Chapter Text
Part 1 - The First Time Through
That day hadn’t been anything special. Another early morning. Another unexpected mission. Another group of bandits to put down. She’d barely have been able to recount it to you afterwards… but then... she met her. And then nothing was like anything ever again.
They’d woken early to move the troop on to their next job in the Kingdom when three kids came running into the camp. She thought of them as kids not because of the difference in age, but in experience. Their clothes and demeanor read noble, and they were apparently being pursued by bandits. Confirmed, moments later when the villagers called out in panic that they could see brigands flooding past the guard tower.
Jeralt sighed and agreed to fight. Byleth didn’t question. She never did. If her father fought she would too.
Jeralt signaled her to stay close to the nobles as he broke off to protect the villagers, which she assumed came with the responsibility of keeping them alive. She’d try. The lance wielder had joined the fray almost too eagerly, while the archer had already picked a vantage point. Clever. She saw the axe-wielder break off to clear the sides of the enemies flanking off into the town. Also good. Two of them had picked tactical locations, leaving her to worry about the boy with the lance.
He’d engaged two opponents at once and deflected their blows with his weapon out horizontal, their blades pressing into his with everything they had. Though he matched their strength, they pushed him to a tree and pinned him behind his own lance. A third attacker rushed directly at him, axe raised. He defended himself by kicking his feet up from the ground, firmly planting them in his chest and sending the brigand flying. Nice move. Byleth was there a second later and slashed at the man to his side, freeing the hilt of the lance and giving the boy in blue enough movement to swing his weapon and overpower the last foe.
He smiled his thanks.
“Stay close to the trees. Harder target to hit.” Byleth offered in passing, and continued on.
A few warriors had barreled in with throwing axes and hurled them endlessly toward the archers hiding position. He was pinned down and couldn’t make a move. Byleth rushed them from the tree-line, slicing two across their forearms mid-windup and the third across his ribs. Poorly trained. She was also incredibly fast, but their sloppiness was evident. The archer waved in thanks as he reappeared and started laying cover fire.
Byleth moved on toward the lookout tower at the edge of town and braced her back against the wall as she arrived. She heard a similar sound echoed next to her and looked to see a set of violet eyes. The axe-wielder had evidently caught up and she gave a nod of recognition. Byleth then jerked her head over her shoulder to show where they were advancing and they slid along the wall toward the final wave.
They stopped at the corner, and the axe-wielder leaned across her, using the glint of her steel weapon to catch the reflection of the foes beyond. Good technique. She saw two archers within reach and two figures dancing on the outskirts. She hoped they weren’t archers, but she’d draw their attention away from the girl to her side regardless. Byleth pointed two fingers in the direction she was going, then in the way she wanted the axe-wielder to go. She seemed to understand, and the mercenary thought that she had miscalculated this ones experience. She was awfully calm in the wake of the battle.
Byleth slashed out first and fast, felling the first two archers in range with two quick slashes. They never let off an arrow. The axe-wielder went around her side as instructed and she saw that it had indeed been an archer at the edge of the trees. He was forced to retreat to the foliage as the girl in red pursued him. Byleth reacted off instinct and ducked to the side as an arrow came zipping past her.
The next one she deflected with her blade, and the third she ducked under once more, feeling the wind as it whizzed by her hair.
She grabbed the fallen archers already strung bow, pulling back and shooting off wildy in the snipers direction. The goal wasn’t to hit, merely to get off balance. She saw their shadow shift and stumble, and she beelined, trusting the axe-wielder to take care of the final opponent. She neared in as they struggled to line their next shot and slashed savagely, splintering the bow they’d feebly held up in defense and getting a good shot on their shoulder. She turned and saw the final archer break from the trees and turn toward her with wild eyes before the axe buried itself in his side. He cried out as he collapsed. The axe-wielder had thrown her weapon from the safety of the trees. Nice shot. She nodded amicably- then noticed a shadow moving through the trees.
A burly man with an axe sprinting toward the girl. Her weapon, sacrificed, was too far to recover. Byleth didn’t think, she ran. Maybe- maybe she could get there in time. The girl noticed too late, pulling a dagger from her waistband as a minuscule defense. She took her stance. Somehow Byleth knew she wasn’t the type to run… and she pushed off her legs, throwing herself between the axe and its intended target. She swung her sword out behind her… but felt the axe on her flesh a second before. Damn. Almost.
Then dark. Only dark.
Then a voice.
“What the hell was that!? Are you a fool!? Well I suppose the answer is obvious, but how great a fool are you?!
Byleth looked up and saw a girl on a throne. Strange.
“Just throwing yourself in front of an axe for some girl you JUST met?! What were you hoping to gain with that little stunt?!”
The afterlife was starting out… strange. What was this ghost?
“How dare you! I am no ghost, and it would do you well to show some respect!”
…Who was this child?
“Child! Ohoho, you really are a lost cause. I should just let the axe finish ripping you in half and be done with it! And I would if it wouldn’t kill me too!”
She collapsed back against the throne, looking exasperated. What… the hell was happening? Who was this girl?
“I am Sothis, if you must know. I am also called the beginning, and for some reason you and I are bound together. So I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t throw yourself in front of ever ne’er-do-well’s weapon! Perhaps you don’t see the value in your own life, but I have no desire to have mine cut short, understand?”
She didn’t really, but she nodded. She understood what the girl was saying, but just about everything else about this was… strange.
“I suppose it is… let me see what can be done…” She tapped her finger to her chin and crossed one leg over the other, bouncing her ankle thoughtfully. “If I can turn back the hands of time, will you promise not end up on the end of that bandits axe?”
Byleth nodded again. She was sure of this one, if she had two extra steps she would’ve outpaced the man.
“Very well… you will know what’s coming… you who are tied to I, in the strange flow of time…”
The girl closed her eyes and a gold series of crests flew through the air before her.
“Before you go… your name?”
She crooked her head.
“Byleth.” She answered.
“Byleth… very well Byleth. I presume we’ll be seeing much of each other.”
A cold hand seemed to wrap around the base of her spine and pull. And suddenly she was moving. Or the world was… and she was still? All she knew was standing back on the ground over a broken bow and a bloody archer. Again. She glanced over her shoulder at the man who had come out of the woodworks behind her and started running without pause. But not toward the archer, toward the axe-wielder. She saw out of her peripherals as the axe was once more thrown, and once more ended the bandits further attacks.
The girl noticed Byleth sprinting toward her before she heard the man, and crooked an eyebrow before turning and seeing- SHINK.
Byleth stepped swiftly around her and absorbed the blow with her blade, holding firm and causing the mans own axe to bounce back into his collar, a trail of blood streaming down. He cursed loudly and retreated on his own, sliding around the nearby trees. Byleth was half tempted to follow, but her knees felt slightly shaky after what she’d just experienced. She relented to not pursue and instead catch her breath. She looked back over her shoulder to see those violet eyes again, peering at her… they gave off the air of always evaluating… but perhaps also… something else. It was strange, but they felt like they… stirred something in her.
“Thank you for your help.” She spoke. Her voice sounded… nice. Byleth had never thought of a voice sounding nice before, but her’s definitely did.
“You’re welcome.” She responded. The two boys from before came around the tower with Jeralt.
“Hey kid. Everything good?” She nodded and made to sheath her sword, when she heard the horses riding up from the path outside the village. She slid back into her stance and prepared to engage, when she felt a gloved hand wrap around hers. Those violet eyes again.
“They’re not enemies.” She offered and Byleth relaxed her posture, but still opted to keep her blade at the ready. The girl retracted her hand. It was warm where her palm had touched.
“We’ve lost them! Curses, I thought we’d catch up.” A band of knights, decked out in silver armor had appeared. “You three, go check in with the villagers, I’ll make sure the students are- CAPTAIN!?” The closest knight all but dove off his horse to run to Jeralt’s side, something like shock or glee on his expression.
“It is you!”
Captain?
The rest of the conversations were a blur. Ultimately whatever had happened ended with Jeralt being conscripted, and Byleth going along for the ride. They traveled through the early morning to late afternoon back to some school these kids all attended. Byleth found that the boys were constantly chatting, loudly theorizing if she would be asked to join the knights as well.
“If not, I must extend my hand to you. The Kingdom could use someone of your skill amongst our ranks!” The lance-wielder proudly offered.
“Honestly Dimitri, you have no tact.” The archer chided. She’d come to find his name was Claude. “I was going to at least wait until we’d gotten to the monastery to try and enlist her. But it seems the world moves too quickly for that kind of respect. If you’re interested stranger, the Alliance would be a good fit for someone like you.” His voice sounded playful. His eyes looked like empty storefronts. Strange boy.
“No tact you say? I’ll have you know-“
Then Byleth was blocking them out as they continued to squabble. She found herself drifting away from them and absently closer to the axe-wielder in the group. She had introduced herself as Edelgard, and was of the Empire.
“My apologies for their decorum, or lack their of. Though their admiration is not misplaced.” She gave a polite, kind look that Byleth found she appreciated.
“Say stranger, are you always this quiet or are we boring you? I apologize if my colleagues don’t make for the finest company.” Claude called ahead as he stretched his arms behind his neck. Comments about her being quiet were not new, but she didn’t like the idea of it being used to put down the others. She tried to find a suitable response.
“Perhaps you’ve misread her, quiet does not mean disconnected.” Edelgard spoke up on her behalf. “As for present company, the two of you could stand to give her some space.” Claude laughed and shook his head, and Byleth appreciated Edelgard’s interjection.
“We’re almost there.” She added as she met Byleth’s eye once more.
Almost where? Byleth thought to ask, but she was sure the answer would make no difference to her. She instead looked ahead and waited for something to signal a destination. She got it shortly after.
A very large, very impressive complex. Patrol walls surrounding the heart of it and a massive gate that they were moving toward.
She drifted closer to her father, gauging his reaction. He stared very contemplative, but she could see that he was distressed under his subtle features..
They walked under the arch and Jeralt came to a halt next to her. She stopped at his side and looked up to where he was at a small figure on a high up balcony in white garb and a golden crown over her long green hair.
“Of course she’s still here. Lady Rhea...”
They’re shown to her immediately. She was… kind. Regal. Offered Jeralt his old position as Captain, which Byleth still had questions about, and he reluctantly accepted.
She turned her attention to Byleth and for the second time that day she felt evaluated by a gaze, though this one was different. Far more perceptive than curious. She mentioned she expected big things from her before bowing, and the mercenaries took their leave. That part surprised Byleth. Why would she expect anything of her? They’d just met.
“So.... Captain?” She asked when it was just them moving down the corridor.
“Yeah..... we’ll talk later alright? In private.” He lowered his voice and she nodded.
“Oh, and they want to put you to work.” He added.
“Work? Mercenary work?” He shook his head no. “Janitor?” She asked next and he gruffed a small laugh.
“No, no, nothing like that. They want you to teach from the sound of it.”
“…” She stared at him.
“…” He stared back.
“…Teach?”
********************************************* Monday
Byleth stood outside the classroom. It was the first day. She’d been offered the choice to pick a house, and hadn’t cared much, not particularly invested in the position. Until… she’d seen the violet eyes smile at her from across the monastery. The girl had come up to her while she was wandering the grounds, instinctually looking for vantage points and weak spots in the tower defenses. She’d found 6 already.
But then the axe-wielder was there. Edelgard…
“I’m glad to see you again. Are you staying on after all?” Her violet eyes seemed to glow. It was interesting to watch, and Byleth felt herself staring.
“No. I’ve been asked to teach.” Byleth answered.
She tilted her head with a smile, ever evaluating the situation.
“Really? That is surprising. I guess they were as impressed with your skill as we were. Do you know what class you’ll be teaching yet?”
Byleth shook her head.
“Well you’d be a welcome addition to ours.” She sounded sincere. Then Byleth asked her a question. She wasn’t sure what possessed her to… she was usually rather content in making her own assertions on body language and actions, and leaving all talking to a minimum.
“Tell me something of yourself.” The girl blinked as if taken aback but recovered quickly.
“Of course. I am Edelgard von Hresvelg. Daughter of the current Emperor, eventual heir to the throne. I specialize in axe training, and have been told I can be rather... distant and driven, but I think those qualities make a good leader. And... I think you and I are much the same in that way.” Byleth tilted her head. Most people didn’t readily compare themselves to the Ashen Demon. And when they did she didn’t take it as a compliment. But she liked the idea… that they held common ground.
And that answer had spurred her to give a damn about which house she chose.
After she’d told the Archbishop her selection she’d gone by her father’s study to ask for advice and he’d merely chuckled.
“Look at you, trying to be all scholarly.” She rolled her eyes, causing him to chuckle again. “Well kid, what’s the first thing you remember me teaching you? Start there.”
Sage wisdom as it turned out.
She’d stayed up half the night drawing out maps and charts, tables and skills graphs, and ultimately feeling confident she had a strategy to whip these kids into shape. At least for the first week.
She’d wing it from there.
Now as she stood outside the door she felt… nervous. No, not nervous... excited? Was she excited? When she opened the door and eight sets of eyes turned to her... she only felt one. One set of violet, and a small curl of a smile that came with it. Yup, excited. Strange. This girl had struck a nerve claiming they were similar. She wanted to test how true that was.
She walked directly down the aisle to where Edelgard stood at the front of the room. She smiled and announced her arrival to the class.
“Everyone, our new professor is here. Let’s greet her properly.” The class huddled around Edelgard and looked different levels of confused.
“W-Wait, this is our pr-professor? She doesn’t look much older than us.” The meekest of the members spoke, half mumbling.
“She could be a student here. I mean how old even are you?” A loud blue-haired boy asked. He didn’t seem rude, just genuinely surprised.
“Come now Caspar, you never ask a lady her age?” A girl with a dark hat.
“Sorry, sorry didn’t mean to be an ass, I’m just- surprised.” Caspar was the loud boy’s name. Energetic, brash, inexperienced. She read off of him.
“Hmm, does that make you the mercenary everyone’s been talking about? You’ve caused quite the stir around here.” The boy near the back, unkept green hair and unfocused eyes that appeared half asleep.
“Yes, this is the same mercenary I met in Remire. I can attest first hand to her experience. We’re lucky to have her as a teacher, so please try and show a little respect.” Edelgard spoke up with an annoyed, almost exasperated tone.
“For that action alone I am indebted to you, but shall you prove yourself worthless I will be the first to call for your removal. Is that understood?” A boy with dark hair hanging over half of his face. She’d almost confused him as a shadow until he’d spoken.
“Hubert please don’t say such things. She’s only just walked into the room.” Edelgard’s tone was now thoroughly exasperated.
“Professor, I’d like to be the first to welcome you properly. My name is Ferdinand von Aegir. And, as we are rather close in age, I hope you find it appropriate that we consider you a part of the group.” The orange haired boy stuck out his hand proudly in a grand gesture. A bit much for the classroom. Prideful, outspoken, genuine.
“Well she is still being the professor, we must show our fullness of respect, yes?” Byleth detected the hint of a Brigid accent on the girls words.
“Close, darling, but she does make a point.” The girl in the hat laughed gingerly. Doting, clever, ambitious.
“Maybe it’ll be easier for me to think of her as a professor when I see her in action.” Caspar spoke up again.
“Yes, I too am eager to evaluate her skills. How did she just waltz in and gain a position?” Huberts words could be mistaken for praise on surface level, but she sensed the mocking tone.
“How... how strong a-are you? You’re not going to hurt us, are you!?” The quiet girl with shaggy purple hair squealed and hid behind the closest person, which was Ferdinand.
“Come now Bernadetta, why would she do that? She’s our teacher.” Ferdinand tried to reason with her.
“Well I-I don’t know... Why hasn’t she said anything yet!?” She all but yelled and covered her head in her hands.
“She hasn’t spoken yet because none of you have given a chance with your insistent chatter.” Edelgard sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose between two fingers. “I suppose this’ll be your first challenge Professor, silencing the madness.” Edelgard looked to her again, that powerful violet gaze. Byleth nodded, and finally spoke.
“Let’s get started.”
The class pushed the doors open to the training grounds and filled into a line behind Byleth.
“Interesting that the other houses aren’t here.” Ferdinand commented. Byleth thought of the other professors she’d met that morning. She wasn’t surprised they weren’t here. They seemed more… theoretical in their approach.
“Yeah, I’m glad we didn’t waste any time. I’m ready to start showing off what I can do.” Caspar was already stretching excitedly.
“I too am the glad to be getting my hands dirty.” Petra, the girl from Brigid, looked to be positively beaming. Honest, hardworking, quick. Byleth could already tell she was going to like her.
She dragged a target dummy infront of the class and a box of training gear, then took off her coat and rolled up her sleeves. She caught eyes dancing to her arms, either the scars or the muscles she wasn’t sure. Violet eyes were amongst them.
“I think the best way for me to teach you is to start by seeing what you know.”
She put her boot to the box and pushed it over, wooden training gear clattering out.
"There’s a mock battle at the end of the week. We’ll be using weapons like these. Pick the one you’re the most confident with and demonstrate your best 3 move combo. Example.”
She slid her foot under the axe closest to her and kicked it up into her hand. The eyes on your students grew a little wider. They like theatrics. She smirked slightly, twirling the weapon over her shoulder, behind her back, and into a savage uppercut, followed by a left and right slice. The dummy creaked under her attacks, sawdust cracking off. Her students seemed impressed. Byleth walked to Edelgard and handed her the axe. She nodded, seemingly taking it as a challenge.
“Class, let’s show our professor what we can do”
Edelgard used an axe. Her attacks were brutal and direct. A bit wide. She clearly intended each slash to incapacitate.
Ferdinand used a lance. His moves were exaggerated but aimed. He’d clearly done years of formal training, and fought like it. Flourish over function.
Caspar used an axe. His swings were wild and varied, no two the same. His enthusiasm outweighed any kind of control.
Bernadetta used a sword. She moved with no confidence or coordination. Practically shrinking away as if the dummy would strike back.
Hubert used a lance. He was swift yet offbeat, clearly more comfortable with magic, which they wouldn’t start teaching until the second week.
Dorothea used a sword. She was diligent but her strikes soft. Lacking conviction to actually wound.
Petra used a sword. She was quick on her feet and released rapid blows. Cleary comfortable, as if the sword was part of her. She’d have to find ways to challenge her.
Linhardt used a lance. He was precise but unmotivated, clearly not into the physical arts. She wondered if he had a mind for magic. Scholarly, sure-fired, laxadasical. She wondered if the boy was truly as lazy as he appeared or if he simply applied the bulk of his efforts elsewhere, stretching himself thin.
Byleth jotted notes down on each in her journal, slowly filling in the diagrams she drew last night. She dragged 7 more dummies into a line, one for every student.
“The easiest thing to change that makes the biggest difference is your grip.” She gathered a group of lances. “Grips change per weapon and style, but today we’ll create a standard for these three.”
The students lined up in various levels of enthusiasm and she handed each of them a lance to start.
“The lance is preferable for keeping distance, and the wider you keep your grip, the more stability you gain. We want to start here.”
She slid her hands to the prime position and watched her students mirror her, before turning to the nearest dummy. She performed an upper strike, an overhead slash and a forward thrust from the hip.
“Now you.” The students moved forward and recreated the moves.
“Good. Again.”
They repeated the combo.
“Again.” She had them continue their reps and moved down the line offering tweaks.
Bernadetta needed to extend her arms and straighten her back.
Caspar still struck wildly, almost hitting Petra to his side.
Hubert was gripping the tool too tight. Severe, dark, calculating.
When she gave the call to finish the students were panting and bent over their knees. Sweating through their uniforms. She found it entertaining.
“Patronizing, are we? I’d like to see you do this nonsense on repeat.” Linhardt slouched against the wall, sweat beading on his face.
“It’s not nonsense. And I have. But, very well.” Byleth took up one of the discarded weapons and turned to a nearest dummy, recreating the pattern 12 times, the same total they did. The difference being in the smoothness and clear familiarity with the weapon. She’d barely broken a sweat by the end.
“That’s amazing” Caspar breathed.
“This, is why she was chosen as a teacher if any of you still had your doubts.” Edelgard spoke in defense. There were nods of agreement.
“Swords next.” Byleth called out.
She showed them the appropriate grip for a one handed sword combo.
Petra looked completely at home. Byleth challenged her to add footwork, then levels.
Edelgard broke her sword on impact a few strokes in. Byleth handed her another with an air of amusement.
Ferdinand was doing all of his moves with a flourish. He needed to be more direct.
“Try to hit me.” She said bluntly, standing in front of his dummy.
“Excuse me? Professor come now.” Ferdinand was surprised at the instruction but tried to play it off.
“I don’t think you’ll understand why this is important until you see it in action.”
He laughed light-heartedly.
“Professor it is unbecoming of a noble to hit a woman or his professor.”
“And that is the wrong way to think. An opponent is an opponent.”
He shook his head again and took his stance.
“Well if you insist.”
The rest of the class had stopped to watch.
He attempted his three move combo. Byleth dodged easily. He tried again. Same result.
“Well, you know what move I’m going to do.” Ferdinand spoke, slightly irked.
“Surprise me. However you think you can land a hit, do it.”
He came at it with more aggression. She still sidestepped.
“I do not see the benefit to this.” He eventually huffed.
“Petra, step up.” Byleth called.
“Yes professor, I am to the stepping.”
“Petra, try and land a hit with the three move combo.”
She did, easily. Her third strike grazed Byleth’s shoulder.
“Thank you Petra.” Petra bowed and ran back to her position.
“It’s about directness. Your form is good, but you telegraph your moves.”
He nodded, though looking slightly rattled. She directed him toward the dummy again. His blows were significantly faster. She nodded encouragingly.
“Again. All of you.”
After a few more rounds she gave them another break to catch their breath while she filled in her journal. When she looked up she saw the students watching her, expectantly.
“Waiting on another demonstration?” The group at large nodded, eager. She smiled, just a fraction, at their enthusiasm.
“Very well.”
She slid her foot under a discarded sword and kicked it up to her hand.
She took up the one handed technique she’d demonstrated and laid into the three move combo, then continued it, sliding around the form of the dummy into her next move and other, and another, evolving it into a thirty move assault. She ended it with a strong slash across the chest that split the dummy in two, fracturing splinters across the space. There were audible ‘whoas’ from the students. Whoops. Too much. To her surprise the students cheered.
“She is quite something, and not half bad to look at.” Dorothea winked. Bernadetta blushed and hid behind her hands at the comment. Nervous, small, perceptive.
“Alright, axe. Then we’re done for the day.” Byleth called out.
She showed them the proper hold and instructed them to practice only overhead blows.
As they lined up she tapped Edelgard to stay back and had the rest begin.
“Need something professor?” She asked as they watched on.
“Not particularly. We’re down a dummy and you specialize in axe. You need these reps the least. And as their house leader, I wanted you to get a chance to see their progress.”
“I appreciate that, but as their house leader I’d like to be down there with them.”
Byleth nodded. She liked her spirit.
“There will be times for both.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
Byleth watched their movements and added further notes.
“Notice anything?” She asked the student.
Edelgard considered the question.
“Well, Ferdinand seems very determined after you corrected him. Caspar is a little... reckless, but the single move over the triple suits him. Linhardt is not trying very hard... but his form is good.”
Byleth handed her the journal and she looked almost surprised at the offer before taking it.
“Similar to my assessments. We’ll do a skills test tomorrow, see where everyones at. After, they can pick a specialty for the mock battle. It’s important to have a base understanding of each weapon. Battlefields are unpredictable, you need to be able to fight with whatever you have. But that’s long term. ”
She looked up surprised.
“I think that’s a sound plan, but professor, why are you telling me this?”
She turned to her.
“You’re their leader. If you are bought into the plan, they will be.” She nodded thoughtfully.
“I appreciate your candidness professor. I think it’s a fine idea.”
She looked back at the journal. Byleth had an idea at what she’d found.
“Are you reading my assessment of you?”
Her ears turned pink as if she’d been caught. Byleth found it… hmm. Something.
“Intense, skilled, aware. Admired by her peers.” Byleth quoted back to her what she knew she’d written in the pages. “Willing to work if she believes in the cause. Qualities of a great leader.” Her ears were now red, and Byleth found it that same something she couldn’t name. She instead grabbed two axes off the wall and handed her one.
“That’s good class.” She called out, halting them. “Edelgard, myself, and Ferdinand will now match your reps.” Ferdinand was already breathing a little heavy, and looked up surprised.
“This is a reward, not a punishment. Anyone that thinks they can keep up, the fourth dummy is open.”
She gestured to her side. Caspar, drenched in sweat but still smiling, ran over not wanting to be outdone.
“Begin.” The class cheered them on through each swing, each contact with the wooden foe, each slash of the air. As they finished she patted Ferdinand on the back and commended Caspar, sharing one more glance with those violet eyes.
“Good work class. Meet here tomorrow at sun-up.”
And with that she’d survived the first day.
She walked the grounds after class, scribbling extra notes and diagrams of postures, skills, growth.
“Professor!” She heard someone call out. Ahead of her were Manuela and Hanneman, the two other instructors she’d met that morning. The former of which was waving enthusaiatically at her.
“I heard you had your students at the training grounds on the very first day! How interesting. You must go easy on them.” Manuela cooed. Byleth shrugged.
“They did well.”
“Your teaching methods may be a tad extreme compared to ours, but I suppose we’ll see come the mock battle.” Hanneman commented, rubbing the end of his beard.
“Suppose so.” Byleth responded, disinterested. She had no classroom knowledge, this was the only way she could go about teaching.
“Listen to her. So coy. What of your house head? I got Dimitri. He’s very polite, and not a bad build either. He’ll make a model student.” Manuela went on.
“Claude may require a tad more tact to reign in, but his mind is brilliant. With the right guidance he should make a very capable strategian.” Hanneman continued in his thoughtful way.
“What of Edelgard? Is she as dismissive as they say?” Manuela asked.
“Not at all. She’s a natural leader.” Byleth answered, almost irked. Perhaps it was just gossip… but that was her student now. She felt the need to defend her.
“Is that so?” Hanneman responded.
“You sound surprised.” She deadpanned.
“Bwaha, my apologies. No she’ll make a fine leader, I simply worry her ambition may blind her, and cause her to be… closed off let’s say.” Hanneman finished.
Strange that they were so quick to judge a student. Perhaps this was a mind game before the mock battle? Or they were simply trying to draw some kind of reaction out of her.
“Perhaps you’ve misread her. Quiet doesn’t mean disconnected.” She repeated the words the girl had given in her favor prior, and felt a small tad of something as she did. Pride maybe? A lot of somethings she wasn’t used to today.
“Oho, well some of us prefer it loud.” Manuela cracked
“Come now Manuela, no need to be crass.” Hanneman’s tone turned scolding.
“What’s crass about what I said? Loosen up Hanny.” Manuela turned to him annoyed, and as they bickered Byleth took it as her excuse to slip away.
As she turned the corner she saw Edelgard leaning against the wall, completely within earshot of the conversation. Byleth paused as the student gave her a small determined smile. And as if she could read her mind, she knew what it meant.
‘We’ll show them.’
Byleth nodded and resumed her walk and her notes.
My sentiments exactly.
Byleth borrowed a tactics book from Jeralt and took dinner with Dorothea and Petra, the former of which had flagged her down across the mess hall, insisting they get to know their ‘dashing’ instructor better, to which Petra had asked what she meant by ‘running fast’ instructor. Byleth found the two an odd couple, but their company was enjoyable.
She breezed the pages of the tactics primer in her room that night. One hint in particular caught her eye.
Intimidate your enemies. If your strategy is sound, let them see your hand.
Hmm. That gave her an idea.
She decided to do some late night prep. She went to the training grounds and gathered 8 archery targets, draping them over her shoulders, and carried them out to the classroom courtyard. Shit, these were heavy. She walked back to the training grounds rolling out her shoulder and retrieved the stands. They were lighter than the targets, but awkward to hold. She almost bumped into a student as she rounded the corner.
“Oh! Hi, sorry to be in the way. Are you that young professor everyone is talking about?”
“I didn’t know people were talking about me.” Byleth responded, still focused on holding all the gear.
“Oh, sorry, I just meant, well hi. I’m Ashe.” A young boy with messy white hair beamed at her, and waved politely.
“Nice to meet you.” She said, trying to match his enthusiasm, though surely coming up short.
“Do you need a hand with all that gear you’re carrying?” He offered. She considered, and nodded.
“That would be a great help.” He smiled and relieved her of four of the mounts, and followed her to the courtyard. He even stayed to help her set them up.
“What’s all this for?” He finally asked as they’d finished.
“Class.” She responded, as if it were obvious.
“Oh! Of course, that’s just exciting is all. My class isn’t getting hands on yet.” She thought of the mock battle at the end of the week.
“That’s foolish.” She said. Ashe laughed and rubbed the back of his head.
“Yeah, I guess so. I’d love to get out there like this.” Byleth merely nodded. In her head they should.
She thanked him for his help and headed back to her dorm feeling confident for the next day.
********************************************* Tuesday
The students arrived on time, even Linhardt who was yawning loudly.
“Today will be a lot. But if we get it done, tomorrow you can have to yourselves. Good?”
The students mumbled agreements.
“Pack a bag. You’ll need a bow, quiver, hand axe, set of gauntlets, and your preferred weapon from yesterday.”
“Where are we going?” Caspar asked confused.
“We’re going to let the competition have a sneak peak.” Byleth responded, feeling sneaky.
“W-wait we’re going to have p-people watching us?” Bernadetta asked before hiding behind Petra.
“In a true battle there would be other people watching you Bernadetta, we must be ready for such adversities.” Ferdinand reasoned. Hubert laughed into his glove.
“Clever. I like this strategy professor. They still have yet to get to the training grounds, meanwhile we will be presenting ourselves as fully formed fighters. That’s sure to deflate their confidence.” Byleth nodded. Let the mind games begin, she thought.
“Well, everyone get your supplies, let’s not keep the other houses waiting.” Edelgard added, playing into the mischief.
Once at the courtyard she lead the team in a light warm-up before setting them in a line with their preferred weapon. They repeated overhead blows with a step forward across the courtyard and back.
“Nicely done.” She called out, loud enough for the other classes to hear. “Again.” Over to an under.
“Again.” Under to an over.
“Again.” Showing off had definitely given the students an extra bit of motivation, and she was happy to see them retaining some of their training.
The Golden Deer closed their classroom doors and she smiled. Her point had been made. The Blue Lions class stayed open, and every now and then she could feel their eager eyes falling to them.
She gave her students a quick break before lining them up with bows. She had five lines drawn in the dirt to have them try from different distances. As they hit from a closer line they’d retreat to the next one. Everyone had to at least hit the target from each line. Bernadetta was surprisingly exceptional at this, hitting close to center on the first shot from each position. Her team praised her and she looked a combination of terrified and pleased. Edelgard had no affinity for this, and it surprised her to see something the Adrestian didn’t excel at. She offered a kind nod and reassuring glance and those violet eyes seemed to relax enough to finish. Still ahead of Caspar. The poor boy emptied his quiver from the last line and had to borrow some of Petra’s arrows. The girl offered a critique and helped him adjust his shoulders, finally hitting home with the biggest ‘wahoo’ and a hug to Petra. She mirrored his enthusiasm, and Byleth was happy to see her students already aiding each other.
Next were throwing axes. She lined them up again, but had them pile all of the throwing axes in front of the student on the end, in this case Edelgard.
“I want you to practice different angles, and be ready to assist your allies in the blink of an eye. Throwing axes are one of the best ways to do both. They’re light and made to be tossed. The proper technique for throwing-" She turned with one in hand, stepped forward and wound up from behind her head to straight in front of her, using the motion to carry her axe cutting through the air and planting firmly into the mesh of the target. “Proper technique to set your teammate-” She gripped by the handle and tossed straight up so the handle came down toward Edelgard, not the blade. She caught it easily over her head and leaned into the same windup form Byleth had just displayed, tossing the axe into the same target where it stuck with a thud. Byleth nodded approvingly, and the young axe-wielder smiled at the acknowledgement… and that felt… like something again.
She retrieved the two axes and added them to the pile. She’d call out a number or a name. If it was a number they had to target that board in the lineup. If a name, set that person and they’d hit the target directly down line from them. The group seemed to enjoy this activity and Byleth found herself watching fondly. Bernadetta did not like being set to, cowering instead of catching most of the time, but Caspar was almost too enthusiastic. Petra and Edelgard took to it well, and she enjoyed forcing Hubert to set Ferdinand.
“Is this a technique you’d actually use in a battlefield?” Hubert asked, almost condescendingly but Byleth was quick to nod.
“Many times. You want to keep your allies alive, you’ll learn to arm them. And if you want to stay alive, you’ll learn to fight with what you have.” He seemed to find no fault with her answer.
“Builds other skills too. Hand-eye coordination. Awareness. And muscle memory. By the fourth time you didn’t even need to look to know where Ferdinand was before tossing it.” Now Hubert looked like he might scowl. “As you fight with the same people again and again, you’ll build familiarity with their style. Leads to better chemistry, and better results.”
“I do believe that is the most I’ve heard your voice yet Professor.” Linhardt said casually. Byleth nodded, not offended.
“Wouldn’t get used to it. Next. Gauntlets.”
Byleth demonstrated how to use their footwork to their advantage when sparring, and the generic high, medium, and low hits. She had them pair up with someone near their level of… enthusiasm to go through the motions. Caspar with Petra. Edelgard with Ferdinand. Hubert with Dorothea. Linhardt with Bernadetta. They were positively drenched in sweat by the time Byleth called an end to it, and felt satisfied with what they’d accomplished. She also noted that Caspar had finally found a strong suit. His wild blows made for a perfect brawler.
“Alright class, final lesson for the day.” She removed her coat once more, rolling up her sleeves and watching them eye her. “Land a hit. Last one to do so will carry all the gear back. Understood?”
They collectively nodded, through she saw the challenge presented exciting some while making others nervous.
Caspar stepped up first.
“Alright teach, I’m coming at you. Get ready!” He launched off his feet with a yell and attempted a sideswipe. She dodged back and he used his momentum to spin into an uppercut which also missed.
He kept going, getting more inventive with his angles, directions, and she simply kept putting enough distance between them. Waiting for him to see the meaning of the mission. He started breathing heavy.
“Dang teach, you are light on your feet.”
“Allow me to step in!” Petra called out in the focused tone she used when training. Caspar nodded, hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath, and Petra launched in. She was quicker but her swipes were less confident. She was used to having a sword in between her and her opponent. Her arms didn’t extend fully.
As the students watched Ferdinand looked thoughtfully on, and Byleth could hear bits of what he was saying.
“Why would the professor give us such a challenge at the end of the day? Embarrassing us in one on one serves no purpose... unless...”
Seems they solved the problem.
“Everyone listen up!“ She heard Edelgard call out behind her as she kept her eyes trained on Petra. “Follow our lead.”
Byleth looked over her shoulder briefly and saw them all descending on her. Now they get it. Working together was the only way. She dodged under Petra’s outstretched hand and ran to grab a wooden lance propped from the wall. Let’s make it more interesting.
Edelgard and Hubert launched into their first attack, and as she deflected their weak blows she saw Caspar out of her peripherals trying to sneak up from around her. She ducked under his attack and retreated to the side and noticed Linhardt coming in from below. Clever. She tried to vault past him, but he knocked her shin. He smiled in his victory and she nodded in affirmation.
“Yes! Nap time here I come.” Linhardt rolled out of the battlefield and flopped on his back in celebration.
Dorothea came in next and strung together an impressive chain of attacks, and she used the end of the staff to redirect her last one into Ferdinand, who thought he’d gone unnoticed sneaking up behind her. She dove to the side, getting out from between the two, and used her momentum to roll back to her feet while deflecting Hubert’s next attack. But not Petra’s follow up. She grazed her hip and bowed, pleased with herself. Byleth nodded. That was two.
Hubert tried again, and Ferdinand tried the opposite side. She deflected each of their attacks again and again, feeling their energy slow but not their resolve. Respectable. Lost in thought Dorothea was opportunistic and managed to catch her as she had leaned back from a Hubert hook, and Ferdinand caught her a moment after. Half were done. They were doing well. Except for Bernadetta who was still staying as far away as she could.
“Bernadetta, you have to attack.” She called out to her student.
“W-what’s the point? I’m not going to be able to h-hit you.” Bernadetta held up her gauntlets in front of her but stared at the floor.
“Not if you don’t try Bernadetta, get in here.” Edelgard commanded.
She did not, so Byleth brought the fight to her, sidestepping another Caspar lunge, redirecting Edelgard’s offensive and thrusting the handle behind her without looking, defending against Hubert’s subsequent attack. She slid her footwork until she was face to face with Bernadetta- who screamed and put her hands up to cover her face.
Byleth almost smiled, she was so small. But she dove as she heard Caspar approach and deflected Edelgard’s next attack. Caspar gave the anxious girl some type of pep talk, and Edelgard called out, in what she sensed was a distraction. But she was curious. She’d play along to see what those violet eyes were planning.
“You’re quite impressive Professor. How long have you been fighting like this?” Byleth defected Hubert’s supposed secret attack as she heard him try to approach with the distraction, and she instead turned and used his momentum to flip him to the ground.
“Ahh, you wouldn’t fall for something so simple.” Edelgard laughed and Byleth… liked the sound. She noticed too late as Caspar came running in, and though she backed up, he sold out and managed to land a hit on her shoulder, taking them both to the ground.
She patted his arm as he gleefully called out and while she was getting up reacted in time as one of the gauntlets came flying at her. She had dodged back surprised to see the heiress sacrifice one of her gauntlets as a projectile, but as she dodged back Hubert launched again and landed a hit. Byleth nodded at their tactic, and Hubert was panting from the effort. He took off his gauntlet and threw it to Edelgard so she would have a full set and Byleth was pleased seeing that they were retaining some of the lessons. Arm your allies.
Then there were two Bernadetta and Edelgard.
“Come now Bernadetta, we can do this. We just have to work together. We can’t do it alone.” She adjusted her new gauntlet and launched herself at Byleth without waiting for a response, cutting off her path to her staff. Wise. She backed away giving the girl a chance to implement her strategy.
“She’s lost her weapon, so if we both come at her together she’ll have no chance.” Edelgard stood with her body in between Byleth and the staff.
“Ok-k.” Bernadetta scooted closer to her side.
“Just follow my lead.” Edelgard smiled at her.
They bum rushed toward their teacher, mirroring each others movements. She dodged further and further back through the courtyard and realized they were using the landscape to their advantage. Clever girls. Her back hit the wall. Edelgard sensed her victory and her smirk showed it. Byleth smiled back. She saw that simple facial expression visually caught her student off guard. She wasn’t much of one for smiles. She turned her body toward the wall, bursting two quick steps up the column and pushing off, vaulting over them and landing on her feet. Much to the classes general amazement.
“Come professor, now you’re just showing off.” Edelgard said with open entertainment.
She arguably was, and darted for the weapon.
As they followed on her heels, she grabbed her staff with enough time to raise it between her and the attacker.
“Bernadetta go high and I’ll go low! She can’t protect against us both.” Edelgard called out winding up.
“Ok!” Bernadetta yelped out with some energy.
Her instinct wound up to bat them away with the staff and then she consciously reminded herself that these were students… not enemies. The realization amused her and she let her guard down. They both landed their hits. Surprisingly hard hits. She was knocked backwards to the ground. The students looked shocked, then jubilantly cheered. Byleth chuckled from the ground. Her shin was throbbing from where Edelgard had got her, but she hadn’t expected Bernadetta’s punch to have such force behind it. She could feel the bruise forming on her cheek. She leaned back on her palms and arched into a kick, back up to her feet. A slight smile came to her lips.
“My my professor, are we smiling?” Edelgard asked playfully stepping forward. She shrugged in response as she dusted off her clothes.
“That concludes today’s lesson.”
“Getting us to work together to overcome a stronger foe, most ingenious.” Ferdinand said with a grand gesture, as she was getting used to for the nobleman.
“Yeah, but we got her!” Caspar called, enthusiastically pumping his fist.
“Correction, we got an opponent who’s only goal was to dodge. No doubt it would have been gravely more difficult had she been taking the offensive.” Hubert mused, a thoughtfully dark look on his face.
“No need to be such a buzzkill Hubie, we all know how strong the professor is. But we can celebrate our success.” Dorothea concluded and Byleth nodded in agreement.
“Tomorrow’s your free day, spend it however you like. I’ll be available if anyone has questions. The day after meet in the classroom. We’ll go over tactics for the mock battle. And... since no one was last none of you need stay. You’re dismissed.”
There were audible sighs of relief and they thanked the professor, breaking off in celebration. They seem energized. Maybe Byleth was getting though to them. She was rather impressed with the work they’d done so far.
She started dismantling the targets and gathering them in stacks. She could feel violet eyes on her the whole time.
“Professor,” Edelgard approached. “Would you like a hand?”
Byleth offered her a considered shake of the head.
“No, you earned your break.”
“I didn’t do much.” She returned.
“You got them to work together, and you made sure no one was left behind. As a leader would.”
She’d undone all the targets and lifted the stacks over her shoulders with a heave. She looked back at her.
“Keep it up.”
With that she left toward the training grounds.
She could still feel those eyes on her back, curled in a smile.
********************************************* Wednesday
The first thing Byleth had wanted to do on her day off was head out the gates to scope where the mock trial would be. At the front gate, however, she was refused exit...
“Pardon professor, but Rhea’s orders.”
She frowned but took her leave. Nothing to be done for it.
“So... you are part prisoner, part professor.”
The voice startled her terribly, and she reached for the dagger on her belt, turning to look for the person the voice belonged to.
“Oh calm down, it’s just me! Honestly, will it be like this every time I speak to you?”
Right… Sothis. The voice in her head. That was not a ghost and not a child, as she had adamantly informed her prior.
“Now is that anyway to think of the spirit that saved your life?!” The voice was agitated and she almost laughed.
‘No. I’m sorry, that was rude. Thank you. For saving me.' She thought back to the young girl. She heard her sigh and imagined her sitting on that throne again in the dark room.
”You’re insufferable."
She heard another voice calling out to her.
“Professor, a moment.”
Seteth walked up to her from around the corner, his perpetual scowl on full display. He seemed to stare at the bruise on her cheek.
“Professor... we’ve heard you have been imploring some rather… unusual teaching methods.” He stared at the bruise again.
“I was hired to do a job. I’m doing it the only way I know how.” She shrugged.
He furrowed his brow, as if he could find no fault.
“Yes… I suppose that is true. Though if I had had anything to say about it…” He mumbled out the last bit but Byleth made it out.
“What a sourpuss. Where does he get off?” Byleth almost sputtered a laugh and had to bite her lip to keep from responding to Sothis’ sudden take on the situation.
“Please keep in mind that we have standards here. We wouldn’t want to stray too far from the path. Good day professor.” He sulked off with his cryptic warning as quick as he’d come.
‘Personally was never much for the path.’ Byleth thought in defiance.
“Don’t I know it.” Sothis sighed back. She couldn’t hold the chuckle back from that.
Since scouting was out of the question, she instead roamed the grounds to get a grip on what her students were doing and what this monastery had to offer. She passed by the dorms and talked to Bernadetta briefly through the door, assuring her she wasn’t mad that she’d punched her the day prior. She went to the gardens and learned how they grew plants with magic. She decided to practice with some seeds the greenhouse keeper offered and showed her how to use the purified water in the soil to make a bed for them. Ashe was also gardening and smiled earnestly upon seeing her again. They chatted idly. She liked the boys moxie.
She went by the stables and saw Marianne and Hilda. What an odd couple. Mercedes and Annette from the Blue Lions insisted she take lunch with them. They clearly were friends from before. Mercedes seemed to be more perceptive than she put forth.
“You don’t talk much, do you professor?” Byleth shrugged in response and she smiled back.
“It just makes everything you do say more important.”
Byleth excused herself a little early to get some training in while the students were still at lunch.
Sure enough the space was empty. She took off her coat and rolled up her sleeves as she neared the training weapons. Many of her students seemed to specialize in axe. Made sense to brush up on that specialty.
By the time she was finished, the dummy she was working on looked aghast. More pieces then… useable. Perhaps she should practice hitting a wall or a tree instead... she’s destroyed at least 2 of these now.
As she was wrapping up, voices came in through the door. Dimitri, Felix, Ferdinand and Caspar.
“Oh professor! Hello, I’d ask what brings you out here but I can see your work first hand.” Dimitri offered with a hint of admiration.
“Oh teach hey! I’ve been working on axe today too!” Caspar called out excitedly.
“That so?” She tossed him the axe and nodded to the wrecked dummy. He ran up eagerly.
“Yeah so check this out.”
He executed his combo several times. Definite improvement. He shouted at each swing of the axe, which she found endearing.
“Obnoxious, isn’t it?” Hubert snarked as he entered the grounds. “It serves only to give away your location and announce your attack to the enemy.”
“Ease up on him, enthusiasm is to be admired.” Ferdinand said in his defense.
“As is discretion. Professor, follow me. I need a moment of your time.”
He wasn’t one to ask, and he turned to leave without waiting for a response. She supposed she’d have to follow. She gave Caspar a pat on the shoulder.
“Keep up the good work.”
When they were wherever Hubert deemed appropriate he turned to address her.
“Professor... it’s only fair that I tell you that her Majesty has already become quite fond of you.”
She didn’t see why. But it was... nice to know.
“I respect that. However, I wish to inform you of my methods. I am duty bound to Lady Edelgard, and her will is mine. When I detect threats, I eliminate them.” He was trying to intimidate her. She found it comical.
“I don’t plan on becoming a threat.”
“That’s the thing, you already are. You are the greatest unknown in the whole monastery. That makes you terribly imposing.”
She shrugged.
“If that’s how you see it.”
Hubert looked frustrated, as if he’d expected a different reaction. They stood in an awkward silence a moment longer before he finally cleared his throat.
“Well, I’ve said what I needed. Consider yourself warned.”
With that he left. He would be a tough nut to crack. This mock battle, you hoped, would be the key to it all.
“What up his ass?” Sothis piped in. And Byleth chuckled again. This spirit was feisty.
She found a spot under a tree and decided to settle with her tactics guide. She filled her journal in with more notes and enjoyed the breeze that was floating by. A peaceful day.
“Greetings to you Professor!” She was startled and looked around, not seeing anyone. When she looked up there was Petra waving down at her from the top of the tree. She smiled at her slightly and Petra laughed.
“I have not been seeing you smile the often Professor. I hope I am not the bothering you?”
Byleth waved and shook her head.
“Professor, there you are.”
She looked ahead and saw Edelgard approaching.
“Greetings to you as well Edelgard!” Petra called down. Edelgard looked up to her friend in the tree and smiled.
“Greetings to you Petra. Professor, might you accompany me on a walk? I had some things I wished to discuss with you.” She nodded in response and rose, giving a farewell nod to Petra before falling in stride with Edelgard. Once they were a few yards away she asked what was bothering her.
“Hubert mentioned that you two had spoken. I took that to mean he had threatened you in some way, and I wanted to apologize.”
“I take it he’s done this before?” Byleth asked with a raised eyebrow. Edelgard let out a chuckle. She liked the sound of it.
“It’s rather embarrassing how many times. I’ve told him there is no need, but he is rather… over protective. I know he means well, but all the same I don’t approve of his methods. I wanted to assure you that I will not allow him to curse you.”
“That’s a big promise.” Byleth responded and it got another smile from her student. That something... again.
“And what are you working on today professor?”
She nodded to the book pressed in her arm.
“Strategies for tomorrows class. Considering a few methods. Would help if I could see the area ahead of time, but they wont let me out of the Monastery.”
She looked curious.
“They won’t?”
She shook her head.
“Lady Rheas orders. I suppose they don’t trust me yet.”
They shared a perceptive look.
“Well... there may be another way...”
Her voice lowered to something suggestive and secretive. Mischievous even.
“I’m listening.”
The two of them headed inconspicuously to the second floor and Edelgard calmly opened a window pane to the roof. Byleth raised an eyebrow, but followed all the same.
They walked across the outside of the building, and reached a wall, where they pulled themselves up to a ledge that was deep enough for a person to stand, but not much more. Over a gap, barely a legs distance away, was the perimeter bridge where the scouts patrolled. She watched Edelgard leap to the landing and mirrored her move. The two of them crouched and moved along the walls, attempting to avoid patrolmen.
Edelgard stopped at a point and peered over the barrier, looking off to the distance before finally pointing.
“That is where the mock battle will be held.”
Byleth followed the direction she pointed and retrieved her journal from her coat pocket. She jotted a rough layout of the area. Edelgard watched her. Always evaluating… but funny enough she was instinctually always evaluating her as well. Something about her mercenary background and new teaching position made that skill prominent… but so far she liked what she was learning.
“Do you know where we’ll be starting?” She pointed out the three bases that are traditionally assigned, and Byleth grimaced for a moment when she realized they had the worst spot, starting downhill, but shook it off. The odds weren’t important, only the outcome.
When she finished her sketch she held it where they cold both see and nodded, proudly.
“Thank you Edelgard, this will help tremendously.”
Her smile was small, but her violet eyes seemed to shine at the praise. She started to say something-
“Hey, who’s over there?” In the twilight of the sunset a patrolmen appeared to have spotted them. Their eyes went wide and they sprinted alongside the inner of the wall, moving as quickly as they could while remaining hidden.
There was a small alcove built into the wall for storing supplies and Edelgard and Byleth quickly shoved themselves into the cutout as the guards feet neared, and eventually stormed past. They heard him grow further and further away, mumbling something about the sun playing tricks on his eye. Only then did Byleth notice how close together she was pressed to her student. They made eye contact and breathed out a simultaneous laugh.
‘That was close.'
Byleth crawled out first and offered a hand to Edelgard. Her palm was warm, even under the glove.
The rest of the way back was uneventful. They found the spot closest to the ledge, hopped across, and lowered themselves down to the roof, then slid in the window as if nothing had ever happened. As they closed the windowpane and dusted their hands on their uniforms Edelgard suddenly looked slightly sheepish.
“You… may be wondering why I know how to traverse the roofs here.”
That was indeed something Byleth was wondering. She put her hand to her chin in a ‘tell me more’ sort of way, though had an idea she wouldn’t disclose.
“Perhaps we can just call it a skill and leave it at that. I believe it is dinner hour. Would you care to join me?”
She accepted the invitation. And perhaps it was the fading light playing tricks on her, but she thought she saw the red from the sun lingering on her students cheeks.
********************************************* Thursday
The next morning Byleth was the first to arrive to the classroom and took her first look around the space. Rows of benches and desks. A large chalk board on the wall. Shelves of books and supplies. A fire place for the winter months when the high ceilings would make it unbearably cold. Should suffice. She took the time to recreate her map on the board, drawing three different diagrams to the side and highlighting potential scenarios. She had a clear idea of which one would work best, but wanted to allow her students the chance to come to their own conclusion. She was curious if they’d arrive at the same conclusion.
The students filed in, taking their seats in the first two rows and Byleth stood at the front with more confidence than she thought she’d have had in front of them. It was reassuring. She began by explaining the rules they’d been given related to the mock battle. Everyone was allowed one practice weapon, sword, lance, axe, or bow, and one vulnerary. She showed the map next and explained where each of the houses were starting. Then offered three courses of action they could take.
One path would take them up the middle where they could be set upon by both sides.
The second would split their forces into two tactical groups to take on each house.
The third took them the long way around the map to try and deal with the farther house first.
She presented the diagrams on the board and historical battles where each were used successfully and unsuccessfully.
“Every tactic has both advantages and disadvantages. There will always be someone left exposed, or a sacrifice of efficiency, or an unexpected complication. The best we can do is try to prepare. So of the three, which makes the most sense? How would you all like to do this?” Byleth asked, arms crossed and leaning against the side of her desk.
Caspar spoke up first, loudly claiming the first one, full on assault. Hubert was quick to shut him down. Linhardt of all people backed him, saying there was merit to taking them both on at once. And like that they were off. Hypothesizing back and forth over the different strategies. Offering debate and dissenting opinions, but after the initial talking over each other they began really discussing. Collaborating. It evolved to discussing which house they should engage first and this was where Byleth felt she should jump in.
“What do we know about our two enemies?” She asked.
“That the Golden Deer are lead by a schemer and the Blue Lions by a headstrong brute.” Hubert said, leaning back with his arms crossed. Byleth nodded. Not the phrasing she would have chosen, but along the lines.
“So based on that, and our starting location,” She walked to the board and pointed out some points of interest in the chalk. “We would undoubtedly face the Blue Lions first, correct? If we don’t engage, they would engage us. If we went around the far side they would pursue. If we go up they’ll engage immediately.” She looked across them and saw mostly nods. “The Golden Deer on the other hand will probably hang back until we engage first with the other house.”
“That does sound like Claude form what I’ve heard of him.” Dorothea offered, resting a cheek in her hand as she studied the board.
“Umm… theyhavethebestlocationforarchers…” Bernadetta mumbled.
“That’s a very good point, they do have the best location for archers, and we know their house has at least 3 of them. They have the option of waiting to engage at their discretion. So where does that leave us?” Byleth continued.
“Well… that means that going after the Golden Deer first is out.” Edelgard summarized and Byleth nodded, proud at what her student was getting at. “They’ll have the high ground, the only way would be around, which to the Professor’s point would lead to us being caught in open and with the Deer on one side and the Blue Lions pursuing on the other.”
“I have to say I agree with what my rival is saying. She makes an excellent point.” Ferdinand said grandly, extending his hand proudly. Edelgard rolled her eyes, but carried a fond smile for her friend.
The class at large agreed. So it made sense to deal with the Blue Lions first. Option 3 was off the board.
They debated next the merit of splitting up versus staying together and agreed ultimately they’d be stronger as a unit, and Byleth smiled and finally pointed out the ace in the hat she’d been waiting for.
“Notice anything about the terrain?” She asked nodding toward the board once more. Petra was the first to get it.
“The trees!” She called out and pointed toward the map proudly. “We may be taking shelter in them.”
“That would certainly help with the archers.” Linhardt mused, head resting on his hand and eyes closed. Agreements from the rest of their peers followed.
As Byleth sensed them moving toward the answer she stood at the board and erased option 2 and 3, leaving them with engage both houses at once.
“Sounds the most insane on paper, but given our layout it’s the tactic that has the most positives. We won’t know if it’s right or wrong until we’re out there… but that’s how all battles will go.” They nodded and she highlighted the trees Petra spoke of.
“By heading toward the small forest it will give us a chance to draw both groups to us. Then we have the advantage as we’ll able to see them coming, but they won’t be able to see us until we’re upon them. Our goal will be to get there as quickly as possible. Questions?”
None came about so she smiled instead and drew out the lines she’d planned.
At the front: Caspar, Ferdinand, and Petra.
Middle line: Edelgard, Hubert, and Dorothea.
Back line: Linhardt, Byleth and Bernadetta.
She pointed out that staying with your groups would be important once they were in a live battle, and the groups would take cues from each other.
The class chimed in with different accolades and ideas, tweaks and final thoughts, but she could sense their enthusiasm. She realized they’d stayed far later than she’d intended, but was encouraged by their general enthusiasm for the content. She asked each of them to come to her with which weapon they’d like to use so she could request it, then dismissed them for the day. The group as a whole was elevated and excited, and she caught a glimpse of those violet eyes silently apprasing her.
********************************************* Friday
The last day before the battle. Byleth had designed the week to end with blocking and dodging techniques, knowing it would be the key skill and wanting it front of mind, not simply in this battle but in their survival.
“It’s not about absorbing hits, it’s about outlasting.” She explained, standing with a lance leaned against her shoulder as her students sat across from her. They’d all picked up whatever weapon they were planning on using for the next day and had it sitting at their feet. She continued.
“Knowing when to attack and when to defend is the difference between victory and defeat. Let’s work.”
She showed them techniques on high low and mid strikes and how to defend each. They mirrored and practiced in groups. She went around offering suggestions and allowing them to retaliate whenever they saw fit. Catch your opponent off guard. Use footwork. Block with your whole body, not one arm holding your tool.
As they continued she began firing wooden arrows with dummy heads up in the air around them. They looked at her as if she were insane but she merely shrugged.
“Imagine the Golden Deer just showed up and be ready for the telltale signs of an arrow coming at you. Can you split your focus?”
She saw the nods, though some seemed none to eager. She kept them at it. She had them switch partners so they could notice different cues from different foes. Then had them switch once more. She didn’t want to keep them too too long, and was satisfied with their progress. For being a band of inexperienced youth when the week had begun, they were looking pretty formidable.
“You’ve done well. Dismissed for the rest of the day. Rest up. Fuel up. Find me if you have any questions.”
With the extra time Byleth had already double checked her notes and decided to get out and go by the greenhouse. The keeper wasn’t in, but she quickly found her plot, and was surprised to see the seeds she’d been given were already blooming radiantly. These types of flowers would usually take 3 moons to blossom, and yet here they were, buds formed in under a week into beautiful red carnations. She smiled and shifted the soil, making room to plant a few vegetables she’d picked up from the merchants.
“Professor. I was told this is where I’d find you.”
Edelgard came in through the door, hand on her hips.
“And you have.” Byleth finished, still focused on the soil. She always enjoyed these kinds of tasks. They felt real.
“Not where I expected to find you on the eve of our great battle.” Byleth found that incredibly entertaining. A mock battle with a bunch of noble children was hardly the most intense fight of her life.
“There is such a thing as over-prepared.” Byleth stated, earning a thoughtful hum from her student.
“I suppose you may be right.” Byleth finished making room in the dirt bed for the seeds and dusted her hands off on her pants as she rose. She had a thought, and bent to pluck a single carnation. She extended it in offering to her student.
“Don’t worry. We’ll show them.” And she smiled. It seemed to catch her student off guard whenever she emoted, but Edelgard returned the expression and accepted the flower, twirling the stem between her finger. Perhaps there was a slight pink to her cheeks as before. Her smile dwarfed Byleth’s own… and was that same word she couldn’t quite find.
“That we will my teacher.”