An impromptu language lesson

Byleth was walking across the campus. It was probably a good idea to check on things around the monestary. In addition to getting a read on things, it was pretty relaxing. Class had gone well today, even with Sothis keeping Edelgard 'awake'. It would also give him time to come up with ideas on his next lesson. On his way past the greenhouses, he was distracted by the sound of... singing?

As he grew closer, he could tell the singing was pretty and... familiar? Poking his head inside, he quickly saw a short girl with purple hair singing as she tended to some plants. So, Bernie had some other hidden talents. He was really hoping he could help her out of her shell a bit more, but his instincts told him she would not take being discovered suddenly like this well. So he simply closed the door to the greenhouse and continued his walk, approaching the fishing hole outside the dining hall.

It wasn't long before his next surprise encounter. "Oh! Greetings Professor." Byleth looked over suddenly at Petra, who had just walked over. "I am needing your help with a thing."

Byleth nodded as he turned to her. "Are you having trouble with something from class?" Petra shook her head. "No Professor. I am not struggling with your class, though I am having difficulty with Manuela's Language lesson." She pulled out a book and pointed to a phrase. "I am not understanding where the meaning is here... When and how is this expression used... 'I fell for it.' "

Byleth definitely knew that one, but realized this was a chance to connect with her a bit. So, for fun, he decided to play dumb. "I fell in love?" He posed.

Petra shook her head. "No, that is what you say when you meet the mate of your soul. The expression is, 'I fell for it!' "

Byleth played along a little bit more, his face betraying nothing. "I don't understand..."

Petra went wide eyed at this. "Are you a stump? I mean...are you stumped? That makes me surprised! Can I ask you about another word? The one that is written here... Hm? Is something on my face?"

"Your cheeks are on your face."

Petra couldn't help but laugh at that deadpan delivery. "Yes, I know about that! That is a joke of Fódlan! Right? Is that really what you are thinking? Or maybe you have curiosity about the mark on my face?"

Byleth was taken aback by that sudden topic. "The mark?"

Petra pointed to the purple marking under her eye. "You are already knowing that I am from Brigid. This is a mark from Brigid. It is a prayer to the forest spirits. A prayer to be protected. Hunters ask the forest spirits to have safe and bountiful hunting. There are many spirits in Brigid. I have more marks on my arms and back. They are prayers for my family's health and triumph. Are you wanting to see them?"

Byleth was now genuinely curious after that explanation. "I would love to."

Petra beamed at that. "That gives me happiness. If there is ever the chance, you will see them." She then bowed deeply to him. "I have much gratitude for you, Professor. You always listen with patience. I can read and understand the language of Fódlan, but speak it... gives me difficulty. I hope I will keep having your support. And I will give you my support too, with my whole heart. I have things that I cannot fail to accomplish."

Byleth made up his mind right then. "If you were interested, I'm willing to help you learn more of the language this evening. I do have open office hours then."

Petra smile broadened. "I am thanking you! I will arrive at your room this evening!" She said before dashing off.

'Sothis, let Dorothea and Manuela know about this. I'd like to offer Petra the chance to join.' Byleth could feel the eagerness of the genie through this.