[ 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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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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[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.]
no subject
“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? ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
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… ]
no subject
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.]