuck his finger into the mixture and hummed softly, setting to work covering the cuts on his horse’s legs in salve before wrapping them gently in linen bandages. You watched over Percy’s back as Lorenz worked, his face soft as he cared for his steed. You hid behind Percy’s wing as you blushed, Lorenz chortling at your staring throughout the night.

No one commented on the braids in his steed’s hair, nor the matching purple bows with your Pegasus.

The war was over before he plucked up the guts to speak to you about his feelings. Whenever he gazed at you in the sky, or spoke to you, his heart swelled, and he felt deep down, that he was not worthy of a woman like you. He waited idly in the corridor as you finished your reports to Seteth, the man still the right-hand man, simply to the new Archbishop Byleth now. The door opened and Lorenz swallowed, adjusting his cravat and purple waistcoat, brushing the intricate gold embroidery before pulling at his sleeve cuffs, the puffy material flaring around his wrists.

“Milady?” You turned to look at him curiously and smiled, “Do you have a moment to speak? I would like to take you somewhere.” He confessed before offering his arm, nervously tucking his hair behind his ear as he so often did.

“Of course.” Carefully, you took his arm, dressed in a plain shirt with a black bow around the neck, and heavy black under trousers. Your boots were thick and dark as well. These were no doubt the clothes you wore under your armour, “Where are we going?”

Lorenz smiled, placing his hand over your own in the crook of his arm, “The Goddess Tower.” You said nothing else but followed him, chattering away about an ancient tome. Granted, he was curious about the magic within it.

The tower was cool in the evening, and Lorenz took a breath as you both reached the top, looking out at the loch around the Monastery.

“I have something to confess to you.” He took each of your hands, linking your fingers, much like he had done at the dance last night, “I have fallen in love with you. I could not find the courage to tell you during the war, or even before that. I thought I was not worthy of you. I have changed, I know this to be true, but I am…You are wonderous, beautiful, gallant and graceful. As a youngster…even a year ago, I was not a kind man and…I just wished for you to know.”

Your mouth dropped open but sensing Lorenz’s intention to move away, you gripped his hands tightly and smiled, cheeks warming, “I love you too.”

The man before you was stunned, mouth open wide, his hair flopping over his cheek before he reached into his pocket and presented a ring, dropping to a knee after flicking his long lilac hair back from his face, “Then, milady, would you do me the honour of being my wife?” He held out a golden, ornate ring, and you nodded with a grin, letting Loren’z magic roughened hands sip the ring on. He pressed a kiss to it before rising, giddy and smiling.

“You have done me the highest honour, my love…yes my love, my one and only!” Lorenz reached for you, holding you close by the waist, “You will be the most cherished woman in all of Fodlan, my dearest, my gem, my love!” He laughed brightly and took you by the waist, spinning you, still looming over you with his great height.

“Lorenz! Put me down!” You laughed as your feet were placed firmly back on the floor.

“My lady you will know nothing but luxury, or my name is not Lorenz Hellman Gloucester! By the Goddess, I love you…” He took hold of your cheeks, “Status, crests, nobility. None of it matters. What matters is what is inside. I know that now…thanks to you, my love.” He smiled and you leaned forwards, kissing him, and stilling his rambling.

“I love you, Lorenz, and I have since that very first time we brushed our mounts together. You were never a stuffy noble to me after that…and I suspected you felt the same.”

“Truly? …” He flushed, “And to think I waited this long. How embarrassing…” His pale cheeks went red and you kissed one softly before pushing his hair away and hugging him tightly, “My Lady Gloucester…It suits you.” His soft smile was infectious.

Giggling you laid your head against his shoulder, “The title doesn’t matter, Lorenz. You could be a stable boy and I would still marry you.”

The Dark Knight simply leaned down to kiss you once more, and pulled away with embarrassment, “I apologise my lady, that was rude.” For someone so vocal, the man was prudish in your presence.

“Don’t apologise, my love.” You teased and he only blushed deeper.

“It was tactless, and you deserve…” Lorenz blathered, rubbing your hips softly.

You fixed the Lord with a look before taking his hand, “Hush now, let us break the news. We can’t stay in the presence of the Goddess Tower forever, no matter the rumours surrounding it.” You led the man to the stairs, and with a soft whisper of thank you to the Goddess, you followed your betrothed out of the stone, smiling at his blathering about the wedding.

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