[In a most surprising turn of events, the heavens deigned a bit of mercy onto Edelgard von Hresvelg in the form of a tall, moderately ghoulish man by the name of Hubert von Vestra. We’re it not for his arrival...well, things would be much more difficult. But thankfully, not only does she have an ally she can trust, it’s perhaps her most important ally of all.
Well, maybe second to you know who.
So, walking side by side with him outside a modestly glitzy apartment complex, she cups her chin in her hand.]
Personally, I think it’s best that we live together in order to more efficiently watch each other’s backs when there are so many that are untrusting of us here...
Don’t you agree? [And she passes a glance at him that more or less says “Yes, you agree.”]
[For as weird as this place is - and it certainly is weird - at least Hubert can take comfort in knowing that he isn't alone here. Well, that's not precisely it. Even if he were surrounded by familiar faces, there is only one he will always look for first. Lady Edelgard is here, which is certainly a blessing - it means he can fall back into his usual role of serving her and that makes it easier to push everything else aside. It's good she's here and safe - for the time being, at least.
He remains in step with her as they move, eyes always scanning their surroundings for the slightest hint of a threat.]
Agreed. [He does meet her glance at that, almost as if to say "Did you have any doubts?"] It will be easier to remain close. As little as I like to admit it, I do still have much to learn about this place.
[Slowly, she walks him up to her apartment, It’ll be good to get him settled in. Maybe he can finally relax a touch?
Ah, but isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black?]
Getting used to the technology may take some time, but I have no doubts about your ability.
Linhardt and Ferdinand are here as well, you know. I’ll see what I can do about swaying them to our side, but...[she touches her fingers to her brow in annoyance]
Those boys from Faerghus––they’re not making my case sound any better. Their judgement is...harsh, but nothing I’m not prepared for.
...With you here, I must admit, it’s pleasing to finally be able to let me guard down, if only a little.
[He can only imagine how heavily all this weighs on her. She's most likely already learned exactly what happened in the future - well, a future. Differing timelines are a bit of a headache, and to be honest, he's not entirely sure he fully understands how that works or how it's possible for people from alternate futures to wind up here.]
I will always do all I can for you.
[It's not a sentiment he directly expresses to her nearly as often as he does to everyone else; it's something they both know by now, and not something he needs to reaffirm. Still, considering the circumstances, he thinks it's warranted.
Lady Edelgard isn't alone here. Not anymore.]
I do want to speak with Linhardt and Ferdinand when I get the chance; I'm curious to know how their memories line up with mine.
[Not that he believes either of them will be particularly useful or even trustworthy, but they are familiar faces and it would be best to rule them out as potential allies early on so as not to let any sort of sentiment get in the way.
...Not that he has any for Ferdinand, but at least he can acknowledge that putting their dumb and petty rivalry aside is necessary right now.]
Ferdinand’s from a similar point in time as yourself – Linhardt, I’m not certain.
[With a ka-chunk, she turns the key in the door to her, now their apartment. It’s clear Edelgard hasn’t been here long due to how little decorated it is. The whole place is sparse, but not without a classical design. Thankfully, it’s big enough for two people, with two bedrooms and a bath.]
It’s not home, but it’ll have to do. Be careful in your comings and goings, I’d rather keep the place I’m living a secret for now.
[she leads him to a sofa in the living room, where she takes a seat perhaps a little too eagerly. There are noticeable bags under the young emperor’s eyes – it’s clear the past month has done a number on her not only mentally but physically.]
[Discretion is key, especially with enemies about. Even if there weren't any time shenanigans and people from the future who want Lady Edelgard dead to worry about, he'd still prefer to avoid letting anyone know where they're staying. The less information they give away, the better.
He follows her into the living room, eyeing their surroundings curiously before he joins her. As usual, he doesn't look anywhere near close to relaxed, but things certainly could be a lot worse. If he hadn't run into her—
Best not to think like that.]
It seems you've settled in well enough, for the time being at least. Let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you.
[Which goes without saying, but some sense of normality is nice, okay.]
[Edelgard leans back into the sofa, slowly peeling back the gloves that she’s been so accustomed to wearing. For all of her rigorous training at the Officer’s Academy, and even long before that, her hands still seem soft, small, and pale.]
There is.
[and she centers her gaze on him, shaking off the cloudy exhaustion that had been on her face a moment prior.]
How familiar have you become with the concept of “chroma”?
[His gaze drops to her hand, but he doesn't ask why she's removed her glove. Lady Edelgard will explain her reasoning soon enough - and the question goes a long way to explaining it.]
Chroma is energy that we produce, is that correct? I have heard it is necessary for casting magic.
[Obviously his priorities are in the right order.]
[That explains it, then. The explanations he managed to get from people weren't enough to let him know that, which is irritating, but it's only a minor set-back. Surely such a thing would be exceptionally difficult to handle were he alone and he can only imagine how troublesome it's been for Lady Edelgard. How irritating.
He removes one of his gloves swiftly and takes her hand without hesitation. Though physical contact isn't really something he offers, it isn't as though he's really opposed to it. He's just awkward about it.]
You have my apologies for not arriving sooner.
[Not that it was anything under his control, of course, but it gets the sentiment across well enough. He's sorry she's had to deal with this on her own, but he's here now and she will always have his support.
To tell you the truth, it’s a bit embarrassing. [But his hand is warmer than she would have expected from the cold, callous Hubert. Her other hand finds his as well, holding onto it with both of them now. It’s a more ephemeral touch at first, but after a few moments her grip becomes taut, lightly scraping her fingertips across the back of his hand.
The generation of chroma feels...nice. Again, embarrassingly so. Though Edelgard is a stranger to hand-holding in the first place, so she can’t tell the difference.]
People like us, distant, not suited for...intimate contact, in a place where something like this is essential.
[A ghost of a smile forms on the corners of her lips along with a breathy, hollow laugh.]
[She isn't the only one unaccustomed to it. It does feel nice, in a way that makes him wonder if it's purely based on chroma and the way it's being generated, or if hand-holding has always been this nice and he just never knew.
...The former makes way more sense.
Lady Edelgard's words get a smirk from him and he shakes his head a bit.]
Completely ridiculous. I've found myself thinking that of almost everything I've encountered here.
[Lady Edelgard is the one good thing this place has to offer. Well, perhaps it's too soon to say that for certain, but he doubts things will start looking up any time soon.]
[Something about Hubert being absolutely appalled by everything he finds here is a little bit amusing to her, and she finds him looking at him much more fondly than perhaps he’s used to –– well, absence does make the heart grow fonder.]
I’d suggest getting as well acquainted with the way this world works as quickly as possible. It’ll be to our benefit as we try to get home. I certainly have no interest in staying here.
Though...
[there’s a beat as her eyes seem to lose focus]
Losing the immediacy of my responsibilities as Emperor is not without its benefits...It’s been a long while since I’ve had the opportunity to even simply sit and think.
[The first part gets a nod from him; of course Lady Edelgard isn't interested in staying here. Her path forward lies back home, and there isn't anything this world can offer that will sway her from it, he's certain of that.
Her words aren't entirely surprising, though he does raise his one visible eyebrow. Lady Edelgard must be the Emperor as soon as she returns home. She doesn't have any other option; it was the title she has claimed for herself, and the person she has to be. He understands that much, and some part of him can understand the desire to want to have more time to herself, at the very least.]
There is much we could learn from the people here. [That's carefully-worded, considering.] Perhaps there could be some benefit to being dragged here.
[A brief pause. As he's described it, this makes it sound like the only possible benefit could be for intelligence-gathering purposes. That's not exactly the sentiment he's trying to express, but it's always a bit difficult...]
I... am pleased that you do have time to yourself.
[...Is that better...?? As important as Lady Edelgard's path forward is, she is still a person, and he does want what's best for her.]
Hearing about the possibilities of the future from those that come ahead of us also has given me much to think about.
[and gripping hubert’s hand a little more tightly:]
Not that anything about what I must do has changed. But in so many years, I’ve never been afforded such a respite, taxing as it has been nonetheless. No longer racing the clock or facing the pressures of those relying on me...It has put much in perspective. How long we’ve been moving forward without the opportunity to breathe.
Perhaps some time off could do you well yourself, Hubert.
[a quiet noise of amusement]
Not that I expect to see you relaxing any time soon.
[He can certainly understand the first part; hearing about their future certainly does give him a lot to think about as well. They have the time for it now, which is... something. He's not entirely sure he'd call it a good thing.]
At this point, I'm not sure I know how to relax.
[The words aren't quite sarcastic, but they're a touch too light to be serious. His expression is almost a smirk, but a bit too soft for that. It's the closest he gets to smiling, and Lady Edelgard is one of the few people who can ever earn that expression.]
I understand, however. Having time to collect ourselves and prepare for what's to come can only work in our favor.
[Yes, he'd prefer to be home and moving forward immediately. But he's fully aware that pressing onwards without any rest is unhealthy and potentially damaging to Lady Edelgard. It's a thought that does trouble him sometimes, knowing what she must do and the burdens she'll have to bear on her path forward. But he believes in her and her path, and has would never dream of asking her to slow or stop, even for her own benefit.
So this... while it certainly isn't ideal, it may actually be a blessing in some ways.
His grip tightens on her hand in return.]
Perhaps you'll be able to relax a bit more now that I'm here.
[...That sounds pretty full of himself, but you know what he means by it...]
[Hey, guess what, it's Winter Holiday Time! That means gifts, and so Hubert will be getting a nice chess set - with black and red pieces, of course, and a nice, cozy blanket.]
[ They haven't even met yet but Felix knows he's hear thanks to Sylvain and the others. So Hubert gets a nice black box with a shiny black bow. Inside of it is this brooch, as well as a package of the finest coffee blend the city has to offer.
the card attached reads "Happy Festival, from Felix".
A generic greeting but look. He was told to play nice so this is what you get. ]
[ A plain box sits outside of Hubert's door with a dark blue bow on it. Should Hubert peek through, he will find a fancy coffee maker inside. There's also a note that reads:
[On Christmas Hubert will get a basket delivered to him with freshly baked goods as well as a special gift just for him. Including the beans to go with it.]
Hubert,
It relieves me to know that you are here to watch over Edelgard. I thank you for that and hope that you will enjoy this gift as part of my gratitude for that.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
In person!
Well, maybe second to you know who.
So, walking side by side with him outside a modestly glitzy apartment complex, she cups her chin in her hand.]
Personally, I think it’s best that we live together in order to more efficiently watch each other’s backs when there are so many that are untrusting of us here...
Don’t you agree? [And she passes a glance at him that more or less says “Yes, you agree.”]
no subject
He remains in step with her as they move, eyes always scanning their surroundings for the slightest hint of a threat.]
Agreed. [He does meet her glance at that, almost as if to say "Did you have any doubts?"] It will be easier to remain close. As little as I like to admit it, I do still have much to learn about this place.
no subject
Ah, but isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black?]
Getting used to the technology may take some time, but I have no doubts about your ability.
Linhardt and Ferdinand are here as well, you know. I’ll see what I can do about swaying them to our side, but...[she touches her fingers to her brow in annoyance]
Those boys from Faerghus––they’re not making my case sound any better. Their judgement is...harsh, but nothing I’m not prepared for.
...With you here, I must admit, it’s pleasing to finally be able to let me guard down, if only a little.
no subject
I will always do all I can for you.
[It's not a sentiment he directly expresses to her nearly as often as he does to everyone else; it's something they both know by now, and not something he needs to reaffirm. Still, considering the circumstances, he thinks it's warranted.
Lady Edelgard isn't alone here. Not anymore.]
I do want to speak with Linhardt and Ferdinand when I get the chance; I'm curious to know how their memories line up with mine.
[Not that he believes either of them will be particularly useful or even trustworthy, but they are familiar faces and it would be best to rule them out as potential allies early on so as not to let any sort of sentiment get in the way.
...Not that he has any for Ferdinand, but at least he can acknowledge that putting their dumb and petty rivalry aside is necessary right now.]
no subject
[With a ka-chunk, she turns the key in the door to her, now their apartment. It’s clear Edelgard hasn’t been here long due to how little decorated it is. The whole place is sparse, but not without a classical design. Thankfully, it’s big enough for two people, with two bedrooms and a bath.]
It’s not home, but it’ll have to do. Be careful in your comings and goings, I’d rather keep the place I’m living a secret for now.
[she leads him to a sofa in the living room, where she takes a seat perhaps a little too eagerly. There are noticeable bags under the young emperor’s eyes – it’s clear the past month has done a number on her not only mentally but physically.]
At the very least, it’s comfortable.
no subject
[Discretion is key, especially with enemies about. Even if there weren't any time shenanigans and people from the future who want Lady Edelgard dead to worry about, he'd still prefer to avoid letting anyone know where they're staying. The less information they give away, the better.
He follows her into the living room, eyeing their surroundings curiously before he joins her. As usual, he doesn't look anywhere near close to relaxed, but things certainly could be a lot worse. If he hadn't run into her—
Best not to think like that.]
It seems you've settled in well enough, for the time being at least. Let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you.
[Which goes without saying, but some sense of normality is nice, okay.]
no subject
[Edelgard leans back into the sofa, slowly peeling back the gloves that she’s been so accustomed to wearing. For all of her rigorous training at the Officer’s Academy, and even long before that, her hands still seem soft, small, and pale.]
There is.
[and she centers her gaze on him, shaking off the cloudy exhaustion that had been on her face a moment prior.]
How familiar have you become with the concept of “chroma”?
no subject
Chroma is energy that we produce, is that correct? I have heard it is necessary for casting magic.
[Obviously his priorities are in the right order.]
no subject
[Remember how she looks tired and sick? Well.]
That’s the way that I’ve been going. Not many people that I’m comfortable getting that close to...
[she reaches her hands closer towards him ever so slightly, hoping that he’ll get the implication here.]
You understand, don’t you?
no subject
[That explains it, then. The explanations he managed to get from people weren't enough to let him know that, which is irritating, but it's only a minor set-back. Surely such a thing would be exceptionally difficult to handle were he alone and he can only imagine how troublesome it's been for Lady Edelgard. How irritating.
He removes one of his gloves swiftly and takes her hand without hesitation. Though physical contact isn't really something he offers, it isn't as though he's really opposed to it. He's just awkward about it.]
You have my apologies for not arriving sooner.
[Not that it was anything under his control, of course, but it gets the sentiment across well enough. He's sorry she's had to deal with this on her own, but he's here now and she will always have his support.
...Even if this is a little awkward.]
Whenever you need assistance, I will provide it.
no subject
The generation of chroma feels...nice. Again, embarrassingly so. Though Edelgard is a stranger to hand-holding in the first place, so she can’t tell the difference.]
People like us, distant, not suited for...intimate contact, in a place where something like this is essential.
[A ghost of a smile forms on the corners of her lips along with a breathy, hollow laugh.]
Utterly ridiculous.
no subject
...The former makes way more sense.
Lady Edelgard's words get a smirk from him and he shakes his head a bit.]
Completely ridiculous. I've found myself thinking that of almost everything I've encountered here.
[Lady Edelgard is the one good thing this place has to offer. Well, perhaps it's too soon to say that for certain, but he doubts things will start looking up any time soon.]
no subject
I’d suggest getting as well acquainted with the way this world works as quickly as possible. It’ll be to our benefit as we try to get home. I certainly have no interest in staying here.
Though...
[there’s a beat as her eyes seem to lose focus]
Losing the immediacy of my responsibilities as Emperor is not without its benefits...It’s been a long while since I’ve had the opportunity to even simply sit and think.
no subject
Her words aren't entirely surprising, though he does raise his one visible eyebrow. Lady Edelgard must be the Emperor as soon as she returns home. She doesn't have any other option; it was the title she has claimed for herself, and the person she has to be. He understands that much, and some part of him can understand the desire to want to have more time to herself, at the very least.]
There is much we could learn from the people here. [That's carefully-worded, considering.] Perhaps there could be some benefit to being dragged here.
[A brief pause. As he's described it, this makes it sound like the only possible benefit could be for intelligence-gathering purposes. That's not exactly the sentiment he's trying to express, but it's always a bit difficult...]
I... am pleased that you do have time to yourself.
[...Is that better...?? As important as Lady Edelgard's path forward is, she is still a person, and he does want what's best for her.]
no subject
[and gripping hubert’s hand a little more tightly:]
Not that anything about what I must do has changed. But in so many years, I’ve never been afforded such a respite, taxing as it has been nonetheless. No longer racing the clock or facing the pressures of those relying on me...It has put much in perspective. How long we’ve been moving forward without the opportunity to breathe.
Perhaps some time off could do you well yourself, Hubert.
[a quiet noise of amusement]
Not that I expect to see you relaxing any time soon.
no subject
At this point, I'm not sure I know how to relax.
[The words aren't quite sarcastic, but they're a touch too light to be serious. His expression is almost a smirk, but a bit too soft for that. It's the closest he gets to smiling, and Lady Edelgard is one of the few people who can ever earn that expression.]
I understand, however. Having time to collect ourselves and prepare for what's to come can only work in our favor.
[Yes, he'd prefer to be home and moving forward immediately. But he's fully aware that pressing onwards without any rest is unhealthy and potentially damaging to Lady Edelgard. It's a thought that does trouble him sometimes, knowing what she must do and the burdens she'll have to bear on her path forward. But he believes in her and her path, and has would never dream of asking her to slow or stop, even for her own benefit.
So this... while it certainly isn't ideal, it may actually be a blessing in some ways.
His grip tightens on her hand in return.]
Perhaps you'll be able to relax a bit more now that I'm here.
[...That sounds pretty full of himself, but you know what he means by it...]
no subject
special delivery
the card attached reads "Happy Festival, from Felix".
A generic greeting but look. He was told to play nice so this is what you get. ]
Merry Firialia
𝐻𝓊𝒷𝑒𝓇𝓉,
𝐼 𝒽𝑜𝓅𝑒𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝒹 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝓌𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒶 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒. 𝑀𝑒𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝐹𝒾𝓇𝒾𝒶𝓁𝒾𝒶.
-𝐵𝓎𝓁𝑒𝓉𝒽 ]
Christmas Delivery
Hubert,
It relieves me to know that you are here to watch over Edelgard. I thank you for that and hope that you will enjoy this gift as part of my gratitude for that.
Thank you, dear.
Manuela