#oc; matthias gautier

[maccreadysbaby]

⚠️ BENTLEY FAM THIS IS NOT A DRILL

I AM OFFICIALLY RELEASING THE CAST OF BENTLEY’S FOURTH STORY EARLY, HOUSE OF WOLVES, IT IS UNDER THE CUT RIGHT NOW

⚠️ THE CURRENT CAST AS THEIR RESPECTIVE CHARACTERS, AGED UP TO THE OLDEST (VALOR) AT 20 AND THE YOUNGEST (BENTLEY) AT 17 ↴

⚠️ NEW H.O.W CHARACTERS ↴

--

tag list that never works lmao

@fleur-alise @sarcopterygiian @gayboss-too-close-to-the-sun

@xiaonothere

@skylathescholarly @flyrobinflyy

[callmewishful]

Gautier Family Week in full swing! Cute little family piece to start :)

.—.

“Dad?” The door was half open before the small voice said, “Oops!” and it was shut once more. Three small knocks followed.

Matthias shook his head. He’d reminded Miklan about this often, though the rambunctious boy was rarely better at remembering. “Come in, Miklan.”

The little boy knew he had done wrong because the first thing he muttered as he approached his father’s desk was “Sorry.”

“We speak about this often, Miklan. What if I had been with company?”

“Yes, Sir.” Miklan nodded, pressing his lips together. He kept his eyes trained on his father and Matthias was glad to see that at least that lesson had sunk in well. In fairness, Miklan had always been confident and unwavering enough to have no trouble maintaining eye contact, unless he was in trouble as he was now. “I’m sorry.”

“You are forgiven. What did you need, Little One?”

“Where’s Momma?” The brightness in his eyes was quickly replaced, blissfully unaware of the sharp pang to his father’s chest at that phrase.

Miklan stared at him expectantly; Matthias usually held many answers for him on a multitude of topics…Why are horses tall? Why are weapons shiny? Why doesn’t the fire last forever?…it had been an interesting few years, to say the least. They, of course, had discussed what happened to Miklan’s mother numerous times before. Miklan was often plagued with nightmares as a younger boy and those usually prompted questions of where she was and what actually happened. Matthias tried to keep those conversations short in order to occupy his mind with better thoughts. Though he thought he had sufficiently detailed to Miklan where his mother actually was, at least enough to ward off future questions.

He swallowed the pressure in his throat, “Miklan, we’ve talked about this. Your mother is-“

“No, not that Momma.” Miklan shook his head and half rolled his eyes at Matthias. As if Matthias could read his mind and know who he’d truly meant. “Momma Phe! Where is she?”

Momma…Phe. If Matthias said those words brought comfort, he’d be lying. The knowledge that Lia was so easily…replaced was even harder to acknowledge. How could a woman who loved Miklan so furiously be erased from his mind in three short years?

Of course, it wasn’t Miklan’s fault. He had been young when his mother passed and Matthias always carried the knowledge that Miklan would struggle to remember his birth mother. He couldn’t say it made the day that had come too soon any less painful.

“Are you allowed to call her that?” Matthias finally asked his son. Phelan had not been in their lives long and Matthias didn’t wish to put any undue pressure on her. She was already testing out the possibility of being a Margraves wife. Sure, being a mother to Miklan seemed to come naturally to her, but calling her mother sounded much more final. As much as he wanted her to decide yes, she needed to be able to decide if this wasn’t the life she wanted.

Miklan shrugged, “I dunno. She reads me stories and tucks me in and plays with me like a Momma.”

“Nieve does those things too.” Matthias reminded him gently, “You should ask Phelan if you’re allowed to call her ‘Mother’ before you do so.”

“Why?” The ever-present question on Miklan’s young mind.

“Because she is not your mother. And it’s polite to ask permission before thrusting a title upon her.” When Miklan did not ask any follow-up questions, Matthias continued, “Now, I’m not sure where Phelan is. I haven’t seen her yet today. Have you checked the study?”

“I checked everywhere!” The boy groaned dramatically, raising his arms up and letting them fall against his legs. “She’s missing!”

“She is not missing. Have you asked Tabitha if she’s seen Phelan?”

Miklan sighed, “Yes! And she hasn’t so she’s missing!”

Matthias copied his son’s actions, “Have you checked her room?”

“That’s rude.”

Well, that lesson almost stuck, “It’s rude for you to barge in without being invited. It is not rude for you to knock and ask to come in.”

Miklan gave him a skeptical look, as if Matthias hadn’t made the rule and was just changing the law Willy-nilly. To avoid further back and forth, Matthias stood and held out his hand, “Come. We will go check on her.”

This seemed to be what Miklan was truly after, based on the way he smiled up at his father and cheerfully exclaimed, “Ok!”

They started with the library. If Phelan wasn’t working or with Miklan she could often be found there. When that was empty they made their way to other places Phelan was known to frequent. It wasn’t until those were void that Matthias began to worry. Phelan was not the kind of person to sleep past this hour and she certainly wasn’t the type to disappear without saying anything. Maybe Matthias had misunderstood Miklan and she was actually missing.

He knocked twice on her door, releasing Miklan’s hand to do so. The ‘told you’ look on his son’s face after she didn’t answer right away did not ease his worries.

“Phelan?” Matthias knocked again, a bit louder this time.

He pushed the door open slightly, just enough to see if the room was lit. This didn’t stop Miklan from gasping like his father had committed a crime, loudly proclaiming, “That’s rude!”

Matthias shushed the boy, opening the door a little more, “Phelan?”

It was obvious, then, that she was actually still asleep. The lump in the bed wiggled slightly, sheets rustling as it did. Miklan rushed in from behind Matthias, throwing his arms up on the side of the bed to try and reach her, “Momm-oops! I mean, uh, Phe! You’re alive!”

Matthias shook his head, rolling his eyes to himself before taking a couple steps in to pull Miklan back.

Phelan was certainly awake now with the yelling. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and gave the little boy a small smile. Matthias fell into her line of sight next and seeing him jolted her alive. “Is everything alright?”

Her voice sounded awful; scratchy and hoarse. Matthias rose his head up in understanding, “You are not feeling well.”

“I’m fine.” She certainly tried to appear as much, moving to get out of bed before Matthias stopped her.

“You are ill. We apologize for disturbing you. Miklan hadn’t seen you yet today and was worried. We should’ve checked with one of the assistants.”

“What time is it?” Phelan ignored his words, glancing out the window to see how far the sun had risen.

“Nearly noon.”

She apparently hadn’t expected this, eyes wide as she went to get up again. When she was stopped a second time she settled on apologizing profusely for oversleeping, explaining that she’d only meant to sleep a few minutes more.

Matthias shook his head, the smallest of smiles on his lips, but one that Phelan had learned to find months ago, “You are apologizing for nothing. If you are ill, you should rest. Come, Miklan, let us get Phelan some soup and medicine.”

Only Miklan returned minutes later with a tray containing soup and some medicine. He was rushing, as he always was, sloshing a bit of soup as he lifted it up to her, “Oops! Don’t worry Momma-oops, I mean, Phelan! I’ll clean it!”

She couldn’t help laughing, even it did cause her little twinges of pain in her throat and a coughing fit. Miklan returned yet again with a full bath towel for a gold coins worth of spilt soup. “Don’t worry Momma! I got it!” He put the towel under the bowl after she lifted it, then paused as he remembered something, “Oops, I mean Phelan. Sorry. Can I call you Momma?”

“Honey,” she ruffled the boy’s hair affectionately, “you don’t have to ask. Of course you can.”

“I told him I didn’t! But Dad said I did. I’ll go get books to read and Beary!” Miklan dashed off before Phelan could get a word in. She didn’t want to get him sick, but Miklan was insistent that she needed snuggles with him and his stuffed bear, proudly exclaiming, “We gotta snuggle and read when we’re sick! I feel better when we do so you will too!“

It was hard to argue with the logic of a five year old sometimes, especially when the warmth in her heart told her he was right. They spent the day in the comfort of the covers, reading and napping as they pleased.

Matthias stopped by often, but only lingered when the sound of Miklan’s outside-inside voice was silent. He watched her run her fingers through his son’s wild hair, the boy tucked up right against her as though she’d disappear. Matthias supposed it was a reasonable fear, all things considering.

They were lucky to have found her; one that filled the gaps they had for so many years now. She was a quick study, worked without complaint, took excellent care of Miklan; always patient and kind with him - Matthias knew he was fortunate.

But, as he held the worn square of paper between his fingers, he wondered why his heart couldn’t quite agree.

[malsfefanfics]

Paralogue: Lament of Sister Rivers

[Must be completed after "Darkness Below the Earth", and before the final mission of chapter 16 of Crimson Flower]

Required Units - Byleth, Felix, Sylvain, Medee

Summary: When rumors of potential a Heroes Relic begins to circle around, Byleth is tasked with retrieving it. Hubert's mother, Medee, insists that she come along for the retrieval of this particular prize.

Content Warnings: Discussions of child abuse, attempted murder, arranged marriages, blood pacts, death, custody battles, trying to coerce someone into a difficult choice

Written in script format under the cut.

Sylvain: You sure you're up for this? We can find someone else if you don't want to go.

Felix: I should be asking you that. You sure you're ready to face your old man?

Sylvain: Of course not. But it has to be done.

Byleth: What's going on?

Sylvain: Oh, hey Professor. We're about to leave. We have to go on a mission in my home territory. We can't take very many people with us since it's so far north.

Felix: You should join us. You'd come in handy in recovering this Heroes' Relic.

Byleth: Which relic?

Felix: No clue. All we know is that there's rumors of bandits in Gautier who managed to track one down. We want to get it before they do.

Sylvain: We're just waiting on one other commander, then we're heading out. Care to join us?

Medee: Alright, boys. I'm ready.

Sylvain: Woah, woah, woah. No one told us the Vestra family was coming with.

Medee: No, it is just me. My children will not be in attendance.

[OPTION 1]

Byleth: Why won't they be coming?

Medee: I'm afraid this is strictly business. The kind I do not want my children to bear witness to. They have a certain image of me, after all.

Felix: Hmph. You never let that stop you before.

Medee: Sassy today, aren't we?

Felix: More like irritated at your obviousness. You borrowed that lance from your son after all. You plan to make a scene.

Medee: I like to think I kept this quite under wraps. But then again, you are Rodrigue's son. You Fraldarius boys have always been observant to threats to the Kingdom. Threats like myself.

[OPTION 2]

Byleth: We're glad to have you.

Sylvain: Speak for yourself, teach.

Medee: Oh, Sylvain, you wound me so.

Sylvain: Don't play innocent. I know exactly why you're coming along.

Medee: So you understand why this is so important to me. I cannot stand by while this item is to the wind. Especially where Mattias is involved.

Byleth: Why is this mission so important to you?

Medee: I will explain after the battle. Come. We must hurry. Knowing those boys, without Lambert to keep them grounded, they'll be moving fast, and very recklessly. If we leave now, we can cut them off at the pass in the mountains between Gautier and Sreng without being caught.

Felix: I don't think it's a good idea. You should stay here.

Sylvain: You are the last person who should be on this mission, Lady Medee. You need to stay.

Medee: You try pulling that with me, and I'll show you why I was once known as the Thunder Witch of Adrestia. I will be going, whether you want me there or not.

Felix: There'll be no stopping you, huh? Mph. Let's get moving then.

Sylvain: Ugh. Fine. But don't do anything reckless, okay, Lady Medee?

Medee: Me? Reckless? Perish the thought. And our enemies.

Sylvain: You ready to go, Teach?

Byleth: Let's go.

Medee: Good. Off we go, then.

[AT THE BATTLEFIELD]

Soldier 1: My Lord! Enemies on the horizon! There's a Pegasus leading the charge!

Matthias: So. They came after all.

Rodrigue: Can you blame them? An item like this could turn the tides of warfare. We cannot allow our side to lose it again.

Matthias: A great mistake on my part. I should never have let her…ngh…

Rodrigue: Matthias. It's been over two decades. I know it hurts. It will always hurt. But you must put it aside for now. There will be time to grieve later.

Matthias: No….it is far too late for me to be allowed to grieve her. [LOOKS TO THE SOLDIER] Prepare the archers! Strike down that Pegasus!

Soldier 1: Archers! Aim….FIRE!

Archers: Yes, sir! [FIRE AT THE PEGASUS]

Medee: [STRIKES THE ARROWS DOWN WITH LIGHTNING]

Soldier 1: My Lord, the…the arrows didn't work!

Matthias: What? But how? We have over two hundred archers! No flier has that kind of power.

Rodrigue: No….only one flier we've ever known does….

Medee: [CALLING OUT FOR THEM TO HEAR] It has certainly has been some time, Matthias. You look well, Rodrigue.

Rodrigue: Lady Medee….we thought you died.

Medee: Funny. I hear that a lot these days. So tell me, Matthias, how is my dear sister? Last I heard, she bore you a child. I'd love to finally meet him. What was my little nephew blessed with for a name again?

Matthias: D-dammit.

Medee: Oh, that's right. You have a new family now. [RAISES ARROW OF INDRA]

Soldier 1: Archers! Prepare to- [GETS BLASTED BY LIGHTNING, FALLS]

Soldier 2: Goddess above…. [TERRIFIED] L-Lord Gautier, sir? What do we do?

Matthias: [SPEECHLESS]

Soldier 2: Sir? Sir! [GETS BLASTED WITH LIGHTNING]

Soldier 3: What are your orders?! My Lord?!

Rodrigue: RETRIEVE THE RELIC AND RETREAT! DO NOT ENGAGE! RETREAT! RETREAT!

Medee: [BRINGS DOWN MORE LIGHTNING]

 [BATTLE REQUIREMENTS]

Victory Conditions: Defeat Enemy Commanders, Retrieve the Relic before Rodrigue escapes Enemies: Rodrigue Achille Fraldarius, Matthias Raul Gautier, Ingrid (if not recruited), Ashe (if not recruited), Mercedes (if not recruited), Annette (if not recruited), Randomized enemy soldiers Defeat Conditions: Byleth, Sylvain, Felix, or Medee fall in battle

[BATTLE START]

Felix: [SIGHS WATCHING THE SCENE] And this is why she should have stayed home. She's not paying attention to who she's aiming at.

Sylvain: Dammit. We need to hurry before she hits us by accident.  Don't let the enemy get away with the Relic!

 [REWARD BONUS]

Complete the map without allies HP reaching 0 due to friendly fire.

 [UNIQUE DIALOGUE-FACING INGRID]

If Byleth is sent to fight Ingrid:

Ingrid: Professor, please. This war cannot go on. Don't make us fight you. It's not too late to change the path you walk.

If Sylvain is sent to fight Ingrid:

Sylvain: Hey there, Ingrid. I'm sorry, but we have personal business. Ingrid: It isn't too late, Sylvain. You can still come home. Sylvain: Heh. Wish that were true. Anyway, let's not beat around the bush, eh? Ingrid: Dammit, Sylvain. If you won't come back, I'll need to drag you back by your ear!

If Felix is sent to fight Ingrid:

Felix: Out of the way, Ingrid. We have things to do. Ingrid: Felix, please. Come back to us. Felix: I'm not going back, Ingrid. Nothing you say can change that. Ingrid: You stubborn fool. Fine. I'll drag you home myself. On your shield if I have to.

If Dorothea was deployed and sent to fight Ingrid and their B support was seen:

Dorothea: Hey there, Ingrid. It's been a long time. You look lovely. Ingrid: Thank you, Dorothea. So do you. Dorothea: I wish we didn't have to fight each other. We were friends, once. Ingrid: We were. And I'm grateful for our friendship, as short as it was. Dorothea: I feel the same. Well, let's not beat around the bush anymore.

If Medee is sent to fight Ingrid:

Ingrid: Wait a moment. You look…are you related to Hubert? Who on earth are you?! Why…why are you looking at me like that? Stop it! Medee: Galatea's daughter. I sense a great deal of potential in you. Hmh….yes, quite. Very well. I won't kill you. Ingrid: Y-you, what? Medee: Professor? I will try to convince this little angel to join us. She would be a great asset to the people, don't you think?

[BONUS ASSIGNMENT]

Send Medee to attack recruitable units first, and you'll be given the option to spare them.

If you choose to spare Ingrid:

Ingrid: You're….sparing me? But why? Medee: Don't you want to see a better future? One where your dreams and obligations aren't tearing you asunder? Join us, Ingrid. We still need knights like you. Ingrid: I…Very well. I will join you.

If you choose not to spare Ingrid:

Ingrid: Dammit. I can't die yet. I'm sorry, Lord Matthias, Lord Rodrigue. I need to withdraw. [RETREATS] Rodrigue: Do not worry about it, Ingrid. Just get home safely! Medee: Such a shame. Farewell, little knight. I wish you well.

[UNIQUE DIALOGUE - FACING ASHE] If Byleth is sent to fight Ashe:

Ashe: Professor? I'm really glad to see you are alive. I just wish it were in better circumstances. One where we were on the same side. Forgive me.

If Sylvain is sent to fight Ashe:

Sylvain: I hate that we gotta fight like this, Ashe. Ashe: As do I. However, I have a duty to uphold. Sylvain: I understand. You always had a strong code of honor. Well, don't hold back, Sir Knight.

If Hapi was deployed and sent to fight Ashe and their B support was seen:

Hapi: Hey, Freckles. Really didn't want to have to fight you. Would much rather hear another of your raunchy stories. Ashe: I don't want to fight you, either. I wish we could go back to those days. I have so many more stories…but- Hapi: Hey, no hard feelings.

If Rosamund was deployed and sent to fight Ashe and their B support was seen:

Rosamund: You know, Ashe? You're one of the view Faerghans I ever respected. To be honest, there were many times where I really envied you. Ashe: Strange. I could say the same thing about you. I miss our time together. I wish we could be friends again, like before. But we can't go back. Rosamund: We can't. We can only move forward. Well, my brave knight. Come hither.

If Medee is sent to fight Ashe:

Medee: I heard about you from my daughter. She has a certain fondness for those who put their younger family first. As do I. She says she misses you, you know. Ashe: Rosamund does? I…No, I can't back down. Do you hear me? I will protect the people of the Kingdom! Medee: You can protect them by not dying by my hand. I don't want to kill a precious boy like you.

If you choose to spare Ashe:

Medee: Come on, child. We need kind hearts like yours in this world still. Do not die before you can help so many more with your compassion. Ashe: If…if you are sure. Then very well. I shall join you.

If you choose not to spare Ashe:

Rodrigue: Ashe! Get out of there! Now! Ashe: R-right! I'm sorry I failed you. [RETREATS] Medee: You did not fail him, child….

[UNIQUE DIALOGUE - FACING ANNETTE]

If Byleth is sent to fight Annette:

Annette: Professor, please! I don't want to fight you. But I have to help protect the Margrave. And retrieve the relic. I won't cower from you!

If Felix is sent to fight Annette and their C support was seen:

Felix: It's you. Dammit. Annette: I really don't want to fight you, Felix. I know we didn't get along very well back at the academy, but…I considered you a friend. So don't hate me for this. Felix: Hating you would be….difficult. Enough talk, though. Let's just get this over with.

If Mercedes is deployed and their B support was seen:

Mercedes: Oh, Annie. I…I wish… Annette: I know. I know, Mercedes. But…never mind. It doesn't matter now, does it? Mercedes: No. I suppose not.

If Medee is sent to fight Annette:

Medee: Lord Dominic's ward. I sense a great amount of magic within you. Raw potential, like a geode. Annette: Y-you…what? Wait, no! I can't get distracted. You need to be stopped! Medee: Very well. Give me everything you have!

If you choose to spare Annette:

Medee: My son Tancred saw you as a dear friend. I cannot bring myself to kill you. Please, take my hand. You still have a chance at a full, happy life. Annette: I always did have fun with him back at the monastery….I don't know if this is the right path, but… okay. I'll hear you out.

If you choose not to spare Annette:

Matthias: Annette! Retreat! This isn't a battle you can win! Annette: But I can still fight-! Medee: You did well child. But if you will not join us, you best leave before I strike you down. Annette: …okay. Um…Tell Tancred I'm sorry. [RETREATS]

[UNIQUE DIALOGUE - FACING MERCEDES]

If Byleth is sent to fight Mercedes:

Mercedes: I'm sorry, Professor. But this is all in the name in the Goddess. I cannot let you move forward.

If Sylvain is sent to fight Mercedes and their B support was seen:

Sylvain: Of all the people on this battlefield, you're probably the one I really didn't want to see here. Mercedes: I feel the same. I wish I didn't have to fight you, Sylvain. Sylvain: [TEASING] That offer to marry me is still on the table. It's not too late to change sides. Mercedes: [GIGGLES] That was so long ago. If things were different….well, let's not dwell on that. Sylvain: Agreed. I'm sorry, my friend. Mercedes: As am I. Forgive me.

If Jeritza is deployed and sent to fight Mercedes:

Mercedes: It's…it's really you, isn't it, Emil? Jeritza: Mercedes, lower your arms. I do not wish to fight you. Mercedes: I could never stand to see you cry….but…

If Annette is deployed and sent to fight Mercedes:

Mercedes: Oh, Annie. I…I wish… Annette: I know. I know, Mercedes. But…never mind. It doesn't matter now, does it? Mercedes: No. I suppose not.

If Medee is sent to fight Mercedes:

Medee: Looking at you pains me. I do not wish to fight such a gifted healer who helped tend to my son. Mercedes: How is Tancred? Is he taking his medicines like he's supposed to? Medee: He is. He even managed to grow past the need for the nausea herbs. He grows stronger day by day. Mercedes: I'm so glad. Oh…I wish we didn't have to fight… Medee: Give me everything you have, child.

If you choose to spare Mercedes:

Medee: There are so many children who still need you, Mercedes. Do not die before you've lived to see them all grow up. Goddess knows, you of all people deserve to see them. Mercedes: I….you're right. I'm not ready to die here. Goddess forgive me for this. Medee: If anyone should ask for forgiveness, it's the Goddess asking for yours, Mercedes.

If you choose not to spare Mercedes:

Mercedes: I…I can't let you… Rodrigue: Mercedes, run! You can't win this. RUN! Mercedes: I…I'm sorry…. [RETREATS] Medee: A dark shadow looms over you, my dear…

[UNIQUE DIALOGUE - FACING RODRIGUE]

If Byleth is sent to fight Rodrigue:

Rodrigue: It has been a long time, Professor. It is a shame that I must end your path here and now.

If Felix is sent to fight Rodrigue:

Rodrigue: Felix. It is not too late, son. You can still come home. You'd be welcomed with open arms. Felix: It isn't that simple, father. It was never that simple. Don't try to pretend like it is. Rodrigue: Do not make me fight you, my son. Felix: If you can't face me, coward, then you need to lay down your sword. Permanently.

If Sylvain is sent to fight Rodrigue:

Sylvain: Pity we had to reunite like this, huh, Lord Rodrigue? Rodrigue: Your mother and father miss you dearly, Sylvain. Will you not return to us? Sylvain: I wish I could, but I can't. There's things I still have to do. Mother would understand, if she knew who I now fight beside. Rodrigue: You are making a grave error, boy. That woman is not to be trusted! Sylvain: ….neither am I.

If Medee is sent to fight Rodrigue:

Medee: Rodrigue Achille Fraldarius! Face me in battle, cur! Rodrigue: Dammit. You need to leave, Anavros! This doesn't concern you! Medee: It concerns Chalciope. Anything involving her will always concern me! Now, face me, coward!

After Defeating Rodrigue:

Medee: You lost, Rodrigue. Hand over the box you carry. Rodrigue: And why should I? Medee: Matthias signed a blood oath with me a long time ago. Part of that oath was the return of the contents of that box upon my sister's death. Rodrigue: He did what? Matthias… Medee: I understand such pacts are ironclad in the Kingdom of Faerghus, are they not? I remember you signed such a pact once upon a time. Rodrigue: I plan to uphold mine. Medee: Then we are in agreement. Look into the box. If you see what I assume you will, you will understand why I am here. I even have the old letter signed by our witness. You won't believe who signed it with us. Rodrigue: [CHECKS THE BOX] Dammit….Matthias, you… Medee: Will you hand it over? Rodrigue: ….very well. Take it. Medee: Good boy. For that, I'll let you live another day.

[ACQUIRED: ANAURUS, THE MYSTIC SANDALS] [ACQUIRED: CHALIOPE'S PERSONAL EFFECTS] [ACQUIRED: AEGIS SHIELD (if not already acquired)]

[UNIQUE DIALOGUE - FACING MATTHIAS]

If Byleth or another unit is deployed:

Matthias: I am Mattias Raul Gautier. I am His Majesty's first line of defense in the north. And I refuse to allow you to get away with this!

If Sylvain is sent to face Matthias:

Sylvain: Hello, father. Been a while. Matthias: You chose to follow the Empire. Do you fully intent do betray us further siding with the Witch. Sylvain: Just answer me one question, father. Is it true you and Lady Medee had a blood oath? Matthias: What? How- Sylvain: I read the letters your first wife wrote to her, father… Is it true? Was Lady Medee was supposed to get custody of Miklan? Matthias: You do not need to concern yourself with things from before your birth. You wouldn't understand anyway. Ironic, considering you understood your position in this family. None of it matters. Sylvain: None of it matters? You really don't care how your choices- No. Never mind. I'm done trying to understand your choices. I'm done trying to be the understanding one. We're done.

If Medee is sent to face Matthias:

Medee: It has been a very long time, Matthias. Matthias: It has. You…look well. Medee: I wrote to her, you know. Begged Chalciope to come home during the Plagues. She insisted on trusting your word that the home near the border would be safe. Matthias: I cannot excuse my failure, Medee. I should have been there to protect her. Medee: You should have. But you should have done right after you lost her. You didn't. And now, it is time for a reckoning.

After defeating Matthias:

Medee: You've lost. Matthias: Well? Get it over with, then. Medee: ….no. I don't think I will. We still need you to make good on your end of the oath, Matthias.

[AFTER DEFEATING THE FINAL ENEMY]

Sylvain: Lady Medee, we're done here. We got what we came for. Let's go home.

Medee: I'm not quite finished, yet. Sylvain, Felix, take the Professor and go fetch any of the remaining "items". I'll meet you back at camp.

Felix: They can go. I'll stay and help clean up the mess.

Sylvain: No. I'll stay. You go. I…need a moment to talk with my father.

Medee: I will give you a moment to speak with him, Sylvain. But then I need to be left alone with the man. Professor, look after the boys, alright?

[STAGE COMPLETE]

You successfully completed the Paralogue and earned rewards.

[BACK AT THE MONASTERY]

Sylvain: Glad that's over with.

Felix: I agree. I don't want to see those bastards any longer than I have to.

Medee: …..

Byleth: Is everything alright, Medee?

Medee: As well as can be. All things considered. A blood oath is not something to be taken lightly. Maintaining it takes a toll on the spirit.

[OPTION 1]

Byleth: What exactly is a blood oath?

Felix: It's an outdated custom, but one the older Knights of Faerghus take seriously. You make a pact before a witness and the Goddess, signed in blood. The one who breaks their side of the blood oath needs to make reparations.

Sylvain: They can be anything, really. What matters is meeting the conditions. It's not something to be made unless you mean to keep it.

[OPTION 2]

Byleth: This blood oath must be important to you.

Medee: Indeed. I made it before the graduation ceremony when I was an Academy student. And I've kept that vow ever since.

Felix: What was the oath about anyway?

Medee: [TURNS TO SYLVAIN] Are you alright with me explaining?

Sylvain: Better they know now before we have to face the Kingdom again.

Medee: Very well. [TAKES A DEEP BREATH] Before we graduated, Matthias came to me to ask for my blessing. He'd fallen hard for my younger sister, Chalciope. We were, as was called at the time, Daphnel Twins. Born no more than a year apart, and thicker than thieves. She and I were Black Eagles, and she was a Dancer. And everyone who knew her was smitten. Matthias, if I recall correctly, was her most persistent admirer. He told me he wanted to court my sister, and intended to marry her. He did, eventually, and the two had a son. One you had to strike down.

Byleth: You mean Miklan?

Medee: Indeed. He was my nephew.

Felix: What exactly where the terms of this oath, anyway? It must have been pretty severe to have rattled my old man enough for him to cave into your demands.

Medee: They were simple. In exchange for my blessing, my sister's dowry, and our family's keepsake, Matthias swore to protect my sister, love her and her children unconditionally and equally regardless of their Crest status, and upon my sister's passing, her remains were to be returned to be buried in our family's tomb on our grounds, while the keepsake and any Crestless children were to be turned over to my custody.

Felix: What? Then you mean-

Sylvain: [VOICE TIGHT] Yeah. Father had her kept with our dead. And he kept Miklan and the keepsake. The supposed "Heroes's Relic" we recovered.

Medee: Indeed. The conditions for if either of us broke our side of the bargain were also absolute. Despite her passing, I never revoked my blessing of their marriage. I made sure to include that in every letter and journal to my sister.

Byleth: What happens if you break the oath.

Medee: It's dependent. I offered up the life of my future husband at the time, though I did not know who it was to be until later. He offered up the life of the Heir to the Lance of Ruin.

Felix: [FUMING] He did what?! [LOOKS TO SYLVAIN] Did you-

Sylvain: Of course I knew, Felix. She already explained it to me before we even left for the mission.

Felix: If you knew, then why did you try to insist she stay behind as well?

Sylvain: It's called acting, Felix. You never know who might be listening where a blood oath is involved.

Felix: Then does this mean….do you intend to-

Medee: Rest assured, reparations have already been made.

Byleth: But Sylvain still stands.

Medee: Before we left, remember how I had a moment alone with Matthias and Sylvain? I needed a witness to the amendment to the blood oath.

Sylvain: That's why I stayed behind.

Felix: And what was this so-called amendment?

Medee: An alternative to Sylvain's life. I simply bade Matthias to choose.

Byleth: Choose?

Medee: Either I take the life of his remaining soldiers who still stood by him on the battlefield, or I take Matthias's life. Once he agreed to the amendment, I sent Sylvain ahead to join you.

Sylvain: I didn't stay to find out his choice. And to be honest, I don't want to know.

Medee: What do you think he chose, Professor?

[OPTION 1]

Byleth: He sacrificed his remaining soldiers.

Medee: An interesting theory. There is merit to it. Sylvain is worth at least a hundred soldiers alone.

Felix: But if he were to do that, his reputation would be ruined and he'd be branded a coward and potential traitor. He wouldn't be allowed anywhere near the Boar, and he'd be under constant surveillance.  He would probably be forced to spend the rest of his life at the border of Sreng until he died with a guard prepared to strike him down should the need arise.

[OPTION 2]

Byleth: He sacrificed himself.

Medee: Like a true Faerghan knight? Perhaps. It would be in line with most of his beliefs.

Felix: If he did that, Gautier territory would be left abandoned. Sreng could use the opportunity to invade. Not to mention he'd leave the Boar with one less guardian. If word got out about his blood oath to you after his death, he'd be branded a coward and a deceiver. Whatever reputation House Gautier have left to them would be obliterated.

Medee: Indeed. Either way, he and the name Gautier would not leave this world unscathed.

Felix: And you're okay with this?

Sylvain: I have my own screw ups to fix. I don't have time to focus on my father's anymore. It's time House Gautier actually stood for something other than it's pride over a Crest.

Medee: You have a lot road ahead. But if this Fraldarius boy is any indication of your circle, I think you'll make it just fine. Professor? [HANDS OVER THE BOX] Hold onto this, will you? I already removed the blood oath letter from the box, so feel free to look.

Byleth: What is it?

Medee: The family keepsake, Anaurus. The Mystic Sandals. I have no use of them currently. It is meant to go to the Heir of House Anavros. And seeing as that house is no more, currently, it is without a keeper. Bestow it temporarily to her Majesty's Dancer. I feel it will come in handy in the coming days. Now, if you'll excuse me….[LEAVES]

[CHALCIOPE'S PERSONALEFFECTS HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM YOUR CONVOY]

Felix: Those are well crafted sandals. Pure silver, if I'm not mistaken. And the gems look enchanted. I'm sure you'll make sure they're put to use. But Lady Medee….I'll be blunt, she did not look well. Considering her family, that's concerning. Can't afford her of all people falling ill.

Sylvain: I'll talk to her later. Professor? Thank you for your help with this. We appreciate it. Really. [LEAVES]

Byleth: …so who witnessed the original oath?

Felix: If I had to guess, there's only one person in the world whose witness to that could have shaken my father to his core that way.

Byleth: Who?

Felix: ….it doesn't matter. Ghosts should stay dead. [STORMS OUT]

Byleth: (They all look so heartbroken…. )

[REWARD DESCRIPTION]

Anaurus, the Mystic Sandals: Equip to Dancer. Increases movement by +2

[umbralstars]

Chapter 2 is out! After nearly loosing his life in the ruins, Rodrigue assesses what happened to him with the help of a few old friends.

[lapinbunwrites]

So apparently there is @fe-oc-week going rn and I almost missed it! So I am going to clump as many of the prompts as I can.

Day 1: Introductions

Her name is Elena von Riegan! The illegitimate daughter of Godfrey von Riegan and his mistress Setsuna. She was born in the year of 1153. When she was about six years old, her and her mother left the Leicester Alliance to get to another country, but they end up in Fraldarius territory where they stayed. When the plague hit, it took her mother, leaving her by herself with no family left to speak of. She is a dark flier and her pegasus was a gift from Lambert and was once his first wife's pegasus.

Elena is very energetic, cunning, and stubborn. She loves her pegasus, dancing, singing, purple butterflies, rose acacia flowers. spicy food. Here interests includes learning new tactics, exploring, new training styles, and scheming. She does not like her father, disorganization, heat, and swimming. Elena is one year younger than Glenn and she is 9 years older than Felix.

Day 2: Relationships

She was part of the next generation of Faerghun four which includes Glenn Govan Fraldarius, Colby Frey Galatea, and Miklan Anschutz Gautier.

Glenn: Her childhood friend who she bonded with instantly. Over the course of their lives, they became best friends and did everything with. Eventually the two did fall in love with each other, but never acted on it because of Glenn's betrothal to Ingrid. She is the one that Glenn trusts the most.

Colby: They are very close and are childhood friends. They are pure chaos with each other and have zero braincells when they are around each other. They do care about each other deeply and Colby trust her to the point that he told her that she is a trans woman and wants to go by Astrid instead of Colby.

Miklan: The two used to be so close, like brother and sister, and did everything together. They both trained in axes and war tactics under Matthias and magic under Miklan's mother, Raven. They always competed with each other to see who was best. Elena always won. But with the birth of Sylvain, that's when their relationship broke. They constantly fought and she did everything she could to protect Sylvain from Miklan's terrible behavior. With the way Miklan treated his younger brother, she lost all feelings towards him and felt relief when he left/died.

Holst: They are friendly with each other and get along very well. They usually train with each other or have a little tea party to catch up on life since they don't see each other all that often. Sometimes they are at odds with each other, but usually they come to an agreement.

Balthus: As much as Elena likes Balthus, she gets very frustrated with Balthus. Most of her frustrations come from cleaning up his mess with Holst. She constantly questions their friendship and wonders how is still alive most of the time.

Claude: Elena cares for Claude so very much. Whenever they are around each other, they get into so much trouble and have so much fun. They pull multiple pranks on people, especially on the Gloucester family. They constantly give Judith and Nader heart-attacks. Elena also is very motherly towards Claude.

Godfrey: Elena despises her father and can't stand him. She went no contact with him after her and her mother left Riegan Territory. From what she remembers of him, she didn't feel like he cared for her or her mother. She also felt like she was like she was never meant to exist and that she was a plight on the Riegan name. So she never cared to keep in contact with her father when she got older.

Amelia: Elena always felt loved from Duchess Fraldarius, as she was the daughter Amelia never got. The two of them are very close, and they treat each other with a lot of respect.

Rodrigue: Rodrigue is like a father to Elena. He treats her with such kindness, softness, and gentleness. If she had any opinion on how a father should be, it would be Rodrigue. He trusts her with a lot of information and has her as his advisory, not only for him, but for his wife and his son Glenn.

Lambert and Aisla: Elena is like a daughter that they never had. They are like a third family to her. They care for each other deeply and trust her with so much.

Dimitri: Elena is like an older sister Dimitri and one of his closest friends. She would do anything to protect him, even at the cost of her life and in turn he would do the same. She believes in him and the future he wants to create. She is also very motherly towards him.

Ingrid: Elena and Ingrid don't get along with each other at all. She wanted to befriend her and be nice to her for Glenn's sake and because she would become Ingrid's advisor in the event she becomes the next Duchess Fraldarius. But that always failed with Ingrid's jealousy and hatred towards her. Elena does everything possible to avoid Ingrid.

Day 3: Backstory

Elena was born the only, and illegitimate, daughter of Godfrey von Riegan and his mistress Setsuna. She is also the niece of Tiana von Riegan and cousin to Claude von Riegan.

Setsuna's and Godfrey's relationship was kept in secret, and when Elena was born, her existence was also kept as a secret. Shortly after Godfrey's relationship and daughter found out, Setsuna feared the worst for her and her child, she took Elena and left the Alliance Territory. Setsuna fled towards Duscur in hopes of saving Elena from her family and all the backlash.

On their way to Duscur, they ended up in Fraldarius, only hoping to stay the night. While they were there, Elena befriended Glenn instantly. After that, they stayed there. Setsuna became an advisor to Duchess Fraldarius, Amelia and Elena enjoyed her childhood in Fraldarius.

Because of her mother constantly traveling, Elena was able to befriend Colby/Astrid Frey Galatea and Miklan Anschutz Gautier. She was able to train in axe and tactics under Matthias and reason magic under his wife, Raven. She would also travel with Amelia and Glenn to the Alliance Territory, where Elena was able meet Balthus and Holst.

With her friendship with Glenn and the Fraldarius family, she grew close to the Blaiddyd family. She learned how to hunt, ride a pegasus, and light magic because of the Queen Consort, Seraphina. Once Seraphina passed away, Lambert gifted Elena with his wife's pegasus because he knew no one would be able to ride her and Elena would be able to take care of her.

Growing up with Glenn, she fell in love with him. He was always so kind, so gentle with her, and he gave her all of his trust. They always confided in each other. As they grew, it always pained her that he would end up with Ingrid to the point where she debated leaving the Fraldarius family. She stayed anyways with the family, coming to the conclusion that she was content being with Glenn even if he was going to marry Ingrid.

Much to her delight, Glenn decided that after his travels to Duscur, he would end his betrothal to Ingrid and truly start his relationship with Elena.

Day 4: Tragedy

Elena was cleaning some rooms in Castle Fraldarius for when Lambert, Matthias, and a few other visitors came for some business. While she did that, she found a notebook that belonged to Lambert's first wife. While she read through it, she thought it would be best if he saw it because it had some incriminating info about Rufus and what his plans were for the throne. When she went up to Fhridiad to discuss negotiations with Duscur, she forgot the notebook and Lambert, Glenn, and the small army to wait a couple days. If she wasn't back from Fraldarius with the notebook, to go ahead and leave without her.

When she was on her way back to Fhridiad, she was ambushed by the TWISTED. She fought off as many as she could, but she wasn't able to survive the attack. She ultimately died along with her pegasus. In her last moments, she wished Glenn all the happiness in the world and hopefully he loves someone as much as he loved her. Her body was taken back to Fraldarius Castle where she had a proper funeral. Her pegasus was taken back to Fhridiad to have a proper send off of her own.

Day 5: Joy

In another world, she gets to Fhridiad in time and saves her life and the life of many, including Glenn's and Lambert's. Because of this, Glenn was able to call of his betrothal to Ingrid and they began to date, eventually getting married. They ended up having two children, Akari and Hotaru. They had Akari when Felix went to the academy, right around the time he receives the Aegis shield. Then they had Hotaru during the five year war.

Day 7: Endings

She will only have one canon ending and that will be with Glenn.

"After the war had ended, Elena went back to House Fraldarius with her beloved husband. Both Glenn and Elena rebuilt and restored Fraldarius Territory to its former glory, even making it better than the previous Duke and Duchess. It was often said that the Duke and Duchess spent much time in the kitchen with their children, filling the castle with laughter and celebrations. The recipes that they had, were passed down from generation to generation and became pillars of what food that started a culinary revolution, setting a new trend in the culinary world."

[onyxedskies]

Matthias's Wives

Lya Gautier

His first wife, Miklan's mother. She was the daughter of the then Baron Ochs. She had been a bishop; he met her at the Officers Academy.

Aurelie Gautier

His second wife, Sylvains mother. A cousin of the Goneril family, Rodrigue helped the two meet.

[callmewishful]

Man this took a totally different turn than I planned. Gautier Family Week day 3: Duties (ish? lol)

(There is hunting and the stuff that goes with it in this, just as a fair warning. Nothing graphic though!)

.—.

Miklan watched from the side of the bed as his second mother gently brushed back a mess of flaming red hair. The baby had been born many hours ago, but this was the first time Miklan got to see him.

“What do you think, Miklan?” His mother asked. Miklan had already been forewarned that this was a trick question.

Truthfully, Miklan wasn’t sure what to think. The baby was a weird shade of red and kind of boring. That brought the little bundle in his mother’s arms into a negative light. He had been told that having a little sibling would be fun. If all this baby did was sleep, how could he be any fun?

Still, no matter Miklan’s true feelings, he had been informed that he should give positive responses only. His mother had gone through many hours of pain and the least Miklan could do for her was be polite. “I dunno. He’s quiet.”

Miklan did think the baby was polite to be so silent. Nieve had said that the baby would cry and be loud. But the baby gained a little of Miklan’s good feelings by proving Nieve a liar. Since Miklan had been in the room, it hadn’t cried once.

“He’s very sleepy.” She told him, looking far more tired than the little baby. Even more tired than after the night her and Miklan had stayed up because he had been sick. He decided then that he didn’t want a baby.

When Sylvain got even older, Miklan found he was good at listening and asking questions to understand things. That was probably Miklan’s favorite. He liked teaching a little brother and showing him cool things. He liked when Sylvain stared up at him with big wondrous eyes. Syl was super curious and asked so many questions of Miklan, just like Mik used to do to their father. He wondered if Sylvain thought Miklan knew everything, just like Miklan thought Father knew everything. That was a cool thought.

To make things even better, Sylvain was kinda fun. He followed Miklan around and did what Miklan asked him to and never complained about getting dirty or having to be quiet while they snuck around like some of the other kids did. In fact, Sylvain seemed to like just about anything as long as he got to hang around Miklan. Mother and Nieve had been right. It was fun to have someone to play with all the time.

Miklan and Sylvain’s favorite thing to do was play spy. They’d tiptoe around the manor and listen to gain information. Father didn’t like it when they played the game with him, so they played with manor staff and Mother instead. They usually didn’t play for long because most older people talked about boring stuff like Lady Fraldarius having a baby, King Lambert enacting some new law, or Galatea soil not producing any crops. But every now and then, they’d hear something really good like the cook was baking cookies for dessert or a wild beast was on the loose in the woods.

Sylvain tugged hard on Miklan’s arm. “We gotta investi-bate!” Sylvain was only four, so he didn’t say things so good sometimes. He had the right sentiment though.

“Of course we do! We gotta protect Gautier from the beasts! Come on, Syl! We gotta grab our weapons and armor!”

Both boys took off running towards the armory. Even though they were small, they got to keep their weapons with the big knights. It made them feel just as important.

Miklan helped tuck a blanket into the back of Sylvain’s jacket so it fluttered like a cape. Sylvain wasn’t big enough to have armor yet so blanket padding would have to do it. Armor really just absorbed the hits anyway. Blankets would probably do the same thing.

Miklan put his armor on and grabbed his axe and a lance. Father taught him that it was important to have a backup weapon in case your first one broke. He handed Sylvain two small lances as well, warning him to be careful because it was sharp. They couldn’t fight beasts without real weapons.

Sylvain was good at memorizing routes, so Miklan let him lead the way west while Mik strategized their plan. The beast was probably pretty big so they had to account for that because they were small, especially Sylvain. Maybe Sylvain could provide long-distant support like an archer. Miklan wore heavy armor to be able to take hits up front. He could distract the beast while Sylvain snuck up on it! Sylvain was little and quiet. It would work perfectly!

They walked for a long time through the snow, Miklan sharing his master plan with Sylvain. Both boys agreed it would work wonderfully, and Sylvain was excited to get to help even though he was small.

After wading through heavier and deeper snow, Sylvain stopped, eyes bright while he tapped Miklan’s arm. “Look!” He pointed to their left. Miklan grinned.

It was the beast.

The animal was big and tall, meaty and mighty. Light brown fur coated its back and legs, though it had a little scruff of white on its neck. Sharp pointy horns sat upon its head. They’d have to watch out for those when attacking.

It didn’t notice them yet, so Miklan took this opportunity to rediscuss the plan. As soon as he stepped closer to kneel by Sylvain, the beast’s head snapped up. They’d have to be extra quiet if they wanted to catch this.

Miklan placed his finger to his lips. He pulled out his lance and showed Sylvain how to position it to throw. They’d never be able to sneak up on it with the beast being this jumpy, which meant they’d both have to go for a long range attack. Miklan held up his left hand to count them off. One…two…three!

They both threw their lances as hard as they could. And they stuck! Both lances got the beast in the back leg; Miklan’s in the upper, Sylvain’s in the lower. The beast took off running, hobbling a bit with its injury.

“CHARGE!” Sylvain shouted, pointing after the beast. His little legs took off as fast as he could go, which wasn’t that quick. Miklan hoisted Syl up over his shoulder so they could go fast. He didn’t want to miss the monster!

With the beast’s slowness and the little trickle of blood to help them, the boys tracked the monster to its next stopping point. It was harder to keep quiet with his heavy breathing, but Miklan silently took Sylvain’s final lance to make one last attack. He knew that hearts were closer to the front of most beasts, so that’s exactly where he aimed.

Back on the ground, Sylvain’s little hands were gripped into tight fists, teeth clenched in anticipation of the strike. Miklan slowly brought the lance forward over his shoulder, practicing the throw before lunging it forward. Direct hit!

The mighty beast fell hard and Sylvain screamed a great cheer! They had done it!

Sylvain jumped up and down following behind Miklan to check out their triumphant victory. Miklan took out the lances and cleaned them against the wet snow while Sylvain admired the pointy horns of the animal.

“We did good.” He announced with an emphasizing nod. Miklan agreed.

Together, one boy on each set of horns, they pulled the mighty beast back to the manor. It was getting dark out, though thanks to Sylvain’s memory and Miklan’s directional skills, they were still able to find the right path home back home. As they got closer and closer, they could hear shouting but couldn’t make out what was being said.

“Another beastie!” Sylvain determined, dropping his half of the animal to run forward. His little blanket flapped behind him as he went, partially covered in red blood.

As he got closer, he realized that people weren’t shouting over a beast. They were shouting for him and Miklan. He listened closer and thought he could hear Mother and Father among the voices.

“Momma!” He shouted, running ahead again. The thought of his mother and father being attacked pushed energy through him.

Phelan heard him coming, she always did, and he collapsed into her safe arms.

“Oh Goddess.” The woman inspected him, eyes wide. “Matthias! Matthias, bring a healer!”

Sylvain didn’t understand the urgency. He was fine. A little tired and heavily breathing from the running, but fine.

His father ran up to them, crouching down so he could inspect Sylvain for himself. He grabbed Syl from his mother’s grip and started taking his coat off. “Where are you hurt, Sylvain? Where’s Miklan?”

Phelan looked past their younger son then, trying to spot Miklan from where Sylvain had come from.

“M’not hurt.” Sylvain told them. “Miklan has the beast!”

Both parents stopped then, staring at Sylvain with frowns and worried expressions.

“The beast?” Matthias asked.

“It has horns!” Sylvain exclaimed excitedly. “But we got it. Miklan ran fast!”

The adults shared a confused look between them. Sylvain wasn’t sure why. Him and Miklan saw a beast and saved the town! What was hard about that?

“Where is Miklan?” Matthias asked again. He did this often when he couldn’t understand what Sylvain was saying. Miklan was better at explaining things because he knew more stuff.

“Back there with the beast.” Sylvain pointed in the direction he’d come from. His father told his mother to take Sylvain inside before running off in the direction Sylvain pointed in.

Phelan scooped up the little boy and started to bring him towards the manor. They had just met up with the healer when his father started shouting for his mother again. She shared a look Sylvain couldn’t read with the healer and turned back.

Breaking the clearing was his father and brother, Matthias holding the beast up with one hand by the horns. Sylvain marveled at his father’s strength. The beast had been heavy for Sylvain, even with Miklan’s help.

Phelan looked from Matthias to Sylvain, lips pressed together in a thin line. She looked like she wanted to say something, but wasn’t sure what. It took her until Matthias and Miklan were only a few feet away but she finally asked, “What the hell is going on?”

Matthias sighed, looking from the animal back to her again. “Apparently I need to take my sons hunting more often.”

[callmewishful]

Thinking about Gautiers again, specifically Matthias and his first wife. Have some headcannons for funsies:

Rodrigue’s then-future-wife, Seraphine (Sera), set Matthias and Ophelia (Lia) up. I also hc that Sera set up Matthias and his second wife, Phelan, and Sera revels in the fact that she set Matthias up with both of wives.

Matthias and Sera “hate” each other and bicker constantly, so Matthias nearly considers divorce every time Sera brings it up

Lia is from Ochs territory and she’s the second born daughter of the past Baron, Perseus

Perseus actually didn’t mind Matthias dating his daughter. Matthias seemed to treat her well and she liked Gautier, so he was fine with it

Until Matthias’s father was forced to step down after their second year at Garreg Mach (a story for another day). Lia decided not to go back for her third year in order to help Matthias run the territory and Perseus hated that

Lia and Matty got pregnant with Miklan two months before the wedding. Rodrigue and Lambert gave them so much crap about how they couldn’t wait two months

They used to fight over who got to hold/be with Miklan more. You’d think Matthias would naturally get to spend less time with Miklan being Margrave but he would carry Miklan in one arm and do his work with the other. (Times were simpler back then 🥲)

Lia is a little spitfire so she absolutely dishes it out to Matthias’s friends. Her and Matt feed off each other and it’s torture

Rodrigue just looks at Sera and says “You did this”

Lia is most definitely a little salty Miklan looks so much like his dad. If she could see how much Sylvain looks like his mom, she’d go after Matthias with her lance

Lambert gets to the afterlife and definitely tells her lol

[callmewishful]

Okay, it’s not quite finished because I cannot write anything quick, but here is Academy Dads, featuring Momma Fraldarius! (More under the cut…I said I write nothing quick and short)

.—.

Rodrigue sighed as he considered his newest friend. The boy was an odd addition to the duo Rodrigue was so used to. He was stubborn and strong willed…okay that wasn’t that odd compared to himself or Lambert. But, he did not mince words or consider the feelings of others when giving his opinion; one did not turn to him when they desired traditional comfort or an expression of validation for their actions. Matthias had a shrewd mind, one for tactics and strategy that was born of necessity. As future Margrave Gautier, he was tasked with keeping the citizens of Faerghus alive, not coddling their feelings…as so eloquently put by the current Margrave upon Rodrigue’s first meeting with him.

Having grown up with such a sentiment, you always knew the words Matthias spoke were the truth or what he believed was correct and just. He often spoke the things you didn’t necessarily want to hear, but needed to.

It had been difficult to tell whether or not Matthias truly cared for them at all - a sentiment Lambert held far closer than Rodrigue did. Lambert often missed the signs Matthias left him, too focused on other tasks to have the time to search for them. But if one was to be friends with Matthias and understand the boy as well as he knew himself, then one had to take time now and then. Thankfully for all the boys, Rodrigue was good at reading Matthias and took it upon himself to point out the care Matthias showed to Lambert.

Rodrigue, for what it was worth, thought that Lambert was improving over time.

For whatever reason, Matthias found it easier to indulge personal information to Rodrigue over Lambert. Rodrigue personally thought this was because he was more open as well, but he was resigned to the fact that he’d never really know why. Either way, Rodrigue was grateful for the trust Matthias placed in him. If he thought for a second that Matthias should keep something from him, he wasn’t sure how he’d act. Lambert was far more restrained when it came to not knowing things than he was himself. It was something Rodrigue never understood, but even more so when he noticed…differences in Matthias.

It was probably nothing. Rodrigue and Lambert both were told that their imagination and ideas were quite “optimistic.” But this wasn’t an optimistic outlook.

Matthias had returned from Gautier the day before and he was…different. The current Margrave had called upon his son regarding Sreng. And though Matthias wouldn’t tell his friends what the outcome of that meeting was, Rodrigue knew that the reason for Matthias’s personality shift wasn’t due to it.

Lambert was failing to see what Rodrigue was worried about. “He seems the same to me.” The future king had said.

“He’s quieter than normal.” Rodrigue lightly pushed back. Perhaps the reason Matthias told more to Rodrigue was simply because he noticed more.

“He’s always quiet, Rodrigue.”

Lambert wasn’t necessarily wrong. Matthias didn’t often speak to those outside of their little group, but when he did he didn’t look so…defeated. And he certainly never avoided their gaze after a few seconds.

Rodrigue’s thought was that Matthias and his father had had a fight. Gautier was a reflective man, even if it wasn’t done for the sharpness of his words. Perhaps the fight had been bad and Matthias felt guilty. Or maybe he was worried about something at home, like his parents being ill. Whatever the reason, Matthias was definitely different and Rodrigue was going to find out why.

The things Matthias did not wish to discuss were hard to bring up consistently. The first time Rodrigue asked how Matthias’s visit home went and he got nothing more than a simple “fine” and a non-committed shrug. The second time Rodrigue asked if Matthias did anything of interest on his trip home and the future Duke received an odd look and a confused “no” as a response.

Whether it was irritating or helpful, Matthias was also good at reading people. Therefore, when Rodrigue asked how Matthias’s parents were, he received a sharp, “Is there something you wish to discuss with me, Rodrigue?” as a response.

Rodrigue knew from experience that taking a direct approach with his friend only worked 63% of the time. But he was caught and had no out so he relented, “You seem troubled upon your return to the monastery. Is something bothering you?”

“Nothing more than the situation up north.” Had this been Lambert, such a response would’ve satisfied him. It was logical. But it was because of its reasonableness that Rodrigue saw it for what it was: a lie.

The future Duke had never tried this tactic before and went with it only for curiosity sake, “Matthias you’re lying to me.”

His friend halted his training exercises, slowly lowering the lance in his hands, “Am I now? You think the situation up north doesn’t bother me?”

“No. Well, yes. No.” Damn Gautier. Rodrigue sighed, “I believe it bothers you, though I know you well enough to know that is not the only thing troubling you. What happened up there? Did you have a row?”

“You’re in over your head, Fraldarius.”

Rodrigue stood tall alongside his friend, “Come now, Matthias! With Lambert and I by your side, we can handle anything!”

Matthias very audibly scoffed, “Spare me your valor talk, Rodrigue. You’re sounding stupid. I only meant that you are in over your head trying to read me.”

That response alone was enough to tell Rodrigue that the words Matthias spoke were not true. Matthias was a blunt man, but he was not mean. Calling his friend stupid wasn’t typical Matthias behavior…At least not in that tone. No, Matthias had to be purposefully pushing Rodrigue away.

Apparently he had found a situation when one could not be sure the words Matthias spoke were the truth.

Still, the future Duke knew how this worked. Matthias could push all he wanted. Soon he’d grow weary of it and give in eventually.

Time told Rodrigue that he thought he knew how this worked.

Instead of growing weary, Matthias stood strong and grew only aggravated. Lambert, who was usually not the peacekeeper among friends, even had to step in and tell Rodrigue to let it go. He couldn’t do that though. Not when his friend was so clearly hurt.

He had one tactic left, and it was probably the stupidest one.

Rodrigue knew that Matthias trained with Lambert for an hour each night, always at the same time. Usually Rodrigue would join the pair to spend time with friends and observe. It wasn’t uncommon for him to pass in favor of the opportunity to see Seraphine though. Which is…or isn’t…exactly what Rodrigue was doing then.

The only downfall was that Lambert had nearly spoiled his plans by actually telling Sera that Rodrigue was spending time with her that night. Thus the girl had to be brought in on Rodrigue’s true plan and hence how Sera ended up sneaking around Matthias’s things with the future Duke.

“He’s going to murder you.” Sera kept whispering to him. There was no need to whisper, they were alone in the future Margrave’s room, but Rodrigue was grateful she did.

“He’s an agreeable enough man.” Rodrigue told himself more so than her. “And that’s only if he finds out.”

“Perhaps I’ll tell him. Would serve you right for using me in your lie.” She was teasing him now, a mischievous little smirk on her lips. It wasn’t fair, really. Pretty and a good sense of humor…No. He needed to focus.

He smiled patiently, focusing on flipping through the letters on Matthias’s desk. They only had another half hour before his friends, mostly Lambert, would grow bored of the task and call quits. “And how would you omit yourself from such events?”

“Easily. You left his door open.”

Rodrigue had to frown at that. Surely he would never be so foolish, and Matthias would know that. “That’ll never work. He would see right through it.”

“Will he now? And how so? What reason would I have to lie?”

“What reason would you have to turn me in? We are courting.”

She paused for a moment, mulling over his question. “I have a much higher standard of integrity.” She answered with finality.

Rodrigue chuckled at this. Anyone who knew his, hopefully, future wife would see through that as well. Sera was as wicked as the girl she was trying to set Matthias up with. Rodrigue wanted his friend to be happy though he was skeptical about the girl. If she were to get with Matthias, then they would be one hell of a pair. She would only enhance his wit, as opposed to mellowing him out.

“Does this ‘AG’ always write to him like this?” Sera punctured the careful silence. Seeing as she found something of use, Rodrigue turned to face her.

She was kneeling down by the small garbage at the end of the bed, apparently going through it. Rodrigue crinkled his nose, “Trash fishing? You know how Gautier is. I can’t believe you’d brave that.”

“I know how Gautier is, which is exactly why I did brave it. It’s just like him to get upset and throw stuff out. Honestly, do you know him at all?”

It was meant as a jest, but sometimes Rodrigue really did wonder if he knew Matthias. He thought he knew the boy better than most. Perhaps that was his own delusions that he had created to comfort himself. But he was the one that Matthias spent the most time with…and he was the one who got Matthias to divulge his favorite color and the memory of roughhousing with so many siblings and how his older brother would take him down to the Faerghus founding fair every year. Maybe such pieces of information were so trivial in Matthias’s mind that he didn’t mind sharing them with his constantly pestering friends.

“Listen to this: ‘Perhaps if you spent less time engaging in meaningless studies such as negotiations and diplomacy, you would prove to be less of a disappointment.’ What the hell? Who is this?”

Rodrigue took the crumpled up letter to read for himself. Who was talking to his friend in such a way? He didn’t recognize the handwriting, but perhaps Lambert would. The future king had far more experience with reading letters from the people of Faerghus.

And this ‘AG.’ Who could that be? His first thought was a Gautier, but the few he met on his trip to visit Matthias has been perfectly polite, if not a little blunt. Perhaps it was a staff member? Or one of his father’s advisors? In any case, this surely was what Matthias was so upset about earlier. He tolerated no disrespect, as all the Gautier’s before him.

The key hitting the lock was enough to freeze the blood in his veins. Matthias tolerated no disrespect and going through his personal items was certainly one of the biggest acts of such, even if Fraldarius did have good intentions.

“Move, dummy!” Seraphine hissed, pushing Rodrigue towards the gap under the bed. It was going to be a tight fit, but perhaps- “Fraldarius you’re going to get us both killed.”

Right! Rodrigue squeezed under the bed frame, Sera shoving him and herself in, hopefully, in the nick of time. They both held their breath, listening.

“Are you sure you wish to interrupt him, Lambert? One would think it to be a dangerous venture.” Matthias was telling his friend.

Rodrigue strained to catch Lambert’s reply. Whatever it was was funny, because Matthias chuckled. Perhaps Rodrigue wasn’t the only one good at lightening Matthias’s moods.

“I am telling you to learn from my mistakes, Your Highness.” Matthias called a little louder. He dug around for something, possibly a quick change of dress by the sounds of it, and shut the door.

Sera shot him a panicked look as the realization crossed her mind that they could be stuck there all night. Rodrigue knew such would not be the case. His friends would go down to the dining hall for dinner and then they would be free.

The door opened and Sera nearly breathed a sigh of relief until Lambert’s voice sounded through the room. “He’s not in there. He’s not in here is he?”

“Lambert. If he’s in here I’ll kill him.”

Lambert hit the floor, dropping down to peek under the bed. Imagine his surprise when the ones they spoke of were actually under there. Rodrigue was desperately trying not to laugh, while Sera was horrified, covering her mouth to stop from peeping.

During his prayers for silence, he asked the goddess to grant Lambert the power to lie, just this once. Lambert was the worst liar among them, a good trait for the type of king he wished to be, but awful for their schemes and Rodrigue at this moment.

“What are you doing?” Matthias demanded.

“Checking under the bed.” Lambert replied far smoother than Rodrigue thought possible. Perhaps Lambert was secretly a good liar and he’d just been faking.

“For what?”

Lambert smirked at the pair before standing, “For Rodrigue, you lout. It was a jest! Goddess someone needs to give you comedic lessons. Perhaps Alois could-“

“No. Absolutely not!” Matthias began arguing with the Crown Prince. Lambert’s plan was quite genius. If one could distract Matthias with an unfavorable outcome then he wouldn’t notice the oddity at the rate of which Lambert spoke. Their voices grew quieter, until the door shut and locked once again.

Rodrigue moved to free himself, but Sera held him in place, insisting they wait until there was no chance of being further caught.

“You were right,” She told him as he quietly shut the door behind them. “Matthias won’t kill you. I will.”

[malsfefanfics]

So I'm thinking of also posting my ideas for Paralogues for the Vestra family OCs, if people are interested. I have an idea of what they'd be, and I'm quite enjoying them.

So, I wanna hear what you think.

Here's the story ideas:

Pre-Time skip

Can't See The Forest: Required units - Byleth, Edelgard, Hubert

Hubert approaches the Professor and asks for assistance in retrieving something considered important to the Empire that was taken from the Egris Forest. Despite his protests, Edelgard insists on following them into battle. They discover that the important thing is actually a person; Hubert's sister, Rosamund.

Completion Requirements: Save Rosamund before her HP runs out, eliminate all enemies. Map Enemies: Bandits Reward: Access to Vestra Siblings

A Venomous Verismo: Required Units - Byleth, Dorothea, Ferdinand, Hubert or Rosamund (Choice Determines Reward)

Tancred's fallen ill, and the symptoms remind a certain star of something rather haunting. Not wanting to be a burden, the little one sets out to find the cure himself. Now he's in need of rescue, before it's too late.

Completion Requirements: Rescue Tancred before his HP runs out, Rescue Civilians Map Enemies: Beast Bosses, Enemy Mages and Assassins Reward: New Battalion Type - Vestra Hound Masters, or Vestra Medical Corp.

Won't Roll Over and Die: Required Units - Byleth, Anna, Claude (VW only), Edelgard (CF only)

Rigel has gone and stolen Anna's Keepsake, and she needs your help to get it back as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there's a mock battle going on at the same time! You have to catch Rigel before he gets into trouble.

Completion Requirements: Catch Rigel in a limited number of moves, or rout the enemy Map Enemies: Dimitri and either Claude or Edelgard, plus four randomized units per team. Reward: Anna Supports

Post-Time Skip

My Past, A Curtain Call: Crimson Flower Only, Required Units - Byleth, Hubert, Dorothea, Ferdinand

Tancred feels like he's being watched by someone who should be long dead, so he tries to hide. But his stalker might be closer than anyone realizes. And so begins the hunt for an Assassin.

Completion Requirements: Find and eliminate the Assassins in the fog, rescue Tancred. Map Enemies: Assassins, Mages, Brigands Reward: New Monastery Feature - Potion Lab, Access to Medee von Vestra

Odd Bloom Out: Crimson Flower Only, Required Units - Byleth, Rosamund, Unit with the highest support with Rosamund

Rosamund managed to make connections with a delegate from the far West beyond Fodlan, and they're coming with an important resource that could change the tide of battle. But the Kingdom has caught wind of this, and are planning an ambush.

Completion Requirements: Eliminate all enemy commanders. Map Enemies: Unrecruited Blue Lions, Pegasus Knights, Rewards: AMAB-Unit Friendly Pegasi,

Six Broken Harp Strings: Verdant Wind Only, Required Units - Byleth, Rosamund, Unit with the highest support with Rosamund

Supply lines are being attacked at an alarming rate, and Rosamund's at her wits end. Help her take out the attackers before the month's end so that things get back to efficiency.

Completion Requirements: Defeat Hubert Map Enemies: Hubert, Any Unrecruited Black Eagles Reward: Vestra Family Ring (equipable, boosts magic ability), 2,000 gold.

Lament of Sister Rivers: Crimson Flower Only, Required Units: Byleth, Medee, Felix, Sylvain

When rumors of potential a Heroes Relic begins to circle around, Byleth is tasked with retrieving it. Hubert's mother, Medee, insists that she come along for the retrieval of this particular prize.

Completion Requirements: Defeat Enemy Commanders Map Enemies: Rodrigue Achilles Fraldarius, Matthias Raoul Gautier, Any unrecruited Blue Lions Reward: Anaurus (Dancer Sandals, increases movement by +2)

[lapinbunwrites]

I am also going to do a second oc for @fe-oc-week since I have many sdlfkjsdkf

And I am still going to cram prompts into one post, sorry.

Day 1: Introduction

Meet Aisla Lucia Cuínn. She is the only child of the Marquess Cuínn in a small territory in Faerghus. She is the queen consort, and Lambert's first wife. She is a dark flier and her pegaus' name is Kiwi. Unlike most territories in Faerghus, hers was rare. It was plentiful with a lot of greenery, food, and a couple of other resources. While they were plentiful in resources, it took a lot of money to maintain. It was one of the few factors why she was betrothed to Lambert in the first place.

Aisla is very kind, cheerful, and bubbly person who constantly looks on the bright side of things. She makes quick friends with everyone. She is the beacon of light and the sunshine in Faerghus. She is head strong and can be very stubborn when she wants to be. She is also a little bit of a prankster.

Her interests include making new friends, learning new dances, hunting techniques, and botany. She loves her friends, her pegasus, sweets, dancing, and hunting. She dislikes bitter and bland food, her mother, sewing, cooking, baking, and most traditional feminine things.

Day 2: Relationships:

Aisla was part of the first generation of the Faerghus for which included her, Lambert Egitte Blaiddyd, Rodrigue Achille Fraldarius, and Matthias Raoul Gautier.

Lambert: Aisla and Lambert are helplessly in love with each other. They have been through everything together and they would do anything for each other. With every relationships, they have their up and downs. There were times where Lambert tried to shut her out of his life because it was his way of trying to protect her, though it didn't end well for him. And while she loves him with her whole heart, she is also very concerned about him and his recklessness. It was one of her biggest struggles making sure he didn't rush into things. Even with all of their flaws, they would do anything for each other.

Rodrigue: Aisla and Rodrigue care very dearly for each other. They are like siblings and always ragging on each other in a friendly way. They often will pull pranks with each other on some of their friends and get in a little bit of trouble with each other. They are both very concerned about each other and will protect each other until the end.

Matthias: Matthias is like an older brother to Aisla mixed with being an average knight towards her. Sometimes it irritates her, but she know why he does. It was his way for caring for her. She would often irritate him by pulling pranks on him. But they have a true sibling bond with each other and would protect each other.

Amelia: Amelia was one of the first few real female relationships that Seraphina had. It was a bit hard for Aisla to get Amelia to open up to her. But with time, Amelia became close friends with Aisla so much so they became like sister, much like Lambert and Rodrigue being like brothers.

Raven: At first, Aisla's and Raven's relationship was rocky. They didn't get along and always bickering about one thing or another. But after they saved each other in battle, they became close. Especially when Aisla found out Raven fell in love with Matthias. They often talk about botany with one another.

Gustave: Aisla does not like Gustave at all. She despises him and will avoid him at all costs. This was brought upon what he nagged her about being a 'proper' queen to Lambert and wanting her to do traditionally feminine things. He also wanted her to have this air of elegance that he wanted from her. Needless to say, she would do anything to stay away from him, not wanting to hear another lecture.

Rufus: Aisla hates Rufus and will not interact with him. Growing up with him, she knew he wasn't a good person and did everything he could for the crown. She knew she tried to kill her on multiple occasions, and not only her, but Lambert and their friends. If she could banish him to never see him again, she would.

Dimitri: Dimitri is the light of her life. She was very excited to have her little baby boy and loved him with her whole being. She always had him with her up, and always felt really bad that she got sick. She always concerned for his safety up until her death.

Elena: Elena was like a daughter that Aisla never had. She spent quite a bit of time with Elena before she passed away. She taught Elena how to ride a pegasus and magic. Aisla was always so doting towards Elena.

Glenn: While the Blaiddyd and Fraldarius families were close, Aisla was like an aunt to Glenn. Overly doting, and always teaching him pranks to pull. She does care very dearly as if she was apart of her family.

Day 3: Backstory

Aisla was born 1129 as the only daughter, only child, to Marquess Ailean Cuínn. A year later, in 1130, when Prince Lambert was born, Ailean betrothed her to him in hopes to saving his territory and to show that his family was loyal to the crown. Ever since then, they were stuck to each other like glue.

Because of her relationship with Lambert, she was able to befriend other prominent nobles like Rodrigue, and Matthias. Even at a young age, she was a very bubbly and energetic person. She was always able to make friends, but she had very little female friends. Most of the women she encountered in her life where snooty noblewomen.

Around the time she was eight years old, tragedy struck the kingdom. Lambert's mother was murdered and her father was blamed for it. Not that she knew about it, all she knew her father disappeared from Quinn. She grew up without her father and didn't see him again until she was twenty-one. Even then, that was short lived. He died in a massacre protecting her friend's village.

Being raised by her mother, they didn't have a great relationship. Cuínn's mother had a high expectations for her as the next queen consort. She always had these ideas that for her and used her own daughter to get a higher position in life. She also used her daughter as a pity chip trying to make her plight a little easier.

As an act of defiance, she learned traditionally masculine things like hunting and how to fight. She became on of Faerghus' strongest warriors, one of the few people (especially one of the few people without a crest) to defeat Lambert or a Blaiddyd in a fight. Her main weapons are swords, lances, and magic. She does dabble in hand-to-hand combat. Out of everyone in her small friend group, she is the one saving them in battles.

While she isn't fighting, she is usually interacting with people in her kingdom, doing whatever she could to make their lives better. With her kindness and radiance, the people of Faerghus called her Faerghus' Sunshine.

During her time in the academy she was able to make a couple new friends, Amelia von Atalanta and Raven von Vestra. She was really excited to have them. Before her school year ended, her and Lambert were thrusted into an unexpected marriage and thrusted into becoming a king and queen. This was due to Lambert's father dying under suspicious circumstances and with him being of age in the kingdom, he had to take the throne. She ruled equally with Lambert until her death in 1162.

While her people were sad that their queen was dead, no one was more heartbroken and hurt like Lambert was. For the first time in his life, he felt lost. When she died, they gave her a proper Quinn funeral (cough cough old Scottish funeral) by putting her body on a boat and letting in drift to sea and setting it on fire.

Day 4: Tragedy

During the pandemic, Cuínn caught a curable case of the plague. She was getting better of the course of the pandemic but she still end up dying. She died because her brother-in-law always sent someone with food that was laced with poison, which slowly killed her. She knew this and always tried to get her husband to stop sending people but Cornelia always interfered. So she ended up dying because she was poisoned by Rufus only to be helped by Cornelia. But Aisla put the accounts in her notebook that was meant for Lambert and Dimitri.

Day 5: Joy

One of the most joyous days for Aisla is when Lambert truly proposed to her. He took her to a secluded place where she was surrounded by flowers. Her ring matched the title, the gem looked like the sun. Hers matched his ring which were full of moons.

Again, not going to do day 6, supports and it will take some time. Sorry.

Day 7: Endings

We all know what happens to Lambert's first wife, but here is an ending card if she were alive.

"After the war with the Adrestian Empire, Aisla was glad that her beloved husband and son arrived home safe and sound. After ruling for a few more years with Lambert, they both passed the their titles to Dimitri and lived a nice quiet life that they so wished they had growing up. Every so often she saw her beloved little prince and doted on her little grandchildren. In the coming generations, people told stories of her being a gallant fighter that was able to beat her beloved king in a fight and was told that she was a beloved queen that deserved the title Faerghus' Sunshine."

[callmewishful]

How does Matthias and Co. feel about Anselma?

No one asked me, but I wrote about it anyway. Here’s a snip (probably more to come because I can).

.—.

“So we’re in agreement we hate her, yes?”

“Matthias!” Phelan hissed at her husband. He wasn’t wrong, but he needn’t be so blunt on it.

Lambert and Anselma had left them for the night. Though Rodrigue insisted that they could stay at the Fraldarius manor, as Matthias and Phelan were, Lambert had declined. That was the final hint Matthias needed, as if he truly needed it, to know that something was off with the relationship. It wasn’t often that the three friends got together amongst their duties and raising children. Therefore, prior to this thing Lambert called his love, the King would never pass up an opportunity to stay and visit.

“She’s no good for him.” Seraphine agreed with the Margrave.

Rodrigue gave his wife a look, “You two! You’re cynics, both of you. He’s trying to move on-“

“Look at him! He’s a completely different man!” Matthias gestured in the direction of the door, then he caught Rodrigue’s pointed stare and snapped, “Oh, shut up!”

The girls giggled at their husbands banter. Rodrigue wasn’t wrong, though that wasn’t due to any fault of Phelan.

“I’m just saying, we all change slightly when in a new relationship. We adapt to how our partners need to be cared for.” Rodrigue looked Matthias up and down, “Or in your case, you’re the same stubborn man you’ve always been and it’s a wonder Phelan is still here.”

Matthias sighed. “Focus, you senile old man. We’re talking about Lambert, not me. What are we going to do about them?”

“We’re not doing anything!”

“We’re not?” Sera questioned her husband with a raised brow. She was much like Matthias in that she was a person of action. But the King and his new partner had only been together a few months, no need to rush to destroy something so fresh, or something they’d seen only once…at least in Rodrigue’s mind.

The Duke stood firm in his decision, “We’re not doing anything. It’s been almost nine years since Genevieve passed and this is the first woman he’s brought home to us-“

“And he’s brought the wrong woman.” Matthias interjected.

“And I’m sure Phelan’s parents felt much the same about you, but you’re both here and somehow happy with each other.” Matthias waved him off before allowing him to continue. “We owe it Lambert to give her a chance. We’ve met her one time. I didn’t like you after the first time-…you know what, you may be on to something.”

[callmewishful]

Gautier-family Holiday Headcannons

Featuring the largest bunch of redheads y’all have never seen because I still can’t draw! 😁 (might do more parts if anyone’s interested)

Phelan (Matthias’s second wife, Sylvain’s mom) LOVES holidays. She is all for decorating but she values each holiday individually. Thanksgiving decorations go up before Christmas ones, sir.

Matthias is meh about decorating. He will put decorations in high places she cannot reach only because he values Phelan’s happiness. Does not decorate otherwise and refuses to let her decorate his office

Sylvain takes after his mother. Holidays are the few times a year that everyone smiles, even Miklan because he’s toasted, and that makes him happy.

Much to Matthias’s horror (he’s horrified every year, even though it’s always the same. Phelan just shakes her head at the invisible camera) Phelan invites all of their family to the manor for Thanksgiving AND Christmas

To put this in perspective, Matthias has 4 older siblings, most married, all with kids. Phelan has two siblings, both married, each with at least 1 kid. (And they have parents)

In total, it’s like 28 people coming to this man’s house. He’s in hell.

The two Matthias sons actually switch feelings for this

Miklan pretends to be aloof and indifferent, but he secretly likes the people. His favorite Uncle Marcel (4th Gautier son) comes to visit and always makes sure to spend time with Miklan because he knows Matthias doesn’t always have time for the oldest son.

And if Marcel is pulled away, Adalius (2nd Gautier son) is there to make sure Miklan doesn’t feel lonely.

Basically, despite alll the people, Miklan has two cool uncles who spend time with him. Now, they are Gautier’s so verbal communication isn’t their strong point, but it’s nice to be noticed and included all the same

Sylvain actually hates this part of the holiday season. He’d much prefer a more intimate, lowkey affair with just a few close family members.

His grandfather had claimed him as favorite grandchild because he has a crest and will inherit the title. Therefore he gets a lot of attention from the old man, but Sylvain hates him and it and avoids both at all costs

He takes the attention from aunts/uncles/cousins and the chaos in stride because they’re less crest focused (being as none of his uncles have a crest), but boy is happy when everyone leaves

Phe is elated. She loves her big family coming together and gushes throughout the day about how nice it is to have everyone together.

Matthias is still in hell lol

[callmewishful]

Matthias and his pigtails. And some cute Miklan/Sylvain for once!

.—.

Matthias stretched, glancing out the window. The sun was still out, which was promising, though it was much lower than he’d hoped it would’ve been. He hadn’t meant to sleep that long. Asking Phelan to wake him never worked out in his favor.

He picked up his latest Sreng report and stronghold maps from his chest and stood to return to his office. The backs of his maps were painfully blank. For a brief moment, Matthias wished that he’d seen the faint red of the crayon Miklan used to use on them when he’d draw his own maps with Sylvain. He’d gotten new maps of Gautier territory made for when he had meetings with Rodrigue or another lord, but he still had the old colored on ones in his desk.

His personal favorite was one where Sylvain and Miklan had traced their handprints and used those to create their own territories, effectively splitting Gautier into their own little sections. Miklan’s hand was naturally larger than Sylvain’s, though when taking account the empty space between Miklan’s fingers, one could almost call them equal sections.

If only the boys got along now like they did back then. Phelan was often in his ear, complaining about how she thought Miklan was mean to Sylvain on purpose. At first he assured her that they were just roughhousing, that it was nothing more than typical brother behavior. His own brothers had roughed him up as the youngest. It was normal for boys to wrestle and pick on each other.

However, following the not-so-little well incident, it was hard to shake the thought that Phelan was wrong. Sylvain had recounted the tale of him reaching for the bucket and slipping, though Phelan wasn’t convinced in the slightest. But to think that Miklan could do such a thing was…hard to wrap his head around. Miklan and Sylvain had been so close as younger children.

Still, Matthias assured Phelan that any further injury to Sylvain would be investigated and dealt with. Luckily for him, whatever Sylvain and Miklan had been doing to cause injury seemed to have ceased. Unluckily for him, Sylvain and Miklan seemed to take Phelan’s words and Matthias’s promise to mean that the two should avoid each other.

He was so caught up in his own internal drama that he nearly missed his assistant in the hall. “Ahh, Martha.”

She glanced over at him and did a double take as if she thought he was someone else. “M-Margrave Gautier…what can I do for you.” For some reason she avoided his gaze, fixing them on the papers he held instead. Though he supposed that usually when he held things they were for her.

“They’re only reports, nothing for you to take.” He told her, “When Rinther gets here from the border tomorrow I’d like you to put him up in the eastern conference room. I’ll be finishing up a meeting with a few minor eastern lords, but I’ll attend to him as soon as I’m able.”

“Y-yes my lord.” She bowed politely, keeping curious eyes on his face. What was so odd about this request? He wanted to ask her but she quickly moved about to her duties. Therefore, he took her odd behavior as her being behind or late and carried about his day.

He got many more visitors to his office than normal that day. Seemingly every one of his staff needed something from him. Usually they were quite self-sufficient and only needed his assistance if something was amiss. He supposed that perhaps on other days they just visited throughout it, which was less noticeable to him, instead of a few at a time like they were on that day. Apparently that’s what he got for napping.

Unlike Matthias, Sylvain knew exactly what was going on.

He overheard his teacher whispering to another staff member about hair and smiled. His mother let him put her hair in tails, often as many tails as he wanted. It was fun to do because her hair would look silly and they would laugh together.

His father didn’t smile or laugh too often, so Sylvain thought he could make his father laugh by being silly to his hair too. Mother always laughed when Sylvain did silly things to her hair. Therefore, Father had to laugh too.

When Father was asleep, Sylvain tried to put his hair in tails. He couldn’t do too many because Father’s hair was much shorter than mothers, so the end, Father only got two tails. He waited a bit for Father to wake up but eventually he got bored. In truth, he’d kind of forgotten about it until the staff member said it.

“You can be done for today, Sylvain. I’m going to give report to your father and then I’ll see you tomorrow, yes?” The teacher asked with an eager smile. She wanted to see Father’s nice hair too he supposed.

“Yes ma’am!”

Then, had a thought: what if Miklan wanted to see Father’s silly hair? Miklan didn’t smile too much anymore either. Maybe this could get Miklan AND Father to laugh? Sylvain liked that plan.

Miklan was most likely in his room. He spent a lot of time there lately. Sylvain knocked on the door a couple times, waiting for his big brother to answer.

Miklan opened the door, but started to close it when he saw who was on the other side.

“Wait!” Sylvain cried, pushing back on it before Miklan could get it shut, “Wanna see Father’s silly hair?”

That got Miklan’s attention. He stopped fighting his little brother, pausing instead, “What?”

“Father’s hair is silly. Wanna see?” Sylvain held his breath.

Finally, Miklan sighed, “Fine. But this better not be a waste of my time.”

Sylvain smiled big as Miklan stepped out into the hall. He reached out to take Miklan’s hand, but the older boy yanked his hand away and rolled his eyes. Sylvain tried not to falter too much.

The little boy led his brother to their father’s office. The door was open already, Sylvain’s teacher still conversing with the older man. Sylvain turned to look at Miklan and pressed his finger to his lips. “Shh.”

Sylvain leaned around the door frame to peek into the office. Sure enough, his father still had the tails. He pulled back so he was out of the frame and covered his mouth to avoid detection. Before he could turn to nod at Miklan, the older boy was leaning over him to see for himself.

The mission was a success! Miklan stepped back from the door, snickering behind his hand. His eyes met Sylvain’s and he nodded at him. “You do that?”

Sylvain nodded rapidly, eager to take credit for something his brother liked.

“Nice.”

It was only one word, but with it came a cannonball of emotion to Sylvain’s chest. Happiness, excitement, and…pride overflowed him and he was certain that nothing could take any of those away.

“Sylvain.”

Nope. Not even his father’s warning voice.

Miklan smirked, shaking his head. “You’re in for it now.” He whispered, almost teasing just like he used to.

“Miklan.”

The older brother frowned.

Sylvain stepped into view first, cautiously entering the room. He hadn’t done anything wrong that he could tell, which meant there was no reason to be nervous. Though Father didn’t look very happy.

“Eavesdropping?” The man asked, brow raised. Oh. They’d been spotted peeking into the door.

“No, Sir.” Sylvain answered first for once. Usually Miklan did the talking, but Sylvain wasn’t going to let Miklan get in trouble. Not when Miklan smiled at him and laughed with him. He had to think fast. “We were just waiting our turn.”

“Your turn for what? To speak with me?”

“Yes.” He could feel Miklan’s eyes on the side of his head. His older brother knew he was lying. Hopefully he wouldn’t rat Sylvain out.

Father nodded to the teacher, dismissing her from his office. She gave a smile to Sylvain before closing the door behind her.

“What do you wish to speak to me about?”

“Um.” Sylvain fiddled with his hands. He’d never lied to his father before and a small trickle of anxiety was filling him. Miklan and his father were staring at him expectantly, one waiting to see if Sylvain was going to ruin them both, the other to see what was so important to interrupt work.

He took a breath, “Would it be okay if Miklan and I made a blanket fort?”

Back when Sylvain was younger, almost too young to remember, Miklan taught him how to make the best blanket forts with the couch cushions and fluffy blankets on the bottom. It was a long shot to think that Miklan would want to do that now, but Miklan had smiled at Sylvain, and it was the best he could come up with for a reason as to why he and Miklan needed to be present at the moment.

His father looked confused, “You don’t have to ask me to make forts, boys. Just clean up after yourselves when you’re done.”

Sylvain smiled real big again, “Yes, Father!” He looked at Miklan, who was shaking his head.

“Come on.” Miklan grabbed his arm and pulled him, wanting to get out before Sylvain messed it up and they got in trouble (unknown to the little Gautier). Once they were out of the room and down the hall Miklan sighed, “Go make your fort so Father knows you didn’t lie.”

Sylvain frowned, “Aren’t you coming?”

“No? Why would I want to make blanket forts?”

Okay, maybe one thing could diminish the happiness he felt earlier. Sylvain shrugged, suddenly feeling uncertain, “We could make one where Father walks by a lot. Could see his silly hair.”

Miklan thought long enough that Sylvain was actually hopeful he’d say yes. Usually the older boy bit back with a sharp “no” and a roll of his eyes. Sure enough, with a sigh and a mutter about how Sylvain had asked if they could both make forts, Miklan agreed.

As promised, Sylvain picked a prime location for Father spotting. While Miklan set up the fort, Sylvain used his other Miklan-taught skills to go down to the kitchens and sneak some snacks. They spent the afternoon tucked into the fort, blanket door spread wide enough for them to see whenever Father walked past.

Matthias could hear his sons giggling every time he walked by, happy that they seemed to be getting along for once. He usually didn’t enjoy the look of his living area completely torn apart should another noble come down for a surprise visit, but when Sylvain asked if the boys could spend time together…how could he say no? It had been all he wanted from his two sons for years.

Eventually though, the fun came to an end. Phelan returned home from her outing and burst out laughing when she saw her husband.

“What’s so funny?” He asked, looking behind him to see if his sons were up to antics.

She approached him, reaching up for his hair. He pulled back to see her hands so he could determine what she was doing. “Stop leaning away.” Phe giggled. “I’m fixing them!”

“Fixing what?”

Phelan’s face held nothing but pure amusement. Her jaw dropped before breaking out into another laughing fit, “Do…Do you not know?”

“Know what?!” The words came out a little sharper than he intended. She was clearly laughing at him and he wanted to know why.

“Your hair!” She cried, folding over on herself as her abs ached.

Matthias pressed his lips together and walked to the nearest mirror in an adjacent hallway. Phelan followed, still cackling about something funny he didn’t yet understand. Once he saw his own reflection, his heart nearly stopped. H-had…had his hair…been like that?!

“Sylvain!!”

The little boy’s head whipped over to look at his brother.

“Guess you’re busted now.” Miklan teased, a mean smirk falling upon his lips. He laughed, crawling out of the fort and starting for his room to avoid the mess. “Good luck with that.”

It wasn’t hard to find his father. His mother’s laughter could be heard well before he could see them both. Father looked upset, but not livid like Sylvain had seen before. His hair was tousled and, expectedly, no longer in tails.

“Hi Father.” Sylvain greeted him innocently.

“Care to tell me how long my hair looked like that today? Or how that happened?” Matthias stopped his pursuit in front of the boy and crossed his arms.

Sylvain peeked up at him from under his own shaggy hair, “Hmm…just for a bit.”

“Sylvain.” He got one warning and only one warning.

“Mother and I laugh when I do it to her hair.”

Matthias sighed, crouching down so he was on Sylvain’s level, “There’s a reason you do that to your mother’s hair. Not mine. Do you know how many people I’ve met with today?”

Sylvain giggled before he could stop it.

“Exactly.” Matthias continued, “It’s an embarrassment to house Gautier for the Margrave to be presented like that. You’re grounded for three days. No outside play and no friends over. You need something to do? You study or read. Clear?”

Sylvain nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“Good. Now clean this up and get to it.”

He watched his mother try to wave away the storm cloud from his father’s head as they disappeared down the hall. Father was often a little heated or embarrassed in the moment and doled out a harsher punishment than what his mother thought was fair. In the end, his punishment wouldn’t last three days.

But even if it did, he decided looking at the little blanket fort while his heart tugged in his chest, it was worth it.

[callmewishful]

Matthias: *does something dumb and doesn’t realize it*

1st wife: *starts laughing*

2nd wife: Don’t encourage this! Why are you laughing?

1st wife: Because he’s your problem now, honey.

[callmewishful]

I have spent my weekend working on 9 ocs for the Gautier family.

Matthias has a large, messed-up fam bam.

No, I cannot draw them (much to my dismay). But yes, I can (and will - to your dismay) write about them.

P.s - If you wanna learn more prior to my writing, send a number 1-9 and I shall divulge. (At your own risk)