sranks | locked to darkseal

locked to darkseal

[Truthfully speaking, this Ball was nothing more than a glorified dance class in Linhardt's mind. They were practically obligated to attend and partake, dancing with people and exchanging smiles and pleasantries; a ball like this was at least somewhat important to the nobility, Linhardt was sure, but as far as he was concerned? He had no business here, and the first chance he could get out, he took gladly.

He wasn't altogether sure about where to go, honestly; he could certainly just turn in for the night on his bed, or get back to his crest research, but there was another curiosity that he wanted to take a look at; the Goddess Tower. The details were a little fuzzy in Linhardt's mind, but he had heard some so-called rumors about what happened within the tower. Something interesting would happen if two people entered the tower...was it that they would be blessed by the Goddess if they shared a vow, or that they would be cursed for defiling her tower? Linhardt couldn't really recall off the top of his head, as it wasn't a topic that interested him too much, but...well, it was an interesting research opportunity and there was certainly a first time for everything.

But of course, he knew very well he wasn't exactly destined for much in the love department. As far as he was concerned, the Goddess Tower would be a once in a lifetime napping spot, and Linhardt intended to take the bait. It was surprisingly quiet, though he didn't doubt that there were people waiting to come in and try to find their 'true love', as they would likely call it. Linhardt finds his way to a nice spot within the tower, settling himself in for what's likely to be an interesting sleep, if nothing else.

Who knows, maybe he'll get to eavesdrop on some unlucky sap within the tower before he nods off, or perhaps even hear someone find the love of their life. The latter would certainly be a nice thought, for one of the others, perhaps. That would at least be interesting to hear...]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Gods, Hubert knows how to flatter him in all of the best ways. Linhardt winds up chuckling and agreeing with his first statement, finally getting over his sheepishness to look back up at Hubert and stare into his eyes again while he continues to lead. Well...that may not be accurate--he's looking all around at Hubert's face, practically like he's trying to memorize every detail he can while he has the chance.]

Is that so? Well...I could say the same to you, you know. You're the only reason I decided to bother with this at all.

[That's honest. That's forward. That's exactly what he wants to say, and yet it feels like so much, maybe too much--]

It's...it's lovely, I must admit. I almost...

[He trails off there, not sure if he should be so forward...]

Oh?

[That is forward, but he can't say he minds it any. Was Linhardt really only interested in coming because he'd be here? That idea is both shocking and honestly one of the most flattering things he's ever heard. He's tempted to ask more - there's so much he wants to know about that - but Linhardt's words catch his attention and he inclines his head a bit to the side. It's not quite enough to reveal his other eye, but his bangs fall a bit out of his face for once.]

Almost what? Go on.

[It's encouraging, not demanding.]

[Linhardt's gaze goes off to the side for only a moment, before looking back at Hubert all too easily, and he practically feels his heart thump into his throat--he actually has another eye, and it's just as attractive, and he's not sure when attractive entered his dictionary in regards to Hubert but it feels like it's always belonged there--]

No...not almost. [He wishes he could move closer, honestly but he doesn't want to mess up the dance so he won't.] I...I definitely wish this wouldn't end. I'm having so much fun, and it's so lovely. I love it.

[There's no denying that his heart skips a beat at those words, and Hubert laughs softly.]

Do you? It's almost a shame the song is—

[Almost over, he was going to say, but a new one will start soon. In a perfect world, they could have kept dancing without interruption. In a perfect world, all of this would have led to something wonderful.

In a perfect world, Ferdinand von Aegir would not exist, and he certainly wouldn't have walked up to the balcony in the middle of this.

There's a brief moment where Ferdinand stares at them and Hubert stares back, almost uncomprehending given the situation. It doesn't last long.

He springs away from Linhardt with all the grace and speed of a cat that's been sprayed with water and he absently moves to adjust his attire, a nervous gesture he had trained himself out of long ago.

Ferdinand looks just as surprised as Hubert and for a moment he seems unable to find words before he finally manages "Lady Edelgard was looking for you."]

Ah, of course. Thank you for letting me know.

[...Should he... indicate that Ferdinand should go... or should he just leave, um...

Ferdinand looks just as confused at how to approach this, for the record. Hubert quickly decides that attending Lady Edelgard will make this slightly less awkward, so he nods to Linhardt - which isn't really an indication of whether he'll be back or not, in retrospect - and turns to leave. Ferdinand follows, though for once in his damn life doesn't open his mouth.]

[It truly could of, if only the most noble among all nobles didn't exist.

Hubert's jumping catches Linhardt by surprise, and for a brief moment he wonders if he's done something wrong--it isn't until he decides to look over, seeing Ferdinand having walked up to the damn balcony, that he realizes just what's happened and he practically freezes like a deer in headlights. Everything else from that point on is a blur--he's sure Ferdinand said something, but Linhardt'll be damned if he can actually remember.

He at least sees Hubert nod, nodding idly in return, and just as soon as Ferdinand entered and proceeded to do That, they're both gone and Linhardt...isn't sure what to do with himself, in hindsight. Surely the dance will be over soon? Maybe?

...

You know what, no. No, he's taking a goddamn nap up in this balcony and there isn't a force on earth that can stop him. Is this blatant disrespect to the von Aegir family? He's pretty sure it is.

Does he care? Absolutely not.

He's just gonna sleep it off until they prepare to go back to the monastery.]

[Well, that was a disaster.

Not the dance, necessarily. He obtained the information he needed for Lady Edelgard, and the information she managed to pry out of those nobles was more useful than his, so they've made progress in their plans. Everything is starting to come together and it won't be long before she can finally take her place as Empress.

Unfortunately, everything that happened after his meetings with the nobles was a disaster.

He's had to threaten a certain redhead more than he'd really care to in order to keep his big mouth shut, and he's even had to resort to bribery to ensure that mouth stays shut. It would be infinitely easier just to cut out his tongue, but Lady Edelgard has made it clear that she requires his counsel so she knows what not to do. It's frustrating beyond belief.

But perhaps even more frustrating is dealing with Linhardt.

Hubert isn't avoiding the man, though his pride certainly wishes he could. They see each other in class, and he's perfectly civil and polite if not a bit distant, and he brutally crushes anything that even resembles a feeling every time it threatens to pop up.

He's not going to think about it. He's not going to acknowledge it. He has more important things to do.

As another unfortunate side effect of all of this, Hubert hasn't exactly been as careful as he normally would be. He's focused on too much at once and spreading himself too thin, and as a result, he hasn't always managed to hide everything he's working on nearly as effectively as usual. It's not something he's really aware of, but it means that it's possible to figure out which books he's been looking at and get an idea of just what he's been up to.

The picture it paints isn't pretty, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the paint's blood red.

He's in the library today, shortly after class. There are several other students here working on various things. Mercedes, Annette, and Ashe are all here going over some hypothetical battle plan that Annette drew up, but they're keeping their voices very low and aren't being distracting.

Hubert's got several books in front of him and a few sheets of paper he's fact-checking again in front of him, just like that day so long ago. At least, it feels like it was a long time ago... But that's a feeling, and feelings are not allowed right now, so he ignores it. Whatever he's working on has him incredibly busy, but he doesn't look like he's been overworking himself lately, at least. Even though he's trying to keep busy to hide from his own thoughts and definitely-not-there-at-all feelings, he's careful never to get to a point where Linhardt will worry.

...Because that would be inconvenient. Yes, that's it.]

[Everything since the dance has been a complete and utter mess, Linhardt has found. It wasn't enough that Ferdinand seemed to be wearing the metaphorical dunce cap all throughout class anymore, as Linhardt has noticed. (Really, he's not sure why all of his classmates seem to be so peeved with him--well, at least more than usual. Not that Linhardt isn't among them, sedate and blase as he tends to be about it, but that's beside the point.) No, even Hubert seemed somewhat distant, though Linhardt couldn't be altogether certain that was the case. It wasn't like the last time they avoided each other; he was still amiable enough to talk to, he was still at least there in class, but...

There's something wrong. There's something going on, and Linhardt has been perhaps a little more nosy than usual in trying to get to the bottom of things on his own.

And needless to say, he's not entirely sure what to do with what he's seen.

Hubert's sloppiness has allowed Linhardt to take a look at quite a few books that he's gotten his hands on, and slow but sure, the pieces come together like the world's most sickening puzzle; Edelgard and Hubert (because of course she'd be involve, he knows them both better than to think this is simply one of them) are planning something that could very well cause the very life they know to change forever. All of the information is utterly dizzying, but all the same, it's something that's been keeping Linhardt up more and more as the pieces feel like they're coming together.

It takes some time before Linhardt's able to really decide what he wants to do. Really, there are many things he could do; he could bring this to one of the teacher's very easily, if not Seteth himself, and stop this in it's tracks. It would make the both of them hate him, certainly, but it would keep them from doing something that'll likely get them killed, wouldn't it?

...But no. That isn't what Linhardt decides on, because while his trust for Edelgard herself is middling, he trusts Hubert. If he truly believes this is necessary, if there is something so fundamentally wrong with the world that both he and Edelgard feel the need to do this...then he wants to hear the explanation from Hubert himself.

Perhaps he gives a little too much credit to Hubert acting on his own, but well, Linhardt's never exactly been good at making decisions.

Which brings us to today. Linhardt decides to find his way to the library, and surely enough, there Hubert is. He does quickly scan the room around, regarding Mercedes, Annette, and Ashe quickly before picking a spot to study. He's surprisingly calculated, though to most, it looks careless; he plucks out a few books at seeming random (careful to remember the titles that Hubert had picked days prior), brings them over to a desk within clear eyeshot of Hubert, and begins 'reading'.

Obfuscation isn't Linhardt's specialty; it's not something he'd typically have to employ. But at the very least, the teachings of the academy have given him some skills in this regard, and he's putting them to the test in the hope that Hubert notices. He's not sure if a direct confrontation will go well, but this? This seems feasible. This may take time, but it should work.

Linhardt just has to look careless enough and stack on the coincidences enough to get his attention. He hopes it just doesn't cost him dearly.]

[He notices Linhardt walk in, but he figures the other man's here to focus on his crest research (or take a nap, though the library's a bit crowded for that at this time of day). He doesn't pay much attention at first, since he's absorbed in his work, but as Linhardt collects books, he looks up.

Hubert does not like what he sees.

It isn't difficult to put the pieces together, and it isn't as though Linhardt's being particularly subtle about it. The books might look a random assortment of Empire-related documents and texts that wouldn't interest most people and the three in the library at the moment aren't bright enough to catch on based on that alone, even if they were paying close attention to Linhardt's reading material.

No, this is aimed directly at him, and he certainly hasn't missed it.

In all honesty, he's gripped with the icy claws of fear, knowing that this certainly couldn't be anything Lady Edelgard has done but something he's messed up. Linhardt hasn't spent a lot of time around Lady Edelgard, he couldn't have picked this up from her. No, it must have been something he did or said that tipped Linhardt off. Had he really been so foolish to believe he could hide something like this from Linhardt if he got so close? He knows better than anyone just how intelligent Linhardt is. He shouldn't have let this happen.

But the icy claws slowly release their grasp on his chest as he realizes that Linhardt has chosen to come here, to seek him out and let him know that he knows what they're doing. He isn't going to Professor Byleth or even worse, the church. He isn't going to any of the Empire nobles. He isn't even addressing Lady Edelgard herself, although he certainly could.

Linhardt is playing a very dangerous game. Were it anyone else in the world, they wouldn't survive it. But Hubert already knows that killing Linhardt would be... inadvisable. He could still prove useful. And if Linhardt has come to him, then perhaps he intends to offer his support.

It's risky. It's far too risky. But Hubert doesn't allow himself to dwell on it. Some of the best plans have far too many risks.

Hubert rises from his chair, taking one of the books he was using back to the shelf and bypassing Linhardt. His movement is so precise that when he walks by the table Linhardt's at, none of the Blue Lions assembled can see when he drops a crumpled piece of paper onto the desk. He returns to his own workspace shortly after, cleaning up the rest of his books and documents before heading out.

Should Linhardt choose to read the note, he'll find the following within:]

Meet me in my room in an hour. No earlier.

[He should have known that nothing would escape Hubert's eye.

To Linhardt's credit, he's at least attempting to properly read the documents and information laid out before him, but he was mostly gauging Hubert's reaction in an attempt to see if the other man would notice. And needless to say, he hit it right on the mark; Hubert notices, and while there's a brief moment of fright when Hubert gets up, intensified by the crumbled paper that he drops on Linhardt's desk (he didn't even notice that, how did he--); it isn't until Hubert leaves the room that Linhardt attempts to calmly take the note and read it, and he feels his heart thump.

This is a dangerous game. It's one that Linhardt honestly should have put more thought into before playing with gods damned Hubert von Vestra of all people. He feels a lump in his throat form as he tries to swallow some air, to calm himself.

Hubert could have easily said nothing. He could have easily gone into the shadows and waited for Linhardt's guard to be down--Hubert knew most of his hiding places, and Linhardt knew very well that he could kill him if needed. He's seen it on the battlefield many times, after all, but...

He trusts Hubert. Linhardt trusts him, and he's not sure if that's a mistake.

...Well, he doesn't have much longer to make his peace with this. Linhardt winds up in front of Hubert's room in an hour, though he winds up waiting outside of the door for a solid minute before finally knocking on it, bracing himself.]

Hubert, it's Linhardt. Are you there?

[An hour later and a knock comes at his door, as predicted.

In truth, Hubert hadn't needed an hour to prepare for this. The hour was to make Linhardt's departure from the library look more natural, so as not to raise suspicion of the people present. True, the three of them were busy and most likely wouldn't have noticed or put anything together on their own, but caution has always been important. If he's managed to accidentally let Linhardt know too much, he can't afford to have anyone else find out.

After all, if anyone else does, there's only one option. Linhardt can at least prove useful.

(Of course he'll have to convince Lady Edelgard of that and he is not looking forward to that conversation - but that's thinking too far ahead. Focus on the present.)

He opens the door shortly after the knock, and gestures for Linhardt to come in. Once he's in and Hubert has shut the door, he moves to lock it, then take up residence against the wall across from his bed, where he can keep an eye on both Linhardt and the door but not serve as a buffer to keep Linhardt from leaving.

He isn't going to kill the man. Not if it isn't necessary. Besides, it would be such a pain to cover up a murder in his bedroom.

(Not to mention he doesn't want to do that to Linhardt. He doesn't want to think about it, but it's something he can't ignore. It's a possibility he must consider, because in the end Lady Edelgard's plans are more important than anything and everyone else. It doesn't matter what he thinks or feels or wants, because his dream is her dream, and he will do anything to see it come to pass.)]

It seems you've been busy recently.

[He says that instead, driving those thoughts from his mind and crushing any would-be feelings before they start blooming.]

I doubt you have any interest in the Empire's policies and politics, much less the financial records for the past several years. Territory disputes and loyalties don't seem to be your forte either... So tell me, Linhardt, what were you studying?

[It's perhaps surprisingly not a pointed question. Not a genuine one either, because he already knows the answer. Still, it's not as though he's going to come out and admit to anything.]

[Linhardt enters easily, taking place on the opposite side of Hubert and waiting for him to speak. Linhardt forces himself to retain some semblance of calm. He trusts Hubert, right? He trusts him.

...So why is he still afraid that the very second he turns his back or says something wrong, he's going to die?

Linhardt needs to push that from his mind. Hubert's words at least seem to snap him back into reality.]

...It's no secret that you have likewise been studying. You've been studying harder than anyone for quite some time now. And it wasn't until now that I had gotten a chance to glean over the things that you have been studying. It took some time to connect the pieces, I do admit, but...

[It's honest. Linhardt's looking at Hubert, expression...attempting to be steeled but failing somewhat.]

They don't paint a very lovely picture. [...] I'm going to ask it simply, because I wish to hear it from you, rather than anyone else; are the two of you planning something?

Yes, we are.

[He nods and while he isn't entirely sure he should continue - perhaps he should deny, perhaps he should leave it up to Linhardt to put the pieces together - he finds himself continuing anyway, expression carefully composed into the usual smirk.]

Lady Edelgard will take the throne as Empress of Adrestia. Once she has, we will change this world. Her rule will change Fódlan. The world will never be the same again once she has taken the throne, and with it, she will create a better and brighter future for Fódlan.

[Hubert speaks so highly of her, as always. He speaks with the utmost conviction, as though there isn't anything in the world that could possibly change his mind on this.]

I imagine you've already learned plenty about what I've been up to in order to assist Lady Edelgard. I imagine you're already very aware of how dangerous it is to confront me about this.

[No emotion. No crack in the front he presents. And yet, deep within...

No. He can't think about anything but the path forward.]

I won't waste your time, Linhardt. I have no interest in killing you, but should it become a necessity, I will. I'll put it plainly: will you join us in changing the future? Will you assist us in ridding this world of the useless nobility, the reliance on crests, the stagnant nature of Fódlan?

[For a moment, he leaves it at that. It isn't a choice, they both know it.

But it isn't fair, and it isn't how he wants to leave this. He doesn't want Linhardt to die, and in some ways, he doesn't want Linhardt to join them on this path. If he opposes them, he'll die, that's all there is to it. But if he joins them...

Hubert folds his arms, his gaze darting for a moment before he focuses on Linhardt again. There's still no crack in the facade, but his hands are a bit too tight on his sleeves and his expression is a bit forced. It's the sort of thing most people might not notice, but Linhardt knows better than most people.]

...I will warn you now: it will not be an easy path. I cannot guarantee that your hands will remain clean.

[It isn't enough. It will never be enough.]

[So that's it, then.

Linhardt listens to Hubert as he speaks, his face betraying nothing as he listens. It's still that ever calm, unreadable expression that Hubert likely knows all too well. He speaks of Edelgard changing the world, acting like she's going to yank out all of the weeds, the bad apples, and everything that's wrong with the world at large. He says it with so much conviction that it's almost startling, really. Well, okay, realistically only somewhat, everyone and their mother knows Hubert is very passionate about Edelgard and would probably literally die for her (a thought he doesn't want to dwell on), but that's beside the point.]

I am aware of how dangerous this is, yes. I wanted to hear it from you, however.

[That's the sole contribution he offers until he's addressing Linhardt's part in this, and Linhardt feels his eyes widen because this isn't how he expected this to go. The offer is--well, it's startling, really, because this means that they both (Hubert and Edelgard, at least maybe for the latter) see something of value in him? And honestly, he really didn't expect that.]

I...

[What does he even say? There's many things he could--Hubert likely knows about his all encompassing focus on faith magic (outside of whatever he's forced to study), and he's hated killing people since he took his first life, it's why he's always stuck to healing others of their injuries because he couldn't stand the blood and--

He needs to speak before Hubert changes his mind.]

How many would need to die for this?

[He hates that this is the obvious thing he's worried about the most.]

I...it's not that I wouldn't want to, don't misunderstand, but...

[He doesn't know how to finish that.]

I know that neither of you would do this, if you truly didn't believe that this world needed to change.

[He's just blurting out the first things that come to mind at this point, and he chides himself. The answer should be easy, shouldn't it?]

Anyone who stands in our way, for starters. There are plenty of people who will have to be eliminated to make Lady Edelgard's dreams come true as well. Power within the Empire is shifting, but not quickly enough. Some people will have to die.

[He doesn't elaborate on the specifics; Linhardt doesn't need to know that right now.]

This is not going to be an easy path. I have already told Lady Edelgard I will eliminate anyone I must, anyone who stands in her way. I have already painted the path before her red, and I will stop at nothing to see it through.

Should you join us, you will have to fight. You're an incredibly intelligent man, Linhardt. Your intellect would be a great asset to us. But there is no guarantee that you will be kept away from the front lines. You most likely won't be tasked with assassinations, but there is no guarantee that you would not be brought to battles, either as a healer or as a mage.

Lady Edelgard's path is not for the faint-hearted. Once we have achieved her vision and created the world she desires, everything will be worth it. Lady Edelgard is the only one who can lead this world to a brighter future.

[He shifts, one hand moving toward the hem of his other glove before he catches himself. Resettles. No signs of weakness, no signs of uncertainty. He has no doubts in Lady Edelgard's path or her future, but he doesn't know what to do with Linhardt's unreadable expression or concerns.]

I cannot give you a number for how many would die. I doubt hard numbers would make this any easier.

But you are correct. Lady Edelgard would not pursue this if she did not believe it was necessary for Fódlan, for the world. And I would not walk this path with her if I had any doubts.

[Gods. Gods, what has he just gotten himself into?

This is going against everything that Linhardt's really ever wanted to deal with. He just wants to nap and research crests all day, and maybe eventually come to terms with the fact that he'll need to do something for his family's sake. He's not surprised that Hubert has killed people, like, that's not the weirdest revelation of the day, but that's besides the point.

There is something assuring about the idea of not being tasked with assassinations, at the very least. He doesn't know if Hubert's saying this to try to be comforting in typical Hubert fashion. Still, he...

There's some sort of ease in seeing that moment of hesitation, before he quashes it. His eyes flicker to the glove that Hubert almost messes with for a moment, before looking back at Hubert. It's not until that final portion that his expression changes--it steels itself, and he looks to Hubert with a surprising amount of conviction.

There's comfort in knowing that this is what they believe is the only option, and that they wouldn't pursue it if they truly did not believe in it. It takes some time for Linhardt to answer, but he does, eventually.]

...If this will truly change the world for the better...if this will truly fix the world, as you say it will, and it is what you both believe is the only way...

[Linhardt winds up nodding his head.]

...I will walk this path, with both of you. I will do everything I can to assist you both. If this means that the world will change for the better, I'll do what I can to support this path. Even if I...have to go beyond my own path to do so.

[...]

Don't...don't let me regret this. That is all I ask.

[He's not sure why that's the last thing he utters, but he forces himself to look away at Hubert at that. That damned hex has been acting up in all of the worst ways since he stepped in this room, and he hates it, and this just made it worse.]

[He watches Linhardt, looking for any weakness or any sign that what he's said has gotten through. Convincing someone that Lady Edelgard's way is the right way - the only way - is not nearly as easy as it seems. Even though he's convinced that nothing else in the world could be more important, not everyone sees things the same way they do. He knows that. The world will not simply roll over and allow Lady Edelgard her rightful spot.

Hubert doesn't have any regrets in reaching this point, but to be perfectly honest, Linhardt's unreadable expression scares him.

If he's guessed wrong and Linhardt refuses to join with them, he'll have to kill him. He can't let him leave the room, let word of this leak to anyone. Still, he can't bring himself to call any dark magic, or to even prepare himself for the idea of killing Linhardt.

He wouldn't hesitate if it became necessary. Perhaps that's the worst part of all.

But Linhardt's expression changes; he steels himself, and suddenly Hubert knows he's won.]

You will never regret this.

[The words are confident, certain but not arrogant. There's relief there too - relief that Linhardt understands that this is necessary, relief that he'll join them, and most of all, relief that he won't have to kill his friend.

...It almost doesn't feel fair to call him that after this.]

As I said, it will not be an easy path to walk. What Lady Edelgard may ask of you may push you to your very limits. But you will be changing the world, and you will survive to see Lady Edelgard's vision realized.

[There's no guarantee of that, certainly. But he'll do all in his power to make it so.]

Lady Edelgard will want to meet with you, to discuss everything in detail. I will let you know when she's ready for that.

[All business as usual, certainly. Still, he unfolds his arms and finally seems to relax a bit.]

I look forward to working with you.

I suppose I'll truly have to begin getting serious now.

[Linhardt finally allows his tone to shake a bit, as he lets himself just...kind of untense a bit, letting himself kind of slump into the wall. His words are serious despite his ever debonair word choice; he knows he's going to need to seriously work himself to properly earn Edelgard's trust. The last thing he needs is to worry about being expendable now.

...He's not sure he likes the idea of those thoughts entering his head, LET'S JUST NOT FOCUS ON THAT NOW THAT WE'VE SIGNED A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL SHALL WE--

He'll just. Nod his head at the idea of meeting Edelgard after all of this, he's fully expecting her to just take one look at him and go "really Hubert? That one?" but he'll do his best to convince her of his worth, surely this won't be stupid.

(It's probably gonna be stupid.)]

...As do I. I truly wasn't looking forward to the idea that we may have to oppose one another.

[He rubs the back of his head.]

That is why I wanted to find out what was happening, I should mention.

...I suppose I was a bit careless with my research.

[It wasn't just his research, he knows that. Linhardt's undoubtedly noticed his absences from the monastery, his near-constant correspondence with all sorts of people, and obviously that most of the work he's been doing hasn't been homework.]

This wasn't something you were supposed to find out about, and dragging you into this was never my intention.

[Just to clear that up. He's a scheming mastermind (or so he likes to think), but he didn't mean to get close to Linhardt to use him for Lady Edelgard's gain.

That's important to stress, to make sure Linhardt understands that. He's not entirely sure why it's so important, but it is. If it had been up to him...

Well, maybe he would have let Linhardt pursue his crest research, or nap his days away somewhere secluded. Somewhere away from war and strife and bloodshed. But that's never something he could do, and he will use everything at his disposal to assist Lady Edelgard. So if this had to happen, then he may as well make the most of it.]

[...Definitely somewhat, though that's probably a realization he's gonna hit much later on while he has a million sleepless nights trying to master Reason magic, don't worry Hubie you're still the mastermind in this mess.]

Just take a little extra time to keep everything hidden, from now on. I am more than willing to assist in this regard; it won't look as suspicious if we are both researching and simply comparing notes when we have the time to convene, hm?

[Linhardt's tone isn't quite admonishing, at least because he knows now that shit is about to get real very fast; a little sloppiness at this point in the game would be devastating, but at the very least, he's the one who found out. If it were anyone else, or goddess forbid, anyone from the church...

Well. Considering what the church has already done to those who oppose them, he's pretty sure he'd never be seeing Hubert again. The Black Eagles house would be in shambles at best...

Still, something about that last bit...that is actually comforting. That hex over his heart eases some at that.]

...I know it was never your intention, Hubert. I'm quite sure it would have been obvious at several points if this was your plan all along.

[...]

I'm glad that it wasn't, however. It would have been a rather poorly thought out long-term plan if it was.

[...Linhardt smiles at that. He's definitely a little more at ease now if he's willing to joke like that.]

Edited 2019-08-12 03:34 (UTC)

I fear Lady Edelgard would never stop laughing if I proposed anything of the sort to her.

[Listen. We all know Hubert could not possibly lead someone on and pretend to be friends with them to put them in a position like this where he forces them to choose to assist Lady Edelgard or die. That is relying entirely too heavily on his ability to talk to people and not threaten to kill them within the first conversation it ain't happening.

It does get a smirk to tug on the corner of his mouth, though. It's an amusing idea.]

I will speak with Lady Edelgard and we will work out what to do from here. I must warn you - you may not always know exactly what the plan is, but I ask that you trust us. There are some things we cannot share at the moment.

It won't be long now, though. We're getting close.

[And even though he isn't trying to be intimidating, the smile he gives is undeniably chilling.]

[That actually gets Linhardt to chuckle; honestly, the thought of that is absolutely hilarious because he can imagine the utterly flabberghasted look on Edelgard's face if he proposed the plan to her, just seconds before doubling over with laughter. It'd be a legendary sight.

It doesn't last, though, because those more serious words...Linhardt nods his head, though the idea of it definitely stresses him out. Not having any idea of these plans is bound to stress him out some, but...he trusts Hubert. He knows that the man won't see him die, or let him be caught in the crossfire of something.

He simply hopes Edelgard is the same.]

...I understand, yes. I will do everything I can to follow along as needed, be it anything from assisting directly, or playing lamb to anyone who asks.

[And he does mean that.]

I...simply hope that you trust me, as well.

[...It kind of has just occurred to him that he doesn't...really know if Hubert trusts him. It's likely, at least, considering that they are friends, but...well, all considered--especially with what he's found out today--he genuinely does hope that Hubert trusts him in kind.]

I wouldn't have asked you to join us if I didn't trust you.

[It's true, certainly. He could have lured Linhardt anywhere and killed him then without explaining anything or giving him a chance to join them. Even so, "trust" is such a complicated thing. The only person he trusts completely is Lady Edelgard, and even then he has difficulty opening up to her or even telling her everything she probably should know.

So in the end, maybe the only person he truly trusts is himself.

Even so, he does mean what he's said. Linhardt is someone he trusts more than most people. Behind Lady Edelgard perhaps, and until he's seen Linhardt prove his loyalty to them it may take a bit for him to really feel comfortable sharing plans and tactics.

But personally? Personally... It's different. It shouldn't be, he's fully aware of that, but he feels as though he could tell Linhardt almost anything without judgment or strange looks, and maybe even receive kindness in return.

What a strange and stupid sentiment.]

For now, continue to act as normal and keep your head down.

[He pauses for a moment and considers his words. As it stands, he's asking Linhardt to act as though this never happened, as though he's simply not a part of this. He can see why Linhardt doesn't think he trusts him.]

...On second thought, I'd like to ask you to keep an eye on the professors. You don't need to go out of your way, and I don't expect you to start spying on them or keeping track of their movements. I only want to know that they're busy with their own troubles and unaware of anything we're planning.

[Hanneman and Manuela are not even remotely a concern. The former is too busy with his crest research and the latter is still searching for a man. They'll keep themselves busy. Byleth is the one he's concerned about. A wildcard, someone who shows even less emotion than he does. Sometimes he wonders if they can feel anything.]

I ask this of you because Lady Edelgard is busy and I am... not the ideal person for the job.

[Let's face it, even Manuela would wonder what was up if he suddenly started talking to her. Linhardt is - as he put it - a lamb. No one would suspect him of any ulterior motives.

This could be good. This could be very beneficial. Perhaps even more-so than he first thought.]

[And thus, Linhardt wound up working for the Empire. (cue the it's always sunny theme with the title card "Linhardt Starts Working For The Empire")

Truthfully, the meeting went a lot better than Linhardt was expecting, though he could definitely feel the vague unsureness from Edelgard as they talked. Still, the meeting went well enough; he was able to convince her that he would be an asset to the Empire, and that he was loyal to the two of them, among the many other hoops he needed to jump through. He was simply really going to have to double the amount of effort he actually put in, in return.

Linhardt von Hevring has never put effort into anything, ever, in his life, is the problem. Well, outside of napping and research, and generally just. Shit he's actually interested in, but it's fine. He just needs to actually put an effort in, for once in his life, and he's willing to do that if it means he doesn't have to fight one of his friends.

He has been able to do the tasks that Hubert has set out for him easily, passing on the information to him promptly and discreetly, but between that, he's actually been working on his Reason magic a lot. He's never had the constitution to properly wield a sword or anything else in a fight, but magic is something he is very good with. He knows that he needs to be prepared to fight when the situation demands it, and if that's going to be as soon as Hubert says, then he can sacrifice some of his naps for it.

...Which hasn't exactly been good, actually; he's done a pretty good job at remaining attentive in class, but even if he's been awake, he hasn't exactly been feeling all that great. It's not all that noticeable due to Linhardt's usual face being very, very neutral, but the particularly observant will definitely notice that he's definitely started getting bags under his eyes again, and really, he almost seems like he's coming down with something. He's sure it's fine, though, and he doesn't sound that badly off, but...

He's gone to his favorite napping spot today to practice with his magic, and he has to admit, he's starting to feel a little dizzy as he goes through his steps. He's gotten much better at the magic for sure, and he's sure it'll prove useful soon, but as the energy leaves him time and time again, he starts seeing stars after each cast.

It's not long after that before he winds up practically crumpling to the ground. To anyone else, it might look like he was napping in the untamed plant-life, but...well, given how he's fallen over, it's definitely going to become obvious very soon that he's gone and passed out.

Whoops.]

Edited 2019-08-12 05:06 (UTC)

[Everything had gone well with Lady Edelgard. Better than expected, really. He had assumed he'd have to find a way to apologize using actual words that made him sound sorry, but Lady Edelgard had been benevolent. She listened to his... rather lackluster attempt at an apology, listened as he laid out the benefits and cons of bringing Linhardt into this with them, and had not taken very long at all to deliberate.

Honestly, he could have sworn she was distracted by something else the entire time, but whatever it was didn't matter. She gave him the answer he had hoped for, and Linhardt was brought into the fold.

Sure, he wasn't told everything - neither of them thought he'd talk, but it would be best not to spread information any more than absolutely necessary - but his eyes were needed right now. He'd been putting in more effort as well - they'd both noticed. It could only be a good thing.

Hubert's been busy, of course. There's plenty for him to attend to and he's putting some of the last pieces into place to secure his own spot at Lady Edelgard's side. It's kept him from being as attentive to Linhardt as he should, given that Linhardt is his responsibility and also his friend.

He's noticed the bags under Linhardt's eyes, he just hadn't thought much about it. He'd assumed Linhardt would get some sleep. He hadn't realized things would end up like this.

It's late afternoon when he starts looking for Linhardt. Not through obligation, but rather because he hasn't seen the man since morning classes. The library is empty, and Ashe tells him he hasn't seen Linhardt here all day. Linhardt's room is empty (don't ask how he got in, it's fine). The classroom is empty, the dining hall is deserted at this time of day, and even the few people he runs into can't point him in a proper direction.

Very well, he'll have to go searching through Linhardt's napping spots.

It's not accurate to say he knows where they all are. Certainly not. It's not as though he keeps constant tabs on Linhardt. But it would be a lie to say he was confused about where to begin, and his first choice happens to be the correct one.

At first, he had simply assumed that Linhardt came out here to nap, but as he draws closer he realizes something is very, very wrong. That's hardly the usual position Linhardt naps in, and it looks more like—

Hubert finds himself rushing forward, dropping to his knees beside Linhardt without the conscious decision to do so. His first order of business is to check that Linhardt's alive - breathing, heart still beating - and once he's certain that the man is alive (along with the spike of relief that doesn't last long), he's quick to simply pick the man up bridal style.

Thankfully, Linhardt isn't all that heavy and Hubert's lackluster strength stat will ensure he can get Linhardt to his room, but it's not exactly the most graceful process. In his state of (it's not panic, it certainly isn't panic) worry, he completely bypasses the infirmary and a few people have definitely seen him. That doesn't matter right now. What matters is making sure Linhardt is safe.

He gets Linhardt back to his own room and makes sure he's safely in bed before doing the obvious thing and leaving him to go find Lady Edelgard.

...Well, no one said he was good at this.

Lady Edelgard (rightfully) gives him an earful when he finally tells her that he left Linhardt alone in his room, but she gives him the tips and information he needs to head back up there. It's probably a bit weird for him just to hang out in Linhardt's room until he awakes, but Lady Edelgard was adamant that he shouldn't leave Linhardt alone. So depending on when Linhardt awakes, he'll either be seated in the desk chair reading (or at least pretending to read and not steal worried glances at his friend every so often) or he'll have... fallen asleep on the desk, arms folded as a makeshift pillow which is probably the most undignified he has ever been in the presence of anyone living or dead.]

[Linhardt isn't really sure what to expect when he wakes back up in his room; he was absolutely out like a light when Hubert found him, completely unaware of anything going on. He was expecting to wake up in that little spot again, if anything, because most people don't tend to find him there.

He winds up groggily waking up, low on energy but simply looking around his room a bit--it's just as messy as he remembers, the floor littered with books and papers from all of the things he's been meaning to read and research, and it's just a disaster zone save for his desk. His desk is generally good, but then he sees...]

Hubert...?

[His voice isn't...in the best shape when he tries to call out, winding up too soft to be effective, but seeing Hubert asleep on his desk is...an experience, to say the least. Hell, if anything, Linhardt feels that hex acting up, because...holy shit, that's actually kind of cute? He's never seen Hubert this undignified or vulnerable in his life. It actually makes him smile,

Linhardt doesn't really know why he's in here, but it doesn't matter; Linhardt winds up gathering one of the blankets on his bed (careful not to drop that bear that Hubert gave him--which lives on his bed, thank you very much), and after an attempt at getting up from his bed proves to be too much effort for how little energy he has, but Linhardt is nothing if not someone who thinks outside of the box.

And by outside of the box, I mean he's going to try tossing that blanket onto Hubert so that he's at least warm while he sleeps.

...Of course, this doesn't go nearly as well as planned. The blanket barely makes it to the center of the floor after Linhardt tosses it, and it doesn't even get close to it's intended spot. But even worse, he wound up propping himself on the edge of his bed in the hopes that it would help him reach farther with the throw, and he winds up taking a tumble off of the bed and lands face first on the floor with a loud thud.]

Ow...that could have gone better...

[...this has just not been Linhardt's day, he's kind of hoping Hubert doesn't wake up due to this oh gods--]

locked to darkseal

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject