sranks | hubie and flayn's excellent adventure

[Despite the harrowing experience of being captured even briefly, Flayn is nothing if not an optimist at heart; though she worries about just what those people want with her blood, she knows that she cannot allow those fears to control her. If Seteth had his way, they would have fled and Flayn would have never been able to see the new friends she had made at the monastery ever again...and Flayn couldn't live like that. Nor with that. She's so tired of hiding, of being trapped elsewhere and hidden...

When Professor Byleth had allowed her to join the Black Eagles, she had been overjoyed. She could finally live as a student at the monastery, and learn more about the world--about the fish who swim sideways, about the sea, about magic and people and anything that Flayn could have possibly dreamed of. Truly, she's elated. And even moreso, she's happy to be amongst so many delightfully interesting people. Dorothea is so very kind, Ferdinand is likewise so, and really, all of the Black Eagles are such interesting people. Even Edelgard and Hubert are, she's finding, though they are certainly more distant than most...

Of course, Flayn's objective tonight has nothing to do with that. Sneaking out of her room is certainly a lot harder nowadays than it was before she was attacked, but with the knights on guard, she's sure to be safe. It takes some sneaking around, but Flayn is eventually able to make her way out to the pond.]

Now, where would that fishing rod be...aha! There you are!

[Flayn has been down at the fishing spot enough to know that there's almost always one line left behind. The students sometimes aren't very thorough in making sure everything is back in working order, but it works to Flayn's advantage by allowing her an opportunity to try fishing for herself for once. If she can just remember how her mother did it...

Flayn walks to the pond easily, fishing rod in hand...without any bait...she doesn't remember all of what her mother did, but she's got the spirit and at least remembers some steps.]

First, you must steel the mind and envision the fish you wish to capture...and then, aha!

[Flayn attempts to cast the line over her head, first throwing the line back with the intention to cast far into the water. Of course, the problem there is that her hook gets something, but it hasn't even gone into the water? Flayn seems utterly mystified, trying to give the poll a tug in complete and utter confusion.]

My books have not told me of any fish that fly about in the air--just what have I managed to hook...?

[...Flayn if you could sound more concerned than you are currently excited at the thought of a flying fish, that would be fantastic?]

[Lady Edelgard's plans aren't exactly going the way they're supposed to, but so far everything has been manageable. Flayn and Monica have both been added to the Black Eagles class, with no one really questioning the latter's presence at all. It's a blessing and a curse, he supposes. The more Monica pesters Lady Edelgard, the more tense he becomes, but no one's really taken any notice of any shifts in his behavior, so he considers that a victory.

Hubert's out late tonight, but it's not like that's unusual. He can function just fine on less sleep than most of the students, so he's often out late. It's a good time to survey the monastery's structural integrity and locate potential weak points, along with studying the guard rotations and seeing who else is out and about. Usually his late night trips are uneventful, with little new information to be gained, but tonight seems different.

Flayn is out of her room. That alone is certainly a curious sign, but Seteth isn't with her, and neither are any guards. After her capture last month at the hands of the Death Knight, he would have expected the guards to be with her. So it's likely she slipped out, then; it certainly would be possible given the Knights of Seiros aren't nearly as efficient as they pretend they are.

So Hubert follows her. It's partially out of curiosity - Flayn is one of them, like Seteth and Rhea, the horrid beasts that rule the Church with an iron grip and refuse to lose their control of Fódlan. But how much does Flayn know? She's supposedly Seteth's younger sister, though there's no indication of how old either of them actually are. He'd be stupid to think Seteth is truly a young man, but Flayn? Flayn is a mystery. She doesn't seem as wise to the ways of the world as Rhea and Seteth, but she shares their hair and eyes and certainly must be one of them - but how dangerous is she?

That's what draws him to keep an eye on her tonight. He doesn't believe she's genuinely skilled at sneaking about, but he certainly can't rule out the possibility that she's aware of his presence. He's been keeping tabs on as many people as he can, but it's impossible to follow either Rhea or Seteth without someone becoming aware of his presence. Usually it's Seteth who catches him either way, but it's possible Flayn is just as skilled as her brother.

So he's careful, hiding in the shadows and all but blending in with the stones. Flayn doesn't even bother looking about before she sets to... fishing? Fishing. If it were anyone else, he might write this off as a young, sheltered girl trying to explore something her brother won't let her do, but this is Flayn. There must be more to this than simple curiosity. If she really wanted to fish, she could do it during the day. Convince Seteth to let the Professor help her or something along those lines. So no, clearly there must be—

That's about when she flings the line back behind her head with such force and reckless abandon that for a brief moment, he's not aware that her line has caught his left lapel. Then she tugs on the line and he's suddenly faced with the realization that oh yeah, this absolute disaster is definitely happening right now.

The simplest solution would be to remove the hidden knife at his belt, remove the lapel, and slink away while she's mystified at where this came from. He has another uniform that he can wear, so no one would be wiser to the ruined uniform or where Flayn managed to get that lapel from.

Too bad he doesn't think of that until after all is said and done.

Instead, the tug on his uniform catches him off-guard such that he ends up stumbling forward, reaching up to try to unhook himself as he does so. It puts him directly in sight, and he can't exactly escape now that she's certainly caught him. Literally.]

You really should be more careful where you're flinging that. You could have hurt someone.

[...There's literally no one else around... Still, Hubert tries to take as much control of the situation as he can while he... continues fighting with that hook. How did it manage to get caught like this...]

[Flayn hears something stumbling forward and she jumps a bit, shocked by whatever she could have reeled in--it's heavy, certainly, just what kind of fish is this?

...Of course, then she turns around and realizes that no. No, that's no fish, unless Hubert's one of those 'mermaids' she's heard about--she managed to hook a person. Flayn's face goes white as a sheet, and she winds up dropping the rod in her surprise--]

Oh goodness, Hubert? I could not have predicted that I would have caught a student!

[You. You okay there buddy. Flayn is going to rush on over to try and see where the hook is, maybe she can try and get it out--]

I must beg your pardon, I had not intended to cast my line against another. I had thought that I may be able to find a delightful and large fish to eat when the morning arrived...

[...]

I suppose that I did envision a large target and managed to catch that much, but the wish for fish was most entirely off...

[FLAYN???]

Ah, but--please, do allow me to assist you. It is but the least I can do to make up for the slight.

Edited 2019-11-15 04:09 (UTC)

[...You know, he wasn't sure what to expect, but it probably should have been exactly this. For as strange as Seteth and Rhea are, they have nothing on Flayn. She is the weirdest person he has ever interacted with.

It also occurs to him now, as he waves off her attempts to help and finally gets the hook free from his shoulder, that he actually has no idea how to actually talk to her. Oh sure, they've spoken before. But it's usually with other people around and he's never talked directly to her. She's a member of their class now, yes, but this is just... really weird. Aside from the inherent weirdness of being caught by a damn fishing pole in the middle of the night while following Flayn around, that is.]

You don't need to worry about it, it hasn't caused much damage.

[It's ripped the lapel a bit, but he can probably convince Bernadetta to repair it, if necessary. She might faint again if he approaches her, though... Hmm.]

...Have you ever been fishing before?

[He hasn't, but even he knows that you put bait on the hook... and you don't just recklessly fling it behind you like that!! Admittedly, he was hidden, so even if she had looked behind her, she wouldn't have seen him, but still!!]

[Flayn watches him pull the hook out of his shoulder, and she does feel bad that she managed to rip it; those things aren't cheap, she's sure. If this gets back to Seteth, she'll likely get a lecture...]

Even so, I have damaged something that is yours. I do so dislike causing harm to others...

[It's honest, though, but Hubert's question gets a bit of a pause.

It brings back nostalgic memories, however brief, of her mother. When she and mother and father would go to a lake and her mother would do all of the fishing for them, and Flayn would watch her Mother bring in fish after fish...]

Ah, I... [Hm. Flayn isn't trying to think of a lie, but she is trying to see what...counts as 'her going fishing' and whether seeing someone else do it counts.] Mother used to take me with her, when she went fishing. I'm afraid up until now, I have never done any fishing myself...all I remember is how she cast the line so gracefully into the water, and brought forth fish aplenty from the vast sea...

[...]

I had simply meant for this to be nothing more than a test, and I did not wish for Brother to find out that I have been sneaking about... [Flayn frets just a bit. She's probably going to be in trouble if she doesn't get back to her room soon...] You will not speak a word of this to him, will you?

[She pauses for a bit, and he has to wonder if she's coming up with a lie. Her answer could almost be believable, but there are plenty of questions that follow. He decides it's for the best to let it go with a nod - he doubts he'd be able to get any information out of her about it anyway.

Flayn moves on quickly enough, anyway. Her question is almost bizarre; Hubert tries to avoid Seteth whenever possible and would never willingly talk to the man, but it isn't as though Flayn would know that.]

I won't say anything about this to him. You have my word.

[As if to prove it, he bows slightly. It's enough to be respectful, but not enough to show the back of his neck. Not that he'd have to worry about that anyway, given her height.]

If you want pointers, I'm certain the Professor can help you. Were you to go to them, I'm sure your brother wouldn't complain.

[Somehow Flayn ended up joining their class, so Byleth's probably pretty good at talking Seteth into doing things.]

[Flayn's eyes light up in an instant when he says that he won't tell on her; she winds up clasping her hands together, very, very pleased.]

Oh, you have my utmost thanks, Hubert! I am ever so grateful to not have to worry about my flight of fancy...

[She seems delighted, at any rate. Still, the suggestion about going to Byleth...it is a sound one, but...]

I could perhaps seek some advice from Professor Byleth, but I must confess that I did want the satisfaction of learning it by myself...but perhaps such pride will not help me grow. Brother would undoubtedly be quite fine with such things.

[Flayn smiles, though.]

I shall do so in the morning, then. [...] But before I am to leave, might I inquire as to why you are out here so late?

[For a brief moment, he thought she wouldn't think to ask about why he's out at this time of night. But of course that was foolish; no matter how airheaded she seems, she is one of them. She can't be as ridiculous as she acts.]

I was having a bit of trouble sleeping and thought a walk would help tire me out.

[It's a practiced, easy lie. He hasn't had reason to give it here, but he usually isn't caught and literally dragged from the shadows.]

I plan on returning to my room shortly.

Ah, is that so? I would not have expected you to be plagued by a fit of insomnia...

[Flayn does seem sympathetic, at any rate. She's had plenty of troubles with sleeping as well, though she certainly can't go into her reasonings, but...]

I do hope that such a walk is able to assist you. [...] But I must admit, I am quite pleased that such a thing has allowed us the ability to speak with one another.

[Flayn, as unaware as ever, does seem genuinely pleased. He's certainly an intimidating looking man, but he doesn't seem nearly as terrible as he looks!]

Might I walk with you, then? Once I have put everything away, of course; I would like to make the most of this opportunity!

[...flayn you have all of the self preservation of a fish on land...or just entirely too much trust in the student body...]

[...Is... is she serious...

She seems to be, which is baffling. Perhaps she wants to ensure he will return to his room at some point, or maybe she wants to keep him busy. Not that he thinks this entire thing was staged - there's simply no way she could have known he would be out this late and that she'd hook him quite like that. But this is worrying, and he doesn't like it.

Still, it's best not to risk upsetting her, both because of what she is and because word might get back to Seteth and then he'll have to deal with that. Technically there aren't any rules about being out this late, but Seteth will probably lecture him anyway.

So Hubert nods, because it's the path of least resistance.]

Very well. As long as your brother doesn't catch us, it should be fine.

[There's just enough of a smirk and sarcasm in his tone to make it obvious it's a joke. He doesn't really expect Seteth to be up and about at this time of night. But he probably would be murdered for taking a midnight stroll with Flayn if they were caught, so hopefully that doesn't happen.]

He ought not, I assure you. You have my humble thanks for agreeing to allow this!

[Flayn smiles, though, never the less and naive to everything as ever. She'll go put away the fishing rod, though she...doesn't actually think to try and get any of the fabric off the hook, but surely that'll be fine...but she'll join back with Hubert rather soon, curls bouncing as she rushes back.]

Let us away.

[...Of course, once they do start walking, Flayn won't stop talking--]

I must admit, I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to be among the Black Eagles--you all are such intriguing individuals, and I believe I will be able to most enjoy my time with all of you.

[Hubert takes note of that, and makes a silent note to himself to come back to get it later, or at the very least switch his uniform out so no one will notice. Flayn seems like the sort to forget all about it, but he isn't stupid enough to believe she really will. He'll be careful as he proceeds.

He doesn't mind the walk, at least, though Flayn isn't the sort to keep quiet, he supposes...]

I wasn't expecting you to join our class. [That much is absolutely true.] Your brother must trust our professor.

[More than he thought, at the very least.]

He does. Brother is not the sort to trust so easily, and treated the Professor so coldly when they first arrived, but...I do believe that their actions have proven themselves worthy of Brother's trust.

[Flayn says that much with a smile.]

I was the one who insisted upon joining the Black Eagles, however! It is truly the first time I have been allowed to explore such things all on my own, and it is quite an exciting prospect to behold! There's so much to learn, and so many interesting people to meet...

I find it most exhilarating, as if a new world has opened up to me!

[She's genuinely enthusiastic; there's so much to see and do that it's hard for her not to?]

[In truth, he's a bit surprised that Seteth's warmed up to the professor so quickly. Byleth is an unknown, and someone who comes off as almost creepy in terms of how little they seem to feel. But this may be a good thing; perhaps Seteth isn't nearly as much of a threat as Hubert first assumed.

Of course, this is coming from Flayn, so there's no telling how much of it is truthful.]

It sounds as though you've been enjoying it so far.

[She seems genuine, of course. He can't tell if it's an act or if she truly is this flighty. It's best not to assume anything for now.]

You seem to be fitting in well. Our classmates are very fond of you.

[It's not a lie, the others are very happy to have Flayn join them.]

You have heard me correctly, then! I have been enjoying it ever so much.

[Flayn absolutely perks up when Hubert says she's fitting in well, though--she certainly hopes that she has, at any rate! But it's very nice to hear, and gets something of a genuinely joyful expression out of her.]

Oh, I am so very glad to hear that! Our classmates are all such interesting and intriguing individuals, and I am ever so grateful to have the opportunity to know them even better. I have made fast friends with quite a few of them, and I do believe we shall all be able to work well together; I shall do no less than my utmost best for you all.

[Flayn, ever naive to Hubert's true thoughts, seems so utterly pleased and happy to hear all of that; her words are very bright, and she's got a very big smile on her face.]

Of course, I am afraid I do not know you nor Edelgard all that well...nor Monica, truly, but... [Flayn's pleased look briefly goes slightly concerned, before she puts it away--it's nothing to focus on.] You two have always seemed so busy. I would not like to interrupt either of you if you are talking of important things, but...

[...Flayn's not sure how she wants to finish that, and she winds up trailing off.]

[It's the last part that gets him to glance over, looking for any indication of where Flayn is going with that. If he was a more trusting individual, he'd probably be able to see that Flayn wants to spend more time with them and get to know them, but as it stands, Hubert is completely at a loss. He certainly doesn't want to let on that they are talking about important things, so...]

I'm certain we can make time, should you require it.

[...The ??? here is pretty obvious in his expression, even if it isn't in his voice.]

What is it you want?

[Despite the words, the question isn't harsh. It's just very confused.]

[--Oh! Flayn looks over at Hubert for a moment, briefly surprised--they'd be willing to make time for her? She feels so silly for not asking earlier, and Flayn winds up pumping her fists a bit in glee.]

Oh, I would so very appreciate that!

[She's kinda. Barreling through that ??? with all of the force of her !!!]

I would like to befriend the two of you, of course! I have made such fast friends with the Black Eagles, and yet I have never had the chance to grow closer to the two of you and befriend either of you...but I would very much like to change that!

[...flayn as oblivious as ever...]

[This has to be a trap. There's no way she's genuinely this excited over befriending them. Lady Edelgard, perhaps, but him? Absolutely not. So it's as he suspected - she's far smarter than she pretends to be. Keeping an eye on them like this isn't something he wants, but he can't exactly deny her, not without it looking suspicious. She's most likely been sent to keep a closer eye on them by Rhea and Seteth... but have they done anything suspicious? Why send her here at all when no one seems to have any suspicions of what's to come?

This is something he'll have to puzzle out with Lady Edelgard when they next get a moment. For now, he has to pretend to be a normal student, which is far easier said than done.]

Lady Edelgard and I have been focused on our studies. [And plans.] But of course, it makes sense that you would want to get to know us better. I'll speak to her about it.

Ah, but of course! I would not dare interrupt your studies. It is good that you are both so wonderfully studious, but one must endeavor to have some fun every now and again!

[Still, Flayn smiles like she's utterly delighted. She hadn't worried that they were being distant on purpose, though it was a thought that certainly made it's way into her mind, but it's strangely relieving to know that none the less.]

I look most forward to hearing your answers. Thank you so very much.

[...]

You know...Bernadetta did say that you were quite a frightening individual. But now that I have had the chance to speak to you, I believe she may have a great misunderstanding of who you are.

[Having fun..... sounds fake.

Anyway, Hubert smirks a bit at Flayn's words, at least until she gets to the end of what she wants to say. That... Honestly, he doesn't know what to do with that. He's spoken with her for only a little while and she thinks he's more than just a frightening individual? Well, maybe that's a good thing. He is supposed to be a normal student, after all...]

Oh? I'm surprised to hear it. Most people agree with Bernadetta.

[Flayn is a simple person. You agreed not to tell Seteth about her being out and now she at least likes you!!]

Well, I would most disagree with them all! I have not felt threatened even once in conversing with you. Why, I wager that they would be able to say the same if they had the courage to speak to you!

[...the sheer force of her :D here is. strong.]

[Is... Is this to say she doesn't find him a threat at all...? Which is fair, he's not supposed to be, but...

Maybe he's overthinking this a bit.]

I suppose not many do have the same amount of courage.

[He's. He's trying to recover?? Oh man.]

[He may just be--though if Flayn notices his attempt at recovery, it isn't immediate.]

Well, then I believe that they are full of cowardice for not even trying to do so.

[Though, Flayn does look at him a bit, canting her head slightly.]

...Is something the matter, Hubert?

[He's not exactly surprised that she's calling him out like this, but still...]

I'm a bit surprised to hear it, that's all.

[He shakes his head a bit, as if to dismiss it.]

You have my thanks, though.

[Even if it's coming from her, it is kind of nice to hear it...]

[Oh...Flayn smiles at that, watching him and hiding a bit of a giggle behind her hand.]

It truly is not any trouble. One should be reminded of such things!

[That's what Flayn believes any...way...

There's a very distinct sound of footsteps coming from around a nearby corner, and Flayn freezes when she hears them. She usually didn't pay them any mind, and she's certain it's just the monastery guards, but there's that lingering paranoia that it's gonna happen again, it's gonna happen and she should've stayed in her room, she shouldn't have gone out--

Flayn looks to and fro, shaking a bit, before looking to Hubert. She's not sure what to do, and it shows, and they're getting closer by every meandering second.]

Edited 2019-11-25 15:50 (UTC)

[Hubert's response is immediate. Or at least it seems immediate, because he's been paying close attention and probably heard the footsteps before Flayn, but that's not the point.

He locates the closest cover - thankfully there's a shadowy corner with a bush that should block the guard's line of sight - and he grabs Flayn's wrist and moves. Sure, he could leave her behind, and he did consider that. But then she might mention that he was here with her, and he doesn't want to deal with that. It's for the best to hide them both, even if it means allowing Flayn a glimpse into how good he is at this.

Assuming Flayn doesn't resist any, he pushes her back into the corner and follows, standing in front of her and pressing in close to hide her distinctive and bright hair behind his darker colors. He keeps his head turned, listening carefully for the sound of footsteps retreating.

...Also he doesn't say a single thing about this and just expects Flayn to deal, so sorry??? Yikes.]

[Flayn is pretty obviously not prepared for how fast Hubert reacts to this--as if he's heard whatever was coming before even Flayn did, and it results in a yelp from Flayn as he pushes her into the corner, shock being the only thing that keeps her from kicking at him or anything like that.

Of course, it takes her a few seconds to realize just what's happened, and by then he's got her covered and those footsteps come around the corner and she feels her heart beating out of her chest. She looks up at Hubert while she waits for the steps to retreat as well--they talk about hearing something, but thinking it was their imagination...well, it gets a bit of a sour look from Flayn as she watches them proceed back with their march, marching away as quick as they came.

Flayn waits as well, until they're out of earshot before rubbing at her wrist a bit and looking up at Hubert. It's starting to hit that this is awkward and they're a little close, and Flayn speaks up.]

Ah...Hubert? I do believe that they are gone...

[...She has a great many questions but let's. Let's get out of the corner first??? Because she'd like to get her bearings before asking what the fuck.]

[The guards pass by, mentioning hearing something but dismissing it. Hubert waits - considering their pace and what he's learned from the patrols around the monastery, they should be in the clear in a few more seconds—

And then Flayn speaks up and it's only then that Hubert realizes just how close they are. He pulls back like he's been lit on fire, jerking away and absently straightening his clothes as if he's managed to mess them up (he hasn't). It's a terrible habit and one he's mostly broken himself out of, but put under enough stress it does tend to reappear.]

My apologies. I thought it would be inconvenient to be caught wandering the grounds this late at night.

[And more importantly, it would look bad for him to be caught with her.]

[...Good lord, Hubert, Flayn almost wonders if he's been caught on fire when he jolts away like that and straightens himself out. Flayn straightens her own clothing out too, though she really doesn't need to.]

I do thank you for your quick thinking. I would most like for us both to avoid trouble.

[...]

But please, if you are ever to have need to do such a thing again, would you kindly warn me? I must admit, you did frighten me for a brief moment--I simply wasn't expecting you to be so adept at such a thing...

[Flayn figures that her accepting the apologies is something obvious, so she doesn't say it outright, but she does focus her look on him after she says that.]

Of course.

[He bows slightly - it's low enough to be respectful, but not so low that he can't keep his eyes on her.]

Should such a thing ever happen in the future, I'll give you adequate warning. You have my word.

[Not that it'll happen again; he doesn't exactly plan to make a habit of this, after all.]

[A smile finds it's way back on to Flayn's face, clearly settled by the promise. As far as she's concerned, that's enough for her.]

You have my most heartfelt of thanks. [...] I should be back to my room before there is risk of another situation like that, however. And perhaps you ought to get some rest as well.

[Flayn will walk on ahead, just a bit, before looking back to Hubert and speaking up once more.]

I do hope we have this chance to converse again, Hubert!

[And with that, she's going to start walking back.]

[Life settles into a routine with the Black Eagles; Flayn has adapted well to her new schedule with the class, and she feels closer to her classmates than ever before. Speaking with Hubert has certainly offered her a chance to see another side of the young man that she didn't know existed, and it seems like both he and Edelgard are at least slightly less busy given that she's been able to have some conversations with them. They're both a little stern, but Flayn likes them both; she likes all of the Black Eagles, really, but those two have always been very curious sorts. Flayn feels like she's managed to reel them closer to the surface, and that she's coming closer to understanding them as a result.

It's nice, really, to finally have friends one can rely on. And when Professor Byleth sends them all into a battle together, Flayn is more than ready to prove herself. Her white magic is certainly going to be a boon, after all. Between her and Linhardt, their class is taking care of the bandits in the area rather swimmingly; any wounds that can be healed are done easily, and they're able to stick mostly together to take out the group.

...Of course, mostly is the key word of the day, here. It's certainly hard for Linhardt to keep up with the others, but some people have a penchant for going on ahead before getting reprimanded for doing so. Caspar's already gotten that today, but...

Flayn hasn't seen Hubert at all since the middle of the battle. Flayn's been focusing on trying to keep everyone safe, and she takes a mental count in her head of how many of their class are with them, and that's when she realizes that Hubert's missing.

But he couldn't have gone far, right? Their battle is mostly over, and the class is taking care of the chief easily enough--Flayn quietly slips off, intending to at least let Hubert know that their mission is complete. It should be easy to find him from his handiwork, because even if dark magic gives Flayn the heebie-jeebies, Hubert is the only member of their class able to utilize it. Flayn keeps looking, though the class is still rather easily in sight whenever she looks behind her...

But Hubert isn't anywhere to be found, and she's starting to worry. Flayn cups her hands and calls out for him--]

Hubert? Where have you run off to? Can you hear me?

[After the (incident?) meeting with Flayn, Hubert and Lady Edelgard have been careful. They aren't sure how much she knows and how wary she is of them, so they spare the time to talk to her and attempt to learn more, bu so far they're both at a loss. Lady Edelgard has insisted that they remain cautious, but from the look she gets whenever they talk about Flayn, it's obvious there's something she isn't saying. Hubert hasn't pressed her on it - Lady Edelgard will share her thoughts when she's ready to.

Still, he won't deny that it's almost nice to have her around. Flayn distracts their classmates, and that makes laying Lady Edelgard's plans much easier. Flayn herself isn't terrible to be around or talk to, but Hubert always remains cautious. She is one of them, after all.

Today's battle was supposed to be a simple affair. Rout some bandits, no problem. It's something they've done countless times together, and with Flayn providing more support with healing, it theoretically should be even faster.

Perhaps it was. He can't tell, given that he's currently stuck at the bottom of a hole and can't get out.

Sure, he can beat himself up all day long for not noticing the pitfall before he fell into it, but who would expect a pitfall when dealing with bandits. They usually aren't clever enough to set traps for intruders. So his plans to sneak in and take out the bandit leader before he could try to escape are ruined, and Hubert's stuck at the bottom of a hole. Thankfully, it doesn't seem like he's seriously injured himself. Unfortunately, he's injured himself just enough where climbing back out isn't going to be an option. There's also the fact that the soil's just a little too loose for that. The only thing he can do is wait for help to arrive.

This is embarrassing. Humiliating. How could he be caught in such an obvious, stupid trap? But he pushes those feelings down and waits for one of his classmates' voices to reach his ears. They'll come looking, and someone's voice will carry and then he can alert them to his presence—

And there it is, but it's the last person he wanted. Hubert sighs before raising his voice.]

Flayn, I'm down here.

[And, if that isn't enough - because Hubert really isn't all that fond of yelling (unless he's in battle) - he fires off a miasma spell straight upwards. The dark magic should serve as a signal for where he is - and that he's sort of stuck.]

[Ah, there he...is...

Flayn has to take a second when she hears his voice coming from below--he's so much taller than her, how on earth could he be on the ground? Is he wounded? It isn't until that Miasma fires upward and it gives Flayn a goddess-damned heart attack and makes her yelp that she realizes just what's happened.

Just. Okay, she's going to get close enough to the hole so that she can look down without risking herself falling in, and. Well, this is certainly a thing, now isn't it.]

Oh goodness! There you are...

[Flayn lets out the smallest sigh of relief while she tries to...get an idea of how bad the situation is, goodness. This looks like a mess, honestly, and Flayn is looking at this disaster of a situation and trying to come up with something...]

...Oh dear. Hubert, how badly are you injured? Is there any way you might be able to climb up?

[Flayn feels guilty--she's definitely overdone it in using her magic today, so using Rewarp is absolutely out of the question. There has to be something she can do, though, she just has to think! Certainly there's a way!]

[And there she is. Of all people, it had to be Flayn. Sure, many of the others would have tried to tease him, but at least they're trustworthy enough. If Flayn's alone, she could easily just leave him here... But he doubts his classmates would give up the search easily, and he knows Lady Edelgard won't believe anything Flayn says. So it could be worse. Somehow.]

I've had worse injuries. [Entirely true, but probably not something he should say...] Climbing out isn't an option, however. I've already attempted.

[The soil's not quite sturdy enough for that and given he can't support himself fully on one leg, he'd have entirely too much trouble even if it was.]

[Oh dear. Flayn tries to take some stock of the predicament, thinking hard about what she could do. She absolutely can't summon up the strength to use Rescue, or she would have done that...and she's never properly learned how to use Physic, so healing him from a distance is out of the question too.]

Oh goodness...please, allow me to think! Certainly there must be a way to get you out of there...

[There has to be some kind of way to get him out of there. It's a hole that's not easy to get out of, certainly, but Flayn's mind trails off back to the monastery, to the pier, and Professor Byleth showing her how to properly fish and reel something in--

And Flayn thinks she has it.]

I believe I have an idea! I need a tad bit of time, so please, do not aggravate your injuries further--I should be able to pull you out in but a moment's time!

[One might be assuming that she intends to prepare her magic to warp him out.

They would be wrong, and Hubert might be able to hear Flayn while she goes off a little and starts digging through a knapsack--there should be some rope in here, after all.]

Of course. I'm not going anywhere.

[Hahaha. Hopefully she's going to get the professor. As embarrassing as it will be to have to face Professor Byleth after this, they'll at least be able to come up with something to—

But no, from the sound of it, Flayn isn't going far. What is she doing up there...? It's unlikely she has the strength to cast a spell to warp him out, but he's fairly sure he can still hear her up there, so...?]

Flayn? What are you doing?

[He's not worried, exactly, just curious.]

[Flayn remembers plenty about tying knots, and surely it won't be so hard to tie something off into a loop so she can pull Hubert back up--Flayn concentrates hard, doing her best to remember what she learned, and by the time he asks her about what she's doing, she's got a pretty good approximation of something Hubert can slip into so she might be able to pull him out!

...Because yes, Flayn and all of her 8 strength believes she'll be able to do this.]

I am simply preparing the finishing touches for my plan to get you out of that dreaded hole! It is but the least I can do, with everyone else so occupied!

[flayn, honey, you sound far too excited for something that's gonna end in total failure??? oh gods

Either way, Hubert will...absolutely be able to hear the sound of some sort of tent peg being hammered into the ground (though it's a slow process, because again, Flayn has far too much confidence), after Flayn ties the rope to it. That'll ensure the rope doesn't fall into the hole, at least!]

And it is done!

[...Look out above, there's the end of the rope coming down--it's tied off in a sort of loop that he should be able to fit himself into.

Keyword: should. Flayn is. Kind of making an attempt, but hoo boy.]

Please, wrap that around yourself--I shall pull you up!

[Oh, he doesn't like the sound of that. Either she's planning something dreadful or she's sincere and she really does think she's found some way to get him out, and he's not sure which is the more terrifying idea. The latter, probably.

He can hear the sound of something being... hammered into the ground? Oh no. Oh no, she'd better not be doing what he thinks she's doing—

And then the rope falls in and Hubert sighs.]

I mean no offense, but surely you don't think you're capable of lifting me out on your own.

[This wouldn't be a terrible idea, but it would require at least two people to pull him out. Sure, Hubert isn't particularly muscular or heavy, but he's 6'2". He's absolutely not a light person. To make an already bad idea even worse, Flayn is tiny. This would almost be comical if he weren't the one stuck in a hole.

Later on he'll have time to analyze this and try to figure out exactly what Flayn's intentions were, but for now, he's just. Exasperated. So exasperated. He doesn't ask for much in this life, why do these things happen to him.]

[Flayn huffs a bit, looking down into the hole with an almost indignant expression.]

I think you underestimate me, Hubert! I do believe that I shall be able to remove you from that hole with far more ease than you might expect!

[FLAYN YOU ARE A FUCKING NOODLE]

And should I not...well, I am certain our classmates will be able to do so, once their fight is done. But I do not believe that will be necessary!

[Let! Her! Try!!!]

[Well, Flayn is certainly persistent... Fine, what's the harm in trying? She won't be able to pull him up, but it's not like this can end all that poorly, right? Might as well attempt.]

Very well. [He secures the rope around himself and tugs on it a bit. Were the ground more stable, he could probably pull himself out with just this, but...] I'm ready when you are.

[Flayn perks up almost immediately at that, practically beaming down at Hubert.]

Oh, thank you ever so much! I shall pull you out of there in no time at all!

[Flayn does stay close to the hole itself when she starts to try and pull him up and--goddess above, he's much heavier than she thought he'd be. There's definitely a tug as Flayn keeps attempting though, unwilling to give up as she keeps pulling and pulling. It's not going to be making much, if...any progress, but by the goddess she is trying, tugging and tugging and tugging until she needs a moment to breathe.

She's clearly struggling, but this is her classmate, a friend trapped in that hole--that's what Flayn tells herself. She's never been the strongest among her family, or even among the Black Eagles, but she can't simply allow herself to give up, can she? She can't. She won't.

That's what sees Flayn tug the slightest bit harder--hard enough that Hubert might actually feel himself get lifted up, if only a bit, for a brief moment before everything spirals out of control.

Namely, that in Flayn's determined attempt to lift Hubert off of the ground, she attempts to stabilize her foot on rather unstable footing--the ground crumbles beneath that foot, and it only takes a moment before Flayn winds up letting out a scream as she lets go of the rope and starts to fall face first into the hole.

This is. Gonna suck, Hubert look out, incoming Flayn--]

[In all honesty, Hubert figured Flayn would give up after a few failed attempts. He waits, doing absolutely nothing to help to dissuade her faster, but Flayn doesn't give up. She keeps trying, and eventually he actually does feel himself lifted a bit (which is mildly terrifying, not that he'll ever let her or anyone know that) but it only lasts a moment before things spiral out of control.

He can see the exact moment the ground starts to give way and has enough time to think "oh no" before Flayn pitches forward with a scream. Hubert doesn't have any magic that will serve to help at all so he does the next best thing and moves to catch her as she descends. It's not going to be a pretty or graceful catch at all, and there isn't really a ton of room down here to let her go once he has, but at least it'll save her from breaking anything on the way down. Hopefully.]

Are you injured?

[His voice doesn't give away anything, but his expression certainly does. He's not even exasperated right now (although that will certainly come once he's collected himself) he's just concerned.]

[Flayn's eyes are jammed shut as she falls, preparing for the worst--she's not sure how she's going to explain this to Seteth if they ever get out, at this point, but she's bracing for the worst and--

It doesn't come. Sure, the landing hurts a little bit, but Flayn's eyes open as she...tries to move around so she can actually see Hubert--that concerned expression getting a bit of surprise from Flayn, before she goes to check herself over.]

I am not. I think that may be only due to your quick thinking. [Flayn goes to move around, feeling only some minor pain in her leg from the initial tumble--it's torn one of her stockings a bit, but she's fine.] You have my utmost thanks, Hubert, for saving me from injury...and my apologies as well, for failing to retrieve you.

[Flayn honestly does feel guilty, and that much is obvious on her face as she glances away briefly.]

You need not be worried for me, however. You're the one who took the fall much worse.

[Flayn says that much kindly, and she...at least tries to move, there's not much room in here, but--]

Though I have failed at retrieving you from this despicable hole, please, allow me to heal your injuries. It is the least I can do.

[Once he's sure she's fine, Hubert lets her go. It seems like the landing wasn't particularly hard on her, which is good. He doubts he's the most comfortable person to fall on, after all. But Flayn's safe - which means they won't have to face Seteth's wrath today. That's absolutely the only reason why he was worried, it has nothing to do with the fact that he acted without thinking.

Flayn's offer does get him to hesitate for a moment before he nods.]

If you can, that would be appreciated.

[The leg injury isn't that bad, all things considered. He hasn't broken anything, at least. But it's still the sort of thing that would put a normal person in a good amount of pain, and yet Hubert's treating it like he suffered a minor scrape instead of a sprain. Still, it shouldn't be particularly difficult for Flayn to heal it.]

[Sure it don't, Hubert...

Flayn perks almost immediately, though, before nodding her head. Faith magic comes to her as easily as breathing, even if she can't do too much all at once. She'll move so that she can get in front of his leg, then, the magic coming to her fingertips easily.]

It will be no trouble at all, Hubert. I can scarcely imagine the fall you must have taken, but I should be able to heal it completely.

[She'll start to cast, then, her hands over his leg while she concentrates her energy into it. It should at least start feeling better while she works...]

We would not want something to happen to a reliable member of our class, after all.

[It's gentle when she says that much, and Flayn does mean every word of that. It should go without saying, but...well, she imagines he could use the reminder after this. Maybe, at least.]

[Flayn's faith magic certainly is strong. He can feel the pain fading quickly, and thankfully there isn't much to heal. It shouldn't take her too long.

It's her words that irritate him. Not because it's her saying them - although that does cause some agitation because as usual, he's not able to discern her exact motivations behind saying it - but because he's gotten them both into this mess.]

A reliable member of our class shouldn't have fallen for such an obvious trap.

[The words were supposed to be only mildly annoyed at worst, but that doesn't happen. It's obvious he's annoyed with himself. So naturally, Hubert tries to move on quickly.]

Thank you for your assistance, my leg is feeling better now.

hubie and flayn's excellent adventure

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