One must first fail if they are to suceed.

“It’s very probable that they did, but if so, don’t you think we would have heard something? Some sort of movement?” Sylvain hissed a bit in pain as he took a bit too large of a step.

“I’m…alright. Let’s keep going.”

Though the unease lingers, Byleth nods in agreement before continuing their trek back. He doesn’t know it yet, but they’d soon find out just what was bothering themselves so much.

Souring above them was a large, unruly bird that, unbeknownst to two below, had been following them for hours now, biding it’s time for the perfect oppurtunity to strike. With a piercing shriek, it dives down and lands in front of them, cutting them off.

At the sight of such a beast, Byleth takes a swift step back and reaches for his sword.

Accepting | X 

“The reality that someday.. I may have to fight against one of my former students” 

Vitani follows behind cautiously, hand hovering above their sword. They’re hoping it’s something they won’t need to use.

As they walk, dull eyes continue to scan the area, finally falling on the brush that Byleth had pointed out. The holy knight’s pace quickens, though their steps are still light and they make their way forward.

Deft hands release their sword from its sheath and they move slowly, ready to attack if need be. They give a small nod to Byleth, their gaze never leaving the area that the sound is coming from.

After taking a moment to prepare himself mentally, Byleth steps closer to cut down the overgrowth. He never gets to do this however as whatever was following them leaps from the shadows over him, skidding to a stop behind the two and letting out a shriek unlike any normal animal.

“More of these monsters?” Just last week he’d received reports of such beasts on the roads, to see another one so quickly was disheartening to say the least. Nevertheless, now wasn’t the time to lament about it.

Byleth turns swiftly to face the beast, glancing briefly at Vitani to say-

As night falls Sylvain can’t help but notice that something was wrong. He couldn’t place what it was that felt wrong though. There were no extra footsteps, no rustling of trees or bushes. If everything was normal though, why did Sylvain feel like something wasn’t right? As his professor spoke up Sylvain nodded.

“Yeah. I can’t place what it is though… But something feels just wrong.”

Byleth comes to a stop, taking a moment to assess his surroundings for any signs of movement and yet.. Nothing seems out of place. This only serves to unsettle him further as he considers the possibilities of their situation.

“Do you think we’ve been followed?” He looks back at Sylvain briefly before focusing his attention back onto the road ahead.

Please tell me who you are after I’ve accepted you ^^

“Right, lead the way.” As he followed his professor, he noticed how late it now was. It would be a close call getting back before dark. But, they would be fine as long as the two of them kept moving.

“Yeah.” A small wince could be then seen on the red-heads face. “No kidding…”

Byleth nods in response before finally starting to move again, taking a moment to glance over at Sylvain every few minutes to ensure that they were still managing to keep up with him.

It doesn’t take very long for the night to finally come, consuming the path in almost complete darkness and leaving Byleth with a feeling of unease. Though he hadn’t seen anyone suspicious earlier, he can’t help but wonder if they were being followed.

@inquisitiveprofessor || x

Vitani shifted, their dull gaze meeting with the professor for a moment before they nodded. It was best to be careful. Even if it did turn out to be nothing, it was best not to take chances.

“Yes…let’s…”

With a hand hovering over the handle of his sword, Byleth nods back in agreement before taking the lead.

He keeps his steps light to eliminate as much noise as possible, it’s likely whatever is hiding already knows they’re there but perhaps there is still the opportunity for  a stealthy attack.

Late Nights | X

Byleth nods in response, peering carefully at their surroundings. while it could have just been the wind or an animal, it’d be careless for him to completely negate the idea that someone or something was following them.

“I’m sure Professor. It is painful, but I can at least walk with it.” Sylvain said as he attempted to control his breathing. Deep breaths were a little bit too painful for the red-head at the moment.

“If the pain does get too much for me to keep walking, I’ll make sure to let you know Professor.”

“Alright, we should get moving then.” He says with a nod, if Sylain was sure he could manage himself, then they needn’t waste anymore time worrying. It wouldn’t be long before the sun set and traveling at night would make things riskier than they already are.

“Yeah, I think so at least.” With a sharp breath, Sylvain slowly began to climb to his feet. It was painful. He wasn’t going to lie. Sylvain bit the inside of his cheek to keep from yelling out in pain. He then looked back to Byleth with what was assumed to be a fake smile.

“See? No problem at all!”

“Are you sure?” Seeing how much effort it took Sylvain to get back up was worrisome, he didn’t want to admit it but he was worried the other wouldn’t be able to make the trek back.

Byleth shakes his head in response, it was his own fault for underestimating how dangerous the task would be, not Sylvain’s. Had he thought more about the risks, this wouldn’t have happened

Injury Prompts | X 

Though the situation seems grim, Byleth tries his best to keep a level head, the last thing they need right now is unnecessary panic. He sets down his things and digs hastily through his bag, frequently looking over his shoulder to make sure there were no more enemies approaching.