[This is the worst damn idea anyone has ever had in the history of Fódlan.
Sure, it was Zephia's idea, but even Zephia can make mistakes. She was absolutely mistaken to believe that some damn street rat would be a good fit among all of these high-and-mighty noble brats. And yet here Griss is anyway, dressed in the same uniform and staring over his shoulder at the exit to the courtyard from the classroom and thinking about ditching and telling Zephia this won't work out.
He's not the only commoner in the Black Eagles, but there's a gulf of difference between someone like Dorothea (schmoozing with the nobles effortlessly) and Petra (a damn princess of another country so does she even count?) and him. Maybe things would be different if he'd been put in a different house, but the Empire's always been his home, and so here is where he belongs. Supposedly. Maybe the noble brats from the Kingdom or the Alliance wouldn't be tossing him baffled stares and annoyed looks.
...Okay, so maybe part of that is also because the second he was out of Zephia's line of sight he immediately undid the buttons on the front of his uniform so he can breathe leaving a good chunk of his upper chest exposed, rolled up his sleeves, and put all of his rings back on, but hey, what can you do.
Griss knows he's damn lucky to have gotten a place here. Commoners aren't accepted to the Officer's Academy without a referral from a noble and their backing, but he got to skip that process because Zephia works here. She's... kind of his mother figure, though he'd never call her that. She's just "Zephia". She's the one who scooped him up off the streets of Enbarr and taught him magic and actually turned him into something halfway presentable - so he owes it to her to at least give this a shot, right? No matter how much it sucks.
Besides, it's not like he really cares what anyone thinks of him. Let them stare. He does look a little odd for a student here - he's older than several of the others, for one, and he bears several deep red tattoos that are bound to draw attention even more than his lackadaisical wardrobe adjustments. Hell, the moment he opens his mouth, he's going to draw even more stares, he already knows it.
But it's fine. Not like it'd be the first or last time, and if this makes Zephia happy, then it'll be worth it. So he sits in the back of the classroom, drumming his nails on the desk as he waits for the last of their classmates to trickle in and for their first lecture to start.]
[This is the worst idea anyone has ever had in the history of Fรณdlan. And Alear doesn't understand why she's at the center of it, if mostly because Alear doesn't understand much at all.
After all, when one wakes up without any sort of memories, they kind of have to play it by ear. Especially since Miss Rhea has told her that she absolutely cannot let anyone know of this situation. Miss Rhea has been nothing but trustworthy, truthfully, even if she simply woke up on an altar one day with Miss Rhea standing over her, looking quite shocked and asking her all sorts of questions. She didn't know why Alear was there either, all be told; despite the gentle tone Miss Rhea used, Alear couldn't fight a strange feeling that she knew more than she let on, but she had gone along with everything easily. Alear was a ward of the church to anyone who asked, and as of this year, she was finally allowed to join as a student. Sure, Seteth seemed to have his reservations--ones that only seemed to grow as a new teacher joined their school, but...
It was the first taste of independence that Alear would ever get the chance to have. Miss Rhea wanted her to lead this year's Black Eagle class, and while she visibly had her reservations, Edelgard had been surprisingly kind in allowing her this opportunity. She...couldn't quite escape the stares she'd be receiving from her retainer, of course, but Alear made a promise to Edelgard that she'd excel. That she'd make the Black Eagles house proud, and a true force to be reckoned with.
Alear isn't much older than most of the students here, though her nature unfortunately makes her just a bit more...scatterbrained than most. Most of the students have gotten to the classroom by the time that Alear arrives, long mop of hair a little messy as she rushes in before the bell, apologizing profusely before taking her assigned seat in the classroom. Linhardt enters in a few minutes later, at least, but still...she finds herself rubbing her eyes, clearly still drowsy.
Of course, she ends up catching a glance at who she's sitting next to--one of the older students, from the looks of it. Alear smiles a bit, their teacher taking some time to lecture Linhardt before they actually get started--]
Oh, hi! I...don't think I had the chance to catch your name--you're the one who's assigned here, yeah?
[...Class representative she may be, she's still not...good at this...
She's ignoring the fact that maybe she should be at the front. Maybe Byleth got their seats mixed up...? Well, Edelgard and her retainer are manning the front, and Ferdinand and Caspar nobility, so maybe it's fine...]
[Griss glances over when their late-comers finally join, though he scarcely even notices Linhardt because his dark orange eyes are trained on the exceptionally colorful girl in front of him.
Zephia had made sure to brief him on the other students in his class this year. He vaguely knows their names and a few things about them - the ones she didn't point out are the less important ones; commoners or minor nobles, mostly. Her information has been accurate so far, so he assumes that the Imperial princess Edelgard is their house leader as she was originally supposed to be... but this colorful girl is entirely unknown to him. Surely Zephia would've mentioned someone who looks so... outlandish. Hell, she's probably even outdoing him in the weird looks department.]
Uh. Griss.
[An eloquent introduction. He props an elbow on the table and turns to face her instead of the professor, because who cares what Byleth's lecturing Linhardt about; if it ain't magic, he ain't interested.]
Don't think I've caught your name either. You a commoner? Minor noble? Or should I be mindin' my manners more?
Griss. Griss, Griss, Griss...okay. I think I'll be able to remember that easily!
[Alear manages to beam at him a little, even. He seems okay at least, even if he's a little...blunt? Let's go with blunt. But that's okay! Miss Shamir is also pretty blunt most of the time, and she's perfectly nice!
At his question, though, Alear shakes her head.]
Well, I... [Wait, wait, come on, what did Miss Rhea tell her to say again--oh, yeah!] I'm a ward of the church, actually, but I'm not a noble at all. You don't need to be too polite around me--it'd be nice if you could sometimes to your house leader, though!
[It's at least somewhat of a joke when she says that, given how she laughs. It's...almost a little awkward, as if she doesn't know what she's doing, but she's doing her best!!]
My name is Alear, though. It's nic--a pleasure? Yeah, a pleasure to meet you!
[Ohhh, gods how does she act polite and proper. That's what a leader should be right??? That's what Edelgard is, she should try to emulate her example--]
[Ward of the Church... So probably a commoner, or at the very least not someone he needs to be too cautious around. Well. Maybe whenever he's around members of the staff. Wouldn't want to risk pissing off old lady Rhea. Though it seems pretty weird for the Church to have taken a random girl in... maybe her mom was a priestess or something? No sense thinking too hard about it, he supposes.]
Yeah, yeah, already been warned not to make a fuss 'round the princess, don't worry. Pretty sure her boyfriend would have my head if I were to even speak a word to her.
Um. [Come on Alear, a leader does not um--] Nnnno, actually. I mean, I'd prefer it if you gave Princess Edelgard and...Prince Hubert no reason to be cross! Princess Edelgard is quite kind, at least...
But no, I'm your house leader. I guess, uh, word hasn't gotten around yet...?
[Lady Rhea's usually so much more organized, she feels even more out of her element...]
But I can talk to Prince Hubert, though. Everyone should have an opportunity to befriend the Princess! She's a perfect example of nobility, after all!
[p-prince hubert....... snnnrk. no, no, get ahold of yourself, griss—]
Uh huh, yeah sure, let's back up a moment - you're our house leader? Over the princess?
[Said in a tone of: how the hell did that happen? Because really. How the hell did that happen. The Blue Lions are led by the prince. The Golden Deer are led by the Alliance's future leader. The Black Eagles were to be led by the princess. But this girl's telling him that somehow she has the position, and that's truly baffling. Was it a mistake?]
Can't imagine you'd say somethin' so unbelievable unless it was true, but I ain't followin'. What, are you related to old lady— uh. I mean. Lady Rhea?
Yes? I--Miss Rhea asked me to, and Princess Edelgard didn't mind, so--
[Alear seems to raise her hands in the air, brushing a little bit of that messy hair out of her face--it's kind of a rat trap as they speak, only one eye of hers visible right now, but her nerves are taking over and--]
I-I'm not Miss Rhea's child, though! And she's not old! She just...she just asked me, and so I've got to do it! Miss Rhea's word is final, after all.
[This girl is not leadership material. She's barely even been around for a few years now, but come on, just act normal Alear--]
[Griss taps his nails against his chin, not bothering to say anything to the first part. Alear's right, though. Rhea's word is final, and he's been warned not to piss her off. If his intuition's right, Zephia really doesn't like Rhea, so it's hard not to have that color his opinion of her. He's not sure why they don't get along or what Zephia doesn't like about her, but she a lot of fake smiling when talking about the Archbishop. There's more there that she won't say, so he should be careful.]
Yeah. [sheesh, griss.] I just don't know why Rh— Lady Rhea'd pick anyone over the Imperial princess to lead the Empire-born house. Just seems weird to me? You'd think the Empire could see that as an insult, and she'd wanna be careful 'bout it 'cause the Church is neutral and all that. But I dunno, I'm no expert on the Church and its relationship with the Empire or anything, so maybe I'm the one overthinking it.
[Noble politics are boring as hell, but they're so damn important that Zephia's spent months drilling the basics into his head in preparation for his stay here. This runs counter to everything he's been taught. If Alear was Rhea's kid, that'd make sense, but...]
Well, it is what it is. Ain't my business, anyhow. Not like my common blood's got any place in that!
She should feel worse about this than she does, but--Alear attempts to grin, regardless, despite looking a little disheartened at that.]
Me neither, you know. [She probably shouldn't volunteer such information so easily, but--] But Princess Edelgard took it in stride, so...I think it's okay, at least! Miss Rhea can handle any problem that comes her way, after all. She's amazing like that!
[Despite not being her kid, Alear at least speaks of Miss Rhea with a warmth that one might reserve for a parent, at least.]
But it's settled! You saying that, it just means I've got to get better at this leadership thing--I want to make everyone in the Black Eagles proud so I can show them that they weren't wrong to place their faith in me! I'm gonna make you and everyone else proud, Griss--that's a promise!
[...
i'm so sorry about her, she is this much of a NERD--]
[Huh... So it seems that even the kid isn't aware of the true purpose behind this. Maybe he is onto something and this is some sort of snide commentary from the Church on the Empire or whatever. The important thing's that Edelgard's apparently letting it happen, weird though it seems. Well, whatever, as long as it doesn't impact him, he doesn't really care.]
...Sheesh, don't strain yourself reaching that hard.
[He snorts, rolling his eyes. She's got enthusiasm, but it seems like her work's cut out for her...]
Guess I'll wish you good luck in carrying that out and whipping this group into shape. Kinda doubt even the princess'd have that much luck with it.
What's that supposed to mean? [dumb enough to buy griss telling her hubert's dating edelgard. smart enough to see sarcasm. the duality of this dumbass--] What, you think I can't do it?
[As the month goes on, Alear manages to get a little more used to leading the class; there's apparently a lot she has to learn about leadership, but much like a sponge, Alear is eager to absorb anything she can. She's having a lot of fun! Byleth is a surprisingly good teacher, given that they seem to have no other experience with this otherwise; Alear's swordplay and authority has definitely improved if nothing else. Learning the strengths of her classmates and their weaknesses to try and see how they can all make each other shine is...
Well, it gives Alear something to do that isn't sticking by the side of the people of the church. Even if some of them become something like family to her, given they're all she knows. She's even getting to know some of her classmates too, building up those supports and getting to understand her fellow friends.
Sure, she can't really relate to them all that well; Dorothea in particular had seemed shocked at how trusting she was, given the circumstances she claims to have faced. She nearly ended up in a brush with some unsavory characters because she thought they were trustworthy, since they could enter the walls of the monastery, and Dorothea gave her a bit of a dressing down for that. But she seemed more...confused, than anything? And she at least didn't tell Miss Rhea about it! If this really was as bad as Dorothea claimed it could be, then she imagines Miss Rhea wouldn't be pleased at all.
Still, some of those words stick with her.
"Allie, don't you know better than to talk to strangers?"
"...No? Am I supposed to?"
Dorothea's look had gone a little wide eyed before the girl started to shake her head. "...Allie, come on, cut it out. Every little kid learns that, one way or another. You'd think the Church would have at least taught you that much, if they're so protective over you...?"
There had been an awkward silence afterward, and Alear simply begged Dorothea to not tell anyone from the Church about this. She said she wouldn't. Maybe she should've told her not to tell their classmates, too, but she trusts Dorothea. Surely she won't tell anyone.
But that isn't important; what is important is that today was their first mission all together. Just taking care of some bandits, really, but Alear saw it fit to rise to the occasion and make sure that they could all make it through okay. And to Alear's credit, they did come out triumphant over the bandits with an ease that seemed professional. Byleth's commands were clear and easy to follow, and Alear took the lead and carved a path forward as needed alongside her classmates. It really should have been perfect.
And then Alear saw what happened to Griss. The medically inclined had obviously tended to him already, but he truly wasn't lying about his enjoyment of pain, it seemed.
They're back at the Academy now, and it's Alear's curiosity that drives her to find where Griss is; even if he's kept in the infirmary, being a ward of the Church at least means that Alear can sneak in to see him. But regardless of where he is...Griss, have a knock at the door. Or wall--]
[In the blink of an eye, it's been a month. It doesn't feel like it has, in all honesty. Maybe it's because he's been busier than anticipated, or maybe it's because he's actually... sort of enjoying himself. Not that Griss would ever dream of letting anyone know that, though. Zephia seems to have caught on anyway; whenever they meet, she's always smiling as if she knows something he doesn't.
Byleth's not a bad teacher. They're by no means an expert in magic, but they at least understand how to help guide the magically-inclined Black Eagles. Hubert only occasionally studies with them, but given he's wielding dark magic instead of the typical Reason spells... well, maybe that makes sense. Instead, it's usually just Dorothea, Linhardt, and Griss, and surprisingly the three of them actually get along decently well? There's usually some off-color joke that gets them all snickering despite Dorothea's attempts to pretend she's better than that and Linhardt's usual dispassionate demeanor.
...He's actually sort of warming up to them. Which is crazy to think, because the only person Griss has ever needed - has ever had in his life - is Zephia. He's not sure how to feel about it.
All of this leads to a confrontation with some bandits. Nothing truly noteworthy for Griss; he's fought bandits before with Zephia's guidance. But some of these kids have never seen battle, and certainly never killed before - it isn't really a surprise that some of them are shaken by it. Couldn't be him, though, because Griss is living it up.
Granted, he hadn't exactly meant to take a near fatal hit, but when your speed is this low and you get smacked by a 3% crit... well, at least he's still alive, right? Though that's absolutely secondary to the sheer bliss that comes with a near-fatal injury. The blade had cut so deeply against his ribs he was sure he was going to see more than just his own blood, and he's pretty sure he just ended up laughing - half out of delirium and half out of joy, and either way was probably pretty fucked up for anyone else to witness. He probably owes Linhardt and Dorothea several apologies. Not that he's going to give them any, though.
(Un)fortunately(?) he's been healed up, not only patched by his fellow healers and several vulneraries, but also properly seen by Manuela at this point. Hell, Zephia's even been by to check on him, which is the worst punishment of all. She hadn't even looked disappointed (though that too would've been a terrible punishment), instead she'd looked... worried, maybe. He's never seen her face do that before. She told him to be more careful; that she didn't put all this time and effort into him just for him to die so suddenly.
So he's much calmer now, the sting of his still-healing wounds actually not in the forefront of his mind, for once. Griss is sitting up, staring off into space in the infirmary, and only comes back to reality when he hears the knock on the wall by the entrance.]
Oh, it's you. Came to make sure I didn't up and die?
[It should be a joke, but it isn't delivered with the tone of one. It just... feels sort of weird to joke about it when Zephia seemed to take it seriously...
(Would it have really mattered? He can't help but wonder. He's just some damn commoner. There's nothing really special about him. So who would care even if he did die? Would Zephia really be bothered by it?
—Ugh, it doesn't matter, he tells himself. He's not dead, so it's fine.)]
Hey, come on, that just makes it sound like I pity you or something...
[She's trying not to sound as put out by that as she is. Unfortunately, Alear wears her heart on her sleeve and that means any negative emotions too, rip.]
I did at least want to make sure you were faring alright. [...] And...maybe make sure you didn't get chewed out too badly. Are you at least recovering alright? You look like you had fun today, at least...
[Griss inclines his head a bit as if to say "you don't?" because he's pretty sure that's the only reason she'd be checking in on him. Either that or a lecture. He's been tuning out all sorts of lectures since waking up in the infirmary. Though then again, maybe Alear already gave him one out on the field; he doesn't really remember a ton about what happened after he was injured.]
"Faring alright" in that I'm all patched up with no risk of infection or further injury, sure. Less so in that that was fun.
[Sigh!!!]
And yeah, I've been chewed out by damn near every healer who's set foot in here. Manuela told me I've gotta be responsible with my kinks, like I did it on purpose.
[He is responsible with his kinks!!! Smh.]
Surprised you aren't here to give me an earful too, y'know.
Well for starters, I already gave you one. [Beat.] You were mostly out of it by that point and Professor Byleth asked me to check on the others, so Dorothea and Linhardt could check you over.
[Alear sighs a bit at that, shaking her head.]
But no. I at least wanted to come by and see you. I imagine it's pretty boring in here without someone to talk to.
[Alear would unfortunately know...]
...Besides, I had a feeling you didn't do that on purpose. [...] I didn't really like hearing some of the things that got said about you. Even if I don't know what they're really talking about, I at least wanted to just...I don't know. I guess make sure you weren't all by yourself here.
[The first part gets a roll of his eyes, but Alear continues and Griss settles a bit. It's... weird that she'd want to come check on him now, but she probably thinks of him as her responsibility since they're classmates. Even if she's framing it like that, it's probably not really about him at all.
...Though given what he's seen of her, she does seem to be the sort of bleeding heart to really care about everyone. Maybe he's doing her a disservice in assuming the worst.]
...Eh. [A half-shrug.] I don't really care what anyone thinks of me.
[As long as it doesn't upset Zephia, that is.]
Guess it's good of you to drop by now that I'm up; better than studying.
[He inclines his head a bit to indicate the books that were brought to "entertain" him. Yes, they are indeed dry books on magic that are not entertaining in the slightest. Griss doesn't even have a problem with studying, but really?? Right after a (blissful) near-death injury?? Thanks, Byleth.]
[...Man, she wishes she could live like that. Alear brushes that thought out of her head, though--she needs to make Miss Rhea and the Black Eagles proud.]
That's Professor Byleth for you; I don't think I've seen them do a single thing that isn't work in some way or another...
[Alear pauses once that's out there, though, looking to Griss.]
Is it just stuff that you already know that they're trying to get you to read over? Or is it just boring?
[Griss scoffs, but yeah, Alear's right... The professor really is something else.]
Just dull as hell. It's not like I even mind studyin', but I think I deserve a break after today.
'Sides, I'd rather talk to someone than bury myself in dry books.
[Though the professor isn't exactly the most talkative person anyway... So maybe it's for the best that Alear's here. It staves off boredom, means he has an excuse not to study, and...
Well, if all you're getting taught is the stuff you already know, then of course it's gonna be boring! [Do note that she's not disagreeing with him in the slightest; if anything, some gears seem to be turning in her head...] But I get it. It can get pretty lonely without anyone else to talk to; it was like that here for a little while...
But once you make some real friends you can count on, you'll never have to worry about that again!
[...she is still entirely too :D for this--
Alear is going to sit on the ground though, and if he's not gonna read those books, she's gonna try to! ...And promptly look at it like she's reading a whole different language for a moment, but--]
What did you end up doing before coming here, anyway?
[Griss rolls his eyes and scoffs at the idea of "real friends". Come on now, Alear, just how many friends do you think he's going to be making after today??? It's not happening. He doesn't need friends anyway!!
Anyway, he watches her take a seat on the ground and scoffs again at her expression; makes sense that she wouldn't get it, given she's probably never had much experience with using magic, but this isn't exactly the most complicated stuff in the world.]
Eh. It's kinda a long story.
[How does he even begin to explain any of what happened before he arrived here...]
Short version's that my life sucked, I was taken in by a woman who wanted better for me and started teachin' me magic, and she pushed me to go here to learn more.
[Alear listens to that and turns it all over in her head for a moment. Just like her...or what she's supposed to tell people, anyway. No wonder Miss Rhea told her to use this sort of story; it happens to people all the time.
...It doesn't mean she can't be a little sad about it, but--]
Yeah? She must be a really great woman, if she let you come here. People don't really get into the Officer's Academy very easily...I think.
[Let's just ignore that--]
What do you want to do with yourself, you think? Are you thinking about becoming a knight of some sort?
[He says it like it's the most obvious thing in the world, like there couldn't ever be any other option. Griss doesn't bother to elaborate any further, though; no sense in bringing up that it's a member of the staff. It's not like Zephia's their professor, so there's no obvious bias from her that's causing problems or anything, but it isn't really any of Alear's business, so he's just not going to say anything about it.
Besides, she's asked him a question that is truly baffling.]
A knight? Me? Did you hit your head in that battle? No way.
[That also... isn't an answer to the other question...]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
Sure, it was Zephia's idea, but even Zephia can make mistakes. She was absolutely mistaken to believe that some damn street rat would be a good fit among all of these high-and-mighty noble brats. And yet here Griss is anyway, dressed in the same uniform and staring over his shoulder at the exit to the courtyard from the classroom and thinking about ditching and telling Zephia this won't work out.
He's not the only commoner in the Black Eagles, but there's a gulf of difference between someone like Dorothea (schmoozing with the nobles effortlessly) and Petra (a damn princess of another country so does she even count?) and him. Maybe things would be different if he'd been put in a different house, but the Empire's always been his home, and so here is where he belongs. Supposedly. Maybe the noble brats from the Kingdom or the Alliance wouldn't be tossing him baffled stares and annoyed looks.
...Okay, so maybe part of that is also because the second he was out of Zephia's line of sight he immediately undid the buttons on the front of his uniform so he can breathe leaving a good chunk of his upper chest exposed, rolled up his sleeves, and put all of his rings back on, but hey, what can you do.
Griss knows he's damn lucky to have gotten a place here. Commoners aren't accepted to the Officer's Academy without a referral from a noble and their backing, but he got to skip that process because Zephia works here. She's... kind of his mother figure, though he'd never call her that. She's just "Zephia". She's the one who scooped him up off the streets of Enbarr and taught him magic and actually turned him into something halfway presentable - so he owes it to her to at least give this a shot, right? No matter how much it sucks.
Besides, it's not like he really cares what anyone thinks of him. Let them stare. He does look a little odd for a student here - he's older than several of the others, for one, and he bears several deep red tattoos that are bound to draw attention even more than his lackadaisical wardrobe adjustments. Hell, the moment he opens his mouth, he's going to draw even more stares, he already knows it.
But it's fine. Not like it'd be the first or last time, and if this makes Zephia happy, then it'll be worth it. So he sits in the back of the classroom, drumming his nails on the desk as he waits for the last of their classmates to trickle in and for their first lecture to start.]
no subject
After all, when one wakes up without any sort of memories, they kind of have to play it by ear. Especially since Miss Rhea has told her that she absolutely cannot let anyone know of this situation. Miss Rhea has been nothing but trustworthy, truthfully, even if she simply woke up on an altar one day with Miss Rhea standing over her, looking quite shocked and asking her all sorts of questions. She didn't know why Alear was there either, all be told; despite the gentle tone Miss Rhea used, Alear couldn't fight a strange feeling that she knew more than she let on, but she had gone along with everything easily. Alear was a ward of the church to anyone who asked, and as of this year, she was finally allowed to join as a student. Sure, Seteth seemed to have his reservations--ones that only seemed to grow as a new teacher joined their school, but...
It was the first taste of independence that Alear would ever get the chance to have. Miss Rhea wanted her to lead this year's Black Eagle class, and while she visibly had her reservations, Edelgard had been surprisingly kind in allowing her this opportunity. She...couldn't quite escape the stares she'd be receiving from her retainer, of course, but Alear made a promise to Edelgard that she'd excel. That she'd make the Black Eagles house proud, and a true force to be reckoned with.
Alear isn't much older than most of the students here, though her nature unfortunately makes her just a bit more...scatterbrained than most. Most of the students have gotten to the classroom by the time that Alear arrives, long mop of hair a little messy as she rushes in before the bell, apologizing profusely before taking her assigned seat in the classroom. Linhardt enters in a few minutes later, at least, but still...she finds herself rubbing her eyes, clearly still drowsy.
Of course, she ends up catching a glance at who she's sitting next to--one of the older students, from the looks of it. Alear smiles a bit, their teacher taking some time to lecture Linhardt before they actually get started--]
Oh, hi! I...don't think I had the chance to catch your name--you're the one who's assigned here, yeah?
[...Class representative she may be, she's still not...good at this...
She's ignoring the fact that maybe she should be at the front. Maybe Byleth got their seats mixed up...? Well, Edelgard and her retainer are manning the front, and Ferdinand and Caspar nobility, so maybe it's fine...]
no subject
Zephia had made sure to brief him on the other students in his class this year. He vaguely knows their names and a few things about them - the ones she didn't point out are the less important ones; commoners or minor nobles, mostly. Her information has been accurate so far, so he assumes that the Imperial princess Edelgard is their house leader as she was originally supposed to be... but this colorful girl is entirely unknown to him. Surely Zephia would've mentioned someone who looks so... outlandish. Hell, she's probably even outdoing him in the weird looks department.]
Uh. Griss.
[An eloquent introduction. He props an elbow on the table and turns to face her instead of the professor, because who cares what Byleth's lecturing Linhardt about; if it ain't magic, he ain't interested.]
Don't think I've caught your name either. You a commoner? Minor noble? Or should I be mindin' my manners more?
no subject
[Alear manages to beam at him a little, even. He seems okay at least, even if he's a little...blunt? Let's go with blunt. But that's okay! Miss Shamir is also pretty blunt most of the time, and she's perfectly nice!
At his question, though, Alear shakes her head.]
Well, I... [Wait, wait, come on, what did Miss Rhea tell her to say again--oh, yeah!] I'm a ward of the church, actually, but I'm not a noble at all. You don't need to be too polite around me--it'd be nice if you could sometimes to your house leader, though!
[It's at least somewhat of a joke when she says that, given how she laughs. It's...almost a little awkward, as if she doesn't know what she's doing, but she's doing her best!!]
My name is Alear, though. It's nic--a pleasure? Yeah, a pleasure to meet you!
[Ohhh, gods how does she act polite and proper. That's what a leader should be right??? That's what Edelgard is, she should try to emulate her example--]
no subject
[Ward of the Church... So probably a commoner, or at the very least not someone he needs to be too cautious around. Well. Maybe whenever he's around members of the staff. Wouldn't want to risk pissing off old lady Rhea. Though it seems pretty weird for the Church to have taken a random girl in... maybe her mom was a priestess or something? No sense thinking too hard about it, he supposes.]
Yeah, yeah, already been warned not to make a fuss 'round the princess, don't worry. Pretty sure her boyfriend would have my head if I were to even speak a word to her.
[He says, completely oblivious...]
no subject
Um. [Come on Alear, a leader does not um--] Nnnno, actually. I mean, I'd prefer it if you gave Princess Edelgard and...Prince Hubert no reason to be cross! Princess Edelgard is quite kind, at least...
But no, I'm your house leader. I guess, uh, word hasn't gotten around yet...?
[Lady Rhea's usually so much more organized, she feels even more out of her element...]
But I can talk to Prince Hubert, though. Everyone should have an opportunity to befriend the Princess! She's a perfect example of nobility, after all!
no subject
Uh huh, yeah sure, let's back up a moment - you're our house leader? Over the princess?
[Said in a tone of: how the hell did that happen? Because really. How the hell did that happen. The Blue Lions are led by the prince. The Golden Deer are led by the Alliance's future leader. The Black Eagles were to be led by the princess. But this girl's telling him that somehow she has the position, and that's truly baffling. Was it a mistake?]
Can't imagine you'd say somethin' so unbelievable unless it was true, but I ain't followin'. What, are you related to old lady— uh. I mean. Lady Rhea?
no subject
[Alear seems to raise her hands in the air, brushing a little bit of that messy hair out of her face--it's kind of a rat trap as they speak, only one eye of hers visible right now, but her nerves are taking over and--]
I-I'm not Miss Rhea's child, though! And she's not old! She just...she just asked me, and so I've got to do it! Miss Rhea's word is final, after all.
[This girl is not leadership material. She's barely even been around for a few years now, but come on, just act normal Alear--]
...Is it really that unbelievable?
no subject
Yeah. [sheesh, griss.] I just don't know why Rh— Lady Rhea'd pick anyone over the Imperial princess to lead the Empire-born house. Just seems weird to me? You'd think the Empire could see that as an insult, and she'd wanna be careful 'bout it 'cause the Church is neutral and all that. But I dunno, I'm no expert on the Church and its relationship with the Empire or anything, so maybe I'm the one overthinking it.
[Noble politics are boring as hell, but they're so damn important that Zephia's spent months drilling the basics into his head in preparation for his stay here. This runs counter to everything he's been taught. If Alear was Rhea's kid, that'd make sense, but...]
Well, it is what it is. Ain't my business, anyhow. Not like my common blood's got any place in that!
no subject
She should feel worse about this than she does, but--Alear attempts to grin, regardless, despite looking a little disheartened at that.]
Me neither, you know. [She probably shouldn't volunteer such information so easily, but--] But Princess Edelgard took it in stride, so...I think it's okay, at least! Miss Rhea can handle any problem that comes her way, after all. She's amazing like that!
[Despite not being her kid, Alear at least speaks of Miss Rhea with a warmth that one might reserve for a parent, at least.]
But it's settled! You saying that, it just means I've got to get better at this leadership thing--I want to make everyone in the Black Eagles proud so I can show them that they weren't wrong to place their faith in me! I'm gonna make you and everyone else proud, Griss--that's a promise!
[...
i'm so sorry about her, she is this much of a NERD--]
no subject
...Sheesh, don't strain yourself reaching that hard.
[He snorts, rolling his eyes. She's got enthusiasm, but it seems like her work's cut out for her...]
Guess I'll wish you good luck in carrying that out and whipping this group into shape. Kinda doubt even the princess'd have that much luck with it.
no subject
What's that supposed to mean? [dumb enough to buy griss telling her hubert's dating edelgard. smart enough to see sarcasm. the duality of this dumbass--] What, you think I can't do it?
[And there goes all pretense of polite speech.]
no subject
Yeah. That's exactly what it means. Good job.
...In fact... I'd bet on it, if I had anything of value to bet. I don't think you're up to the task.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
Well, it gives Alear something to do that isn't sticking by the side of the people of the church. Even if some of them become something like family to her, given they're all she knows. She's even getting to know some of her classmates too, building up those supports and getting to understand her fellow friends.
Sure, she can't really relate to them all that well; Dorothea in particular had seemed shocked at how trusting she was, given the circumstances she claims to have faced. She nearly ended up in a brush with some unsavory characters because she thought they were trustworthy, since they could enter the walls of the monastery, and Dorothea gave her a bit of a dressing down for that. But she seemed more...confused, than anything? And she at least didn't tell Miss Rhea about it! If this really was as bad as Dorothea claimed it could be, then she imagines Miss Rhea wouldn't be pleased at all.
Still, some of those words stick with her.
"Allie, don't you know better than to talk to strangers?"
"...No? Am I supposed to?"
Dorothea's look had gone a little wide eyed before the girl started to shake her head. "...Allie, come on, cut it out. Every little kid learns that, one way or another. You'd think the Church would have at least taught you that much, if they're so protective over you...?"
There had been an awkward silence afterward, and Alear simply begged Dorothea to not tell anyone from the Church about this. She said she wouldn't. Maybe she should've told her not to tell their classmates, too, but she trusts Dorothea. Surely she won't tell anyone.
But that isn't important; what is important is that today was their first mission all together. Just taking care of some bandits, really, but Alear saw it fit to rise to the occasion and make sure that they could all make it through okay. And to Alear's credit, they did come out triumphant over the bandits with an ease that seemed professional. Byleth's commands were clear and easy to follow, and Alear took the lead and carved a path forward as needed alongside her classmates. It really should have been perfect.
And then Alear saw what happened to Griss. The medically inclined had obviously tended to him already, but he truly wasn't lying about his enjoyment of pain, it seemed.
They're back at the Academy now, and it's Alear's curiosity that drives her to find where Griss is; even if he's kept in the infirmary, being a ward of the Church at least means that Alear can sneak in to see him. But regardless of where he is...Griss, have a knock at the door. Or wall--]
Griss? Are you in there? It's Alear.
no subject
Byleth's not a bad teacher. They're by no means an expert in magic, but they at least understand how to help guide the magically-inclined Black Eagles. Hubert only occasionally studies with them, but given he's wielding dark magic instead of the typical Reason spells... well, maybe that makes sense. Instead, it's usually just Dorothea, Linhardt, and Griss, and surprisingly the three of them actually get along decently well? There's usually some off-color joke that gets them all snickering despite Dorothea's attempts to pretend she's better than that and Linhardt's usual dispassionate demeanor.
...He's actually sort of warming up to them. Which is crazy to think, because the only person Griss has ever needed - has ever had in his life - is Zephia. He's not sure how to feel about it.
All of this leads to a confrontation with some bandits. Nothing truly noteworthy for Griss; he's fought bandits before with Zephia's guidance. But some of these kids have never seen battle, and certainly never killed before - it isn't really a surprise that some of them are shaken by it. Couldn't be him, though, because Griss is living it up.
Granted, he hadn't exactly meant to take a near fatal hit, but when your speed is this low and you get smacked by a 3% crit... well, at least he's still alive, right? Though that's absolutely secondary to the sheer bliss that comes with a near-fatal injury. The blade had cut so deeply against his ribs he was sure he was going to see more than just his own blood, and he's pretty sure he just ended up laughing - half out of delirium and half out of joy, and either way was probably pretty fucked up for anyone else to witness. He probably owes Linhardt and Dorothea several apologies. Not that he's going to give them any, though.
(Un)fortunately(?) he's been healed up, not only patched by his fellow healers and several vulneraries, but also properly seen by Manuela at this point. Hell, Zephia's even been by to check on him, which is the worst punishment of all. She hadn't even looked disappointed (though that too would've been a terrible punishment), instead she'd looked... worried, maybe. He's never seen her face do that before. She told him to be more careful; that she didn't put all this time and effort into him just for him to die so suddenly.
So he's much calmer now, the sting of his still-healing wounds actually not in the forefront of his mind, for once. Griss is sitting up, staring off into space in the infirmary, and only comes back to reality when he hears the knock on the wall by the entrance.]
Oh, it's you. Came to make sure I didn't up and die?
[It should be a joke, but it isn't delivered with the tone of one. It just... feels sort of weird to joke about it when Zephia seemed to take it seriously...
(Would it have really mattered? He can't help but wonder. He's just some damn commoner. There's nothing really special about him. So who would care even if he did die? Would Zephia really be bothered by it?
—Ugh, it doesn't matter, he tells himself. He's not dead, so it's fine.)]
no subject
[She's trying not to sound as put out by that as she is. Unfortunately, Alear wears her heart on her sleeve and that means any negative emotions too, rip.]
I did at least want to make sure you were faring alright. [...] And...maybe make sure you didn't get chewed out too badly. Are you at least recovering alright? You look like you had fun today, at least...
[while giving everyone a heart attack!!!]
no subject
"Faring alright" in that I'm all patched up with no risk of infection or further injury, sure. Less so in that that was fun.
[Sigh!!!]
And yeah, I've been chewed out by damn near every healer who's set foot in here. Manuela told me I've gotta be responsible with my kinks, like I did it on purpose.
[He is responsible with his kinks!!! Smh.]
Surprised you aren't here to give me an earful too, y'know.
no subject
[Alear sighs a bit at that, shaking her head.]
But no. I at least wanted to come by and see you. I imagine it's pretty boring in here without someone to talk to.
[Alear would unfortunately know...]
...Besides, I had a feeling you didn't do that on purpose. [...] I didn't really like hearing some of the things that got said about you. Even if I don't know what they're really talking about, I at least wanted to just...I don't know. I guess make sure you weren't all by yourself here.
no subject
...Though given what he's seen of her, she does seem to be the sort of bleeding heart to really care about everyone. Maybe he's doing her a disservice in assuming the worst.]
...Eh. [A half-shrug.] I don't really care what anyone thinks of me.
[As long as it doesn't upset Zephia, that is.]
Guess it's good of you to drop by now that I'm up; better than studying.
[He inclines his head a bit to indicate the books that were brought to "entertain" him. Yes, they are indeed dry books on magic that are not entertaining in the slightest. Griss doesn't even have a problem with studying, but really?? Right after a (blissful) near-death injury?? Thanks, Byleth.]
no subject
That's Professor Byleth for you; I don't think I've seen them do a single thing that isn't work in some way or another...
[Alear pauses once that's out there, though, looking to Griss.]
Is it just stuff that you already know that they're trying to get you to read over? Or is it just boring?
no subject
Just dull as hell. It's not like I even mind studyin', but I think I deserve a break after today.
'Sides, I'd rather talk to someone than bury myself in dry books.
[Though the professor isn't exactly the most talkative person anyway... So maybe it's for the best that Alear's here. It staves off boredom, means he has an excuse not to study, and...
...maybe makes him feel a little less lonely.]
no subject
But once you make some real friends you can count on, you'll never have to worry about that again!
[...she is still entirely too :D for this--
Alear is going to sit on the ground though, and if he's not gonna read those books, she's gonna try to! ...And promptly look at it like she's reading a whole different language for a moment, but--]
What did you end up doing before coming here, anyway?
no subject
Anyway, he watches her take a seat on the ground and scoffs again at her expression; makes sense that she wouldn't get it, given she's probably never had much experience with using magic, but this isn't exactly the most complicated stuff in the world.]
Eh. It's kinda a long story.
[How does he even begin to explain any of what happened before he arrived here...]
Short version's that my life sucked, I was taken in by a woman who wanted better for me and started teachin' me magic, and she pushed me to go here to learn more.
no subject
...It doesn't mean she can't be a little sad about it, but--]
Yeah? She must be a really great woman, if she let you come here. People don't really get into the Officer's Academy very easily...I think.
[Let's just ignore that--]
What do you want to do with yourself, you think? Are you thinking about becoming a knight of some sort?
no subject
[He says it like it's the most obvious thing in the world, like there couldn't ever be any other option. Griss doesn't bother to elaborate any further, though; no sense in bringing up that it's a member of the staff. It's not like Zephia's their professor, so there's no obvious bias from her that's causing problems or anything, but it isn't really any of Alear's business, so he's just not going to say anything about it.
Besides, she's asked him a question that is truly baffling.]
A knight? Me? Did you hit your head in that battle? No way.
[That also... isn't an answer to the other question...]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)