Honorary Golden Deer

Not just a Crest

The journey back to the monastery was thankfully an easy one for Linhardt. Perched upon Ferdinand's stallion, leaning heavily against the paladin's back. Linhardt had been reveling in the presence of Byleth who had yet to disappear from his side when Ferdinand had returned with his horse. The armoured-gloved hand that offered its assistance was eagerly taken by Linhardt, unintentionally overlooking that he had left Byleth's side so quickly without regard. But by the time he let out a small groan of relief as the weight was taken from the soles of his feet, turning to address the professor, he was nowhere to be seen. As they marched across Alliance land, Linhardt began to snooze against Ferdinand and hummed in content. His eyes fluttered closed several times, sluggishly waking from time to time after the horse manoeuvred from lower to higher ground.

"Linhardt?" Ferdinand called to him and tried to gaze at him from over his shoulder for a moment. The warlock could only hum in response, gently brushing the paladin's golden locks away as they threatened to tickle his face. "The Professor is continuously gazing over his shoulder at you and I. His demeanour is not one of distrust, though I cannot decipher why he is glaring in such a way."

Linhardt yawned and placed his hand on Ferdinand's shoulder as he pushed himself up to peer over to the accused. Byleth was bluntly staring at Ferdinand with narrowed eyes and creased features. Linhardt couldn't help the small smile that graced his lips. "I do believe the emotion he is feeling is: jealousy."

"Jealousy?" Ferdinand blinked in surprise and turned his head to Linhardt as the warlock leaned his chin on his shoulder in exhaustion. "But I have done nothing to assert such a response."

Linhardt chuckled for a moment and tilted his head slightly as he caught Byleth's eye. He was ready to assure the professor with a raise of his brow and a smile only reserved for him, but the man swiftly turned away and began to converse with Claude. The warlock frowned and slipped back behind Ferdinand, slumping back against the paladin and didn't bother to brush the stray golden hairs that had settled on his cheek.

"Are you alright, my friend?" Ferdinand asked him with a concerned tone. "Have I done something to upset the two of you?"

"No, Ferdinand." Linhardt shook his head against the paladin's back and sighed quietly. "We're just having a bit of a –quarrel – at the moment."

"A quarrel, you say?" Ferdinand knitted his brow as he watched the professor. "May I inquire as to what kind of quarrel includes that of jealousy? Is there anything I can be of service to?" He asked Linhardt who nuzzled his head into his back.

"No, but thank you, Ferdinand," Linhardt replied.

"Well, whatever it is, Linhardt, I am sure the two of you will work it out," Ferdinand said cheerfully. "You are both too tenacious to allow – if I may guess? – such a misunderstanding to ruin your relationship."

Linhardt lightened somewhat and thanked Ferdinand by patting his shoulder blade. The hum of approval he received back was enough for the warlock to finally close his eyes and drift off to sleep.

Linhardt woke as Ferdinand heeded his mount to stop. The warlock slowly sat back up and yawned loudly, flittering his eyes around to find himself at the markets just in front of the monastery. He was jostled slightly as Ferdinand climbed off the horse and placed his hand on the stallion's croup to steady himself with the movement. Linhardt had expected Ferdinand to offer his hand once again and was pleasantly surprised to see Byleth right in front of him. His hand was outstretched for the warlock to take, his face was a blank slate, but Linhardt smiled nonetheless. He placed his fingers in Byleth's palm and warmed significantly as the professor closed his hand over them and helped Linhardt off the horse. The warlock gulped lightly as Byleth's hand came to rest on his waist as he was dropped delicately to his feet. Linhardt managed to give Ferdinand a quick glance to see the man smiling reassuringly at him. Linhardt smiled back and returned his attention back to Byleth as Ferdinand began to pull his steed towards the stables.