(It wasn't unusual for Claude to stay after class and pick at their professor's mind after everyone else has finished for the afternoon. They discuss the latest lesson. Claude presents a different hypothetical, an alternative solution to the problem at hand and she counters with some variable he hadn't considered before. He helps her gather up her things, he invites her to have dinner with the class, she declines, he feigns disappointment and makes a joke about how the meal for the evening was some Faerghus dish so she wasn't missing out on much anyway.... and it seems like the perfect segue for her to mention that a new student would join their next class.
Felix Fraldarius. Of course, he recognizes the name but he can't say he knows much beyond that.
(Of course, he knows enough. The surviving son of Rodrigue Frauldarius, the "Shield of Faerghus." He always would have thought he'd be close to the young prince like his father had been for his but that didn't seem to be the case. Well, it wasn't his business. That entire house wears grief almost as well as they wear their armor and he has better things to do than pick on a bunch of tragic classmates.)
He promises to check in on their newest member. He's sure he won't have to do much before Sylvain, who'd been recruited earlier, eases him into their routine. He'll leave Felix alone for the evening. Surely he'll have some explaining to do with his peers but the following day, during their free day, he'll stop by the training grounds to catch Felix. )
(It's been at least a few days since Felix joined the Golden Deer. Byleth starts off by training with him, getting an understanding of his level and making notes, giving advice, teaching like she's supposed to.
When Felix comes to the training grounds this morning, he'll find Byleth overseeing Claude and Ignatz. The lesson is basic, nothing special, and for Felix, probably incredibly boring to watch. Ignatz fumbles his way through the lesson, doubtful and uncertain while Claude fares much more confidently. Claude leads Ignatz through the moves, creating all of the right openings, creating openings that Byleth calls out at Ignatz to strike at. After awhile, he manages to catch his sword on Claude's in just the right way and disarm him like he's supposed to. They repeat it a few more times until Byleth ends their practice. Teacher and leader praise Ignatz, encouraging him to practice more and promising to see him later. When Ignatz turns to leave, he seems genuinely surprised to see Felix there and manages a nervous "good morning" before taking his leave.
To Felix, it should have been obvious who the more skilled swordsman was during practice. Unfortunately, it doesn't reveal much of Claude's skill at all.
Claude goes to take a drink of water and Byleth acknowledges Felix, greeting him in that usual, neutral manner of hers, and explaining that today she thought it would be good if, instead of her, he practiced with--
"Claude."
He comes over when called, swinging his wooden practice sword in his hand, a display of show instead of skill, )
Are you sure about that, Teach? You know I wouldn't mind taking it easy a bit...
(She's certain and he only shrugs in response, as casual as ever, )
Alright. (He looks at Felix, smiling, clearly having fun,) Go easy on me, okay?
("This may sound impetuous. Perhaps irresponsible. Almost certainly impossible. But we're gonna do it anyway. In exactly five years' time, let's promise to meet again, right here at the monastery."
It's a week of promises at Garreg Mach and all leading up to the pinnacle moment! The ball! It's all anyone can really talk about leading up to the night. It didn't take much to convince Byleth to let them out of class early to prepare.... not that he needed to prepare but Hilda and Lorenz certainly seemed to appreciate the extra time. It's very much like the deer to focus on having fun than on serious things like training and classes right now though so Felix's practices have probably been sorely lacking or at least, mostly alone.
On the night of the ball, Claude happily dances with the professor and even shares a few turns with Hilda and Flayn (despite Seteth's glares). He doesn't stick around for long though. He's an outsider and there's nothing like a party to really drive home that fact. It was fun dancing with his friends! But it didn't take a sharp eye to see he was far from popular. And to be honest? It suited him fine.
When the ball is really getting underway, he slips out into the night when no one is looking...
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Felix Fraldarius. Of course, he recognizes the name but he can't say he knows much beyond that.
(Of course, he knows enough. The surviving son of Rodrigue Frauldarius, the "Shield of Faerghus." He always would have thought he'd be close to the young prince like his father had been for his but that didn't seem to be the case. Well, it wasn't his business. That entire house wears grief almost as well as they wear their armor and he has better things to do than pick on a bunch of tragic classmates.)
He promises to check in on their newest member. He's sure he won't have to do much before Sylvain, who'd been recruited earlier, eases him into their routine. He'll leave Felix alone for the evening. Surely he'll have some explaining to do with his peers but the following day, during their free day, he'll stop by the training grounds to catch Felix. )
I thought I'd find you here.
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When Felix comes to the training grounds this morning, he'll find Byleth overseeing Claude and Ignatz. The lesson is basic, nothing special, and for Felix, probably incredibly boring to watch. Ignatz fumbles his way through the lesson, doubtful and uncertain while Claude fares much more confidently. Claude leads Ignatz through the moves, creating all of the right openings, creating openings that Byleth calls out at Ignatz to strike at. After awhile, he manages to catch his sword on Claude's in just the right way and disarm him like he's supposed to. They repeat it a few more times until Byleth ends their practice. Teacher and leader praise Ignatz, encouraging him to practice more and promising to see him later. When Ignatz turns to leave, he seems genuinely surprised to see Felix there and manages a nervous "good morning" before taking his leave.
To Felix, it should have been obvious who the more skilled swordsman was during practice. Unfortunately, it doesn't reveal much of Claude's skill at all.
Claude goes to take a drink of water and Byleth acknowledges Felix, greeting him in that usual, neutral manner of hers, and explaining that today she thought it would be good if, instead of her, he practiced with--
"Claude."
He comes over when called, swinging his wooden practice sword in his hand, a display of show instead of skill, )
Are you sure about that, Teach? You know I wouldn't mind taking it easy a bit...
(She's certain and he only shrugs in response, as casual as ever, )
Alright. (He looks at Felix, smiling, clearly having fun,) Go easy on me, okay?
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It's a week of promises at Garreg Mach and all leading up to the pinnacle moment! The ball! It's all anyone can really talk about leading up to the night. It didn't take much to convince Byleth to let them out of class early to prepare.... not that he needed to prepare but Hilda and Lorenz certainly seemed to appreciate the extra time. It's very much like the deer to focus on having fun than on serious things like training and classes right now though so Felix's practices have probably been sorely lacking or at least, mostly alone.
On the night of the ball, Claude happily dances with the professor and even shares a few turns with Hilda and Flayn (despite Seteth's glares). He doesn't stick around for long though. He's an outsider and there's nothing like a party to really drive home that fact. It was fun dancing with his friends! But it didn't take a sharp eye to see he was far from popular. And to be honest? It suited him fine.
When the ball is really getting underway, he slips out into the night when no one is looking...
... and takes a few snacks with him. )