sranks | to a new year

to a new year

[It never gets easier for the Order of Heroes. Ever since the day that they repelled an invasion from Embla, their lives all changed. For Alfonse in particular, it's involved discovering a great many things about the world at large--whether it be what truly ailed the Embla royal siblings, Muspell's attempt at conquest, or Hel's attempt at taking over the entire world, all Alfonse saw at the end of the day were evil people who needed to be stopped, no matter what. And he was more than willing to put his life on the line, in order to see that justice through.

But it also meant being able to heal from old scars. Zacharias's betrayal, for one, and learning how to open himself up even slightly to other heroes for another. Sure, Alfonse still preferred more cold and detached individuals rather than anyone who would try to befriend him, but even the prince needed someone to call a friend.

He simply wasn't exactly expecting to find such stalwart friendship with the likes of Hubert von Vestra of all people.

Ever since he had been summoned, Alfonse took something of an interest in the man. Hubert kept his distance from anyone and everyone who couldn't offer him anything useful, but even so, Alfonse sought him out. Simply to chat, to start, but their chats soon became rather commonplace. Alfonse learned much about the history of Fódlan from Hubert, and several of the man's opinions on said history. If Alfonse could be honest, he could see why Hubert disdained the history so much; between the corrupted nobility and what had happened to Princess Edelgard, it was no wonder Hubert held such a deep bitterness.

In return, Alfonse confided into Hubert about...much, really. Be it daily happenings with Sharena, tactical exchanges and the like, and anything and everything in between, he'd grown much closer to Hubert as a result. Hubert had called him out on such a thing once; that for as much as Alfonse talked of keeping a distance to others, he sure sought Hubert out often. And that was true, but it was because of Hubert's logical reasoning and lack of emotional attachment. In a way, Alfonse felt...safe, around him. There was less worry about growing emotionally attached and having to worry about Hubert leaving one day. Which of course Alfonse knew was inevitable; he was the servant of Princess Edelgard, of course he'd leave. Still, it made it easy for Alfonse to talk to him, and to befriend him.

But as time wore on, that excuse held less and less water. Alfonse and Hubert were both quite busy, but Alfonse sought Hubert out more often than he would most other heroes. It was so easy to talk to him, to confide, and even to fight alongside the man. There was no doubt in his mind that of all of the Heroes within the order, Hubert was clearly the closest to the Askran Prince. It wasn't as if it meant anything. They were simply friends, and just that. It didn't matter that Alfonse was so comfortable around him, and that he found himself thinking about Hubert more and more often as time wore on. That was just friendship, right? And nothing untoward. Absolutely nothing untoward.

At any rate, it would be a normal day like any other--but of course it isn't. The new year is coming in, and of course, the Order of Heroes is celebrating. Anna has already set up the celebration and Sharena has managed to convince him, and several other heroes to partake in the festivities, so naturally, Alfonse has been taking part. Sharena has stayed close to him today, and they've been having a lot of fun. But even so, someone hasn't arrived, and it's...causing something strange in Alfonse. He's tried to keep it from being obvious, but Sharena did pull him aside to ask what was on his mind...

And he almost feels like he's made a big mistake in telling her that he wished Hubert was here. Her grin is all too bright as she gives him what's essentially a pep-talk, and before he knows it, he's back in the castle and going right for the library.

("Oh, just go and ask him! The worst he can say is no, right?" Sharena winked shortly after saying that much. "But I imagine he won't say no if it's you asking!")

It doesn't matter what Hubert's answer is. Alfonse couldn't possibly impose such frivolity on his friend if he didn't want it. And yet, as he enters the library...well, he's about to do just that. He'll walk in, yukata-clad and all, and go find his friend--]

Ah, Hubert. [There he is. Alfonse keeps his voice calm, though there is a small smile on his face as he comes across the man.] Am I disturbing you?

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[You feel him, man. Raw fish is already perplexing as hell, simple is good for now.]

I understand where you are coming from. A lot of it has to do with the food that grows in the area, certainly, but it seems that different cultures have different ideas on how best to utilize it than what either of us are used to, yes?

[Let him get another bite of soup in, but--]

Hoshido for example has rather lush lands, and rice is one of their primary crop. Naturally, they have found several ways to utilize it in all sorts of dishes and applications--mochi in particular is made from smashing the rice down into a dumpling-like shape, and from there, it can be filled with all manner of different flavors. And that's just one example of many.

[...Thank you for the info-dump, Alfonse.]

Truly, it is rather incredible.

Interesting... It seems I'm always learning something new here.

[Alfonse likely feels the same way, and he's been dealing with Heroes from other worlds for a long time now.]

You seem to enjoy learning about the varying cultures in other worlds.

[Alfonse turns to face Hubert easily, nodding his head. It's easier to stare at Hubert now that he's gotten the bit of panic for how good his best friend looks out.]

I do; there is much to learn from the Heroes and the worlds that they came from. Their cultures and histories have always been something of interest to me, and there is much one can glean from learning about them.

It allows me a chance to gain an even greater understanding of the world around me, and I believe that such prudence will assist in helping me become a better ruler.

[...Okay, Alfonse goes back to his noodles after that, and after finishing a bite, his tone is a touch more sheepish, as if slightly ashamed.]

Though...I do admit, I do enjoy attaining knowledge for it's own sake. It is nice simply to read for frivolous reasons as well.

Edited (that's not the wording i wanted) 2020-12-31 05:05 (UTC)

[Perhaps if they were having this discussion elsewhere at a different time, they could properly discuss their thoughts on leadership and what a ruler should be doing. But that isn't a topic for now, and while Hubert would like to argue that reading is hardly the most frivolous activity a future leader could spend their time on, it's probably best not to get into it. Discussing Lady Edelgard's goals in general has been easy enough, but Hubert hasn't gone into detail about how exactly they plan to accomplish things, and he doesn't want to risk getting into it now.]

You can learn much from the people here. Those who are good rulers likely have excellent advice for you, and those who aren't will teach you by example.

[all you have to do is listen to gangrel for two minutes and you know what not to do, it's great]

[There is much that Alfonse doesn't know about Hubert or Princess Edelgard, but as far as he's concerned, that's fine. Sometimes one has to look past the deeds of the hero they summon because they're useful. And then we get people like Gangrel and Michalis and Iago and we wonder just why we do this, but hey.

...Of course, Alfonse does wind up chuckling a bit at Hubert's words--that bit at the end catches him off guard, and he uses one of his sleeves to hide his laughter a bit, his grin surprisingly bright.]

They certainly will. We may not always be able to choose our teachers, but we can certainly choose what lessons to take from them!

Precisely. There are plenty who will try to teach us, but what we learn from them is entirely in our control.

[...........so unsurprisingly, byleth is not having a fun time teaching hubert—]

I wonder what sort of ruler you will end up being. It's...

[almost a shame I won't be able to see it.

...That isn't really the sort of thing he wants to bring up now, though. Yes, they're both aware of that. His time here is limited. They've known that from the day he was summoned to Askr. But... something about saying that right now feels... wrong. He's not sure he understands it, and Hubert promptly decides he doesn't care to analyze it right now.

So instead he shakes his head and changes the topic.]

Do you think Anna was able to convince everyone to attend this festival? The library was emptier than usual.

[...Ah.

It is a good thing Alfonse elected to look away when Hubert says that much--he knows Hubert won't be there to see such a thing. None of the heroes will be, at the end of all of this. In the end, he's going to be alone again, isn't he? Not that it'll affect his rule; it never would, Alfonse would never allow it. But still, there's a strangely empty feeling as Alfonse considers those words.

I wish you could be around to see it.

He certainly didn't expect his abandonment issues to pop up, but for a brief second, there's a melancholic look on Alfonse's face.

It's fixed almost the instant that Hubert shifts topics, though, the question getting an amused look from Alfonse.]

I take it that was why there were so many dark magic books with you? I'm not surprised; the moment that Commander Anna said there would be sweet treats involved, Lysithea practically jumped at the chance... [Still, Alfonse looks around them all and nods his head.] I do believe she was able to convince almost everyone, however. Be it simply because everyone needed a morale boost, or some...perhaps bribery...

[...He's gonna need to check the treasury after this. Gods help him, Anna if you emptied it again--]

Even so, Commander Anna does have a presence that can be quite hard to say no to.

[At least he picked a good topic of conversation, but Alfonse did seem to pick up on where he was going with that thought. Better not to focus on it; there's something about that melancholic look that makes Hubert feel... something. He isn't going to think about it.]

I suppose I can understand the former, from what I understand, things have been fairly difficult recently.

[what with the whole reginn thing...]

Though I do wonder why she'd go so far as to bribe some of these people.

[pointed look at the grimas over there.... why are they here. anna pls explain.]

[Gods, have they ever been difficult. Why can't people just let them breathe for five minutes, it's not like we've done anything wrong!! Except all of the god killing. But they attacked first!!]

Yes, I agree. A sense of normalcy is good for everyone; people are not meant to bear the horrors of war at all times, and that Commander Anna organized this much is deeply appreciated.

[...]

Unfortunately, Commander Anna works in mysterious ways, I'm afraid. Still, I suppose as long as there's no problems...

[don't worry. even he wonders why the grimas are here. are they sharing some sort of snack with one another? that's...almost pure...]

I must admit, I am surprised that everyone manages to get along decently well.

[Some of them - like the Grimas - are understandable; they don't care enough to get angry enough at anyone here to make a fuss. There are others that are far more baffling though, people who desperately want to return home who willingly help others out, those who care nothing for Askr or its people playing nice with the others, even the bloodthirsty and crazy ones who aren't going around stabbing people when they're bored. It's incredible no one's actually managed to die yet.]

Whatever it is she's doing seems to be working, so I suppose there isn't any reason to complain.

[Alfonse nods in...well, semi-agreement. That probably isn't actually a good response, but Alfonse is just kind of willing to smile and nod and break up fights if needed and enjoy the results. Why would he ever have to question anything??? It just works. That won't cause any problems in the future at all.]

I feel much the same. Her work truly is invaluable for keeping everyone together.

[Alfonse does take another bite of noodles after that though--he's almost finished both items, and that'll just leave the mochi for the end.]

It is nice to be able to have occasions like this, however. To celebrate with friends and be able to enjoy our time together.

[...Alfonse is gonna smack himself, that's too emotional you dumbass. Just. Just let him shove more noodles in his mouth, okay, he's just hungry that's all.]

[Hubert doesn't really need to consider that, but he's quiet for a moment anyway.]

...It is. While I do not personally enjoy these festivities, they are valuable tools in building camaraderie and allowing everyone some time to relax after battle.

[They're beneficial and there's no harm in enjoying them, in other words.]

[...That much is at least good. Alfonse certainly is happy to build this much with Hubert, at least, and the expression on his face is soft as he goes to finish his food.]

I agree with you entirely. And it really is worth it to see the people have a good time.

[At any rate, though--Alfonse goes silent as he finishes, and he'll wait for Hubert to finish up his meal as well. There's still a few things that Alfonse wants to do, but it is starting to get pretty late...

Once they're both finished, Alfonse looks over to Hubert again.]

Is there anything in particular you would like to do next?

[Alfonse really is such a kind person... How will he fare as a ruler like that? Back home, it would have been detrimental; kindness certainly wouldn't be beneficial in accomplishing Lady Edelgard's goals. But here, in a different world with a far different history...

Well, it really is a shame he won't be able to see it. But thoughts like that certainly aren't helpful right now.]

Nothing in particular, no. Feel free to lead the way.

[...Wasn't he going to leave at some point...?? Ehh, he can stick around a little longer. There's no rush to get back to the library.]

Of course. In that case, let's go to the shrine, then.

[Alfonse grins a little bit, but come on then. The path to the shrine is actually pretty clear; a small stone path leads to the shrine in question, and it's not as decorated through here. It's dark, and there's a certain stillness in the night air that's almost soothing to Alfonse. Especially with a lack of anyone else here but the two of them.

It seems everyone must have gotten their prayers all taken care of already. Well, everyone except Alfonse, and more than anything he's kind of glad for the peace and quiet.]

I would have figured that there might be more people here...but perhaps this truly is for the best. It can be quite hard to make a wish with too many people here.

[Alfonse will turn to Hubert, though, mostly just to see how he's faring. It wasn't a long walk or anything, but if Hubert minds, Alfonse will take care of it quickly.]

[Offering up prayers for the new year, then? Well, Hubert will keep his mouth shut with regards to his thoughts on religion and exactly how effective said prayers will be. There's no sense in ruining the mood, and Alfonse seems happy enough.

It's quiet here, away from the hustle and bustle the rest of the festival has been and it's almost soothing, in a way. It's just the two of them out here, and honestly, Hubert's glad.]

I imagine it would be rather distracting, yes.

[So... how exactly are we doing this...]

Let us get this taken care of before any of the others get any ideas; follow me.

[Thankfully, their shrine is just a small one, and there's space enough for the both of them. Alfonse did watch Sharena do this earlier, after all; at the time, he hadn't a wish to think of, but now...

Well, he'll kneel before the shrine, calmly just closing his eyes and praying. It's simple, really, and yet...it takes Alfonse a bit to come up with something. There are a great many things he could wish for, after all. Peace, for one. That'd be appreciated by everyone here. Prosperity, good fortune, happiness for the people...

And yet, Alfonse settles on something more simple, and...perhaps a touch more selfish. He simply wishes for the confidence to speak to his friend honestly. It's...a simple thing, really, and yet being here--and having Hubert here alongside him has only proven that there's something gripping his chest that he can't ignore anymore, can he? It's risky, but...

Maybe he'll get the chance. Eventually. Surely not tonight, but maybe--

No, he's been sitting here for far too long, hasn't he? Alfonse startles himself out of his own prayer, having taken a little too long and he looks to Hubert, sheepish.]

Ah, my apologies. I...may have gotten a little carried away in thinking of something to wish for...

[Hubert joins Alfonse easily, kneeling beside him as he considers how exactly to proceed. Offering up a prayer to a deity he doesn't believe in seems... a bit ridiculous, honestly, so what to do here...

Obviously there's no point in asking for anything he truly wants. Even if it were to come true, it needs to happen by his own power. Lady Edelgard's dreams and ideals are his as well, but it would be silly to wish for everything to go well for them here and now. Besides, praying to a deity for help overthrowing a different deity seems pointless. Funny, but pointless.

So something smaller, then. Something that is important here in Askr, perhaps. What precisely would he want here...

...Well, maybe he can hope for just a little longer in this world. It won't hurt if he and Lady Edelgard remain here for a little while.

Alfonse starts beside him and Hubert glances over.]

I had some difficulties with it as well; you don't need to worry. If you're done, should we head out?

Yes, let's be on our way.

[Alfonse will get up, then, and offer Hubert a hand up. It's the least he can do for his friend, even if Alfonse's gaze averts shortly after. He's at least thankful that Hubert had as much trouble as he did, but even so, this is improper, and he should just get this out of his mind--

But at the very least, Alfonse starts to speaks up as they walk.]

...I really do want to thank you for coming down here today. I really do appreciate you taking time out of your day to do so.

[Alfonse is at least thankful he's walking on ahead so Hubert doesn't have to see his face. He's only a little distracted, it's fine.]

[He accepts the hand up, not that he really needs it and... well, something about that is striking him as sort of awkward, but Alfonse is quick to keep moving so Hubert decides to ignore it. It's fine, nothing strange here!!]

You don't have to thank me for that.

[Honestly, he expected to spend a bit of time out here and then return to the library, but... well, Alfonse has spent the entire time with him... Shouldn't he be spending time with his sister and the others?]

I didn't expect to enjoy it, but this has been... a pleasant experience so far.

[If he'd been dragged into half the things going on it wouldn't have been, but Alfonse is far more chill than the majority of the people here and he never tries to push Hubert into doing anything. It really is nice.]

[Nothing Strange Here At All, Nope.]

I am glad to hear that much. I was hoping that it might; I did at least want to ensure that you were able to enjoy your time here.

[But that's not...hm...]

...I was having a good enough time with the festival, don't get me wrong. But...being able to share that much with you has really made it better for me. If that makes sense.

[Don't lose your nerve now, Alfonse, just...be honest and hope it's not awkward. It's Fine.]

You are far too kind. You do know you don't personally need to see to it that everyone is enjoying themselves, don't you?

[It's not exactly light, but it is mostly a joke. Alfonse obviously isn't checking up on everyone, but it still wasn't necessary for him to come seek Hubert out like that. Not that he's complaining, but it's... making him feel some kind of way. Exactly what kind of way is likely best left untouched, but surely it's fine!!]

[Alfonse turns around at that, chuckling a bit and tilting his head in response to that.]

I know I don't have to, but I like being able to do so. Isn't that enough? Besides, I find it very worth it to see a friend's happy face, you know.

[This is fine, honestly. It's perfectly fine, and it's not like seeing Hubert this happy has made him feel all fluttery and shit. Alfonse is just fine, everything's fine!!]

Edited (HIT ENTER TOO QUICK...) 2021-01-01 02:21 (UTC)

[.........d-doki]

Well, I suppose I'm pleased you've been enjoying yourself.

[even if he's a little embarrassed now, gosh!!!]

[...O-Oh, that's...actually cute, Alfonse is kind of thankful that it's so dark out, maybe it'll hide the brief bit of flush on Alfonse's face.]

I'm...quite glad to hear that, Hubert. It really does mean a lot to hear that from you.

[doki, doki]

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