[There is. So much to unpack here. Like Linhardt is used to very...interesting individuals from the Academy, but these two?? These two are absolutely the definition of disasters, dear gods look at them. Linhardt winds up looking over everyone as Hubert introduces them--Deirdre at least seems to perk when she's introduced and gives the two of them a tired smile while Iago and Gangrel seem to fight in the background. She looks about as tired as Linhardt feels on a daily basis...
...And then Iago warps away and Gangrel gives chase, and Linhardt is trying really hard not to sigh in kind. Still, he'll nod his head at the very least...]
It sounds as if this place needs all of the help it can get... [Linhardt shakes his head.] Go off and deal with those two, then. I'll stay in here until you return, then.
[...]
Don't get yourself too injured, now.
[And with that, he'll go over to Deirdre while Hubert likely goes off to deal with the disasters. Hubert certainly isn't wrong about her being competent; she seems to utilize staves to produce her magic, which is something Linhardt is curious about. They wind up talking while she takes care of his injuries; she doesn't apparently remember a lot about her own world, but she answers many of the questions he has about Askr easily, and she's got the bedside manner of a saint, he's certain. Working with her might not be so bad.
...It helps that he and she have a healthy interest in magic, which--once Linhardt is all healed up (though with orders not to do anything too strenuous for the next few days; something he's all too happy to oblige), Hubert will likely hear them both talking about magic nerdery. Linhardt's talking about crests, and Deirdre's talking about various light magic tomes, and it's just Nerd Central here.]
[Linhardt's words earn a smirk from Hubert before he departs to go deal with the dumbasses and whatever drama that follows from their stupid fight today.
It does take him awhile to get them to settle and to report to the Askr royals and Anna, and even when he's done with that he has several other tasks to attend to before he can return to see Linhardt. It's no more frustrating than usual - even with Gangrel and Iago being aggressively themselves - but somehow he feels impatient to return to the infirmary.
He does finally return, and Hubert pauses in the doorway for a moment to hear their discussion. He's spoken with Deirdre a few times about the magic she's familiar with, though most of the differences between their worlds goes over his head simply because he doesn't have any experience with faith magic. Linhardt can probably appreciate the differences far more than he can, and while he doesn't really wish to interrupt, Linhardt will have plenty of time to speak to Deirdre.
So he enters, nodding to both of them in greeting.]
I trust the two of you have been enjoying yourselves?
[The two of them look over at Hubert when he walks in; Deirdre smiles when she sees him (though she's definitely looking trying to see if he got injured), but even Linhardt seems to be in a good mood upon seeing Hubert.]
Indeed, we have. I must confess, I didn't expect there to be such differences in the magic wielded between different worlds...it sets my curiosity alight, I must admit.
Perhaps Askr has something here for me after all.
[Linhardt gets up, wincing a bit before Deirdre holds a hand out to steady him. He gives a small thanks, before looking to Hubert.]
I'm under strict orders from Deirdre to rest, and not strain myself for the next few days. So, I suppose I'll have some time to go over and read through whatever library this place has...
[...Deirdre is kind of giving Linhardt a Look. That's not resting!!! Even if she can't really judge, he needs to not be moving about!!]
[He notices Deirdre's glance and shakes his head; don't worry, he's perfectly fine. For as obstinate and obnoxious as those two are, they usually don't come to physical blows very often, and there's only ever been one time he was injured in the crossfire.]
You need to be careful. You're free to examine the library, but don't overdo it.
[Hubert considers for a moment before offering Linhardt his arm.]
I'll escort you back to your room and show you where the library is. Is that acceptable?
[Linhardt almost rolls his eyes at Hubert when he lectures him--really, it's just the library, it's not like he's going to die on the way there!! It'll be fine!
...But then Hubert offers Linhardt his arm and he pauses for a moment. It's strange, really, and Linhardt's expression is unreadable as he contemplates it for a moment, but...
Well, he's going to take Hubert's arm, then. He'll try to ignore the strange things taking root in his chest all at once.]
Very well, that much is acceptable. Let's be on our way, then.
[It earns a smirk from him and off we go! He's careful to move slow so Linhardt can lean on him if necessary; there's no sense in pushing Linhardt too hard.
As they walk, Hubert points out the important rooms - the dining hall, the kitchen, the training grounds - and he comes to a stop before the library.]
Garreg Mach's library is certainly impressive, but this one has the advantage of collecting tomes from many different worlds.
[There aren't many people in here now, but it is a massive library.]
The organization certainly needs some work, but I'm sure you can find all you need when it comes to magic in here.
[Linhardt...well, to his credit he tries not to lean too much, if mostly out of stubborn pride--he doesn't need to be coddled, after all. But there's something comfortable about holding onto Hubert like this, something that's...strangely like home.
Maybe he just misses the Monastery.
Linhardt nods as Hubert shows him around the castle; there's certainly quite a bit here, but predictably, Linhardt lights up when he sees the library. There's enough books in here to last him a lifetime and more, and Linhardt's eyes are as wide as saucers. There's so much to read in here, it's almost intoxicating--]
There's so many wonderful things in here...oh, I may find it in me to spend my entir--!
[--Hey!! No!! He wants to look! Of course Linhardt doesn't get the chance to properly tug back, because he's a noodle, but he is absolutely pouting.]
You're simply unfair. I wanted to peruse just a touch...
There will be plenty of time for you to read everything in the library. For now, Deirdre told you to rest.
[And rest Linhardt shall!! Hubert leads him further down the hallway and then down a corridor to a set of rooms. These seem to be only slightly larger than the monastery dorm rooms, and when Hubert finally opens one of the doors, it's rather obvious why.
Each of the commanders within the army is granted their own room, and Hubert is no exception. Sure, the accommodations aren't fantastic, but privacy is appreciated. The furniture's been moved in here to have a second bed placed in, though that one's a bit smaller. The rest of the room is exactly as pristine as one would expect of Hubert, and there's no decorations to speak of. It would almost seem empty if not for the second bed.]
You'll be staying with me for the time being. I thought this would be better than shoving you in a room full of strangers.
[Not that he thinks Linhardt would have any trouble sleeping, but they'd probably just let him sleep the whole day and that's clearly unacceptable.]
[Y'all are so rude!! It's like you're all out to ensure he can't enjoy his life to the fullest...
Still, Linhardt doesn't really respond with much more than a pout--yeah, yeah, he gets it. He certainly hopes that whatever accommodations the Askrans have seen fit to give the outsiders are at least a bed comfortable enough to take a nice, long nap in...
So needless to say, he's surprised when Hubert opens the door to a room that looks so...sparse. Is this it? Well, then again maybe it makes sense, the drama queens are probably taking up half the budget, but then Hubert speaks again and...]
...Well, I certainly won't deny that having sharing a room with someone familiar will be better than potentially sharing a room with anyone who is loud.
[This room's as empty as the grave...how is he gonna be entertained in here..........why didn't hubert let him go to the library...........................]
I'm surprised you keep this room so...empty, however. It looks as if you've only recently moved in.
[...yeah, he's gonna bring it up--]
But-- [Linhardt yawns a bit.] I suppose that isn't a problem. I think this arrangement will prove better than any alternatives. This does look like a nice, quiet place to sleep...
[And also the various drama queens are taking up half the budget...]
Focus on resting for now and we'll see about the library tomorrow.
[It isn't a long walk, but he'd still prefer to keep an eye on Linhardt anyway. It isn't as though no one would help him if he collapsed, but Hubert would rather take care of it himself.
...It's probably because he hasn't seen anyone else from home in so long.]
Perhaps you should. It must be so insufferably boring in here for you.
[...]
And it's bound to be for me as well.
[...That wasn't a slip-up at all, Linhardt has no idea what you're talking about, he's just gonna separate and go flop face first on his new bed and--oh. That's...actually comfy enough, at least. The landing was only a bit painful, but he turns himself over easily enough and lies face up on the bed and stares at Hubert a bit.]
I see...well, do try not to overwork yourself. I imagine the more dramatic members of this castle could stand to do some work...
[...says the laziest man in all of the worlds, but he digresses, you better let him sleep tomorrow, asshole--
Still, the question gets Linhardt to pause. Honestly, he could really use something to curl up with--an extra blanket, a pillow, something because he's bound to toss and turn without it, but he doesn't need Hubert knowing about his stupid habits. Or the fact that he needs a stuffed animal...
...s-shut up, okay--]
Would it be too much to ask for some light reading material?
[...Okay, that's a bit wry, at the very least.]
But...I suppose I would not mind an extra pillow. If you would be so inclined.
[The first part gets a wry smirk from him; he's entirely in agreement, although they are occasionally useful without being prodded into it. The fact that Linhardt is suggesting this isn't lost on him either.
At that, though...]
Of course. I'll be back in a moment.
[It takes him a few minutes, actually. But Hubert does return, carrying a couple of extra pillows and blankets.]
Here you are. Oh, and...
[A book! It's a relatively thin one, but it is about healing magic and staves from a place called Ylisse.]
[Linhardt is only a little surprised when it takes Hubert more than the moment he promised; Hubert likely got sucked into another task and forgot, he's sure. Just as Linhardt's about to try and make himself comfortable, though, Hubert comes back in and Linhardt perks when he sees the extra pillows and blankets. That's...more than he asked for, and he actually has to admit that's really nice?
But just as Linhardt's about to say something about that, the most important thing gets revealed and his eyes light up.]
Ah--! You truly did go out of your way for me, didn't you?
[...he actually sounds like he's having a feeling, but yes, he'll gladly take that book and nod his head.]
Yes, of course. I'll be asleep like a good infant, I promise.
[...]
Thank you, Hubert. I do appreciate this.
[...he made an attempt at sounding like a normal person who knows what emotions are instead of. you know. an alien. he's at least smiling???]
[A poor excuse, but he doubts Linhardt will call him out on it now that he has a book to entertain himself with.]
Don't mention it. As I said, I'll be back later; goodnight, Linhardt.
[And that's... sort of nice, if he allows himself to stop and think about it. It's nice to see Linhardt again. It's nice that Linhardt's here. It's nice that Linhardt's expressing thanks like a normal person.
But Hubert doesn't have time to stop and think about ridiculous things like that, so he simply doesn't.]
[There's quite a bit of difference between being forced to rest and being able to rest, Linhardt is finding. Sure, there's plenty of sleep for him to catch up on in doing this, but Linhardt has perhaps found it hard to rest so much when there's something that piques his curiosity. This forced bedrest is nothing but a burden to him, but sharing a room with Hubert means he can't exactly get a chance to sneak out for himself. It's almost frustrating, maddening, really.
Well, he supposes it would be if having Hubert around in and of itself actually wasn't...too bad, really. Maybe Linhardt was feeling homesick. Even if Hubert isn't exactly the greatest reminder of home, sharing a room with him isn't the end of the world, he supposes.
(Though if he gets on Linhardt's case for how unkempt his area is again he swears to the goddess--)
It's made more bearable by the fact that Hubert is at least willing to bring him books. It isn't just magic that Linhardt's interested in, he's been finding. Sure, he's read plenty about the staves of Ylisse, the healing magic of Valentia that almost resembles that of Fodlan save for the life force they use for more complicated spells, the staves that can inflict harm upon others of several continents...really, Linhardt's been enjoying the learning he's been able to accomplish. Considering that this world seems to rely pretty exclusively on staves for it's healer's to attack, it's probably a good thing he's learning so quickly.
But today, there's something different on the agenda; Linhardt's decided to ask Hubert if he could possibly gather some history books for the two of them to peruse over today. From either of the lands of the two drama queens they know all too well, but Linhardt has to admit, he's curious about just what the other worlds histories have been.
Linhardt perks when the door opens, propping himself on the pile of pillows behind his head--]
Ah, you're back. Were you able to find anything intriguing?
[Having Linhardt here is... Well, in truth, Hubert isn't entirely sure what to think about it. It's good to have a familiar face around, and Linhardt's tolerable enough (when he isn't messing up his side of the room), but it's so strange that they've fallen into a pattern so easily and within such a short amount of time. As much as he hates to admit it, Hubert really is homesick, isn't he? It's the only explanation for how he's been treating Linhardt.
But thankfully Linhardt has been good about remaining in their room so he can rest, as long as Hubert brings him books, of course. Hubert always has something to attend to, but it isn't difficult to find something in the library Linhardt would be interested in and bring it back with him when he checks on his classmate. Today is no exception, and Linhardt had asked for history books, so Hubert's happy to provide.]
I was, yes. From what I understand, the history of Nohr and Hoshido is incredibly complicated, and it sounds as though the people from both countries remember different things.
[He joins Linhardt nearby, pulling up a chair and carefully setting the books down so Linhardt can get a look as well.]
Beruka has told me that Iago's version of events isn't what happened to her. While it's possible he's making it all up, I have a hard time believing he's that creative.
[Linhardt's interest is immediately piqued when Hubert says that the history of Nohr and Hoshido is complicated. That seems impossible, incredibly so, but it sets Linhardt's curiosity aflame with the thought of what could be possible--]
What an incredible oddity. You mean to say that there is the possibility of two entirely different timelines of one place that Askr is able to draw upon? That seems almost...ludicrous, entirely so. But if Iago isn't actually putting on an act...
[Linhardt absolutely looks through the books, taking in their titles and what seem to be perhaps even different languages.]
This is fascinating! Look at this book-- [Linhardt points out a book that seems to have both whatever language the Askrans are using with Hoshidan writing underneath.] This language...I've never seen it in our country at all. Brigid nor Almyra use any sort of language like this...
[this is!! so cool!!
Linhardt grabs a book that's more familiar, though, after--it seems to be Nohrian in origin, and it seems to be a hell of a thick history book.]
Which should we start with? A more familiar excursion, or perhaps something entirely new?
[...There's probably books about vallite shit in the mix too but Lin hasn't noticed yet. We playin' Birthright or Conquest here Hubie, what do we pick]
[And off he goes... Hubert's really not surprised that Linhardt's finding all of this so fascinating, but it's sort of fun to watch him go.]
Let's start with the one we can read first, shall we?
[Let's go Conquest!!!]
From what I've been told, tensions between Nohr and Hoshido have been rising for quite some time. War hadn't been a concern until recently, because Queen Mikoto of Hoshido was able to keep a magic barrier up that prevented anyone from entering from fighting. They would simply lose the will to fight, from the sound of it. Dark mages in Nohr attempted to combat this by sending in "Faceless" monsters they summoned, but those monsters couldn't be controlled or coordinated, making any attempts at starting a war futile.
It looks as though the book confirms that much, at least.
[Linhardt will gladly open up the book while he listens to Hubert speak, though. He does make a...bit of a face when he brings up what Queen Mikoto was doing because. Dude?]
...That's certainly one way to stop all conflict from entering one's territory. I have to wonder if such a barrier simply affected those who tried to start conflict, or if it's effects spread to all who lived there...
If it's the latter...wouldn't that simply be mind control?
[There are a lot of implications that Linhardt doesn't like here already and we've just started.]
Not that Nohr is much better. I can scarcely imagine how much damage those "Faceless" caused in their wake...
[It looks like the history book starts with the family history of the families in Nohr, and Linhardt starts to look into it with some curiosity.]
Their power comes from their loyalty to the Dusk Dragon...it granted them land and the power to utilize something called the "Dragon's Vein". [of course lin would be interested in anything that resembles crest shit, what do you think he is] ...I must admit, I can scarcely imagine why people would wish to live in a land like this. A land that's always storming, where crops can't even thrive...
I can scarcely imagine living in such a desolate land.
Technically either way it's mind control, though how she was able to manage that in the first place is still beyond me.
[Even Iago had no damn idea and he does nothing but brag about his world's magic when given even the tiniest opportunity to do so.]
I'm likewise baffled by this. It sounds as though the countries around Nohr do not have that problem. Look here, the Kingdom of Nestra seems to have a fluent economy and there's no mention of it being anywhere near as desolate.
[...why didn't y'all just leave nohr, asking the real questions today!!]
Well yes, but there's certainly a difference between controlling your enemies so nothing bothers your country, and controlling all of your citizens...
[But let's be honest, we're not here to talk about ethics, because Hubert brings up Nestra and Linhardt's eyes wind up squinting at it when he brings it up.]
How on--do these people simply choose to stay here? Why not leave that desolate land behind and try to make life elsewhere? That land is clearly far too inhospitable for anyone to possibly live in.
[Like what the fuck??? Just pick up your shit and leave, it's not that hard???]
I'm genuinely not certain how an entire country could have flourished here under these conditions. It sounds as though Nohr was always fairly difficult to live in... Why would anyone want to stay there?
[we'll probably go back to that later when we talk shit about hoshido tbh]
Exactly. It was doomed from the start--even if this so called 'Dusk Dragon' made it's home there, the people themselves could have picked a far better location to settle themselves in, in order to flourish.
[this is so stupid!! he hates this
Linhardt's gonna skip around the book a bit to where it...talks about Garon and...wow.]
...So, this is King Garon. Are they certain that this man isn't just some sort of hideous creature in disguise as a human? Perhaps the people there are forced to stay because of this...thing. That's my hypothesis, but perhaps I am wrong...
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...And then Iago warps away and Gangrel gives chase, and Linhardt is trying really hard not to sigh in kind. Still, he'll nod his head at the very least...]
It sounds as if this place needs all of the help it can get... [Linhardt shakes his head.] Go off and deal with those two, then. I'll stay in here until you return, then.
[...]
Don't get yourself too injured, now.
[And with that, he'll go over to Deirdre while Hubert likely goes off to deal with the disasters. Hubert certainly isn't wrong about her being competent; she seems to utilize staves to produce her magic, which is something Linhardt is curious about. They wind up talking while she takes care of his injuries; she doesn't apparently remember a lot about her own world, but she answers many of the questions he has about Askr easily, and she's got the bedside manner of a saint, he's certain. Working with her might not be so bad.
...It helps that he and she have a healthy interest in magic, which--once Linhardt is all healed up (though with orders not to do anything too strenuous for the next few days; something he's all too happy to oblige), Hubert will likely hear them both talking about magic nerdery. Linhardt's talking about crests, and Deirdre's talking about various light magic tomes, and it's just Nerd Central here.]
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It does take him awhile to get them to settle and to report to the Askr royals and Anna, and even when he's done with that he has several other tasks to attend to before he can return to see Linhardt. It's no more frustrating than usual - even with Gangrel and Iago being aggressively themselves - but somehow he feels impatient to return to the infirmary.
He does finally return, and Hubert pauses in the doorway for a moment to hear their discussion. He's spoken with Deirdre a few times about the magic she's familiar with, though most of the differences between their worlds goes over his head simply because he doesn't have any experience with faith magic. Linhardt can probably appreciate the differences far more than he can, and while he doesn't really wish to interrupt, Linhardt will have plenty of time to speak to Deirdre.
So he enters, nodding to both of them in greeting.]
I trust the two of you have been enjoying yourselves?
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Indeed, we have. I must confess, I didn't expect there to be such differences in the magic wielded between different worlds...it sets my curiosity alight, I must admit.
Perhaps Askr has something here for me after all.
[Linhardt gets up, wincing a bit before Deirdre holds a hand out to steady him. He gives a small thanks, before looking to Hubert.]
I'm under strict orders from Deirdre to rest, and not strain myself for the next few days. So, I suppose I'll have some time to go over and read through whatever library this place has...
[...Deirdre is kind of giving Linhardt a Look. That's not resting!!! Even if she can't really judge, he needs to not be moving about!!]
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You need to be careful. You're free to examine the library, but don't overdo it.
[Hubert considers for a moment before offering Linhardt his arm.]
I'll escort you back to your room and show you where the library is. Is that acceptable?
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...But then Hubert offers Linhardt his arm and he pauses for a moment. It's strange, really, and Linhardt's expression is unreadable as he contemplates it for a moment, but...
Well, he's going to take Hubert's arm, then. He'll try to ignore the strange things taking root in his chest all at once.]
Very well, that much is acceptable. Let's be on our way, then.
[Tally ho, Hubie!!!]
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As they walk, Hubert points out the important rooms - the dining hall, the kitchen, the training grounds - and he comes to a stop before the library.]
Garreg Mach's library is certainly impressive, but this one has the advantage of collecting tomes from many different worlds.
[There aren't many people in here now, but it is a massive library.]
The organization certainly needs some work, but I'm sure you can find all you need when it comes to magic in here.
[...C'mon, we're still going to your room!!]
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Maybe he just misses the Monastery.
Linhardt nods as Hubert shows him around the castle; there's certainly quite a bit here, but predictably, Linhardt lights up when he sees the library. There's enough books in here to last him a lifetime and more, and Linhardt's eyes are as wide as saucers. There's so much to read in here, it's almost intoxicating--]
There's so many wonderful things in here...oh, I may find it in me to spend my entir--!
[--Hey!! No!! He wants to look! Of course Linhardt doesn't get the chance to properly tug back, because he's a noodle, but he is absolutely pouting.]
You're simply unfair. I wanted to peruse just a touch...
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There will be plenty of time for you to read everything in the library. For now, Deirdre told you to rest.
[And rest Linhardt shall!! Hubert leads him further down the hallway and then down a corridor to a set of rooms. These seem to be only slightly larger than the monastery dorm rooms, and when Hubert finally opens one of the doors, it's rather obvious why.
Each of the commanders within the army is granted their own room, and Hubert is no exception. Sure, the accommodations aren't fantastic, but privacy is appreciated. The furniture's been moved in here to have a second bed placed in, though that one's a bit smaller. The rest of the room is exactly as pristine as one would expect of Hubert, and there's no decorations to speak of. It would almost seem empty if not for the second bed.]
You'll be staying with me for the time being. I thought this would be better than shoving you in a room full of strangers.
[Not that he thinks Linhardt would have any trouble sleeping, but they'd probably just let him sleep the whole day and that's clearly unacceptable.]
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Still, Linhardt doesn't really respond with much more than a pout--yeah, yeah, he gets it. He certainly hopes that whatever accommodations the Askrans have seen fit to give the outsiders are at least a bed comfortable enough to take a nice, long nap in...
So needless to say, he's surprised when Hubert opens the door to a room that looks so...sparse. Is this it? Well, then again maybe it makes sense, the drama queens are probably taking up half the budget, but then Hubert speaks again and...]
...Well, I certainly won't deny that having sharing a room with someone familiar will be better than potentially sharing a room with anyone who is loud.
[This room's as empty as the grave...how is he gonna be entertained in here..........why didn't hubert let him go to the library...........................]
I'm surprised you keep this room so...empty, however. It looks as if you've only recently moved in.
[...yeah, he's gonna bring it up--]
But-- [Linhardt yawns a bit.] I suppose that isn't a problem. I think this arrangement will prove better than any alternatives. This does look like a nice, quiet place to sleep...
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I've never been one for decorating.
[And also the various drama queens are taking up half the budget...]
Focus on resting for now and we'll see about the library tomorrow.
[It isn't a long walk, but he'd still prefer to keep an eye on Linhardt anyway. It isn't as though no one would help him if he collapsed, but Hubert would rather take care of it himself.
...It's probably because he hasn't seen anyone else from home in so long.]
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Perhaps you should. It must be so insufferably boring in here for you.
[...]
And it's bound to be for me as well.
[...That wasn't a slip-up at all, Linhardt has no idea what you're talking about, he's just gonna separate and go flop face first on his new bed and--oh. That's...actually comfy enough, at least. The landing was only a bit painful, but he turns himself over easily enough and lies face up on the bed and stares at Hubert a bit.]
What do you intend on doing, now?
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I do have some more work to attend to before I can sleep this evening, but I should be back in a couple of hours at the most.
[It's late, but not too late. So he won't be in bed at a decent hour, but it's more sleep than he's used to getting back home, so that's something.]
Perhaps I'll be generous and allow you to sleep in tomorrow morning.
[It's dry, but obviously teasing.]
Is there anything else you need before you sleep?
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I see...well, do try not to overwork yourself. I imagine the more dramatic members of this castle could stand to do some work...
[...says the laziest man in all of the worlds, but he digresses, you better let him sleep tomorrow, asshole--
Still, the question gets Linhardt to pause. Honestly, he could really use something to curl up with--an extra blanket, a pillow, something because he's bound to toss and turn without it, but he doesn't need Hubert knowing about his stupid habits. Or the fact that he needs a stuffed animal...
...s-shut up, okay--]
Would it be too much to ask for some light reading material?
[...Okay, that's a bit wry, at the very least.]
But...I suppose I would not mind an extra pillow. If you would be so inclined.
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At that, though...]
Of course. I'll be back in a moment.
[It takes him a few minutes, actually. But Hubert does return, carrying a couple of extra pillows and blankets.]
Here you are. Oh, and...
[A book! It's a relatively thin one, but it is about healing magic and staves from a place called Ylisse.]
I trust you won't still be awake when I return?
[you've gotta rest, mister!!!]
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But just as Linhardt's about to say something about that, the most important thing gets revealed and his eyes light up.]
Ah--! You truly did go out of your way for me, didn't you?
[...he actually sounds like he's having a feeling, but yes, he'll gladly take that book and nod his head.]
Yes, of course. I'll be asleep like a good infant, I promise.
[...]
Thank you, Hubert. I do appreciate this.
[...he made an attempt at sounding like a normal person who knows what emotions are instead of. you know. an alien. he's at least smiling???]
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[A poor excuse, but he doubts Linhardt will call him out on it now that he has a book to entertain himself with.]
Don't mention it. As I said, I'll be back later; goodnight, Linhardt.
[And that's... sort of nice, if he allows himself to stop and think about it. It's nice to see Linhardt again. It's nice that Linhardt's here. It's nice that Linhardt's expressing thanks like a normal person.
But Hubert doesn't have time to stop and think about ridiculous things like that, so he simply doesn't.]
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Well, he supposes it would be if having Hubert around in and of itself actually wasn't...too bad, really. Maybe Linhardt was feeling homesick. Even if Hubert isn't exactly the greatest reminder of home, sharing a room with him isn't the end of the world, he supposes.
(Though if he gets on Linhardt's case for how unkempt his area is again he swears to the goddess--)
It's made more bearable by the fact that Hubert is at least willing to bring him books. It isn't just magic that Linhardt's interested in, he's been finding. Sure, he's read plenty about the staves of Ylisse, the healing magic of Valentia that almost resembles that of Fodlan save for the life force they use for more complicated spells, the staves that can inflict harm upon others of several continents...really, Linhardt's been enjoying the learning he's been able to accomplish. Considering that this world seems to rely pretty exclusively on staves for it's healer's to attack, it's probably a good thing he's learning so quickly.
But today, there's something different on the agenda; Linhardt's decided to ask Hubert if he could possibly gather some history books for the two of them to peruse over today. From either of the lands of the two drama queens they know all too well, but Linhardt has to admit, he's curious about just what the other worlds histories have been.
Linhardt perks when the door opens, propping himself on the pile of pillows behind his head--]
Ah, you're back. Were you able to find anything intriguing?
[give him the goods!!]
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But thankfully Linhardt has been good about remaining in their room so he can rest, as long as Hubert brings him books, of course. Hubert always has something to attend to, but it isn't difficult to find something in the library Linhardt would be interested in and bring it back with him when he checks on his classmate. Today is no exception, and Linhardt had asked for history books, so Hubert's happy to provide.]
I was, yes. From what I understand, the history of Nohr and Hoshido is incredibly complicated, and it sounds as though the people from both countries remember different things.
[He joins Linhardt nearby, pulling up a chair and carefully setting the books down so Linhardt can get a look as well.]
Beruka has told me that Iago's version of events isn't what happened to her. While it's possible he's making it all up, I have a hard time believing he's that creative.
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What an incredible oddity. You mean to say that there is the possibility of two entirely different timelines of one place that Askr is able to draw upon? That seems almost...ludicrous, entirely so. But if Iago isn't actually putting on an act...
[Linhardt absolutely looks through the books, taking in their titles and what seem to be perhaps even different languages.]
This is fascinating! Look at this book-- [Linhardt points out a book that seems to have both whatever language the Askrans are using with Hoshidan writing underneath.] This language...I've never seen it in our country at all. Brigid nor Almyra use any sort of language like this...
[this is!! so cool!!
Linhardt grabs a book that's more familiar, though, after--it seems to be Nohrian in origin, and it seems to be a hell of a thick history book.]
Which should we start with? A more familiar excursion, or perhaps something entirely new?
[...There's probably books about vallite shit in the mix too but Lin hasn't noticed yet. We playin' Birthright or Conquest here Hubie, what do we pick]
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Let's start with the one we can read first, shall we?
[Let's go Conquest!!!]
From what I've been told, tensions between Nohr and Hoshido have been rising for quite some time. War hadn't been a concern until recently, because Queen Mikoto of Hoshido was able to keep a magic barrier up that prevented anyone from entering from fighting. They would simply lose the will to fight, from the sound of it. Dark mages in Nohr attempted to combat this by sending in "Faceless" monsters they summoned, but those monsters couldn't be controlled or coordinated, making any attempts at starting a war futile.
It looks as though the book confirms that much, at least.
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[Linhardt will gladly open up the book while he listens to Hubert speak, though. He does make a...bit of a face when he brings up what Queen Mikoto was doing because. Dude?]
...That's certainly one way to stop all conflict from entering one's territory. I have to wonder if such a barrier simply affected those who tried to start conflict, or if it's effects spread to all who lived there...
If it's the latter...wouldn't that simply be mind control?
[There are a lot of implications that Linhardt doesn't like here already and we've just started.]
Not that Nohr is much better. I can scarcely imagine how much damage those "Faceless" caused in their wake...
[It looks like the history book starts with the family history of the families in Nohr, and Linhardt starts to look into it with some curiosity.]
Their power comes from their loyalty to the Dusk Dragon...it granted them land and the power to utilize something called the "Dragon's Vein". [of course lin would be interested in anything that resembles crest shit, what do you think he is] ...I must admit, I can scarcely imagine why people would wish to live in a land like this. A land that's always storming, where crops can't even thrive...
I can scarcely imagine living in such a desolate land.
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[Even Iago had no damn idea and he does nothing but brag about his world's magic when given even the tiniest opportunity to do so.]
I'm likewise baffled by this. It sounds as though the countries around Nohr do not have that problem. Look here, the Kingdom of Nestra seems to have a fluent economy and there's no mention of it being anywhere near as desolate.
[...why didn't y'all just leave nohr, asking the real questions today!!]
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[But let's be honest, we're not here to talk about ethics, because Hubert brings up Nestra and Linhardt's eyes wind up squinting at it when he brings it up.]
How on--do these people simply choose to stay here? Why not leave that desolate land behind and try to make life elsewhere? That land is clearly far too inhospitable for anyone to possibly live in.
[Like what the fuck??? Just pick up your shit and leave, it's not that hard???]
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I'm genuinely not certain how an entire country could have flourished here under these conditions. It sounds as though Nohr was always fairly difficult to live in... Why would anyone want to stay there?
[This doesn't make any sense at all???]
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Exactly. It was doomed from the start--even if this so called 'Dusk Dragon' made it's home there, the people themselves could have picked a far better location to settle themselves in, in order to flourish.
[this is so stupid!! he hates this
Linhardt's gonna skip around the book a bit to where it...talks about Garon and...wow.]
...So, this is King Garon. Are they certain that this man isn't just some sort of hideous creature in disguise as a human? Perhaps the people there are forced to stay because of this...thing. That's my hypothesis, but perhaps I am wrong...
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