Work Text:
“Which war was the catalyst to the founding of the Leicester Alliance?”
“What is meant by the word "catalyst”?“
"Um, it’s like…” Bernadetta thought for a second before looking back down at the textbook. “Let me rephrase– which war was fought to found the Alliance?”
Petra furrowed her brow, trying to remember the lesson from yesterday. History was by far her worst subject. Bernadetta had offered to help her, which was extremely generous for someone who disliked leaving her dorm room longer than necessary, but so far Petra hadn’t gained much confidence.
The two sat in silence at their library table while Petra pondered the question. She knew the war had lasted a long time, though the other details escaped her. “May I have a hint?” Petra pleaded.
“It has to do with a phase of the moon.”
Petra frowned. “Why does the moon have an effect on war?”
“I-It didn’t, it’s just what the war was named for.”
“Named for the moon? I am not remembering the war being fought during night.”
“No! It was– I guess I shouldn’t just give you the answer. R-Right?” With a sigh, Bernadetta closed the book and slumped in her chair. “I’m sorry, Petra. I really thought I’d be better at this.”
Leaning across the table, Petra took Bernadetta’s hand. “I am the sorry one. History gives me great difficulty.”
“B-But that’s understandable. I’m sure Brigid history would be just as hard for me.”
“Maybe. But I have certainty you would not give up if you wanted to have learning– er, if you wanted to learn it.”
Bernadetta ran her thumb across Petra’s knuckles. “Maybe…”
It was disheartening to see Bernadetta this way. Petra had been flattered when Bernadetta had extended her hand of help and friendship– and here Petra was, messing things up. If Petra could speak entirely in her native language, there was no end to the reassurances she could give Bernadetta. Yet in Fódlani, the words often came out confusing or, even worse, reversed Petra’s meaning.
Petra stood. If words couldn’t help her, then maybe action would. Bernadetta squeaked when Petra suddenly moved around the table to pull Bernadetta to her feet. “We are needing a break! Will you train with me, Bernadetta?’
"Um, I mean, if you think I can help…”
“You can help very much! As thanks for your history teaching, I can teach you more about using the sword!” Bernadetta’s face scrunched at the mention of the apparently dreaded melee weapon and Petra couldn’t help but laugh at the expression. “You will be enjoying it, I have no doubt!” Petra kissed her nose, laughing again when Bernadetta’s jaw fell open. Petra would take surprise from Bernadetta over frustration any day.
Not giving Bernadetta time to object further, Petra took her by the hand again and pulled her from the library. “W-W-Wait! We have to put away our books!” Bernadetta cried as Petra practically ran down the hall.
“We will be going back later for studying! I must be learning about the…” Petra stopped. “Oh! The Crescent Moon War!”
Bernadetta’s eyes widened and she broke into a smile. “That’s right! You got it!”
Practically bouncing, Petra resumed her race towards the stairs. “Now it is being my turn to do the teaching for Bernie!” Bernadetta groaned behind her but that did nothing to dampen Petra’s glee. In fact, with Bernadetta’s hand tight in her grip, Petra felt a surge of optimism for the training and studying ahead.