Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

This rescue would be successful. Despite their setbacks and the betrayal of this entire siege, they had made way across the continent with great speed given the size of the army. This operation will need caution; Claude caught her unguarded once, and Edelgard will not dare have it happen again, but there was little time to waste as her troops’ morale was tried with each passing minute.

It was time to initiate action and reach Count Bergliez and his soldiers.

“Everyone, engage the enemy! We must break through to our allies! Use your judgement when encountering Alliance generals that may be open to persuasion.” She thought of the young heir to Ordelia, at the forefront of her mind. Edelgard rushed into battle striking down enemies with her axe, while Hubert defended her flank.

Through the haze of battle as they reached her post to engage, Hubert spoke to her. “As you are well aware, House Ordelia already has our allegiance, which means Lysithea is here of her own accord.”

“I will not see her fall here if she is willing to listen to reason.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

They rushed the stronghold Lysithea was positioned to, determined. The young mage readied herself for battle, a stoic look on her face that only the slight tremble of her hands betrayed. “I won’t back down!” she shouted.

The pair exchanged blows, letting the overwhelm of power do the talking. Edelgard did her best to hold back however she could, desperate that Lysithea could recognize the mercy she offered. It was difficult given her talents for magic, and she counted herself lucky that Hubert was there to intercept when she was hit with a particularly strong attack, where Lysithea had harnessed the might of her Major Crest of Gloucester. Despite her best efforts, Edelgard could tell the exertion was wearing on her as the younger woman’s eyes grew unfocused. “Not bad. No, not bad at all…”

Edelgard went in on her assault, taking advantage of her overwhelm. With one swing, Edelgard used the pommel of Labraunda to push the mage to the ground, keeping her weapon drawn. Lysithea sputtered attempting to regain her breath, no longer on the offensive.

“I’ve heard about what was done to you, Lysithea. And as one who understands that intimately, I ask you to join my cause.” She reached out her hand.

Lysithea’s eyes went wide, filled with emotions battling for dominance, “...You, too… Yes, all right. I’ll hear you out.” Edelgard smiled, as Hubert warped her to their medics.

“Our allies are nearly within reach! Clear out the enemy soldiers in any remaining strongholds you encounter!” Her legs carried her with speed towards where she could just barely see Count Bergliez, holding his own, despite being worse for wear. Caspar had already made contact, reuniting with his father after taking a separate route. The squadrons led by Ferdinand and Dorothea completed their objectives, as they focused on defending the troops to make way for their retreat.

With that, an enemy commander gave the call to deploy catapults.

Caspar pummeled more enemies targeting his father’s troops, knocking soldiers skyward. “We gotta stop em!”

Her voice boomed across the field, “Shez, take them out from the north; Bernadetta, the south! Linhardt, return to the center and assist Caspar with defending our allies! Petra, accompany Bernadetta. Hubert and I will assist with the northern enemies.” The Brigid princess gave a fierce nod and headed with impeccable speed to her destination. Edelgard took a second to take a swig of vulnerary, feeling the burn of healing properties restore her to prime fighting shape.

They made short work of disrupting the forces catapults. “The siege is broken, men! Your courage and perseverance have been rewarded!” The Count’s words brought cheers to the army.

“The way is open! Move as one, and defend the Count and our soldiers as we go!” As her forces mobilized to act on the defensive, suddenly, figures appeared to the south and west. Edelgard cursed, of course this wouldn’t be so easy. “…They’ve cut off our escape and… Oh no. Look who’s with them.” Jeralt’s Mercenaries, no doubt hired by Claude.

Shez was the one to speak first, “We won’t put a dent in Jeralt’s company with the numbers he has. I vote we rush Claude’s main position instead.”

“It seems you do have a mind for strategy yet. It would indeed catch him by surprise- but do we flank from the left or right?” Hubert said.

Monica casted a spell, felling a captain, “Either way, we must choose a path and clear out anyone foolish enough to stand before us!”

“We make for the east!”

“Her Majesty blazes the trail! Charge!”

Edelgard gave a heavy sigh, “It seems we cannot avoid a full-on assault… Stay with the Count, everyone!”

They continued the bloody push on, doing their best to maneuver to Claude without encountering the troop of mercenaries. It was not long before another presence graced the field, cutting off their exit fully. The Ashen Demon. Count Bergliez gave the call to entertain and hold her back while the main force dealt with Claude, however, Edelgard felt compelled to interfere. She gave the command, knowing Claude was truly cornered for her comrades to engage him, while she ran to the Count to intercept, knowing despite his prowess and spirit thus far, he would need more assistance against her.

Edelgard’s grip on Labraunda tightened as she approached this foe. The infamous Ashen Demon, was it? During the struggle at Magdred Way, she had not been a part of the squadron that was to deal with Jeralt’s Mercenaries. There was an undeniable aura of power that eminated from the woman, that even had she not the firsthand account from Shez and the others, it would be foolish for one to underestimate her. She found herself seeking out that power, ready to engage the mercenary.

As they clashed, Edelgard felt the surge of adrenaline and the power of her crests run through her veins. It felt as familiar as any other moment engaging in combat, but yet…

It felt stronger, almost, with each time she called upon and manifested the power of the Crest of Flames. Like her blood was reaching out to the woman. Edelgard did her best to shake such needless thoughts from her mind, dwelling on it now would prove to be her undoing given the might and skill of the Ashen Demon.

“You’re well fought,” her breath was hardly phased as she used her sword to block a swing from Edelgard. “I’m surprised; you must not be very smart.”

The woman clad in red let out a confused grunt, managing to catch the Demon’s ankle while dislodging her axe from the ground. “What are you speaking of?”

“You have an army don’t you? Why bother being on the frontlines?” It was a bizarre statement and bizarre conversation to hold in this moment. Edelgard wouldn’t get enough time to entertain it further as the mercenary landed a particularly hard thrust to her left pauldron. She could feel her shoulder dislocate from the force and knew she would need to stay on the defensive.

Just in time, Shez ran over, ready to engage their rival. Edelgard watched from a distance looking for any opportunity to provide assistance to her ally, despite her current disposition. Their blades clashed with unerring force, Shez holding nothing back. “How many times have we fought now? Either way, this will be the last.” Despite her nonchalant commentary, the Demon’s form showed signs of surprise. Slight openings in her form, which Shez exploited, entering that state of unusual power.

“You’re right about that, I’m not letting you leave here alive, Ashen Demon!”

The two struggled, and it seemed Shez had the upper hand, but in a split second the tides changed. It was as if the Ashen Demon had teleported, catching Shez off guard and delivering a sharp punch to the solar plexus. Her hair now shimmered, a light green and her voice, an entirely different tone. “Such vexing arrogance for one so small. Perhaps you truly are one of their descendants.” Edelgard listened intently at that statement. Another who is aware of Shez’s connection to the Agarthans? The Demon continued, “In any event, you labored to destroy my vessel, did you not? That is a deed most foul…”

And with that, she warped just as she had before, behind Shez, who narrowly dodged. “One you will pay for, with your life!” Again, another warp. This time successfully landing a blow on the purple haired mercenary. “You cannot hope to win so bound in flesh. Pitiful.”

With that, Shez began to retreat, running for their life. Just then Edelgard made the effort to follow their retreat; it would not do for either of them to fall here. Though, as she looked back, the Ashen Demon was stalled, almost as if in pain, fighting against their very body. Something about seeing her in such a state wrought unexplicable emotion... But now was no time for such thoughts, it was time to concede, and claim their victory.

Chapter Text

Six long moons had passed of continued conflict and unrest from all corners of the continent. Despite it all, the Empire’s forces continued to mobilize. Edelgard remained undeterred from her goals, almost emboldened by the attempt on her life by the Central Church’s followers. Still, it became clear that her path would encounter obstacles, and though she was loathe to admit it, Edelgard had lost a powerful force on that fateful day when she dared to stand up against those who slither in the dark and made her insolence known. She would never regret her decisions, but it was true that she would need more power to overcome all of her obstacles and reach the future she dreams of. As bitter as a concoction to one so steadfastly independent as the young emperor, this new step marked a strong new direction for the war.

If there was ever a time to break out the ale, this would be the time. Or at least that was Shez's insistence... Morale was high with all levels of troops relishing in the historic events uniting the Empire and the Alliance. Though reluctant to participate herself, Edelgard recognized the utility of having the emperor seen enjoying festivities and its opportunity in helping disrupt the caste system.

It still didn't make it any easier. While it was always joyous to see her friends in good spirits, such events ha d always felt foreign compared to the life and struggles she ha d endured thus far. Edelgard stood by a wall watching as the merriment continued as Shez barreled towards her, two glasses of whiskey in hand.

"C'mon! Whatcha doing over here? The party's just started!" T hey handed Edelgard the spare cup while they downed the other.

"My apologies, I'm frankly a little out of my element here." She sniffed the glass and began to sip before failing to stifle coughs as the sting of alcohol moved down her throat. Shez gave a lighthearted laugh.

"Lightweight?"

"Hardly," she did her best to regain composure, "I'm just more used to wine over... harder spirits..."

"If you say so... but seriously! Drink up! Anyone within 10 feet of you can feel how tense you are. You owe it to yourself and all of us to enjoy this moment, oh fearless leader." They clapped a hand on Edelgard's shoulder.

"Well... I guess if it's that noticeable, I wouldn't want to bring the mood down, but I can't promise fully letting loose." She steeled herself and downed the rest of the whiskey with confidence. Shez beamed, taking the emperors hand to lead them over to the table where their former classmates had settled in the dancing and merriment. Dorothea was on the floor, just a few feet away dancing, made eye contact with Edelgard, sending a bright smile and a wink her way. She was working with Monica to teach Petra dance moves from Fodlan. Hubert was just as Edelgard had been a few moments ago, plastered to the wall if only tethered to the engagement by conversing with Ferdinand; arguing and debating as usual about something inane. Marianne having just been recruited from the Alliance and sent to join the ranks by Margrave Edmund, had found a quick friend in Bernadetta as they sought solace in each others company, chatting at a table. Caspar had taken his usual task of keeping Linhardt awake and generally bouncing around, almost as if he was in competition to enjoy the night more than anyone else... Given his nature, Edelgard wouldn't be surprised if that was a fact. Lysithea remained guarded towards the idea of this engagement, but particularly lit up in the presence of the array of sweets laid out.

The sight warmed her, and she relished in the sentimentality she rarely afford ed herself. The next song came to a conclusion which drew everyone's attention to the ir former class leader.

"Oh my! Is today the day I get to have a dance with my Edie?"

"Please, Dorothea, I could hardly keep up with one of your caliber."

"You will be seeing what I have learned! Monica and Dorothea are instructors of the highest strength."

“Dorothea! You musn’t trouble Her Majesty! H-However if she would will it, I would be honored to see Lady Edelgard grace the dance floor.” Monica spoke as her protestations gave way to shy optimism, blushing.

---------

Another glass (or two) in, Edelgard found herself even more preoccupied. Thoughts of the notable yet elusive Jeralt's mercenaries and, most of all, the Ashen Demon persisted in her mind. She couldn't fathom what it was that she had felt or why there was that strange draw when Edelgard had found herself within striking distance of the young mercenary. The feeling of crest interference was one that she was familiar with, especially when addressing the woman who fancies herself archbishop. This was... different. An inexplicable tension, a burning, when they clashed.

Not to mention the unease of their physical change. It seemed that everywhere she looked, no matter where the path she carved took, people... beings with transformative powers surrounded her; it would be amusing if not outright terrifying. Perhaps what was most terrifying was just how accustomed Edelgard had become to such matters.

A familiar clearing of the throat shook her out of her thoughts. Hubert stood, extending his hand, an offering to dance. The emperor found herself smirking as she took her retainer's hand.

"Pardon, Lady Edelgard, you seemed particularly troubled." The pair moved through movements practiced many a time in stolen moments of childhood levity.

"Yes, well... Maybe I've just had too much to drink. It's nothing to concern yourself with," she frowned, "even if I know you will anyway."

He cracked that serpentine smile. "Just making sure it is nothing you might need my... expertise for. Say the word and I will do as you command." Ah... He was thinking of Claude.

True as it may be that Edelgard continued to curse her weakness for needing to forge this pact, having Claude as an ally will no doubt be a boon. That is if he is to keep his word, though she is much a schemer as he and cannot find room to fully complain. For all that it is worth, between hints, carefully coded prose, and much left to reading between the lines, their conversations as allied leaders brought up much commonality and contempt towards the old systems that tie down Fodlan, stifiling societal progress and facilitating undue suffering for nobles and commoners alike.

"Oh, hush. If we are to receive trust, we must hold trust towards others, no matter how hard it may be." Lavender eyes twinkled, "...And besides, knowing you, you already have countermeasures in place."

"I would be severely lacking in my duties were I not to prepare for every outcome, Your Majesty." Hubert led her into a spin.

"Thank you, Hubert," her heart surged, "for all you do for me, and indulging me with a dance like old times..." A look of conflict crossed Hubert's features which made the emperor laugh as the music came to a satisfying conclusion. The night was far from over but with the threat of battle looming overhead, many had already retired to the barracks to rest as much as possible.

"I fear I have overstayed my welcome, Your Majesty, I'll be heading back to my quarters." Ever devout, he gave a bow and left the commonarea. Edelgard walked over to a table where a few of her Black Eagles stayed, winding down for the night. Ferdinand, Dorothea, Petra, and Shez were cooling down, continuing to chat over light drinks.

"Ah, Edelgard! You have come to join us! Although that display was impressive, I had not expected such knowledge of dance from Hubert." Ferdinand said.

"Believe it or not, I used to force Hubert to practice dancing with me from a young age." Ferdinand was shocked at the revelation. The pale haired woman grabbed another glass from the table, finding herself able to down it like water. "I expect you all are enjoying yourselves?"

"I feel like I'm getting old. My stamina is weaker than it was when I was a diva..." Dorothea lamented, "I'm not sure how I feel about being more accustomed for battle these days, th e n for the stage."

"Do not be worrying, Dorothea! You taught me well and did well in learning Brigid's dancing!" Petra smiled. “ Our dancing involves much more ferocity, it is only understanding that you are tired.”

Ferdinand ran fingers through his scalp, "It is unfortunate that Hubert of all people sapped my energy with his comments about my palette," golden strands wrapped deftly through his hand. "He simply does not understand the refinery that I, Ferdinand von Aegir, possess, especially in response to culinary endeavors!"

"Yeah? What kind of taste do you fancy then?" Shez nudged him with their elbow.

"Why do I have a feeling you are getting at something other than food and drink?"

"I've seen a couple of tall things I'd like to get my mouth on tonight." Dorothea slurred, twirling strands of brown locs . "I'd like to hear what our Edie has to say about this line of questioning. It's rare she's here for such talks."

"Well..." she felt her composure drastically reduced as the words spilled out, "I have been thinking about the Ashen Demon." Edelgard's face felt even hotter as her companions eyed her. "What? Why are you staring at me like that? I t's just observation that she's attractive."

Dorothea burst into giggles. "Of course! I think I'm starting to see what your type is," she said.

"Huh?"

"You know..." the former songstress gestured towards her chest making outwards motions.

She felt her face run as scarlet as the armor she wore, "N-No, I just wanted to... Ugh. That wasn't even remotely what I was thinking of..." she sighed, " I s this the typical topic of conversation with you all? You're all so shameless."

"But it is having truth, right?" Petra's voice was laced with naivety, but time spent with the future queen gave way to the sparkle of mischief as she teased Edelgard. Shez finally found words again, no longer just incredulously slack-jawed at the emperor's slip of the tongue. "That's crazy! I mean they're an absolute beast on the battlefield, I guess the whole fighting to survive thing made me never notice their appearance." They turned to Edelgard, "Never thought you'd of all people be one for that whole love at first sight stuff!"

She gawked. "That is not it! Can I not just appreciate things for their aesthetic value? I am not so foolish to claim such things with someone I don't know."

Dorothea's smile grew even wider. "So... you're admitting to liking what you've seen."

The group laughed and Edelgard's strength was being sapped by the liquor and embarrassment she was feeling at this incessant teasing. Her hands cradled her head in a desparate escape to hide. Dorothea's hand from beside her gave her a reassuring pat, "I'm sorry Edie, you're just too easy to tease and so cute like this." She slumped further.

"Yeah, it's okay Edelgard. Plenty of people like breasts, nothing to be ashamed of! I think personality is the best though." Shez exclaimed. That comment was enough, she had to get out of sight of her dear friends before she was to take her frustrations out on Ferdinand, who was surprisingly quiet during the whole exchange.

"If you all are done making an idiot out of me, I believe I've had enough for tonight. I'll be in my quarters if anything comes up." She stood from her seat as her companions gave lighthearted apologies and goodnights, intent on continuing their conversation. Just before stepping outside to the rest of their camp, she could hear Ferdinand's exasperation and hardy laughs from Petra as he was no doubt the one to tease in her absence. Her thoughts were still preoccupied, once again visiting that feeling... Was it all a mistake? Was her heart really capable of such things as simple infatuation with a gorgeous stranger? The thought made her head pound.

She had thought herself closed off to such feelings ever since the experiments. The screams, the cries, the abject torture. Only for Edelgard to emerge alone, unable to recognize her own reflection, where hair was once a mousy brown, and she struggled to make sense of the scars that marred her flesh. Something rendered fear within her, the possibility there was another subjected to crest experimentation, specifically related to the Crest of Flames. She thought of Lysithea, destined for great things with an intellect that rivals many, and the fear that she may not even live to see the liberation Edelgard sought to bring across these lands; Edelgard's own fears of mortality related to this borrowed power. She was all too used to the blood, the senseless deaths for her creation, but the pain and anguish of encountering other survivors sometimes threatened to rend her heart from her chest.

That night she found little sleep. Awakened by the nightmares every hour. There was a new face amongst them, one that made her blood burn and ache, a sensation of longing for something that she couldn't place. Edelgard found herself drawn to her desk and began to sketch, finding a determination to know this talented stranger.