PROFESSOR !

             he speaks in a rhythm she sees mostly in scripture , in prayer encouraging virtue ------- and caution . she’s a silent soul , quiet to the pulse , and byleth proceeds with silence . but she commends him with a nod ,  ❝ perhaps a story for another time . ❞ we all have our secrets , the professor understands this , at the very least .  ❝ ----------- i get the feeling you may be filled with those . ❞ lastly , she smiles , seeking to avoid an all too stoic facade . she’s grown .

              it’s not necessarily that the voice still surprises her , but the breaking of such silence causes her to jump . she’d been in her classroom , grading and pulling students aside , counseling to struggling students, and now she paced quickly down quiet hallways . ❝  -------- lecture went on longer than expected , my apologies . ❞

             funny how such a brilliant battle tactician seems to falter speaking to a friend . she watches him and realizes her error , sighing at herself , byleth breaks any eye contact . nonetheless , she bears a weaker smile , one more bore in a much needed relief . it still jars her , all of this . there’s no way she could even begin to understand what the time of her absence has been , especially for the prince before her . ❝ --------------- i -- yes . ❞ the professor’s stammering too , pursing her lips and nodding . and there goes the conversation . why is she so silent ? she’s got so many questions , so much to catch up on . ❝ where were you headed ? maybe i can accompany you , if you don’t mind . ❞

               she’s got a book in her hand , her focus elsewhere , on everything . it’s funny how the monastery made it almost comforting to walk alone its grounds . with the war , how close they are to restoring fodlan to peace -- anxiety keeps her awake , thinking and overthinking battle plans . it is all halted with a familiar voice , and the professor spins rather quickly ,  ❝ ------------ dimitri . ❞ byleth says this with a smile , relaxing her features . ❝ yes , it did . ❞ she smiles , and pauses . she’s not good at this . ❝ --------- i almost didn’t need to lecture you that much , you’ve learned so much on your own . ❞

              byleth breathes a long breath , and she shakes her head .  ❝ it’s just a bug , it’s more scared of you than anything . ❞ the proven professor cups the spider in her palm and makes her way to the doorway . 

               ❝  -------------- ... ❞ their shoulders drop , and she lets out a huff . never met anyone with a weapon who stopped while their opponent was weak . honor and battle never made sense to connect for a mercenary . at least , not for her .  ❝ i apologize for taking your time . ❞ it’s said curtly , at a loss for words .

              a small chuckle flutters from her . ❝ ----- haven’t you considered it ? all of us here , finding you , my return ----- it sounds all rather lucky . ❞ though rather naive herself , there’s almost an age-old wisdom lingering in her eyes . though , she glances at his cup ,  ❝ -------- oh , i hope i haven’t stolen too much of your time . ❞