Support Talk/Edie's New Friend
"UNCLE NO ! " Edelgard yelled from her bed. Sweating harshly.
She started to calm herself. to watch the walls....walls like the ones that kept her locked, where her siblings had died.
She had to get out of this room.
With one quick move, she got a bit properly dressed, and left her room.
She briefly considered telling Hubert..but she wen't against it. He would insist on going with her, but Hubert had a long day, cleaning the mess Kostas made.
Edelgard sighted, remembering their fight with the thief.
As always, the Black Eagles had their first assignment just some days ago. But while the other two classes were sent in a peaceful mission, her class was....sent straight into combat.
They were to help the knights to capture or kill Kostas, as he was wrecking havoc on the red cannon.
It was.....well the battle went very well. Aside from a small injury from Caspar, it had all gone well.
The aftermath of the fight, had been what bothered her.
Edelgard has killed before. The thiefs she took down, were not her first.
Hubert had a even bigger kill count than her, so he was fine. Petra, while she had not killed, she had seen a lot of death before hand......so she is mostly fine as well.
Byleth had of course killed as well.
But for the others....this had been their first time they took a life.
Ferdinand and Caspar had tried to shake it off. But she could see the tremors on their hands, the way their eyes did not focus. It had bothered them.
Bernadetta had not let go of Byleth's cloak during the whole trip back. She knew Stephanie had tried to prepare her daughter, but it was still a great shock to her.
Linhardt had not killed anyone, being a healer. But still, seeing so much death had made him throw up once.
But no one had been worst off than Dorothea.
The Songstress had a panic attack on the way back. Byleth and Petra had to sit with her as she calmed down. Her body shaking wildly.
To see the normaly energetic Dorothea like that.....it was truly something.
Ferdinand, Linhardt, and Bernadetta were heirs to noble houses. Petra is the heir of a Queendom. Caspar is the second son of a warrior house. All of them would have to eventually do this. Death was just in the nature of what they were born as.
But Dorothea....she is a songstress. She was never meant to fight, much less kill. She was not prepared, and Edelgard cursed herself that she did not think about that sooner.
The last she saw of the Songstress, she entered Professor Manuela's room. She had not come back out. From what Edelgard understood, Manuela had been Dorothea's mentor. Maybe that's why she went to her.
With a sigh, Edelgard walked out of the dormitory, and went to the lake.
She could not swim, but the sound of water....it was refreshing.
But when she arrived there, Edelgard found out...she was not the only one there.
Another student was there. Siting on the bridge.
She had pale white hair, just like her's, so Edelgard knew very well who it was.
"Lysithea ?"
Lysithea von Ordelia. Member of the Golden Deer, and heir of the Ordelia house in the Alliance.
The other survivor of the tragedy that Edelgard had went threw.
Guilt went to her heard, this girl had lost everything, because of Edelgard's nation.
Lysithea turned to look at her.
"Hello Edelgard."
"What are you doing this late ?"
"I could be asking the same to you."
Edelgard considered asking her about nightmares but...she decided against it.
"I needed fresh air." Was all Edelgard said.
Lysithea looked at her for a bit.
"Leonie snores a lot. I needed to get out of there." She said quickly.
“I see. May I seat there ?”
“It’s not my dock. Seat where you want.”
Edelgard silently sat Besides Lysithea.
“How’s the new Professor ?”
“Byleth ? She’s....”
What words could Edelgard use to describe the woman that just came into her life, and it’s short time knowing her, has left such a deep impact.
“She’s great. She knows a lot of stuff, and it’s quickly to show you.”
“I envy you. Professor Manuela is smart, but....she does tend to take too long to get to the point. And sometimes it’s messy.”
“Yes I’ve heard, but Manuela’s heart is in the right place.”
“Yeah. I know.”
“I also heard they sent you straight to combat, weird. I heard the first mission is always supposed to be peaceful.”
“It was weird but...it’s over.”
That’s when Edelgard noticed something.
“What’s with your eye Lysithea ?”
“Huh,..it’s nothing !”
“It’s a bit purple...”
“I don’t need anyone to pitty me ! Like a small child !”
A fond memory filled Edelgard. As she remembered how many times she had told Alison that.
“I’m not asking like you are a child. I assume it was a training incident ? Must have been a powerful spell.”
Praising instead of scolding. It worked.
“Yes....I might have gone overboard. I was frustrated.”
“What happened ?”
“I was supposed to be at the mock battle. But Lorenz....he tricked me. Gave me a cake with sleeping potion and...I missed it.”
“I take it that’s why Claude and Hilda were pleased when he was eliminated.”
“Yes.....you want to know a secret ?”
Edelgard nodded.
“Lorenz didn’t get food poisoning for the feast. Hilda punched him right in the gut. He was to ashamed to admit it.”
Edelgard snorted at that. He can imagine the nobleman's pride being hurt by the one everyone sees as "the frail maiden" (though she is sure that's not an accurate description of Hilda) and faked that.
"Its getting late, and we are risking the knights finding you."
"Why just...oh right, you are House Leader, so you don't have the same restriction as we do."
"Yes, so we better get you back in your room."
"Yeah...I guess."
Edelgard led Lysithea to her room, to make sure no one caught them.
"Goodnight Lysithea."
"Goodnight Edelgard." She said, closing the door.
Edelgard did not also comment on the fact that no snores came out of Leonie's room.
She knew the real reason Lysithea was out. They were haunted by the same nightmares after all.
The Black Eagles classroom was quiet today.
No one spoke. All the members were still shocked by what happened yesterday.
Most of them looked like they didn't sleep well.
Byleth entered the room, and to their surprise, her father Jeralt was there as well.
"Put down the quills, we won't be doing any of that today. "
Looking at each other, the eagles placed down their quills, and looked at their Professor.
"So...." Jeralt started. "You kids took your first life. The harsh truth of this academy."
Jeralt sat down on the chair Byleth usually used.
"I bet what Seteth and the others told you, you did a service to the Church, it was the command of the Goddess, yadayadayada. But let me tell you, all of that, is simple bullshit. A person is dead, and it doesn't matter that they were a rotten thief, that probably had no care about who he hurt or killed. They are dead, and it was your hand that took their hand. It doesn't matter if you are a noble or a commoner, doesn't matter if you did it for the Church or for some other cause, the result was the same. Now Byleth told me, most of you had it bad when it happened. And let me tell you, that is the normal thing. That is probably a good thing, because it means, you have goodness on your hearts. Even if Lady Rhea herself is praising you, you still think of what you did, and don't excuse it for a higher cause. That's good."
Jeralt stood up, and placed his hand on Byleth's hand.
"So feel what you need to feel, do what you need to do. Talk to who you think you need to. That person doesn't want to listen, then find someone who will, I assure you, that someone is here." He smirked at his daughter. "I know By is pretty quiet...but she will listen to you, and she will let you talk and vent about what happened. Don't hide it, that will make things worst for you."
With that Jeralt left the stunned Eagles.
To Edelgard, that truly meant that Byleth cared for her students. Asking her father, a seasoned warrior, for advice.
The Ashen Demon they called her....Edelgard does not see that. Maybe she is blind...or the world is too blind.
"Class is dismissed today." Byleth said. "You all are in no state to see it today, and I don't have the desire to teach you like this. You will not learn,,,and not enjoy yourself. So you are free to do what you want to do. And if you need me, you know where to find me."
The Black Eagles nodded and slowly left the room.
To Edelgard's eternal suprise, Bernadetta did not go straight to her room, rather, she stayed to talk to Byleth. What about, she doesn't know, that is not her business.
"How are you feeling Dorothea." Edelgard asked the other one that was greatly impacted.
"I'm doing better Edie, thanks."
"Are you sure...you still seem perturbed."
"Of course I am. I killed a man. I did not go here to do that ! Specially not in the name of the Church !"
Dorothea took a deep breath, and a small smile appeared on her face.
"Well its fine. I did enough crying. I might as well continue my investigation, is helping distracting me."
"Oh you are doing an....investigation ? Can I know what is about ?"
"Well I am researching all of the handsome men and beautiful women on the Monastery. If I am forced to do what I don't want, I need to do what I want, and that is to find the best date. I even got my eye on someone, maybe."
"Oh and who that might be ?"
"Ingrid of the Blue Lions is such as cutie. Lady I am gonna really get to meet her. Unless you want to go out with me Edie ?"
"I will gladly go out with you Dorothea, as long as is as friends."
"Really....holly....Edie, you beautiful genius ! You just gave me a great idea ! Petra come here !"
The Brigid Princess tilted her head curious, and went to where she was being called.
"Yes, are you needing me ?"
"I just have a great idea. We need to do a Black Eagle girl night out !"
"Are we....to spent the night outside. I must have admittance, I get the cold at night outside."
"No silly, we won't sleep outside. It means on the weekend, we three, as well as Professor Byleth and Bern, go outside and have fun !"
"Oh....I like having the fun...I like this idea !"
"You expect to get Bernadetta outside of her room, let alone the Monastery ?" Edelgard asked.
"Well we have Petra here, and she and Bern are close friends."
"Really ?"
"That is correct. Bernie and I have been growing our friendship ! I am getting her to eat with me at the common room."
"I see....well I am glad for you Petra."
"And Bern clearly trusts the Professor. See how she stayed with her. Oh this is gonna be so much fun !"
Dorothea started walking with Petra, chatting exited.
Edelgard was about to follow them, when she felt her cape being tugged.
"Huh !" She turned around.
"GAH, PLEASE DON'T HURT ME !" Bernadetta yelled, falling to the floor.
Edelgard saw this, and silently cursed herself for her reaction.
"Calm down Bernadetta. I am not gonna hurt you."
The purple haired girl took a moment to compose herself and calm down.
"Now...do you need something of me Bernadetta ?"
"Uh...oh yes. The Professor is wondering if you can go see her....she needs to talk to you."
"Ah, is that all ? I'll be there soon."
"Great, thanks Lady Edelgard !" With that, she left running to her room.
Edelgard then made her way back to the classroom.
"Do you need me My Teacher ?"
"Edelgard. Take a seat, you want some tea ?"
"I'd love to Professor." Edelgard took a seat and waited for a cup. "Do you need something for me ?"
"I want your idea on something."
"Of course, I am happy to help you."
"I want to do something fun....for the class. After what's happened."
"That is a fun idea My Teacher...alas, Dorothea is more suited for that than me. I am not a "fun" person."
"But I value your opinion." She said, making Edelgard blush. "I've been thinking...of taking you all to the market at the end of the month, after our mission"
"Do we know what the mission is ?"
Byleth nodded. "We are to recover some stolen treasure that was told from Ordelia territory, and returned it. We are also being escorted by one of the knights, Shamir Nevrand."
"Hm. I would say she is the ideal partner for you Professor, she is a former merc herself."
"Yes....anyway, I am sure that everyone will love the idea of the market Professor. Dorothea was already wanting to leave for a while."
"Well then. I will talk to Seteth about it. Thank you Edelgard."
Then, Edelgard got a thought when she thought more of the mission.
"Wait, Professor...one thing !"
"Hum ?"
"You know Lysithea, don't you ?"
"She's on the Golden Deer isn't she ?"
"She is the heir of House Ordelia. I suggest speaking to her and see if she wants to join this mission, since this is her home."
"Can I take a student of another house."
"So long as Professor Manuela approves, yes you can. All Professors are allowed to request the help of one student from another class."
"I see....I will speak to Lysithea about it. Thank you Edelgard."
"Aren't you...coming for lunch ?"
At this the Professor shook her head. "I'm having lunch with papa today."
"i see. Enjoy your time with your father then My Teacher."
Edelgard left the room, to see Hubert waiting for her.
He had the....we have a problem face. Great.
"So, Lord Lonato is finally acting." Edelgard mumbled.
"I'm afraid so. Our.....friends...have made it so that he would react."
"Ugh. Its too soon. Does Rhea know about it ?"
Hubert nodded. "At Dimitri's request, the Blue Lions have been assigned with putting down the rebellion. I predict they will depart in the next days."
"Makes sense for him to want to take care of it, and with how classmates are, good that another class gets the tough one. Keep an ear out for what happens next ok ?"
"I will....but may I ask what purpose would this bring ? Surely you know Lord Lonato has no hope on victory. Specially since they are sending the house most loyal to the Church."
"Unlike Adrestia and Leiscester, the King of Faerghus needs the Church for his site to rule, so really, what choice does Dimitri have ?" Is one of the reason she knows that man is bound to become her enemy. "I know Lord Lonato is gonna loose. I am even betting he himself knows it. No...I need you to keep an eye on them, and how much this situation is benefiting them."
"As you wish."
Edelgard went after lunch to the library, when she heard panting.
"Ufff...Uff..."
"Lysithea !" She cried out when she saw the girl panting on the table. "Are you ok ?"
"Huh...no no..I'm fine. Just not accustomed to...so much manual labour."
"Wait a second...you have been cleaning the library, all by yourself."
"Yes. I was assigned to clean it with Ashe, but he hasn't been feeling well so, its just me."
"Well the Blue Lions got an assignment that is....personal to him, so it makes sense. But still, so many books..."
"I love books...but I can't say I love to clean them. They are so heavy !"
"Yeah...surely you can tell that this amount of work is too much for you."
"I can do without that, thanks...and after all, I'm the only one that has to deal with the fact I wore myself out."
"I am only asking you to take care of yourself, specially considering..."
"Considering what ?"
Edelgard stopped herself. Now its not the time.
"Never mind that. Let me help you."
"No, I can do this on my own. I am not just a child that needs help all the time.."
Edelgard sighted...but then she got an idea.
"Ah that's too bad. I was gonna treat you to dinner. And considering they are making chocolate cake today...."
"Wait....They are making....CHOCOLATE CAKE TODAY !"
Lysithea quickly shook her head.
"Actually, I could use some help..its not healthy to go without eating !"
Edelgard chuckled and got to work.
"By the way, I just spoke to Professor Byleth about your assignment. I already agreed to go. I won't stand for bandits on the Ordelia House hold."
"Well then, more reason for you to come and meet the others."
"Well...I already had an encounter with...Bernadetta."
"I take it did not go well."
"Nope. She panicked but I don't know what I did...except that I crashed into her."
"Bernadetta...she has her issues, please excuse her....wait a second...did I see a blush when you talked about her."
"I did not blush, the incident was embarassing, that is all ! Now...lets get to work !"