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22nd of the Garland Moon, 1180
The professor brought me flowers today. While first I pondered ulterior motives, the look of earnestness on her face assured me it was simple kindness and nothing else.
Others gave me gifts as well. Suitors and skirt-chasers, first and foremost; simple, unoffensive things that were undoubtedly the most expensive things they could find. My classmates made a cake, though Bernadetta did most of the work from what Hubert tells me (Dorothea wasn’t allowed near the ingredients after last time). Theirs was a more thoughtful gift, far more meaningful than those who would court me for my title and blood.
Caspar gave me a new axe (he heard how I kept breaking mine and sympathized), and from Linhardt came a book on insomnia and other sleep-depriving illnesses (he’s more observant than he lets on). Dorothea sang a song she wrote just for me (I’m certain I was blushing furiously all the while, but I made sure to thank her). Petra and Bernadetta worked together to weave a Brigid-style bracelet of sorts; its symbology and proper name escape me now, but I’ll ask her again later (I’ll admit the entire birthday affair overwhelmed me). Ferdinand, mercifully, gave me the greatest gift of all: silence. An entire day without his outward musings of superiority and duty (I wasn’t the only one who appreciated that gift). Hubert tracked down an old confectionary artist from Enbarr and had some chocolates delivered to my room before the party (it took immense restraint to save them until tomorrow).
All in all, the liveliest birthday I’ve had in years. The most heartfelt since before the dungeons. I can’t thank my classmates enough.
...
..
.
The flowers were carnations.
I liked Byleth’s gift the most.
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22nd of the Garland Moon, 1181
The professor is still gone.
Two months of searching beneath mountains of rubble and not so much as a body to bury. No sword, no blood, nothing. None of us have given up hope yet, though Hubert often reminds me of the logistical detriments we suffer as a result of search efforts.
He also tells me that she wouldn’t want me to waste time or resources.
Damn him.
He’s right, though. The professor wouldn’t want me us to wallow in despair.
…
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A courier came by with flowers. I asked from whom they came. He told me they were sent from a woman with blue hair, to be delivered today if she didn’t pick them up.
I don’t remember when it started raining
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22nd of the Garland Moon, 1185
Five years of war have taken their toll on both the land and its people.
Time and again I have asked my friends if any wish to abandon this war; time and again they rebuke me, stating they’re here for good.
It doesn’t mean they’re not tired. Dorothea rarely smiles genuinely anymore, just the fake ones meant for suitors or to hide her pain. I worry about them, and fruitless as it seems. Hubert looks more like a corpse every day, though he seems to delight that it lends credence to the rumor that he is a creature of the night (or maybe he noticed how much I giggled when first someone asked if he was a vampire). Even Ferdinand’s boundless optimism has dulled with time, but he still speaks warmly of the future. I found his notes for public schooling, polished down to the last scroll.
They threw another party for me, in spite of my protests. I’ve long since given up playing the ‘logistics’ card ever since Hubert assured me he planned the supplies months in advance. Bernie’s gotten so much better at baking, and with Mercedes’s help it came out beautifully. I saved a slice for Lysithea; she’s out on mission with Leonie and she’d never forgive me if she didn’t get a taste.
Sylvain managed to get through three whole rounds of chess before flirting. Felix and I sparred (I won). Ingrid and I sparred (we tied, no matter how much she concedes defeat). Raphael and Ignatz showed me the improvements they’ve been working on for the greenhouse. Lorenz left me alone thank the goddess.
Petra’s still out at sea with Caspar and Linhardt. Ashe got me another compendium of fables (from Almyra this time). Flayn My friend sent me a new hair clip. It matches the others.
…
..
.
A courier came by with flowers.
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31st ethereal moon 1185
she’s here
she’s alive
she’s home
I’m in love with her.
I’m in love with Byleth.
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31st of the Guardian Moon, 1185
The Leicester Alliance has surrendered.
Byleth called me to the Goddess Tower.
She told me she loves me.
She gave me a ring, asked for my hand in marriage.
…
..
.
We had our first kiss
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22nd of the Garland Moon, 1186
The war is over. Thales is gone, Fódlan is undergoing reforms, Rhea is reforming the church, I’m getting married in six months, my second crest is gone and I woke up to Byleth bringing me breakfast in bed.
Today is the happiest day of my life.
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5th of the Ethereal Moon, 1187
Byleth and I were wed. I’m married. I’m Byleth’s wife. Byleth’s my wife!
Today is the new happiest day of my life.
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22nd of the Garland Moon, 1188
I woke up next to my beloved wife. Byleth’s hair was even messier than usual this morning. We spent the day near the pond.
Today is the new happiest day of my life.
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22nd of the Garland Moon, 1193
I announced to my friends and to the nation that I would be abdicating from the throne, and that the position of Emperor would be dissolved.
Dorothea held me tightly and cried with happiness for me. Ferdinand promised to keep the ministers in line, and Hubert promised (through gritted teeth) he wouldn’t poison any of them. Linhardt was asleep in Caspar’s lap, but they seemed content. Petra wondered if I’d like to settle down in Brigid, and assured me I’d always have a place to stay should Byleth and I visit. Bernie came by later with a new quilt and a big Bernie hug.
Byleth and I spent the rest of the evening alone.
Today is the new happiest day of my life.
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16th of the Blue Sea Moon, 1193
Byleth took me to see Manuela after this morning.
She said I’m pregnant.
Byleth and I cried.
Today is the new happiest day of my life.
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9th of the Lone Moon, 1193
She’s here.
Sitri Eisner-Hresvelg was born on this day.
Byleth was so scared when she held her, but she was so happy when Sitri cried.
There was a lot of crying today from all three of us.
This is the new, permanent happiest day of my life.
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22nd of the Garland Moon, 1194
Sitri slept so quietly last night. I wonder if she knew it was her mama’s birthday.
It’s my first birthday with the three of us.
This is the second happiest day of my life.
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22nd of the Garland Moon, 1209
I woke up next to Byleth today. Sitri burst into our bedroom yelling about ‘Auntie Flayn,’ right after ‘Happy birthday mama.’ Fifteen and still a bundle of energy. I blame Byleth and Sothis.
Flayn came through the door with another birthday hug. She invited Byleth and I to the 1025th anniversary of Garreg Mach’s founding next year. She told me Rhea kept trying to write an invitation but had to keep scrapping them.
I told her we’d be there.
She gave me another hair clip. I’m running out of space to keep them.
Today was the third happiest day of my life.
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22nd of the Garland Moon, 1227
I woke up next to Byleth today.
…
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“El?”
“Hm?” Edelgard turned her head towards Byleth, but kept her eyes on the page before her.
“Taking a break?” Byleth stepped behind her wife, wrapping her arms around her neck before bending down and kissing her on the cheek.
Edelgard hummed in response, smiling. “Probably for the rest of the day. The clouds have come in force, I’m afraid, and it’s wreaking havoc on my creative abilities.” The former Emperor cast a sideways glance at the painting beside her, half-covered and leaned against the wall under her other works.
Byleth gave her another kiss, this time atop her head. “Oh well. Dinner’s ready. I got peach sorbet for later, too.”
Edelgard’s smile widened, and she leaned back to look up at her wife. “You’re too much, my teacher.” She reached up to cup Byleth’s cheek, drawing her down into until their lips touched.
“Happy birthday, El.” Byleth whispered into their kiss.
She let go after a few moments, standing up as Byleth retreated out of the room. Before she followed, however, she glanced back at her journal.
Grinning like a fool, she grabbed her quill and finished her entry.
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22nd of the Garland Moon, 1227
I woke up next to Byleth today.
She gave me flowers and made dinner.
Today is the happiest day of my life.