Fire Emblem: December Prompts

Mittens

15th of the Ethereal Moon, Year 1166. Jeralt *slight spoilers for Ch. 9*

I shucked off my scarf as I opened the door to my inn room, exhaling. Gods, I should be more mindful of the outside world. Guess these old bones of mine can't handle the harsh colds like they used to. I brushed some snow off my shoulders and removed my damp outer coat.

"You're back."

My daughter looked up at me from her seat on the desk, a book laid in front of her. Her voice was matter-of-fact and straight to the point, showing not a single sign of emotion. I glanced down at the book she was reading, noting that it was mostly just words.

The fact that she knew her letters was good enough for me, but couldn't she read picture books like literally any other seven-year-old?

"Yeah. I'm back, kiddo." I flashed her a small grin, strolling over to ruffle her chin-length blue hair. Her tiny face scrunched up slightly, cornflower blue eyes void of feeling. She was dressed in black sweater and trousers, like normal. Being the daughter of a mercenary unfortunately meant that she couldn't dress up all pretty like normal girls her age, but I didn't think she minded. She didn't exactly have a normal life, either...

She looks so much like you, Bylass. Would it have killed you to give at least one of my features to our daughter? Actually, that joke was in pretty poor taste...

"How was your mission?" Byleth asked. Flat. Nothing but flat words.

I stripped off my soggy boots and placed my blade on the bed. "Eh, it was easy enough." I ran a hand through my hair. "Fighting in the snow is quite annoying, though."

"Will you teach me how to fight in it?"

I smiled at her. "Of course, kid. Maybe later, when the snow dies down." I glanced out the window, internally cringing as the fat flakes of snow fell and collected on the ground. The sun was already starting to set, casting the world in an ethereal orange glow. "Er, I take that back; tomorrow morning, I promise."

I'd been teaching Byleth how to fight - both with swords and fists - for about a year now. My kiddo's always been a scrappy one, but now she was a scrappy one with a blade. Was it a bad idea to teach a young child dangerous skills? Yes. Could something go wrong? Yes. Is Bylass's spirit cringing at my attempts of being a single father? I would hope not, but probably yes.

Am I teaching my kid to defend herself? To give her the ability to fight back if I'm not around?

Yes. Absolutely.

"Hey, if you're extra good, I'll even take you on a ride with Gladiolus. How does that sound?"

Byleth nodded, mouth twitching slightly. Poor kid...

I walked over and pressed a kiss to her head, longing filling my heart. How I wish By could just be right here next to me, to help me raise our kid. Life would be so much easier if it went as we planned.

Bylass would still be alive, healthy and smiling. We would have Byleth and all of her other siblings and we'd be happy. We'd raise them in the Monastery and have the best teachers in all of Fodlan give them lessons. And every night, we would meet as a family and enjoy the last hours of the day. We would be together.

But no. Bylass gave up her life for our child and left me alone. Rhea did something to mess up my newborn - something I would never forgive her for.

Back to mercenary work for me, then.

I sighed into Byleth's hair, blinking away my tears. "I love you, kiddo."

"Mm..." She closed her eyes and hugged me back. My heart warmed.

Emotionless as she may be, each one of her gestures had meaning. And when she hummed in the back of her throat and embraced me, that was her way of saying she loved me.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" I exclaimed, fishing deep into my pocket. "I picked these up for you!"

In my palms were a pair of wool, verdant green mittens. "I noticed that your hands get pretty cold whenever we travel, so I thought these would help."

Byleth extended her hands, fingers outstretched and expecting. I chuckled to myself, carefully placing each mitten on her hand. She stared at the new pieces of clothing, moving her hands inside of them. Then, she turned to me, blinking twice.

She loves them!

I ruffled her hair once more. "They look great, kiddo. Now hopefully your hands won't be so cold anymore." Her circulation has always been super weird. Then again, I suppose not having a heartbeat will do that for ya.

I lifted her up and set her on the ground, taking one covered hand in mine. "Come on, now. Let's get some grub."

She nodded silently, empty eyes looking forward.

We'll get you back to normal one day, kid. I promise.

*****
So here's something depressing. ALSO GOLDEN DEER PROPAGANDA. VERDANT WIND ALL THE WAY BABY. I always thought Jeralt would lose his shiz over being a single father but so his absolute best. He loves he and wants the best for her even though she's never smiled/felt emotions. He's trying. Thank you so much for reading and look forward to reading more!

Next Prompt: December 22nd- "Sweets"