sranks | locked to darkseal

[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--]

[Hubert doesn't jolt awake, but he doesn't rise slowly either. It's more like one moment he's fast asleep and the next he's sitting upright and wide awake, as though that didn't just happen. Mysterious.

Anyway, he's out of the chair immediately and leaning down to help haul Linhardt back into bed.]

You shouldn't move. You fainted earlier and until you've rested, you are not leaving the bed.

[Said with all the stiffness of an order. In other words, you're not allowed to leave!!]

...Where were you trying to go?

[At this time of night? (Is it still night, he just woke up, he's still getting his bearings...)]

Hey, come on--

[Linhardt only minorly protests as he's "assisted" back into bed, pouting just a bit until he actually processes the words in his low-energy state. He's still a little dazed, but he does seem surprised, though he's content to ignore it as he looks to the blanket that he attempted to toss.]

Oh, that? Well, I saw you had fallen asleep on my desk, so I... [Yaaawn, let him just gather one of his other blankets and bring that bear over to snuggle with if he's not allowed to leave.] I thought I'd give you a blanket, so you could be warm.

...Of course, I've never been all that good at throwing anything, and getting up wasn't going to happen very well. [Beat.] Since I fainted, I guess.

[...How embarrassing...]

I didn't mean for you to see that.

[sleeping???? normal people do that, hubert]

Do you remember what happened before you fainted? Are you sick?

It's fine, you know. I don't really mind. A desk is basically a guest bed if nobody's using it.

[Linhardt just kind of shrugs at that, before trying to think about what happened...]

I don't think I'm sick? It's just been warm the past few days... [does lin actually look like he'd know if he's sick, oh my god? also it probably hasn't...been as warm as lin's been thinking, so...] I was practicing some Reason magic out in that little field, and I remember seeing stars...but that's about it, before waking up here.

Edited 2019-08-12 06:02 (UTC)

[Warm...? No, it hasn't been that warm lately. Hmm.

Hubert removes one of his gloves and with his other still-gloved hand reaches out for Linhardt's chin. Assuming he's successful in that, he'll press the back of his non-gloved hand to Linhardt's forehead to check for a temperature.

All without asking permission. How rude.]

[Oh my god, Hubert you animal???]

What are you doing...?

[...It's definitely a bit startling to say the least, though Linhardt does wind up letting him work. What Hubert finds is that Linhardt's definitely got a high temperature, that's for sure! Nothing life threatening, obviously, but damn that boy could be a decent portable heater...]

[no one ever said he was good at this]

You have a fever.

[He lets go of Linhardt's chin and moves to replace his glove, frowning.]

I know there are some herbs that can bring it down, though rest should help as well. Do you have any other symptoms?

[...this man's bedside manner is so bad, i'm so sorry.]

Well, that's just what I needed...

[Lin grumbles a bit, just kind of shaking his head into his pillow. This is great. And some really stupid irony...]

Not that I'm aware of? [...hm, actually--] I haven't really eaten anything today, but that's just because I don't feel hungry at all. And attempting to get out of bed made me feel like I was going to fall over...

[...]

Have you done this before?

You need to eat something, even if you aren't feeling hungry. It's no wonder you fainted.

[Hmm, it is pretty late, but he should be able to find something light for Linhardt to eat in the kitchen...

He's pulled from his thoughts by that question, though.]

No, I haven't.

[...is it obvious...]

[It is so obvious.]

I was simply curious, that's all.

[...Linhardt likes him enough to not call him out on how bad he is at this, that is the sole saving grace. He'd honestly take Hubert over dealing with Manuela any day of the week...]

...But I suppose your right. [...] If you're going to the kitchen, can you see if they have anything sweet?

[LIN, YOUR PRIORITIES]

You aren't only getting sweets.

[But he sounds exasperated instead of truly worried or stern. This is just how things are going to be...]

I'm going to the library as well - do you want me to bring you anything?

[Honestly, he has no idea how long Linhardt will need to recover and he desperately needs to find something that can guide him in these trying times. Lady Edelgard's advice is solid, but not enough to tend to the sick.]

Ah, I see I'll have to employ creative methods of getting rid of my vegetables again...

[That's a joke, at least. Maybe. Linhardt does smile a bit, though, turning over on the bed a bit.]

Well...if there is anything Edelgard would permit me to assist you with, I'd like that. But if not, I'll simply take some books on crest research.

[...not that he doesn't have a solid chunk of the library already on the floor over here, but maybe if he doesn't say anything, Hubert won't mess with the mess that is his room...]

[The first part does get a stern look, but he leaves it for now. The second... Well, it troubles him.]

You need to rest. I would have thought you were the expert at that.

[Something about that seems to fit, though. He has all the pieces to this puzzle, he just needs to order them properly to see the picture in full.]

...You haven't been getting enough rest lately, have you?

[He doesn't intend for the question to come across as pointed, but it is blunt. It's not really a question at all, actually.]

I can rest and still study, you know...

[There's a bit of annoyance in his tone at that, and it's causing something to feel tangled in his chest again. He doesn't want to acknowledge it, really, and he kind of turns over on the bed so Hubert can't see his face. (Or, well, hopefully he can't.)

Of course, the true question of the hour causes Linhardt's body to visibly tense on the bed before he forces himself to ease, just...bringing his blanket closer to himself.]

It's...fine, you know; nothing to be concerned over. I can't afford to be idle, that's all.

[He doesn't want to talk about it.]

Neither can I.

[Irritation flares within him before it is immediately crushed. He's not even sure if he's annoyed with Linhardt for being so stubborn or with himself for not catching on earlier.]

But I seem to recall an incident in which someone reminded me that I need to take care of myself as well.

[The words aren't pointed, but they are blunt. He stands, pushing the chair in and carefully stepping around Linhardt's books and papers.]

I'll be back in a bit. Try to rest, and don't even think of leaving your bed.

[He leaves then, a bit too quickly, perhaps. He needs to be out of the room and back on his own so he can find a way to mask his rebellious emotions.

He leans against the wall just outside Linhardt's room for a moment, where he can't be seen by anyone else. No one riles him up like this, no one frustrates him and makes him ache like this.

But he doesn't have time to stop and consider what all this means. There's so much that needs to happen, and so little time left. He can consider everything later.

For now, he has to fetch his friend some food and something light to read while he tends to him. As best he can, anyway.]

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