The Black Eagles
“So...Dimitri And Claude are still alive.” Hubert mumbled.
Edelgard didn’t look from her papers and just nodded.
“And instead of appointing Jeritza, they appoint this new mercenary that we didn’t know about.”
“Yes Hubert.”
“Lady Edelgard. You do know what this means. This woman, is someone we did not account for.”
“I know she is. But for once....that might be a good thing.”
“A....good thing ?”
“Yes. Think about it. Her father was the Captain if the Knights, yet he banished from the Monastery, and fled the Church. She didn’t even know he was a Captain. We have someone that is completely neutral, and has a lot of skill. We can get someone like that..”
“I...I understand Lady Edelgard. But it’s a double edge sword. Before making plans we should see which class she will lead. According to tradition, as is her first year, the other Professors will allow her to choose which class to lead. Let us wait until then.”
Edelgard sighted. He had a point.
“Keep me informed ok. I’m gonna take a nap.”
“I take it Claude played tricks with you on your trip.” He growled.
“Leave It Hubert. After thinking about it. I want Claude well for a while. I need more information, see what you are able to dig in on him.”
“As you wish.”
“And thank you for the meal.”
“There is no need to thank me Lady Edelgard. I’m just your servant after all.”
“You know you are more than that, you’re my friend.”
Hubert said nothing and left her.
Edelgard sighted and sat down to eat in silence. Wondering what was happening with Byleth.
She wondered...which house will she choose ?
Things usually don’t got her way....would this one be ?”
At the middle of the night. Edelgard awoke once again from her eternal nightmares.
She quickly wiped her face and...noticed a note.
“Huh ?”
It was a letter from Hubert.
“Lady Edelgard. Professor Byleth has chosen to lead the Black Eagle House. Professor Hanneman is leading the Blue Lions and Professor Manuela the Golden Deer. Her appointment will be made official tomorrow. I hope this settles your nerves, and that you have a good night.”
Edegard sighted. Byleth has chosen her house.
This could be her chance....
The Black Eagles were a lively bunch.
They had the heirs of Houses Aegir, Herving, And Varley, the second son of Herving, The Princess of Brígid, and a former songstress.
From her classmates, the only ones she had prior history were Ferdinand and Petra. The former she met a lot of times with....his father...and the latter was tenical”y her hostages but Edelgard made sure she was treated with the proper respect she deserves.
She had head about Caspar, Linhardt, and specially Bernadetta. She is Stephanie’s daughter, and she was one of the few people Edelgard fully trusted. She had heard what Count Varley had done.....and Edelgard can not wait for the moment she can have his head.
She looked at the shy girl, hiding bellow her desk, trembling in fear. She promised Stephanie she would watch out for her daughter.
Her eyes went to the one person she didn’t hear about before coming here.
Dorothea was a former songstress. Though Edelgard didn’t go to the opera really...
She wondered what lead the songstress here. What was she looking for ?
“So Edie.” Dorothea said. “I heard you met the new Professor. You have to tell me. Is she cute ? Is she single. Because I’m more than willing to date if she wanted to !”
“Really Dorothea, you haven’t met her and you are already asking for that ?”
“Why of course. We don’t have all the time in the world Edie.”
“I am rather curious about the new teacher myself.” Ferdinand said. “I must show him the superiority of Ferdinand von Aegir !”
Hubert snorted at that. “You mean you will try to proof your “superiority” and challenge Lady Edelgard to a competition you will fail.”
“Hey !’
“I’m quite sad we didn’t get Professor Hanneman,” Linhardt said sleepy. “Then again I heard most of the Blue Lions have crests, so he would naturally want to go there.”
“You like him because you can fall asleep in his classes !” Caspar yelled.
Bernadetta was still sobbing in her spot. While Petra sat quietly, waiting.
“Enough. I want to make a good impresión to the Professor, so I want everyone on their best behavior.”
As soon as she said that, Byleth entered the room.
“Good morning class.” She said. “I’m Byleth Eisner, your Professor for the year.”
She walked around and stopped by her side.
“Hello Edelgard.”
“Hello Professor...I am very happy that you chose us. We promise we will show you that we were the best choice.”
Byleth nodded at her. “Now I think we should start with the introductions.”
“Of course. I’m Hubert von Vestra.” Hubert said, shaking Byleth’s hand. “I’m Lady Edelgard’s loyal vassal.”
“And I’m Ferdinand von Aegir ! The heir of the great house Aegir, and the best student on this class.”
“Linhardt von Herving,” He said with a yawn. “It will be a pleasure to learn from you Professor. Now I will take a nap.” With that the man went to a corner.
“Hello ! I’m Caspar von Bergliez. I gotta say...you don’t look that strong, I bet I can beat you !”
“Caspar !” Dorothea yelled. “Don’t be rude ! Ehem. Hi Professor, my name is Dorothea Arnault. I gotta say, you are gorgeous too look at. If you want to chat later, I’ll be happy to.”
“Greetings Professor. My name is Petra Macneary.” Petra said, doing a bow, “I am having a lot of exictment for your teachings. But I must be telling you...I am coming from Brigid and my language is different. If I am giving you difficulty, please I hope you are having understanding.”
“That’s ok Petra. I can understand you well.” Byleth then looked at the last student. “And who are you ?”
“Ah...I...I am Bernadetta...von Varley, Profesor mam.” Bernadetta said shakily, slowly raising her head.
Byleth nodded at her, and signaled for everyone to sit down.
“For today, you will all write me a pamphlet with your skills and weapon preferences. After this, I will have a 30 min session with each one of you to see your skills. I will be giving notes. The three that perform better will participate in the mock battle next week.”
She looked straight at Edelgard.
“Edelgard. Since I have seen you in battle, and as house leader you are required to participate, I will evaluate you last.”
“Yes of course Professor.”
The Eagles quickly filled out their paper work and turned it in.
“Hey Professor, can I go first !” Caspar yelled. “I am so itching for a fight !”
“No way. If someone is going first, it has to me !” Ferdinand said. “We must start with the best of the class.”
“Actually....Bernadetta is going first.”
“IM WHAT !” Bernadetta yelled. “Nonono...All Bernie wants is to go to her room.”
“Which is why you are going first.” Byleth said, adding gentleness to her voice. “This way, we can get it done with immediately, and you will be dismissed for the day.”
“That.....that makes sense...” Bernadetta finally accepted.
Edegard thought about it, and realized that is indeed a good idea. Not only because Bernadetta will not be interrupted from the sanctuary that is her room, but since she’s going first, the thought of the others doing better than her will not be around.
“Caspar, you can go after her, then you Ferdinand. Dorothea will be fourth and Hubert will be next, and after lunch we will have Linhardt, Petra, and Edelgard.”
The class nodded at her.
“Good. Bernadetta, you’re coming with me to the training grounds. The rest, you are dismissed until your time comes.”
With that Byleth walked to Bernadetta’s Desk. She patiently waited for the girl to finally gain enough courage to leave the class, and they walked to the training grounds.
“Ah look at that. She’s already a softie with Bern.” Dorothea said. “I can bet this is gonna be a very interesting year. Wouldn’t you agree Edie ?”
Yes...she did.
Edelgard worked on some documents while she waited for her time with the Professor.
Hubert had tried to go with her, but she declined. In the academy she’s just another student. If the Professor wants to have private sessions, then Edelgard is no expection.
She walked inside just as Petra was finishing her session.
"I have much gratitude for you Professor. You have shown me I have much to learn."
"You did very well Petra." Byleth told her as she left.
Petra gave a nod to Edelgard and left the room, leaving her alone with Byleth.
"Hello Professor. I take that most of the assessments have gone well."
"Most of you performed very well.....except for Linhardt, he did not show up for his."
"Ugh. I will speak to him about it. Most likely is that he fell asleep."
"Let us begin then." Byleth threw a practice axe at Edelgard. "You shown me you have prophecy with axes."
Edelgard swinged the axe around. "Don't expect me to hold back Professor, I know your strength, come with me with everything you got !"
Byleth grabbed a sword, and signaled for her to come.
Edelgard did not have to be told twice, and charged towards Byleth.
The battle was first equally, but later on....Edelgard found herself overwhelmed.
Byleth made one swipe, and pushed Edelgard away.
She fell to the floor with a large thud.
"That is enough."
"No...I can...keep going."
Byleth shook her head.
"The sword yields to the lance, the lance yields to the axe, and the axe yields to the sword. You were fighting with an axe, against a sword welder, both weapons were equal, you were at disadvantage"
"So...you mean I can not use my main weapon against sword fighters ?"
"You can. There are ways to get around that. Axe swings take a lot of power, so use them wisely. A sword is light, and is easier to swing more, but with more movement, your opponent will get tired. The axe is also capable of blocking. When you face a sword with an axe, block, focus on defense first, wait until your opponent is tired, and then strike wisely. Every strike counts."
"I see." Edelgard had been used to take her opponents quickly. But then again....her opponents never had that much strenght.
Byleth is strong....so strong that...
"Professor....do you have a crest ?"
Byleth looked at her with a titled head.
"I am just wondering....usually people with raw strenght like yours, have crests..."
"Does that really matter ?"
"No of course not ! You are a brilliant fighter with or without one...I guess I am curious."
Byleth stayed looking at her, and finally nodded. "Yes. Professor Hanneman examined me the day I arrived. I do have a crest, though he didn't know which one it is."
"He didn't..." That was a huge suprise. No one knew more about crests than Professor Hanneman, if he did not know.....then what crest could it be.
Edelgard cleared your throat.
"I want to make this clear again Professor. I care not if you have a crest or what type. You are a good fighter, and I am sure you are a good teacher, and that does not matter."
"Do you have a crest Edelgard ?"
"yes..." Though she technically had two.... "I do have one. The crest of Serios, passed down threw my family. Ferdinand, Linhardt, and Bernadetta have crests as well."
"I see.....well I don't think it matters on here. You 8 are strong in your own right, with or without one."
Those words made Edelgard´s heart beat faster.
"I think we are done for today. Good work Edelgard."
"Professor....you have been here all day, have you had something to eat ?"
"Didn't really have the time. During break I spoke to papa."
"Well then...allow me to treat you to something. To thank you for today."
Byleth thought about it.
"Sure."
"Great, lets go."
Edelgard left with her teacher to the dining hall. Trying her best to keep her heart down, and not blush.
She was pretty sure she was failing about it.