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[Linhardt's pretty well into his reading by the time Hubert comes back, at any rate. Because Linhardt lives and breathes books, practically, it's probably no surprise that he's got his nose buried by the time Hubert's at the door. He will put the book down, though, to make room for the tray--just in time for his eyes to catch that little pastry.]

Oh--thank you. This is quite delightful. More than worth putting my research aside, for a moment or two.

[This time he'll actually be a good boy and eat his food first, don't worry Hubie. He only looks a little put out that Hubert isn't flushed anymore; it was honestly kind of adorable...

...Still, he does take the opportunity to be a little sneaky and get a glimpse of what Hubert's got while he eats--what did he get? Maybe he can try to remember it for another time...]

[He looks pleased with that, turning to his food. He's picked up something relatively simple - enough to be filling, but nothing particularly fancy. The dining hall was serving fish today, so that's what he's got. Linhardt obviously has the food he likes - as if Hubert wouldn't know that by now?]

I hope you enjoy it. With any luck, you'll be feeling well enough to make your way to the dining hall soon enough.

[Hmm. He didn't know Hubert had such simple tastes...or it was just fish day in the dining hall. He'll just have to be more vigilant, since Hubert's always doing the same thing!!]

That is certainly my hope, at any rate. I'm certain that I'll be better quite soon, with the way you've been watching out for me.

[He'll eat a bit, letting the silence hang in the room a bit before just kind of going for it.]

What sort of foods do you like? You seem to have memorized mine quite effectively.

[...Lin is pretty obvious with his choices, though, so to be fair, it's not hard...]

You probably would recover faster with Manuela's help.

[He sounds vaguely amused, though.

At the question, he considers for a moment before answering.]

There are some foods I like more than others, but it isn't something that I put much focus on. I suppose if I had to pick... I'm fond of steak. I've never liked anything too sweet.

[Which is definitely why he'll give you the sweets.]

[The plan was eventually sprung; the Holy Tomb where all of those crest stones would be, after all, and it was a simple matter at the end of it all. Even if Edelgard was revealed, even if Hubert and Linhardt had to reveal themselves there, right in front of the church and everyone (which Linhardt was more than nervous about, to say the least, knowing he recognized some of the student body in the crowd)--but once Hubert and Linhardt's magic allowed them an easy escape, everything went according to the Empire's plans. Edelgard was crowned Emperor, Garreg Mach fell, and though the battle was, to put it bluntly, basically a massacre, the Empire had prevailed. Sure, they had to go back to the castle at the end of it all, but they had essentially won. The church was in shambles, and Fodlan as they knew it was coming apart at the seams.

All be told, it scared Linhardt. He did everything he could not to let it show; he had spent much of that time after he was sick refining his magic, utilizing as much of his time at the monastery as possible to ensure he would be an asset to the empire, and he pulled it off well; somehow, he knew that both Edelgard and Hubert were pleased as he managed to help assure them victory, alongside many of the Empire's seasoned soldiers. Even after the revelation of what Rhea truly was, he kept going, motivated by the desire to see the world that those two envisioned. It certainly helped that he stayed close by Hubert as time went on, as well; some might have considered it weird, but neither of them cared. If Hubert was Edelgard's right hand, Linhardt was simply shaping up to be Hubert's, and it allowed them time to spend together, to help cope with the war they had brought forth.

Of course, it wouldn't be easy; there was much still to be done. Linhardt had to go back to his own estate for a while, working to ensure his family's cooperation with the empire for what seemed like forever; he finally did secure it after some convincing, and he was able to pass it onto Empress Edelgard, that House Hevring would offer it's full support. It at least ensured that he'd never have to face his family down in battle, which...offered Linhardt a lot more relief than he had thought, really. Sometimes, you had to take the small comforts in this war.

But of course, he still had plenty of orders to follow, however; that's why he had been summoned today. Edelgard needed him to be stationed at Fort Merceus, a territory very close to the empire, the capital of Bergliez county; some part of Linhardt worried about what could happen there, not knowing of Caspar's whereabouts or allegiances for quite some time now, but he pushed it from his mind. The empress needed him to work, and work he would. Especially with the promise that Hubert would be there; he hadn't seen the man in about a month, after all, and he was hoping he'd see Hubert again soon.

He arrives in the territory well within the evening, and he makes to find Hubert as quickly as possible. The guards direct him to where Hubert is currently located, and once they leave, Linhardt finds himself openly relieved.]

It's been quite some time, hasn't it, Hubert?

[Lady Edelgard's plan had gone off without a hitch.

No, Her Majesty.

She is the Empress of Adrestia now, and while they have accomplished much, their battle is only just beginning. Hubert hadn't wanted them to separate, but their duties called all three of them apart, to handle different matters within the new Empire.

Hubert had killed his own father and taken his position, then moved out to cut a bloody path through those that resisted Her Majesty's rule. It ended at Fort Merceus, where he was stationed now. With any lucky, he would be able to push through and continue their fight onwards, but for now they had the task of ensuring the fort would be secure from attack.

Linhardt - the much kinder man he was - had opted to win House Hevring over to Her Majesty's Empire. He had been successful - Lady Edelgard had told him herself when they'd met a week back. She was still busy dealing with the internal politics and her uncle - things that couldn't be solved with murder, regrettably.

Even though it had been a month since he last saw Linhardt, it feels like it's been so much longer. Keeping in touch hasn't been feasible, not when messages could be intercepted and possibly used against them. A month isn't all that long in the grand scheme of things, but still... He's really looking forward to seeing Linhardt, even though he would prefer it if Linhardt wasn't in such a dangerous area. There's no telling if there will be a battle, but it's far more likely at this point that they'll have to face off against someone. Be it rebellions or armies, they will be put down in Her Majesty's name.

Linhardt's arrived, and he'll find Hubert in the war room. It's a room with more maps and notes than most people would know what to do with, but Linhardt's probably expecting exactly that given everything Hubert is.

His expression is perhaps surprisingly calm when he sees Linhardt, and he sets the map he was staring at aside.]

It has been. You've been well, I hope?

[There's something almost wonderful about seeing Hubert in this sort of state--it feels like things are as they should be, in a way. Hubert's in his element, with enough notes and maps to kill a man, and all feels well. Hubert's doing everything he can to assist in Edelgard--no, Her Majesty's rule, and see that path forward to it's conclusion.

That hex hasn't acted up in quite some time, though Linhardt wonders if that was what the vaguely empty feeling was in his chest, but now that he's here? It's fluttering again, though there's a warm feeling there as well. He feels...home.]

Quite well, as a matter of fact. I am certain that you've heard that House Hevring is in full support of Her Majesty's empire by now? That was a highly stressful time, I do admit...but all is well, as of now; everything seems to be moving according to plan.

[He smiles when he says that, moving to take a place near Hubert, if the man will let him.]

What of yourself? Has everything been going well, on your end?

[Linhardt isn't the only one who feels different. It's a bit strange to think that he'd gotten used to the lack of distractions and had been able to command and kill without the familiar warmth settling over him like this. In some ways, it feels like his heart might beat out his chest. Ridiculous, completely ridiculous, and yet...

And yet, it feels more comforting than anything else in the world. Even Her Majesty's presence hadn't sparked something like this.

But that's not something he's going to focus on or think about, or even acknowledge. Instead, he nods at Linhardt's words.]

I heard it from Her Majesty, yes. I'm pleased to see you were able to gain their support; they will be exceptionally powerful allies.

Everything had gone well here - we were able to take the fort and secure it with limited casualties. Less than I had anticipated, which leaves us more soldiers to prepare for any potential counter-attacks. With the fort on our side, there will be little chance of anyone getting into or out of Empire territory without our notice.

[...Ah, there he goes already...]

But never mind that. It can wait until our meeting tomorrow morning.

[All the details and difficulties of war aren't something he'd trouble Linhardt with, if he could prevent it. Still, they have their jobs to do and there's no sense in withholding information just to spare Linhardt's feelings. Ridiculous.

They don't have to discuss it now, and he's certainly not going to try.]

How was your journey here?

[...Ah, and there he goes already. Linhardt does find himself listening, at the very least; it's good that they were able to secure this place without too many casualties. If something were to happen here tomorrow, they would be well prepared for an attack.

It's a possibility Linhardt doesn't want to think about, really. It should be fine, shouldn't it? That's what he hopes, at least. Maybe the ruling family of the area already has their hands full...]

Oh no, no, that's quite fine; it's assuring to hear that nobody will be entering the territory very easily.

But I should hope that you are still able to relax some, with that considered. [Linhardt chuckles, though; he knows better than anyone that relaxing is truly a luxury, especially now. Still, they do have at least some time, don't they? He nods at Hubert's question, though.]

Well, it was some of the nicest sleep I've gotten in quite some time. [Because he totally napped on the way here, I don't know what you expected.] But it was a rather uneventful little trip, even once I had awoken. The sights are just the same as I remember them from when I used to come here as a child...

[He stretches, though, getting at least some of the cricks out of his neck.]

...It's nice that some things have not changed entirely. This place has always been rather beautiful, and a home to wonderful fishing spots and napping places...

Edited 2019-08-14 01:57 (UTC)

[Hubert hasn't forgotten Linhardt's ties to House Bergliez, but something about that still doesn't sit well with him. Maybe it's the fact that while House Bergliez has agreed to back the Empire, this area still wasn't completely under their control and Hubert himself had to retake the fort. Maybe it's because they haven't heard a single word from Caspar himself since the attack on Garreg Mach. He's undoubtedly still alive - Hubert was very thorough in checking reports of the bodies found - but...

Well, that isn't the point of tonight, and he doesn't want to dwell on it. That's something they can discuss tomorrow, after Linhardt has had time to rest from traveling and after Hubert has had time to get his emotions under control. (Something that shouldn't even be necessary in the first place—)]

I'm pleased to hear that it wasn't a difficult trip. There has been some unrest in the area, even outside the fort.

[That's not what he's going to get into, so he lets it drop.]

There's a room prepared for you here, I'll show you to it whenever you wish to retire for the night.

[...Because Linhardt's definitely going to sleep before he is. He's got a lot of work to do here, though he certainly doesn't mind taking a break to speak with a friend.]

You seem to be doing well. I'm glad to see it.

[It's good Linhardt isn't pushing himself too hard. He had thought that might be the case, since he couldn't keep an eye on Linhardt lately, but it's a relief to see he was wrong.]

[It's something that's definitely stressing Linhardt out a lot more than he admits, though he reasonably knows that Caspar is still alive. Caspar's got way too much spirit to go and die on him, even if he hasn't seen the man in quite some time. Somehow, Linhardt knows he's okay; he'll likely just appear again, as loud and boisterous as ever. It's certainly what Linhardt keeps telling himself, anyway.

Linhardt...nods at the information, though; his expression gains that weird unreadableness for a moment, before a smile comes back on his face.]

I'll let you know when I am ready, then; I'd quite like to continue to enjoy your company until that becomes necessary, considering how long it's been.

[Linhardt's got his own stuff with him, that he sets down in the room for the moment; he doesn't exactly trust the guards to handle some of the things inside delicately, so he'd much rather take care of it himself.

He chuckles, though, at Hubert's observation.]

I did take what you said back then to heart, you know; pushing myself simply for the sake of it isn't going to help anyone in the long run. And despite the stresses that this war brings, I do need to ensure that I take care of myself. [...He's at least admitting that he's been stressed, because let's face it, it's hard not to be when killing is an unavoidable reality, but...he doesn't want to focus on that. So he won't.] ...Well, that, and I do have something of a schedule worked out for my naps, so that I might be able to balance them with my work. It takes priority, of course, but it does ensure that I am able to work properly for Her Majesty, despite the odd looks.

I'm pleased to hear it.

[And he does look very pleased by it! He moves to pull out one of the chairs around the table, gesturing for Linhardt to sit while he takes a seat in the one next to it.]

You've been immensely helpful. Her Majesty has had nothing but glowing praise for your work. She says it's given her more time to deal with her uncle, and I'm sure I don't need to tell you how much she needs that.

[We can't kill the man (yet??) but Lady Edelgard certainly is working out a way to remove him from the picture.]

It's unfortunate that we haven't been in communication over the past month. It would have been nice to hear from you from time to time.

[...He was worried, okay...]

[Oh, Linhardt's gladly going to join him, then; the proximety is...actually kind of nice, all things considered; it's making his chest do weird things, but it's fine, surely it's fine--

...Actually, Linhardt is taken out of those thoughts due to Hubert's comment--he's never really had much of an interpersonal relationship with Edelgard due to their...personalities...but he actually looks to Hubert with some shock.]

...Really? Well...pass on my thanks to Her Majesty, if I don't get the chance to myself, then. Her praise isn't exactly something that comes easily...

[Like. He is actually trying to process that Edelgard gave him praise. Months ago, this wouldn't have even crossed Linhardt's mind, but...wow.

...Anyway, let's focus less on that revelation, Linhardt's look goes a little amused, though he winds up pouting some as well.]

That goes double for you, you know! I realize it wouldn't have likely been feasible, but even a messenger pigeon would have been a rather nice little surprise...I was truly worried that you'd get yourself into too much trouble. [He doesn't sound entirely put out by it, though.] But very well, I'll endeavor to send plenty of messengers for you from now on, you worrywart. Just for you.

[...It's only partially a joke, but the worrywart comment has no bite to it at all. It almost sounds fond.]

I suppose I was lucky to have Nyx's company in those trying times; somehow I knew, just from looking at her, that you would be safe.

[...He's never told Hubert the name of that bear, has he...]

She doesn't always give praise, but do know that you are assisting our efforts greatly.

[He looks very pleased with that, okay. But moving on...

Well, his look softens a bit from pride to a genuine smile. It's a rare expression on him, but it seems to be a bit more common around Linhardt.]

Do be careful with what you send. There's no telling if it will be safe, and I'd prefer not to let any information fall into the wrong hands. Still, I can't say I'd be opposed to communication...

[...Oh, but wait.]

Who is Nyx?

[...Linhardt actually appreciates that a lot--about as much as he appreciates the smile on the man in front of him, honestly. It fills his chest with those weird, swirling, whirling feelings, and Linhardt finds it all too easy to smile at the man in return.]

Haha...you make it sound like I should send it in the form of poetry. Or perhaps even song, though I fear that's more Dorothea's territory than mine. I will try, however, my dear worrywart friend.

[Oh! Linhardt's eyes seem to light up a bit--]

Ah, I haven't introduced you two properly, have I? You've seen her a few times, but--

[He winds up darting over to dig through his bags a bit, before pulling out that stuffed bear that Hubert gave Linhardt all that time ago. She seems to have gotten a new outfit, a nice black cloak and dress that were clearly not made by him, and some...admittedly clumsy, ugly stitches from where she's seen some wear and tear. Those were probably made by him.]

This is my dear Nyx. Rather stunning looking now, isn't she?

[He tips his head a bit when Linhardt gets up, waiting for him to return with a mildly confused look before he recognizes the bear.]

Ah... I hadn't realized you were so fond of her.

[Sure, he'd seen Linhardt cling to the bear when he had looked after the other man, but Hubert hadn't thought much about it. Stuffed animals just aren't something he gets.]

I'm very glad you've found her to be so comforting.

[...should he... tell Linhardt that Professor Byleth gave him that (for some reason??) and he just kind of regifted it immediately...

nah, probably not.]

[Linhardt eases a bit more--he wasn't tense or anything, but he just seems to get even more comfortable when Hubert says that, settling Nyx into his lap and hugging onto her lightly.]

Are you kidding? I love her. She's one of my most cherished possessions; I made sure to take her with me before the plan was sprung. I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I had just left her behind.

[...He sounds entirely serious, though honestly just...really fond in general. It might be slightly disgusting? But he really does cherish his bear.]

She's been an incredible comfort when I worry about everything to do with this war...she puts me at great ease. I truly do thank you for giving her to me.

You're welcome.

[Linhardt likes stuffed animals that much, then... Perhaps that's something to keep in mind. Surely it will come in handy. Somehow.

Anyway.]

I'm pleased I could give you something that you care for this much. It looks as though you've been taking excellent care of her.

Well, perhaps not the best--she's had a few rips and tears in her that I had to attempt to fix, but...

[He shows off her outfit a bit--it's a bit of a simple one, but it was clearly made with a lot of care. The fabric of the dress shimmers a bit too when it catches light, and the stitchwork on both items of clothing is actually pretty professional looking. Even the button that keeps the cloak tied seems to be made with some sort of dark gemstone that catches the light nicely.]

I'd say her outfit is my mother's magnum opus. She's always been very deft with delicate work like this, and when I was younger, she made clothing for many of my stuffed animals. [He chuckles a bit.] I do admit, she gave me a rather odd look when I asked if she would make me something again, so shortly after I had gotten done earning my family's support...but she really outdid herself.

[While he can't really say he understands, he certainly can see how important this is to Linhardt, and that alone is worth praise.]

I'm pleased to see it. It looks magnificent.

[...Linhardt's mother went out of her way to do something like that for him, huh?]

What is your family like, Linhardt? I must admit I don't know much about House Hevring.

[Well, okay, he knows the things he needs to know for a man in his position, but he doesn't know anything about them personally. A mother willing to make her son something so delicate and detailed for a stuffed bear is... sort of strange to imagine, in all honesty. He's curious about it.]

[Linhardt actually smiles a bit at the questioning, though he's definitely surprised that it's coming from Hubert, of all people. Even still, he's more than happy to speak of them.]

Well, my father is a man who's well suited to his position as the head of the Ministry of the Interior; he's a rather detail oriented person, but I do admit that I get a lot of my personality from him. He's always been so incredibly laid back when he isn't on business...well, at least with anything that doesn't have to do with House Bergliez. Nor the Minister of Military Affairs...I suppose where we differ most is that he has enough pride for the both of us, which can prove utterly bothersome when he decides to butt heads with someone...

Still, he isn't a bad man by any means. Perhaps a touch distant due to his work, but he's never once treated me unkindly. I simply wish that he'd apply that to certain others, but...I digress.

Now, mother...my sweet mother. [Linhardt almost sounds exasperated when he talks about her, but it's incredibly fond.] She's the one who took up Father's slack in attempting to instill some values and motivations into me. She's rather overbearing, asking questions about what I've eaten, how well I've been sleeping, how my studies are going...really, she doesn't let up with them. It can be infuriating from time to time, when she tries to find me and wake me up from my perfectly good naps and the like, but she only does so, so that I might lead what she calls an 'enriching life'.

[He winds up smiling a bit softer, though, bringing Nyx a little closer.]

Even so, she is rather supportive of my hobbies and interests, as well as what I like. If I got good marks on my studies, she'd made rather delightful pastries as my reward. She also got me stuffed animals whenever we went into town; she'd let me pick out one to add for my collection whenever we had the chance to go, and she'd make the most delightful little outfits for them. I've saved every one of them, in fact; they're in a little bureau in my room back at the estate. She's gone out of her way for me when she's able to, at times...and she's dragged me about in order to make sure I was doing something other than nap when I didn't want her, at others.

I may think that they can be rather overbearing, or perhaps too prideful at times, but...I would not trade them for anything in the world.

[He listens to all of that quietly, never once interrupting or asking for clarification. What he's heard about the head of House Hevring lines up with what Linhardt's saying, but in some ways it's good to know that there's more to the man than intelligence reports say.

...It feels sort of weird to hear Linhardt speak about them in such a gentle manner.]

You're very lucky to have such supportive parents - though I suppose they're lucky to have a son like you.

[It's said so easily, the compliment given with no hesitation.]

It sounds as though you were raised in a very supportive and caring environment. I can only imagine how proud your parents are of you now.

[...Well, okay, maybe not entirely proud just yet, but they will be someday.]

[...Oh. Linhardt has to admit that he's surprised by that statement--it's definitely an unusual thing coming from Hubert, but he has to admit that he...never thought about that. At least, that they're lucky to have a son like him--and how proud they are of him...

...He's never really wondered about that at all. But it does make him smile, just the slightest bit.]

...Thank you. I really do cherish them dearly; it's because of them that I am who I am.

[...He pauses a bit, though. Just from what Hubert felt was necessary to do to his father, Linhardt knows Hubert's relationship with him was likely terrible. He's never mentioned his mother before...but...]

...Her Majesty...she must be like family to you, isn't she?

[He's not sure if he wants to ask, or if he's overstepping his bounds--he does look away after saying that much, but. He supposes he is curious.]

[He nods at the first part, but Linhardt's question afterwards...

There isn't an easy way to explain what Lady Edelgard is to him. There are very few in the world who could probably understand their situation, and even then that would require one of them actually talk about it. Normally he would brush it off, but he finds himself talking about it anyway.]

I wouldn't call her family, no. That would be an insult.

[...well, judging from that alone it's probably pretty obvious that his family situation is. not a good one???]

Her Majesty is not someone I could call a friend either. She is entirely too far above me for that. I am her retainer, her supporter, and her ally, but I could never consider her to be something that close. It has nothing to do with our places in the world, but rather the path she cuts. Her Majesty is a leader, and I am nothing more than a guide to ensure her path remains clear.

She is my world.

[It's delivered in such a straightforward manner that it's probably jarring. It's obvious to anyone who has spent more than two minutes around them that Hubert cares deeply for Lady Edelgard, but he usually doesn't put it into words in such a way. His tone carries devotion, respect, and admiration. It wouldn't be wrong to say he loves her, because he certainly does.

...It wouldn't be entirely accurate to say that he's in love with her, though.]

[...Ah.

He doesn't know why that makes him feel some...vague knot in his gut. He doesn't really know what it is, either--the way he speaks of Edelgard, so reverently, it shouldn't surprise him anymore, should it? Hubert is her right hand, her most trusted adviser. It makes sense, considering he would do anything she asks of him.

Why is it bothering him now?

Linhardt's outward expression doesn't change, despite the inner turmoil. He can deal with that tomorrow, if needed...]

I'm glad that you have someone like that. It sounds like she has given you much, and you've given her a lot in kind.

[Mmmmmm don't like how that's making him feel vaguely weird, so let's avoid that--Linhardt winds up yawning just a bit, bringing Nyx closer to him in the process.]

...I should probably get to sleep soon. I should be well rested for the meeting tomorrow, after all.

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