[ Pain lances through his arm, his sword arm, with every movement. He’s hardly had time to evaluate the injury, never mind address it – though he has managed to tear off his uniform shirt sleeve and use it as a makeshift bandage. For now, the arm is cradled carefully to his chest as he awkwardly wields a sword in his non-dominant hand. As soon as this nightmare is over, he’ll begin training his ambidexterity in earnest. He’s a fool for not doing so sooner.
The injury had come in a moment of carelessness. Lighting in the distance had broken his concentration, allowing a bandit to slip out of his parry and score a decent hit on his extended arm. Blood still trickles from the wound, but Felix is confident he is in no danger of losing the limb so long as it is properly treated. Which, naturally, is an issue because he and Hubert have become separated from their classmates. It grates on his nerves that he can’t treat himself self-sufficiently; white magic is without a doubt one of his worst subjects. ]
It’s fine, [ he argues, an automatic response from someone used to doing everything on his own. ] …No, you’re right. Here.
[ Felix takes a moment to evaluate their surroundings and make certain they aren’t about to be ambushed before offering the arm to Hubert. The shirt sleeve bandage is soaked through with rain water and blood. Beneath, the injury begins shallowly on his upper arm and becomes gradually more worrisome toward his wrist. Fortunately, none of the major arteries have been affected. Bruising is already evident. ]
[Hubert gives Felix a mildly exasperated look at the first part, but thankfully Felix knows better than to keep arguing. It'll be easier if Hubert bandages it properly, after all.
He studies the injury carefully, comparing it to what he knows. It should be fine until they can reach their classmates - after he's bandaged it, of course - but he internally chides himself on his lack of knowledge. Killing is far easier than healing, and if he's finding himself uncertain about an injury like this, then he really does need to study harder. It isn't likely that Lady Edelgard will ever require such a thing from him, but that's hardly an excuse to ignore it as a possibility.
His uniform jacket has already been removed and carefully cut up to serve as a bandage for his leg, so it's not difficult for him to slice the rest of it up with the knife he keeps hidden at his belt to make (rather crude) bandages for Felix's arm.]
I may be able to fashion a sling, if you'd prefer that.
[The question gets him to incline his head a bit, both as an indication that he's heard and a pause to consider his answer.]
I've done what I can for it for the time being. I'm in no danger of bleeding out, at the very least. Unfortunately, I will slow us down, should we need to move.
[In fact, moving at all sounds like a terrible idea, and not just because it may put them further from their classmates. Still, a little pain is nothing compared to possibly dying, so if it becomes a necessity, he'll suffer through.
He finishes up with the bandages; there's enough left of his uniform jacket to make a sling if Felix wants it.]
[ The knife is noted with detached curiosity, and Felix makes a point to scrumptiously see where it is returned once the bandages are made. It isn’t particularly surprising that Hubert is armed; Felix makes a point not to travel anywhere without a sword on him. But what is interesting is the simple fact that the knife is seemingly meant to remain hidden. Useful, in tricky situations. Why would a vassal to the Adrestian princess require such covert weaponry? Well, Felix may despise politics, but he’s no fool. He can think of one or two reasons why Hubert carries a concealed knife on his person. ]
Thanks.
[ Felix resists the immediate urge to test the flexibility of the makeshift bandages, instead choosing to do just as Hubert has advised. ]
Save the rest of your jacket for now. I can handle this.
[It's possible they'll need it for something else, or more bandages if either of their injuries bleed through the ones they've already used.]
Very well. You have my thanks.
[Normally he would insist on keeping watch - partially because he trusts himself with it better than Felix, and partially because he won't be able to rest anyway - but there's no sense in both of them wearing themselves out on watch duty. And on a more pathetic note, his leg is absolutely not going to allow him to stand for much longer without giving out on him.
So Hubert sits, carefully lowering himself to the ground beneath the tree and exhaling slowly to hide the hiss of pain in changing positions. This is certainly better for conserving his strength, and if they need to fight he will definitely be more useful than Felix - assuming he doesn't have to move, of course.
How frustrating. None of this should have happened, and certainly not like this.]
Let me know when you need to rest.
[Don't push yourself is what he means, though it isn't sentiment that drives him to say it. Felix won't be of any use on guard duty if he's tired, after all.]
[ From the corner of his eye, he watches as Hubert sits down. Though it is difficult to say for certain – the mage maintains such a cool, neutral façade – he believes that Hubert may be experiencing extreme discomfort. Hopefully taking weight off the leg will alleviate some of the pain, but if there’s swelling… He frowns. That would be an issue. Here he stands, pretending to be somewhat useful as a watch dog. Yet the truth of the matter is that his blade would be better off in Hubert’s hands than in his own non-dominant one. Should they be attacked, it is Hubert who will need to defend them. As he is now, Felix is little more than a glorified meat shield. And that thought rankles. ]
This is pointless.
[ With a sneer of disgust at his current state, he fumbles to sheathe the sword and then settles down on the ground in front of Hubert. If the mage is their key to survival, then…Felix will swallow his pride, and do what he can. Which, if he remembers Manuela’s lectures correctly – ]
We need to elevate your leg. To stop the swelling.
[ Then, looking dearly pained, he pats his lap in the most lukewarm gesture possible. ]
[Hubert's one visible eyebrow arches at the words and for a brief moment the confusion is obvious on his face as Felix joins him on the ground. He doesn't voice the obvious question (What are you doing?) but Felix offers an answer quickly enough.
...And boy is it an answer he really would have preferred never hearing. It's one Felix would prefer to have never given, from the look of it.
Felix should be standing watch - although with the rain and their severely reduced visibility, he can certainly acknowledge that standing and sitting and keeping watch are about the same at the moment. There's also the fact that Felix's dominant arm is injured, so even if he were to spot a threat coming, there's little he could do about it.
So logically speaking, the best thing to do would be to attend to their injuries and wait for help. In the worst case scenario, he can still fire spells off from down here.
There isn't any reason to deny Felix's help. In fact, doing so would be entirely counterproductive to both their survival. But Hubert's struck with the childish urge to argue anyway, because he greatly prefers looking after himself.
It takes him a moment (of blank staring; he gets his expression under control fairly quickly once he makes up his mind, however) but he finally nods briefly, carefully moving his leg to prop it up against Felix's. He manages to keep the hiss of pain at movement under control, but there's no hiding the wince as he does it.]
...You have my thanks for your assistance.
[The words are much more stiff than usual, and he sort of sounds like he'd prefer anything else over accepting Felix's help, but he understands where this is necessary.]
[ Felix pointedly stares off into the damp gloom of the forest while waiting on Hubert. As time passes without response or action from the dark mage, he becomes increasingly uncomfortable – but still doesn’t turn to look at the other boy’s expression. What’s the hold up? An awkward tension suffuses every limb, like he’s being slowly turned to stone, and color darkens the nape of his neck, just barely visible above his collar. Sheer embarrassment is on a fast track to turning sour when Hubert finally reacts. Despite having offered it in the first place, he’s still surprised when the injured leg is propped up on his. Felix suddenly doesn’t know what to do with his free hand; even though it objectively takes up little space, it seems to him that Hubert’s leg is everywhere that his hand wants to rest. Frustrated with himself, he eventually settles on using it to lightly hold his bad arm. This is ridiculous. Everything about this is ridiculous. ]
[It's not a joke at all, but the exasperation in it is letting on a bit more than he would have with anyone else. At least Felix is aware of how immensely uncomfortable this entire scenario is, which in turn makes it almost funny in how ridiculous it is.
Or maybe that's just his sense of humor. He's been told his sense of humor is terrible.]
[ While not quite a smile, the corner of Felix’s mouth tugs upward in response to the audible exasperation. In that moment, he’s so immensely relieved that he’s here with Hubert instead of Caspar or Dorothea or Ferdinand…or Edelgard, or anyone else in the Black Eagle house, really – all of who would likely make this experience much more humiliating. Though Hubert may sometimes be as pleasant of company as a tombstone, the mage will undoubtedly keep this to himself. They’re both probably too proud for their own good, honestly. ]
We can’t let the Adrestian Empire know that the heir to the Imperial Household is behaving indecently, [ he remarks airily, and maybe it’s pain talking or the absurdity of the situation, but someone should tease Hubert, and it looks like the task falls to him. ] He’s even showing off his ankle. Horrifying.
[It doesn't get a laugh out of him, but given the smirk, he's definitely amused.]
Dreadful. I can hear my father's disappointment already. With any luck, you'll be able to escape back to Fraldarius territory before House Vestra's assassins kill you for witnessing something so scandalous.
[His sense of humor runs really dark, and he delivers it in such a straightforward tone that it might be possible to take it as sincere, were it not for the clear amusement on his face and the absurdity in the words themselves.
Somehow it hadn't actually occurred to him that Felix could be amusing.]
[ For good reason, most people are unable to discern when Felix is being playful. It’s unfortunately led to some…exhausting encounters, so he’s glad to see that Hubert catches on quickly enough. ]
Ha! Let them come. I won’t hide. [ It does not occur to him to actually consider that House Vestra has assassins. ] But perhaps this is all an elaborate ploy of yours to drive me out of the Black Eagles. If so, I commend you. You’re quite dedicated to your work.
[ To go so far as to even calculate Felix injuring himself! Truly, Huber is a mastermind. ]
You've found me out, how troublesome. My plans have been exposed.
[He says, in a complete deadpan. He's still smirking, though.]
All of this was an elaborate scheme in order to trick you into returning to the Blue Lions, or at least defecting to the Golden Deer so we would no longer have to put up with you. How could my master plan have been so easily foiled?
[ The idea of returning to the Blue Lions is surprisingly abhorrent. There’s a reason why he so readily agreed to the professor’s recruitment efforts. But the idea of defecting to the Golden Deer? Ludicrous. That house is comprised of the most frustrating individuals in Garreg Mach. If there is a goddess, the proof can be found in the simple fact that the professor chose the Black Eagles to teach. ]
Not enough bloodshed. I’ll expect better from you next time. Don’t disappoint me, Hubert.
[ Hubert has good form, as far as bows go. Probably goes hand-in-hand with being such a dedicated vassal to a princess. Felix amusedly studies the other boy’s face, which is more visible now that his hair has been disturbed by the forward dip. ]
Good, [ he says, tone dry. ] And perhaps I’ll consider defecting, just for you.
[ Visions of dealing with Claude and Hilda and Lorenz fill his mind, and he internally screams. ]
[ Felix shifts, wincing a bit as the movement tugs at his arm, just so he can level Hubert with a sour look. Damn mage and his mind-reading abilities. ]
You would enjoy that, wouldn't you. [ Sadist. ] Who knows. Maybe there's room for you there as well. I'll put in a good word.
Forever is a long time, [ he scoffs, helpless but to challenge it. ] You don’t know what kind of person she’ll be in ten or twenty years. How can you pledge yourself so easily like that?
[ His own amusement cools, slowly replaced with a bitterness that he resents. ]
People can surprise you, no matter how well you think you know them.
[ Felix’s fate had been bound to that of Dimitri’s from the time they were both still in the womb. As infants, toddlers, and children – they were inseparable. Brothers in every sense of the word but in blood. And yet… Duscur happened. Dimitri changed.
[Hmm. He hit a nerve there, it seems. Given what he knows of House Fraldarius, he has a guess that this is about Dimitri, but he doesn't know any of the specifics.]
It isn't. Lady Edelgard and I walk the same path in life.
[A path of her own choosing, a path of their own choosing.]
I have no doubts that I will follow her until my dying breath.
[The smirk is replaced by the usual one he wears, but the words are certain. It isn't confidence that drives them; it's more like he's stating a fact. There isn't anything in the world that could get him to stop supporting Lady Edelgard.]
( OOC | Thank you so much for waiting! Also, for my own sake: I do not share Felix’s views, lol… )
[ If he knew Hubert better, Felix might have bothered to further pursue the argument – this level of unwavering loyalty and (as he sees it) blind obedience infuriates him. But Hubert is not a childhood friend such as Ingrid, who wears her bleeding heart on a sleeve, pinned with naïve ideals of chivalry and duty plain for all to see. The brotherly love he bears her is the only reason he has repeatedly gone head-to-head with Ingrid on similar subjects, driven by the hope that she will one day see reason and wake up. There’s little point in continuing this discussion with Hubert, a classmate he hardly knows. And yet… ]
Until your dying breath, hm? I suppose next you’ll tell me that you’re a “weapon” of hers, with no autonomy or humanity to call your own.
[ Even now, Dedue’s chilling statement follows him. How fortunate that Felix was able to escape such a house of fools. Though perhaps he’s only landed in hotter water, if Hubert is anything like that unthinking mongrel licking at Dimitri's heels. ]
( OOC | No worries! And understandable, haha! I feel you! )
[Felix's words are certainly interesting, and Hubert's one visible eyebrow quirks at that.]
I wouldn't say that, no.
[That sounds more in line with what he knows of Dedue. Perhaps another reason for Felix switching to their house?]
I could never serve Lady Edelgard as needed if I were only to blindly obey her and give up everything I am in the process. What she needs is not a weapon but a supporter, someone who is willing to assist in any way necessary.
[It's a bit more complicated than that, and wrapped in layers of duty and personal choice and their long family histories. But ultimately what it comes down to is that he does whatever she needs of him, whether she knows it or not. Whether she permits it or not.]
[ Felix falls silent. The pitter patter of rainfall punctuates his tangle of thoughts as he processes Hubert’s words. Despite how he feels on the subject, it is clear that he’s giving the mage’s position due consideration. While there does seem to be an obvious distinction between how Hubert serves Edelgard from how Dedue serves Dimitri, Felix is stuck on something the brunet said. ]
“Any way necessary” is vague, but fine. How do you reason that such devotion isn’t in itself blind? To limit yourself to one person and pledge your future to them when anything could change… You’re not an unintelligent man – [ a compliment, and the only one he’ll pay ] – so surely you can understand how that devotion accordingly narrows your vision.
[ Or so Felix hopes. Hubert must be self-aware to a degree, right? ]
[In turn, Hubert considers Felix's words. Felix isn't outright dismissing the conversation - which is what he would have expected - so he can at least consider it. There are plenty of things he can't say, and things he would never want to say, but in some ways it's... interesting, to actually talk about it for once. Usually people don't bother to question his devotion at all, or if they do, it's to make their own assumptions without any intention of listening to him.]
I'll agree that it does. I believe the difference is that I simply cannot imagine a life without my service to Lady Edelgard. This is what I was born to do.
[That's very literal; as the future heir of House Vestra, he will always serve the Emperor.]
In a way, my vision has always been narrowed; I just chose to accept it because Lady Edelgard is so important to me.
[He's not big on personal admissions like that, but it's easier to play it off like that than to try to explain that it's her world view and her desire for change, and her path forward along with everything she is. Things will make more sense in the future, though he doubts Felix will like it any.]
[ And what can Felix possibly say to that? The sincerity of such a statement is almost too much for him to bear, as if he’s heard a deeply embarrassing secret. As he stares out into the woods, jaw clenched unconsciously, it occurs to him that he’s…jealous. In spite of everything, he envies the relationship between Hubert and Edelgard; it’s a glimpse through a window of what could have been, perhaps if the Tragedy of Duscur had not occurred, if Dimitri had not become the beast he is now. But that’s just it, isn’t it? Even if Edelgard had similarly changed, it seems like Hubert would have remained by her side regardless. Does that make Hubert the fool, or Felix unfaithful? Both, probably. ]
Alright.
[ All too aware how likely it is that his own emotions are transparent on his expression, Felix angles his head away. ]
I get it, [ he continues, quiet. ] I won’t question it again.
[ This isn’t a young man surrendering an argument so much as it is someone acknowledging a way of life and – while not exactly blessing it – respecting it. ]
[He watches Felix's reaction quietly, only glancing away once Felix does, and only because he gets the feeling Felix would prefer it if he didn't acknowledge any of that.
In truth, he's not certain he understands why Felix looks somewhere between pained and furious. His assumption is that it ties into Dimitri, but he doesn't really know, and he suspects Felix won't tell him. Felix has little reason to trust him - outside of the obvious fact that they have to rely on each other right now - and pressing for answers isn't something he needs to do. Should it become important later, he can always pursue it.
...Still, something about Felix's words doesn't quite sit right with him. Maybe it's the quiet acceptance, like Felix really does understand when so few would. He's used to Ferdinand's frustration; he's used to others' questioning of his motivations. He's not used to anyone actually understanding. Sometimes it seems like Lady Edelgard herself doesn't fully understand.
If he's perfectly honest with himself, it's almost a relief to finally have someone who can get it, even if it isn't something they support.]
Of course.
[It's best not to continue this line of thought. Felix has his own issues with loyalty and devotion, and Hubert has his. These are things neither of them want to get into, and they have no need to discuss them further.
He falls silent, staring back out at their surroundings.]
It looks as though the rain is letting up.
[Slightly, at least. Visibility is still fairly low, but it's nothing that can be classified as a "downpour" anymore. With any luck, their classmates will be able to find them soon.]
[ Felix desperately longs to stand; he is not one to remain idle for any extended period of time, even when injured. But the itch is studiously ignored. There’s greater need for him to sit and offer whatever aid he can to his classmate, as he is currently doing. Later, once they are discovered by their house, healed up, and sent off to rest for the night, Felix will wonder if this was enough. If he shouldn’t have, couldn’t have, done something more, something different. Stupid mistakes brought them to this point, after all. Perhaps he should simply count himself lucky for being in the presence of someone not remarkably irritating. Not that he'll tell Hubert as much. ]
[At the question, Hubert attempts to move his leg. That earns a brief wince before he manages to get his expression back under control.]
It's fine while elevated, but moving seems to be out of the question.
[He resettles, looking mildly annoyed.]
You have my apologies for this, and my thanks as well.
[There are certainly far worse people he could be stuck with, and Felix is surprisingly good at assisting with this. It's frustrating - beyond frustrating - to be stuck here and incapable of searching for their classmates (and more importantly, Lady Edelgard) on his own, but there's little he can do for now.]
sorry of the wait, i was on another business trip. all done for the year tho!
[ Arm still cradled closely to his chest, Felix watches without too much investment as Hubert attempts to shift the leg. He’s unsurprised by the resulting wince or admittance. They both are in need of Linhardt’s white magic. ]
I miscalculated in the battle as well, [ he says matter-of-factly, shrugging his good shoulder. ] So don’t apologize, because I wasn’t planning to.
[ A beat. ]
Now that visibility is better, we could try to get our House’s attention. [ Felix doesn’t even realize what he’s said – our House, not just Hubert’s. ] What would happen if you aimed a spell toward the sky?
[Our house, hmm? Hubert doesn't make any comment on it, but there's a brief moment where his expression is almost curious before he gets it back under control. Felix has brought up a good point, after all.]
My spells aren't nearly as effective as something like Fire would be for that purpose, but there aren't as many who can use dark magic... If it's seen, it will certainly prove valuable.
[He frowns as he considers the visibility and how much magic he can still cast. He can maybe spare two spells, but using up all of his magic would leave him as dead weight, and Felix's injured sword arm would leave them completely defenseless. There's no telling if the storm will abate completely, or if conditions will get worse. So for now...
He shifts a bit so he can aim one of those spells skyward - the dark magic shoots up and explodes above the treetops, but it isn't nearly as visible or bright as something like Fire or Thunder would be. Still, it's something.]
I can spare one more spell, if necessary, but any more than that would leave us without any way of defending ourselves.
[ The practical application of magic interests Felix, even if his passion lies with swordsmanship. He watches in approval as the spell bursts overhead like the most unholy of fireworks, then remains stiffly alert in the aftermath. There’s always the possibility that Hubert’s efforts will attract unwanted attention, after all. If the mage can only muster one last spell, it is best kept as a means of self-defense. And Felix? Well, despite his injury, he’s confident that he can buy them some time should it come to that. Pain is something he has a high tolerance for. ]
This will have to be enough. The others should be looking for us.
[ For Hubert, mostly. Felix has no delusions of having made any meaningful emotional impact on his classmates yet. Fortunately, their professor is reliable. Probably. ]
[It would be an insult to the others to say that they'd only look for him because Lady Edelgard would insist on it; they're all kind individuals who would never want to leave one of theirs behind. If any one of them went missing, the others would search for them. Sure, he isn't the most popular among his classmates, but he's one of them, and he has no doubts that they're all searching for him and Felix both.]
That should give them an idea of where to look, at least.
[Felix isn't alone in being wary, but that probably isn't surprising by now. Even back at the monastery Hubert never seems to be fully relaxed. It seems like the spell hasn't caught any unwanted attention - but it may take awhile before their classmates are able to find them, so who knows how things will go.]
[ Brown eyes slide over thoughtfully to consider Hubert in the wake of the mage’s confident response. Given the fact that – much like himself – Hubert favors practicality over optimism, Felix is placated by the answer. It’s only a matter of time, now. And with each passing minute, the chances of running into the bandits again grows steadily less likely; he’s certain a lawless group such as that one wouldn’t stick around after encountering a force from Garreg Mach. The archbishop casts an intimidating shadow, Felix thinks.
Not one for idle chatter, the swordsman sits in silence as they wait and listen. The childish awkwardness of their situation has faded by this point. Should their classmates happen upon them and tease them for their current positioning, Felix would probably feel little embarrassment. If anything, he’s glad that he can help an ally in even this small way. Still, maybe he really should give some thought to the professor’s suggestion that he learn magic… ]
[With nothing left to say, Hubert falls silent as well. Though their position is a bit awkward, it is helping and unlike Felix, Hubert isn't the sort to get embarrassed over something like that. Should their classmates tease them (as someone inevitably will), it won't bother him. Good luck, Felix...
It's quiet for a long time - almost long enough for Hubert to start worrying. Not that he's ever really stopped worrying, but that's sort of his default state of being, particularly when it comes to Lady Edelgard. He's starting to wonder if their classmates hadn't seen when he catches sight of movement. Sure enough, Lady Edelgard and their fellow classmates find them. And sure, there will be some teasing, but mostly they looked relieved, which is both kind of weird and... sort of nice, if he's perfectly honest about it.
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The injury had come in a moment of carelessness. Lighting in the distance had broken his concentration, allowing a bandit to slip out of his parry and score a decent hit on his extended arm. Blood still trickles from the wound, but Felix is confident he is in no danger of losing the limb so long as it is properly treated. Which, naturally, is an issue because he and Hubert have become separated from their classmates. It grates on his nerves that he can’t treat himself self-sufficiently; white magic is without a doubt one of his worst subjects. ]
It’s fine, [ he argues, an automatic response from someone used to doing everything on his own. ] …No, you’re right. Here.
[ Felix takes a moment to evaluate their surroundings and make certain they aren’t about to be ambushed before offering the arm to Hubert. The shirt sleeve bandage is soaked through with rain water and blood. Beneath, the injury begins shallowly on his upper arm and becomes gradually more worrisome toward his wrist. Fortunately, none of the major arteries have been affected. Bruising is already evident. ]
What about you? Your leg.
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He studies the injury carefully, comparing it to what he knows. It should be fine until they can reach their classmates - after he's bandaged it, of course - but he internally chides himself on his lack of knowledge. Killing is far easier than healing, and if he's finding himself uncertain about an injury like this, then he really does need to study harder. It isn't likely that Lady Edelgard will ever require such a thing from him, but that's hardly an excuse to ignore it as a possibility.
His uniform jacket has already been removed and carefully cut up to serve as a bandage for his leg, so it's not difficult for him to slice the rest of it up with the knife he keeps hidden at his belt to make (rather crude) bandages for Felix's arm.]
I may be able to fashion a sling, if you'd prefer that.
[The question gets him to incline his head a bit, both as an indication that he's heard and a pause to consider his answer.]
I've done what I can for it for the time being. I'm in no danger of bleeding out, at the very least. Unfortunately, I will slow us down, should we need to move.
[In fact, moving at all sounds like a terrible idea, and not just because it may put them further from their classmates. Still, a little pain is nothing compared to possibly dying, so if it becomes a necessity, he'll suffer through.
He finishes up with the bandages; there's enough left of his uniform jacket to make a sling if Felix wants it.]
There. Try not to move it too much.
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Thanks.
[ Felix resists the immediate urge to test the flexibility of the makeshift bandages, instead choosing to do just as Hubert has advised. ]
Save the rest of your jacket for now. I can handle this.
[ He excels in self-discipline, fortunately. ]
You should sit. I’ll keep watch.
no subject
[It's possible they'll need it for something else, or more bandages if either of their injuries bleed through the ones they've already used.]
Very well. You have my thanks.
[Normally he would insist on keeping watch - partially because he trusts himself with it better than Felix, and partially because he won't be able to rest anyway - but there's no sense in both of them wearing themselves out on watch duty. And on a more pathetic note, his leg is absolutely not going to allow him to stand for much longer without giving out on him.
So Hubert sits, carefully lowering himself to the ground beneath the tree and exhaling slowly to hide the hiss of pain in changing positions. This is certainly better for conserving his strength, and if they need to fight he will definitely be more useful than Felix - assuming he doesn't have to move, of course.
How frustrating. None of this should have happened, and certainly not like this.]
Let me know when you need to rest.
[Don't push yourself is what he means, though it isn't sentiment that drives him to say it. Felix won't be of any use on guard duty if he's tired, after all.]
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This is pointless.
[ With a sneer of disgust at his current state, he fumbles to sheathe the sword and then settles down on the ground in front of Hubert. If the mage is their key to survival, then…Felix will swallow his pride, and do what he can. Which, if he remembers Manuela’s lectures correctly – ]
We need to elevate your leg. To stop the swelling.
[ Then, looking dearly pained, he pats his lap in the most lukewarm gesture possible. ]
Prop it up on mine.
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...And boy is it an answer he really would have preferred never hearing. It's one Felix would prefer to have never given, from the look of it.
Felix should be standing watch - although with the rain and their severely reduced visibility, he can certainly acknowledge that standing and sitting and keeping watch are about the same at the moment. There's also the fact that Felix's dominant arm is injured, so even if he were to spot a threat coming, there's little he could do about it.
So logically speaking, the best thing to do would be to attend to their injuries and wait for help. In the worst case scenario, he can still fire spells off from down here.
There isn't any reason to deny Felix's help. In fact, doing so would be entirely counterproductive to both their survival. But Hubert's struck with the childish urge to argue anyway, because he greatly prefers looking after himself.
It takes him a moment (of blank staring; he gets his expression under control fairly quickly once he makes up his mind, however) but he finally nods briefly, carefully moving his leg to prop it up against Felix's. He manages to keep the hiss of pain at movement under control, but there's no hiding the wince as he does it.]
...You have my thanks for your assistance.
[The words are much more stiff than usual, and he sort of sounds like he'd prefer anything else over accepting Felix's help, but he understands where this is necessary.]
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Don’t mention it. Ever.
[ Please. ]
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Believe me, I won't.
[It's not a joke at all, but the exasperation in it is letting on a bit more than he would have with anyone else. At least Felix is aware of how immensely uncomfortable this entire scenario is, which in turn makes it almost funny in how ridiculous it is.
Or maybe that's just his sense of humor. He's been told his sense of humor is terrible.]
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We can’t let the Adrestian Empire know that the heir to the Imperial Household is behaving indecently, [ he remarks airily, and maybe it’s pain talking or the absurdity of the situation, but someone should tease Hubert, and it looks like the task falls to him. ] He’s even showing off his ankle. Horrifying.
[ How's that for terrible humor. ]
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Dreadful. I can hear my father's disappointment already. With any luck, you'll be able to escape back to Fraldarius territory before House Vestra's assassins kill you for witnessing something so scandalous.
[His sense of humor runs really dark, and he delivers it in such a straightforward tone that it might be possible to take it as sincere, were it not for the clear amusement on his face and the absurdity in the words themselves.
Somehow it hadn't actually occurred to him that Felix could be amusing.]
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Ha! Let them come. I won’t hide. [ It does not occur to him to actually consider that House Vestra has assassins. ] But perhaps this is all an elaborate ploy of yours to drive me out of the Black Eagles. If so, I commend you. You’re quite dedicated to your work.
[ To go so far as to even calculate Felix injuring himself! Truly, Huber is a mastermind. ]
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[He says, in a complete deadpan. He's still smirking, though.]
All of this was an elaborate scheme in order to trick you into returning to the Blue Lions, or at least defecting to the Golden Deer so we would no longer have to put up with you. How could my master plan have been so easily foiled?
I'll have to try harder next time, I suppose.
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Not enough bloodshed. I’ll expect better from you next time. Don’t disappoint me, Hubert.
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[He bows from where he's sitting, which looks exactly as ridiculous as you'd expect.]
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Good, [ he says, tone dry. ] And perhaps I’ll consider defecting, just for you.
[ Visions of dealing with Claude and Hilda and Lorenz fill his mind, and he internally screams. ]
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[...no one deserves to put up with Claude and Hilda and Lorenz. Okay, maybe Ferdinand, but he'd probably enjoy that.]
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You would enjoy that, wouldn't you. [ Sadist. ] Who knows. Maybe there's room for you there as well. I'll put in a good word.
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I'm afraid I'll have to decline. As... fascinating as I'm sure the experience would be, my loyalty will forever remain with Lady Edelgard.
[...of course he's not willing to joke about ditching her...]
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Forever is a long time, [ he scoffs, helpless but to challenge it. ] You don’t know what kind of person she’ll be in ten or twenty years. How can you pledge yourself so easily like that?
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I have been by her side since I was six. I've already had over ten years to decide whether I would stay or not. I'm certainly not going anywhere now.
[Okay, so technically he wasn't really devoted until he was around ten, but that's still ten years so it counts.]
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People can surprise you, no matter how well you think you know them.
[ Felix’s fate had been bound to that of Dimitri’s from the time they were both still in the womb. As infants, toddlers, and children – they were inseparable. Brothers in every sense of the word but in blood. And yet… Duscur happened. Dimitri changed.
And now Felix is here. With the Black Eagles. ]
Let's hope your loyalty isn't misplaced.
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It isn't. Lady Edelgard and I walk the same path in life.
[A path of her own choosing, a path of their own choosing.]
I have no doubts that I will follow her until my dying breath.
[The smirk is replaced by the usual one he wears, but the words are certain. It isn't confidence that drives them; it's more like he's stating a fact. There isn't anything in the world that could get him to stop supporting Lady Edelgard.]
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[ If he knew Hubert better, Felix might have bothered to further pursue the argument – this level of unwavering loyalty and (as he sees it) blind obedience infuriates him. But Hubert is not a childhood friend such as Ingrid, who wears her bleeding heart on a sleeve, pinned with naïve ideals of chivalry and duty plain for all to see. The brotherly love he bears her is the only reason he has repeatedly gone head-to-head with Ingrid on similar subjects, driven by the hope that she will one day see reason and wake up. There’s little point in continuing this discussion with Hubert, a classmate he hardly knows. And yet… ]
Until your dying breath, hm? I suppose next you’ll tell me that you’re a “weapon” of hers, with no autonomy or humanity to call your own.
[ Even now, Dedue’s chilling statement follows him. How fortunate that Felix was able to escape such a house of fools. Though perhaps he’s only landed in hotter water, if Hubert is anything like that unthinking mongrel licking at Dimitri's heels. ]
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[Felix's words are certainly interesting, and Hubert's one visible eyebrow quirks at that.]
I wouldn't say that, no.
[That sounds more in line with what he knows of Dedue. Perhaps another reason for Felix switching to their house?]
I could never serve Lady Edelgard as needed if I were only to blindly obey her and give up everything I am in the process. What she needs is not a weapon but a supporter, someone who is willing to assist in any way necessary.
[It's a bit more complicated than that, and wrapped in layers of duty and personal choice and their long family histories. But ultimately what it comes down to is that he does whatever she needs of him, whether she knows it or not. Whether she permits it or not.]
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“Any way necessary” is vague, but fine. How do you reason that such devotion isn’t in itself blind? To limit yourself to one person and pledge your future to them when anything could change… You’re not an unintelligent man – [ a compliment, and the only one he’ll pay ] – so surely you can understand how that devotion accordingly narrows your vision.
[ Or so Felix hopes. Hubert must be self-aware to a degree, right? ]
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I'll agree that it does. I believe the difference is that I simply cannot imagine a life without my service to Lady Edelgard. This is what I was born to do.
[That's very literal; as the future heir of House Vestra, he will always serve the Emperor.]
In a way, my vision has always been narrowed; I just chose to accept it because Lady Edelgard is so important to me.
[He's not big on personal admissions like that, but it's easier to play it off like that than to try to explain that it's her world view and her desire for change, and her path forward along with everything she is. Things will make more sense in the future, though he doubts Felix will like it any.]
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Alright.
[ All too aware how likely it is that his own emotions are transparent on his expression, Felix angles his head away. ]
I get it, [ he continues, quiet. ] I won’t question it again.
[ This isn’t a young man surrendering an argument so much as it is someone acknowledging a way of life and – while not exactly blessing it – respecting it. ]
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In truth, he's not certain he understands why Felix looks somewhere between pained and furious. His assumption is that it ties into Dimitri, but he doesn't really know, and he suspects Felix won't tell him. Felix has little reason to trust him - outside of the obvious fact that they have to rely on each other right now - and pressing for answers isn't something he needs to do. Should it become important later, he can always pursue it.
...Still, something about Felix's words doesn't quite sit right with him. Maybe it's the quiet acceptance, like Felix really does understand when so few would. He's used to Ferdinand's frustration; he's used to others' questioning of his motivations. He's not used to anyone actually understanding. Sometimes it seems like Lady Edelgard herself doesn't fully understand.
If he's perfectly honest with himself, it's almost a relief to finally have someone who can get it, even if it isn't something they support.]
Of course.
[It's best not to continue this line of thought. Felix has his own issues with loyalty and devotion, and Hubert has his. These are things neither of them want to get into, and they have no need to discuss them further.
He falls silent, staring back out at their surroundings.]
It looks as though the rain is letting up.
[Slightly, at least. Visibility is still fairly low, but it's nothing that can be classified as a "downpour" anymore. With any luck, their classmates will be able to find them soon.]
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[ Felix desperately longs to stand; he is not one to remain idle for any extended period of time, even when injured. But the itch is studiously ignored. There’s greater need for him to sit and offer whatever aid he can to his classmate, as he is currently doing. Later, once they are discovered by their house, healed up, and sent off to rest for the night, Felix will wonder if this was enough. If he shouldn’t have, couldn’t have, done something more, something different. Stupid mistakes brought them to this point, after all. Perhaps he should simply count himself lucky for being in the presence of someone not remarkably irritating. Not that he'll tell Hubert as much. ]
How’s your leg?
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It's fine while elevated, but moving seems to be out of the question.
[He resettles, looking mildly annoyed.]
You have my apologies for this, and my thanks as well.
[There are certainly far worse people he could be stuck with, and Felix is surprisingly good at assisting with this. It's frustrating - beyond frustrating - to be stuck here and incapable of searching for their classmates (and more importantly, Lady Edelgard) on his own, but there's little he can do for now.]
sorry of the wait, i was on another business trip. all done for the year tho!
I miscalculated in the battle as well, [ he says matter-of-factly, shrugging his good shoulder. ] So don’t apologize, because I wasn’t planning to.
[ A beat. ]
Now that visibility is better, we could try to get our House’s attention. [ Felix doesn’t even realize what he’s said – our House, not just Hubert’s. ] What would happen if you aimed a spell toward the sky?
no worries!
My spells aren't nearly as effective as something like Fire would be for that purpose, but there aren't as many who can use dark magic... If it's seen, it will certainly prove valuable.
[He frowns as he considers the visibility and how much magic he can still cast. He can maybe spare two spells, but using up all of his magic would leave him as dead weight, and Felix's injured sword arm would leave them completely defenseless. There's no telling if the storm will abate completely, or if conditions will get worse. So for now...
He shifts a bit so he can aim one of those spells skyward - the dark magic shoots up and explodes above the treetops, but it isn't nearly as visible or bright as something like Fire or Thunder would be. Still, it's something.]
I can spare one more spell, if necessary, but any more than that would leave us without any way of defending ourselves.
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This will have to be enough. The others should be looking for us.
[ For Hubert, mostly. Felix has no delusions of having made any meaningful emotional impact on his classmates yet. Fortunately, their professor is reliable. Probably. ]
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[It would be an insult to the others to say that they'd only look for him because Lady Edelgard would insist on it; they're all kind individuals who would never want to leave one of theirs behind. If any one of them went missing, the others would search for them. Sure, he isn't the most popular among his classmates, but he's one of them, and he has no doubts that they're all searching for him and Felix both.]
That should give them an idea of where to look, at least.
[Felix isn't alone in being wary, but that probably isn't surprising by now. Even back at the monastery Hubert never seems to be fully relaxed. It seems like the spell hasn't caught any unwanted attention - but it may take awhile before their classmates are able to find them, so who knows how things will go.]
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Not one for idle chatter, the swordsman sits in silence as they wait and listen. The childish awkwardness of their situation has faded by this point. Should their classmates happen upon them and tease them for their current positioning, Felix would probably feel little embarrassment. If anything, he’s glad that he can help an ally in even this small way. Still, maybe he really should give some thought to the professor’s suggestion that he learn magic… ]
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It's quiet for a long time - almost long enough for Hubert to start worrying. Not that he's ever really stopped worrying, but that's sort of his default state of being, particularly when it comes to Lady Edelgard. He's starting to wonder if their classmates hadn't seen when he catches sight of movement. Sure enough, Lady Edelgard and their fellow classmates find them. And sure, there will be some teasing, but mostly they looked relieved, which is both kind of weird and... sort of nice, if he's perfectly honest about it.
Not that he will be, of course.]