King Xander of Nohr (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
advancements) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sranks2019-09-23 03:02 am
advancements) wrote in sranks2019-09-23 03:02 am
advancements) wrote in sranks2019-09-23 03:02 am
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Camilla's mind can't help but go back to Hubert, though, and she feels herself smile a bit. He's strong--incredibly so, and certainly more than she was expecting. He was more apt to stay by Edelgard's side, sure, and maybe it would have been fun to take him down and then clash with Her Highness, but there's no doubt in Camilla's mind that Hubert's a worthy adversary.
Naturally, think of the devil, and he shall appear--Camilla looks at Hubert easily when he calls out, seeming a little surprised that he's out in the open like this. But she actually doesn't seem all too opposed to his presence, really, and she hails him quite happily.]
Ah, Lord Hubert! I'm quite surprised to see you out here...I would have thought you would have stayed with your house.
[It's perhaps surprisingly jovial, rather than anything pointed or annoyed. It isn't a bad surprise, at any rate. He kicked her ass and she had fun, so he's gone up a few levels in her book.]
To what do I owe the pleasure?
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Or maybe she's as pleased with the match as he is, either way.]
I had thought it best to ensure your injuries were taken care of personally, since I am responsible for them.
[There's nothing gloating in his words. They're a simple fact, that's all.]
I will admit, you caught me off-guard. You make for an exceptionally strong opponent; had I been just a bit slower, you would have won that.
[There's no harm in praising her abilities and he did genuinely enjoy the first. He hadn't anticipated Camilla would be this skilled, but there's something enjoyable about it too.]
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Really now? Oh my, how kind of you.
[It's at least somewhat sarcastic, but nothing barbed. A joke, really, and a whole lot of amusement. She did take a hell of a tumble, after all.]
I can assure you that I'm fine. Even a tumble like that won't take too much out of me.
[Of course, Camilla's eyes gleam a bit at the praise--it's rather nice to hear that, but oh no, no no no.]
The same could be said about you, you know. I don't think I could have ever expected to get so utterly decimated by that powerful magic you wield! [...Camilla, that amount of cheerfulness is concerning???] I'm certain that if I didn't have scores to settle with Felix and Caspar, it could have been a far more exciting match on my end, and that is my only regret...but truly, you are wickedly strong. I quite enjoyed our bout, and catching you off-guard like that.
Would you do me the honor of fighting me again, at some point?
[...knowing Camilla, it's her idea of an acceptable fighting time is going to be before her injuries are better, but listen.]
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My strength is to serve Lady Edelgard.
[Well. Yeah. But that doesn't exactly address anything she said?? Give him a moment, he's real bad with praise...
Thankfully, Camilla asks something else of him, and he's able to settle back into the usual smirk with ease. Let's just. Ignore that weird slip-up, it's fine!!]
Perhaps. I certainly won't do anything of the sort before you're fully healed. I have no interest in being scolded by your lord for aggravating your injuries.
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Though her look does go the slightest bit ungraceful and indignant at that last bit, though, shaking her head.]
I suppose I can understand that much, and I do thank you for the consideration. However, I can assure you that my lord would likely me more aggravated with me than you. He has already rather rightfully irritated with my recklessness in today's battle...
[thank god for claude doin' the lord's work over here, he's a decent person for once
Of course, Camilla's absolutely not going to let that first bit go, seeming to perk in amusement.]
But really, I do understand. Every bit of strength I have is devoted to Lord Lorenz, as well. [...] That dedication is rather commendable, really. It's not often that one is able to devote themselves so fully to a cause, and your strength proves the depths of it incredibly so.
[sorry hubert SHE LIKES GIVING OUT COMPLIMENTS, ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY]
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Aaaand there she goes. Ohhhhh my god how is he supposed to handle compliments.]
My loyalty has been to Lady Edelgard since we were children, it is nothing so... grandiose.
[Except it kind of is? He is devoted fully to a cause and he has to wonder if Camilla knows. No, surely she can't; they've hid everything carefully and their movements are discreet. There's simply no way she could know anything about what Lady Edelgard is planning. But even so the thought worries him, and he'll have to spend quite some time checking to see if they've left a trail that can be followed. The last thing they need is for the church to pick up on what Lady Edelgard is planning.
The pause lasts for a moment, but considering how taken aback he is by praise in general and how much of a struggle it is to get his expression under control, it's likely she'll buy it as merely being bad with compliments, nothing more. That certainly is part of it, after all...]
Besides, you could say the same of yourself, couldn't you? I wouldn't have thought you to be so arrogant.
[He does manage to get his expression under control then, enough to quirk an eyebrow as a smirk tugs on one corner of his mouth. It's a joke, though it's delivered in the same tone as usual.]
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Camilla absolutely buys it as him being bad at taking compliments, though; she has absolutely no information on the two of them that isn't present in their act for the monastery, so Camilla merely chuckles a bit in amusement. This is actually adorable??? Like what the fuck.]
I could, certainly, but that's hardly arrogance; that is simply what a retainer should do. That is but a simple and objective fact! And why I must simply push myself in order to surpass you, one day, so I may prove my own...
[ah yes, the gloucester bloodline's special ability passed through the generations; absolute fucking obliviousness
...Maybe, at least, Camilla does smirk a little back at him. Her tone's clearly a bit too forceful to be anything genuine, but she does believe it in some measure. Still...]
Since you were children, though... [Camilla's tone is more curious at that than anything.] How old were you, then? When you met Her Royal Highness.
If you'll permit me that much of a question, of course.
[If they gotta trade answers for answers, she's ready.]
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Briefly, he wonders if she would go just as far as he has, were her lord to ask it of her. He dismisses the thought immediately; he has no doubts she would.
She asks a rather personal question then, and he moves to rest his chin against his hand, folding his other arm beneath his elbow. It isn't as though he's made any secret of this, so he sees no harm in telling her.]
I was six when I was introduced to Lady Edelgard. At the time, I had scarcely any idea of my duties to her as a member of House Vestra. Regrettably, I do not have any recollection of our first interaction.
By the time I was ten, she had my undying loyalty.
[He isn't going to get into the reasons for that, of course. Let her believe that it was merely due to proximity or his duty as a member of House Vestra. The truth is not his to tell, and he certainly wouldn't trust anyone with it even if it was.]
What of yourself? When did you enter the service of House Gloucester?
[He knows bits and pieces, sure. But he doesn't know the full story and while it could prove useful, he's already certain she won't tell him anything she hasn't said to any of her own classmates.]
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She always had a feeling he'd understand the sort of mindset that she herself takes, in regards to Lorenz. He'll never know the extent of it unless he reveals it first, but...]
...I see. In any case, I am glad that you found such devotion, and to someone who seems quite wonderful in her own right as well.
[His question does get a bit of a pause. Honestly, nobody really has thought to ask that. Well, nobody except Claude, and Camilla hasn't offered him a straight answer in regards to that. It's none of his business, and frankly, should be none of Hubert's as well.
And yet...she finds herself trusting him. Such a snake-like man could easily use all of this against her, each and every bit a new weapon to polish and drive into her. She's known those people her whole life, and it's her job to defend her lord from them, to drive into them the weapons they dare to bear...
No, perhaps to be more accurate...she trusts Hubert to be himself. It's strange, but not altogether bad.]
...I was nine years old when I entered House Gloucester's service. I'm afraid much of what happened then has been long forgotten, but...
[That's a lie, but a gentle one as she thinks. Closes her eyes a bit, smiling as she recalls it.]
I was trained in all manner of ways to keep my lord safe and happy, and I did so without hesitation. Even if it ensured that I had little interaction among the other servants...but such things did not wind up mattering. My lord has had my loyalty from the day we met, and I have devoted everything to him gladly.
[That goes into it without revealing anything too damning. It's more than she's told most, at any rate, and Camilla's eyes open with a smile, though her look is distant..]
...He is also the sole reason that I am able to be here, and see the world outside of a manor's walls. [And that is a lot, isn't it.] And for that, I am perhaps even more grateful.
[...]
But, ah...I rambled, didn't I? Do allow me to apologize.
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Anyway, she continues, and he finds that while her sentiments are incredibly familiar, the words themselves are not. It's strange to think about.]
No apologies necessary. It isn't often I find someone who [understands] feels the same sense of loyalty. Lorenz is lucky to have you.
[The praise leaves him easily, with no rude follow-up. Not that he lets it linger for long, however.]
You do seem to be enjoying your stay here.
[It's an invitation for her to keep talking, without actually posing a question.]
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Of course, he doesn't let that linger for long, and he grants her an invitation to talk. And Camilla doesn't mind doing that much.]
Oh, I truly am. There is much to learn in this monastery, many things to see and do...I have been able to learn all sorts of things that I shall take back to the Gloucester manor once my lord and I have graduated. All manner of combat, tactical ability, animal care, every last bit of it...
My lord will likely choose someone suitable for marriage as well once we are done, and with such knowledge in hand, I shall serve them both for the rest of my days.
[Because that is the future Camilla sees for herself. There's really nothing she wants more, because the idea of confronting a future on her own, when she's relied on people so much in her life...it's scary, and she doesn't want to confront it.
(Though the thought of leaving some of the friends she's made here leaves a lingering, minor pain in her heart as well, but that's something Camilla has long accepted.)]
...You seem to be as well, Lord Hubert. [Camilla invites him to do the same. Though, she admits she hasn't seen nearly as much of him as he's done of her.] Would I be correct in assuming that?
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He finds it strange. It certainly isn't an unpleasant thought, given how much of his life he has devoted to Lady Edelgard and her plans, but he wonders where she'll end up. House Gloucester does have ties to the Empire, but there's no telling if they will openly side with them when war breaks out. Camilla and Lorenz could easily die in the struggle. Normally he wouldn't care, but it gives him pause for a moment today.
It's most likely because of how friendly everyone's been tonight. It won't matter much by tomorrow.]
I've been able to learn quite a bit since coming here. [He pushes those thoughts away to focus on her question.] The library's collection is fascinating, and the instruction I've received has been beneficial.
[...That sure is a way to say "I really like learning more about how to fight" but it's Hubert, what were you expecting.]
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That's all well and good, but saying it like that makes you sound incredibly detached from your own enjoyment...
[It's at least slightly joking, but there is a shade of genuineness to it.]
But I suppose I can understand that. If you like to read and fight, then that isn't a bad thing. It keeps your body and mind active.
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Precisely. All the better to serve Lady Edelgard.
[Quite literally! He has done so much research for her since arriving...]
But of course, I don't have to tell you that. I'm certain you feel the same way.
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On the other hand, though, that implies Camilla is sane at all. No, if anything, Camilla nods her head in agreement with Hubert.]
You would be quite right. I'm afraid I do not have nearly as much of a taste for reading as you, but I do understand the sentiment. One must be in the best possible shape in order to keep those they are tasked to protect safe.
[...Though, in hindsight, and it gets Camilla to pout a bit--]
I do wish my lord would allow me to assist him more, however. He's always insisting upon taking certain tasks for himself, and I do worry much about him...I wouldn't forgive myself if I allowed him to be overworked, and yet...
[camilla. honey. i think everyone and their mother would say you do enough??? maybe lorenz is trying to get you to slow your roll and enjoy life???]
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Lady Edelgard is like that as well. If there is a task she believes she can complete, she will always attempt to handle it herself first. It doesn't matter how many times I try to encourage her to pass those tasks on to me, she insists on doing as much as she can.
[The words are even, though the tightness in his expression is certainly enough to gather just how much it annoys him.]
I'm not surprised to hear your lord is the same way. It is unfortunate, but there's little that can be done when they've set their minds on something.
[...Or maybe he's the best person to talk to about this, take your pick.]
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Is she? Oh dear...that is very worrying. [Camilla's own expression seems to be sympathetic, but in a way that's more empathetic than anything; she completely understands.] It's as if neither of them know just what we're here for. We are here to serve them, and they shouldn't take on so much in the first place. Why, I'd wager that they're both liable to work themselves to exhaustion...
[But Hubert does have a point. As much as she doesn't like it, really, but she's not cross when she acquiesces.]
That is true. My lord is exceedingly stubborn on such matters, and I can only dare guess how Her Highness is in regards to such things...you have my empathy toward such matters.
[jesus christmas who let these two talk]
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["she treats me like I'm a person, how rude"]
Of course, Lady Edelgard and your lord are not the same person, so I'm certain there are plenty of differences. [hahaha boy are there] Still, I'm not surprised we have some common ground in our service.
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[oh my god you two???]
Oh, they are. I am certain of that. [Camilla shakes her head a bit.] And I am not surprised either. It is truly a shame that stubbornness is a common trait among them, in such a regard...
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[It's perhaps the most candid he's ever been about his service to Lady Edelgard. He can't really say he minds it, as strange as it feels to be open about this.]
Of course, from the sound of it, you've experienced something very similar.
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Indeed, I have. I realize this is because he is expected to succeed His Grace and lead House Gloucester, but it is frustrating. I've certainly tried to change his mind many a time as well, and yet, each and every time...
[Camilla sighs a bit, though she does smile a touch.]
...Still, I suppose it is a bit of a charming aspect of them. It certainly spells good things for the future, if they are both working so hard as it stands. [And Camilla does mean that. Though, she does look towards Hubert and lower her hand a bit, folding them in front of her.] I am quite glad to talk with someone who understands this situation most intimately. I'm certain none of the others would even come close to understanding what sort of frustration this would cause, and just how much our lieges matter to us.
[That's perhaps a presumptuous and almost arrogant suggestion, but it is pretty genuine. Camilla may like to lavish with praises and the like, but she always means what she says, and this is no different.]
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[...Well, one of them, at least. Lorenz's future depends on what House Gloucester decides to do. He's content to move on then, not exactly eager to continue talking about a future that Camilla can't begin to imagine right now.]
I have had the unfortunate experience of attempting to explain my loyalty and actions for Lady Edelgard to others; it never goes well. This is a position most people cannot seem to understand. Even others in a similar position do not always agree.
[Dedue's a good example. He's loyal, certainly, but he's more of a lapdog than anything else. He follows every order without complaint, but he never thinks outside those orders. Attempting to discuss such a thing with him would be a waste of time.
Camilla, on the other hand, does seem to understand. She seems like she would go just as far as he does for Lady Edelgard, though he can't say that for certain. He doubts she's ever been in a position where disobeying her lord's direct order would be more beneficial to him. Still, it's... nice to have someone who gets it, at least a bit.]
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Of course, Camilla listens as Hubert talks about explaining his loyalty, and that does get Camilla to shift a bit. It's not out of anything bad; if anything, it does make sense.]
...What a shame, really. Such dedication is what other servants should aspire towards.
[Camilla wonders, inwardly...would he be willing to kill for Edelgard? Surely, there was a reason one of House Vestra's men was sent to the Gloucester estate, if not to kill, than at least to spy for a potential future kill. The blood on Camilla's hands from that was justified, as far as she was concerned; she defended her lord and His Grace. It's a simple matter.
But that's probably not a subject to get into for the feast. Not really, at least, even if she probably should clarify that it's nothing personal...
...]
Not everyone understands that a servant must be willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, if they wish to keep their liege safe. Even if it's something that their liege won't think of doing.
[That's gentler, but it's perhaps surprisingly honest.]
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[That's what the difference is, as far as he's concerned. Planning and preparing for the worst case scenario doesn't come naturally so some people. It might not have been second-nature for him if he wasn't trained into it.]
Being able to see what needs to be done for one's lord is not as simple as listening to their orders and following their instructions. An inexperienced retainer might not realize that.
[Camilla has been at this for quite some time as well, though he has no idea what her training was like. Regardless, she has the passion required to handle such matters well - or at least better than most retainers he's seen.]
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[Camilla's tone is gentle, and not betraying anything as she continues.]
A good retainer must be proactive at dealing with threats. Whether their lord realizes that such things are threats or not. Sometimes, perhaps...it's better to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission.
[...]
It is getting rather late, isn't it?
[Camilla's tone doesn't change at all, but that admission...well, it was perhaps a bit too honest. But she doesn't appear perturbed by what she's admitted, at any rate. What she's said was clearly intentional, rather than a slip, and she turns to smile at Hubert, kindly as ever with no hint of malice at all.]
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