[His tone may offer no room for argument, but given the way Lif's eyes flare to life in a reddened, glowing glare, well, he's gonna get one anyway--]
Cease. I am fine, and I am--perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and it is not necessary. Go back to the--
[It's as if on cue that his horse decides that she's had enough of Lif's pontificating, and she decides to express this by way of promptly bucking Lif off of her back and sending him to the ground. His weapon falls out of his hand and perhaps thankfully, he falls onto his back so Hubert can actually get a good look at what's happened.
It seems to be the culmination of many smaller injuries; given that his defenses tend to be inhumanly strong, there's many darkened cuts into the glowing blue parts of his body, and in general he seems like he's been dealing with a battle of attrition. One mage seems to have gotten a good hit off on him with Gronnwolf or something similar, given the almost magical bite injury he's sustained on one of his legs, so...walking is perhaps surprisingly out of the question for him.
Lif doesn't even look at Hubert. His dignity is already shattered, he's just giving up and letting the man assess the damage.]
[Hubert may not be the biggest fan of horses, but this one is getting so many treats when they get back to the castle. Hubert decides to spare what's left of Lif's dignity and not make a sarcastic remark about this turn of events, but he is smirking so that's probably not helping any.
Anyway, he kneels beside Lif to assess the damage. He doesn't reach out to touch - partially because he isn't a healer and partially because that's rather rude - but he can tell that this is definitely not going to be a fun trip home for Lif. Shame they don't have a dedicated healer with them...]
I should be able to stop the bleeding, though I can do little more than that. Hold still.
[wait hubert you can't do that, you're a red mage, you aren't allowed to heal—]
[Make one comment and he will shoot a hand up to choke you, Hubert--
Nevertheless, though, Lif promptly avoids all eye contact again while Hubert checks him over. It's humiliating, really, though he feels his face growing warm too. It manifests as the blue around his face darkening, if only just a bit, but--
It dissipates, along with Lif's lack of eye contact, when Hubert brings up that he can do more than stop the bleeding. Wait, what is he talking about, he's just a--]
What are you talking about? You never--
[liked the idea of learning such things.
...He shouldn't have spoken up. Lif's eye contact becomes minimal again, but he acquiesces.]
...Do as you will. You can't exactly make this much worse.
[What was Lif going to say? It almost sounded as if...
No, it hardly matters now. Hubert dismisses it and scoffs at the rest of Lif's statement.]
I very well could were I to attempt anything more.
[His ability to heal really is that bad. Though it'd probably be more like using Reciprocal Aid rather than injuring Lif further. Still, the point stands!!
Anyway, Hubert holds a hand out over the most severe of the cuts, weak Faith magic spreading out to at the very least seal it. It's merely a temporary solution, but it will stop the bleeding, and he's able to do that for all of the bleeding cuts before he has to stop.]
There's nothing I can do for your leg, unfortunately. Do you believe your steed will be willing to carry you back?
[...okay, he couldn't help the sarcasm there, but what did you expect of him??]
[It's not pleading, but it is just so very tired. Please, he's dealt with enough today, leave him alone--
Either way, though, he lets Hubert continue his work at least; he's a little surprised that Hubert has even minor knowledge of this, given his hatred of the faith. Lif watches carefully as Hubert works, and when he's finished and makes that little comment he finds himself scoffing.]
She had better. I doubt I could get back there by myself--
[And try as he might to get up, though, he winds up falling back down onto a knee again and grimaces. He. Might need some help here...admittedly, his horse does look to Hubert and she seems to walk over to him and offer her reins. Seems you're invited too if you want, Hubert...?]
[Oh. Right, of course, Lif needs a hand and Hubert's certainly fine helping... well, after a thankful pat to the horse because she is absolutely necessary here and it's good to see that she's being very cooperative.
Hubert moves to help Lif up - he's not taking no for an answer, so c'mon, up we go!!]
[You know, Lif was perfectly well and prepared to suffer here to try and get back on his horse. She'll be due for a scolding after all of this is said and done, but just as he's about to try and suffer his way through getting back on, Hubert moves in and--
Lif goes tense. Mostly in surprise; he's not sure if he's more surprised that Hubert's willing to actually try and help him, or if the fact that Hubert's strong enough to support him now is...
It's doing something, at least, and his face darkens further.]
You--you could have waited.
[At the very least getting on the horse should be easy, and she's very cooperative. The real question is who's taking the reins here for the moment.]
You should not be wasting your time on me, Vestra. I am capable of caring for myself.
[Perhaps he should thank the Professor next time he sees them. After all, he wouldn't have bothered training with a physical weapon at all were it not for their instruction. Of course, he can't seriously consider such a thought when he's going to kill them afterwards, but that's neither here nor there and certainly not relevant now.]
I've no doubts that you are, but in your current condition, you'd take twice as long as necessary. To put it in a way you're all too familiar with - it's more practical for me to assist you now.
[There's a touch of sarcasm there, of course, but he does mean it. Practically, leaving Lif on his own to struggle back to the castle would waste time and resources; Lif's wounds could even be agitated by his struggles, so it's best to cooperate.
Anyway, this is Lif's horse and Hubert's not exactly skilled at riding (though he does have some training with horses, at least) so she's all yours! Once Lif's up, Hubert will follow, frowning for a moment as he decides where to put his hands. Lif's rather spikey attire makes this harder than it should be, but he finally settles for holding onto Lif's waist. There isn't a great place to hold onto his shoulders and just clinging to his cape won't be sturdy enough to keep Hubert on the horse should she pick up speed or traverse rough terrain. So this too is practical, albeit a bit embarrassing. Ugh, this is why he prefers to just teleport everywhere... Shame that's not one of his tome's effects!!]
[how dare you use his own justifications against him!! you asshole! you jerk!
...Nonetheless, Lif doesn't gesture for the horse to go until Hubert is fully secured, which--yeah, due to his spiky attire is going to be hard, now that he thinks of it. He supposes Hubert will just have to deal, and admittedly he'll have to deal with whatever Hubert actually decides to do.
...He's just so glad Hubert can't see his face darkening further at that, dear god he's lost practically all of his glow--]
Let's just--get back to the castle and get this farce over and done with.
[At the very least, the ride home is swift--his horse at least takes some care to make sure not to jostle them both around too much, but it is a bit of a bumpy ride if mostly due to the terrain. They're back to the castle in relatively short order, though, and once they've reached a stop, Lif finds himself scoffing.]
...I suppose it is my turn to thank you now, isn't it?
[It's fine, they can both suffer through a little embarrassment (as a treat).]
Of course.
[The trip back isn't all that long at all, and Lif's horse certainly seems to be doing her best not to jostle them too much, so he doesn't really have anything to complain about. Still, Hubert is a bit pink when he dismounts.]
Only doing my part, though I'll accept it regardless.
[It would be hypocritical of him to try to downplay it when he insisted on thanking Lif last time. Fair's fair and all that.]
I trust you'll see yourself to a healer without the need of an escort?
[Not that he'd be opposed to escorting Lif, but that might actually kill poor Lif of embarrassment.]
[Both of them are suffering, just as they fucking deserve. Lif can't even bring himself to look at Hubert once all is said and done, and the dismount for Lif is...well, a little painful, and he has to use Éljúðnir to support himself as he does.]
Please. I'll be fine to get there on my own; you don't need to focus your efforts on a dead man. Save your concern for the living.
[Lif just kind of shakes his head, really. He doesn't get why Hubert's electing to care so much about him; he's almost nostalgic for the times in the past, when he...]
...I'll make it there fine on my own. You should send a report to Prince Alfonse and the others, like you always do.
[A dead man... He's heard a bit about Lif's situation (and pried into it more on his own time) so he has a decent idea of what he's referring to, but still something about that doesn't sit right with him. It's the second part that gets him to raise an eyebrow.]
I wasn't aware you were keeping so close an eye on me.
[Yes, it's true that he always does insist on a thorough briefing and that's hardly unusual - if he doesn't do it from their team, who will? Perhaps he's reading too much into it, though; it's not as though Lif's truly keeping that close a watch on him - otherwise Hubert would have noticed by now.
So instead he shakes his head and lifts his shoulders a bit.]
Very well. May your injuries heal swiftly, Lif.
[It's not... quite as light and dismissive as he was going for, but he turns to take his leave anyway while opting not to think any more on it.]
[It's an almost instantaneous answer, one that Lif regrets the moment he says it. In a way, it's damning him further; he shouldn't bother with this, nor pursue it. This isn't even the man he once knew; that man has gone back to his home, if Lif's final act was successful before Hel set upon him. That man is by all rights dead.
And yet, as Hubert walks away, Lif watches for a bit none the less. He's so foolish, so nostalgic, and he hates it, he hates it--]
...Tch. You haven't changed a bit, Hubert.
[Lif stumbles away, uncaring if Hubert actually heard him or not, and it takes him a little while to reach the healers--needless to say, the news isn't good. It is recoverable, as all things are with the summoner's assistance, but even with that, he's going to have to sit the next few days out.
It's a pity, really, that Lif's never been inclined to listen. Granted, most of their healers are simply competent at best (given they seem to have abysmal luck at summoning anyone with more than the moral fiber of tissue paper), and Lif has a terrible habit of trying to sneak out of bed to join the fray. Once he was left with some firm words from one of the women in charge; the next, and he's apparently got someone who's going to be watching over him to make sure he doesn't get out now.
Great. At least it can't get much worse than this?]
It's soft enough as he leaves that he's not quite sure he heard it right, and Hubert doesn't pause to ask if he did because... it likely wasn't meant for him to be heard to begin with. He's reading too deeply into things; he's certain of that now. Besides, it isn't possible that Lif knew him before...
Before what, exactly? Becoming a member of Hel's army? For all his research on Lif, he's somehow missed who exactly Lif was before that.
It doesn't matter, he tells himself. It doesn't matter who Lif was because that's not who he is now. And yet dismissing it like that is far harder than it should be.
Initially, Hubert is pleased to see that Lif has been kept in bed. His injuries had looked bad enough to require some more serious treatment - and given their rather lackluster options, it makes sense it will take a bit longer than if they had Linhardt or Manuela running around here. But that quickly gives way to concern when Lif isn't around for the next battle, and concern becomes worry by the third. At the very least Lif is likely driving the healers crazy, Hubert reasons as he comes up with yet another excuse to visit Lif. He doesn't need to have this many, but somehow it feels wrong simply to show up because he was worried.
So he slips into the clinic later in the evening - it should be late enough for most people to be asleep, which would be the perfect time for an escape attempt... so is Lif attempting just that or has he finally given up and decided it's not worth being yelled at and/or quite literally strapped to the bed with magical restraints?]
[Lif has never been a man to stay in one place for long. So to say that the clinic has been nothing short of hell on earth for him has been an understatement, to say the very least. Everything in him hurts, and that's usually the only thing holding him back from entering the fray once again.
Usually, being the keyword.
Deirdre, the kind woman who practically runs this place, has certainly been run ragged trying to keep him in his bed. She said that the most optimistic outlook was a week with plenty of bedrest so his wounds could heal; that was unacceptable to him. Feeling nothing, he absolutely kept trying to get out of bed to join the fray; he had places to be and battles to fight, and while he certainly expected to draw the usually sedate woman's ire, he didn't think about the workload he was putting on her and the other two idiots working with her. There was a pain in his chest; certainly not guilt, because he couldn't feel anything anymore, but something. It was vexing, at the very least to not be there for Hubert, but...
Well, it doesn't stop him from attempting to get out tonight as well. Deirdre was exhausted and had to be almost literally carried out by Sigurd, and Iago and Gangrel both don't like staying here longer than they have to. But Hubert won't even have to step inside to see Lif attempting to limp out again, and those dull red eyes on him as he realizes he's been caught.
Damn it.]
...Let me guess; she sent you here?
[Because Hubert clearly has no reason to come on his own??]
[Oh, there he is, attempting to escape, it would seem. Not exactly a surprise considering the way he spoke about himself not all that long ago - why bother wasting time treating one who is already dead, or something along those lines. A pointless - and frankly frustrating - thought, but one he could see Lif having regardless.]
If you mean Deirdre, she did not.
[It would have been easier to lie. It would have been better to lie, because then he could pretend that this wasn't... what? A random whim of his? But no, it's a lie that could be easily disproven, and Hubert isn't going to make a mistake that stupid. All Lif would have to do is ask Deirdre about it, and her look of confusion would shatter that to pieces immediately. Better to be straightforward about his intentions.]
Though it would seem she would be right to find someone to look after you at night. Don't tell me you think you're healed enough to be out on the field?
[Though given the slight incline of his head and the small smirk, it's obvious Hubert's already assumed that anyway and the question's more for show.]
[...It'd have been easier to say so. Sure, he would've been proven wrong the very instant he spoke to Deirdre again, but Lif actually seems somewhat startled by that for a moment. It's a look that slowly shifts to wariness; he doesn't understand, and he's not sure what to think.]
...You already know the answer, Vestra. I'm of no use here; all I'm doing is taking up a valuable bed. I am--fine.
[That much is said strained, as Lif attempts to shift a bit, wincing in the process.]
[Hubert just gives Lif a Look in response. He doesn't need to say anything, Lif likely already knows that he isn't fine and that he isn't "taking up a valuable bed". Though perhaps he shouldn't assume Lif knows exactly what's going through his head, Hubert does anyway. Somehow, he's certain Lif will get it.]
I thought you might be bored; remaining still while recovering hardly seems like the sort of thing you'd find acceptable.
[And from within his cape, he pulls a book! Hubert hands it over, expecting Lif to accept.]
While I doubt you'll find reading much more acceptable, perhaps it will help stave off the boredom. I confess I'm not familiar with your tastes for reading material, but this one seemed promising.
["Promising" in this case was... well, perhaps a little odd. It stuck out to him more than anything else in the library, and though he wasn't sure why or how, he thought Lif would appreciate it.
As for whether or not Lif actually will... well, that sort of depends. It's a book on tactics - something Hubert and Alfonse once poured over together on the eve of a particularly difficult battle, towards the end of Hubert's previous stay in Askr. They spent hours building and scrapping battle plans in an attempt to find something that would serve Askr well - and though it was a difficult and stressful night... it was one of the last ones where they were actually able to spend time and joke a bit as they worked.]
you vastly overestimate this man's sense of self esteem. or self preservation, even.]
...!
[But no, something more important comes through in Lif's expression--for all he's tried to quash various feelings, negative and positive, he's always been a man of sentiment. Even as Alfonse, this was true of him; he enjoyed remembering little things. Nights spent in the quiet company of the library, pouring over books. Sometimes with friends, dear friends who you could make even the most harrowing times a little lighter.
Of course Lif recognizes that book. He'd be a fool not to. It was one of the last good memories he had of Hubert, and he pauses pretty significantly at the book as he stares at it.
It feels like a confrontation. Lif knows--deep down, that this isn't what Hubert intends. He knew better than anyone that Hubert had a kind side, layered underneath the image he had to present for Princess Edelgard's sake.]
...I...
[Words dry up in his throat, lost. He stares at Hubert, finally, fixing him with something...wary. Guarded, almost. He doesn't accept the book, not yet, but...]
[The pause lasts too long. Hubert would be willing to accept that he completely failed to pick something that would capture Lif's interest - but if that's all it was, Lif would have said so. If it was a matter of insulting Lif, then he simply would have expressed that as well. He isn't a man to shy away from such things, nor take his time to carefully consider how to word such a thing, so what does this pause signify?
Hubert waits. He doesn't interrupt because whatever's going through Lif's mind must be quite important to earn a look of surprise like that.]
It stood out to me.
[How, exactly, he's not sure he can describe without sounding insane. It would be easy to lie about it, but...
But for some absolutely bizarre reason, Hubert doesn't want to. So though the answer is crazy, perhaps it's worth sharing.]
...It almost felt... familiar. As though out of all the books I could look through, this one was the right one. I suppose you could call it a gut feeling, but I've never been one to act on such a thing.
[It was something more than that, he's sure of it.]
Lif doesn't have any blood left to run cold at a statement like that, but Hubert will almost certainly be able to see the way Lif tenses at that statement. He didn't want to believe that there was a chance that he'd see this man again, much less one who could've possibly been one of his most stalwart allies. His friends.
Lif's gaze hardens at that, though. He forces it to. Even if he is the man he once knew, the boy Hubert knew in kind is--]
...It would seem your gut feeling led you in the right direction. I am...not one for reading, but I do prefer these.
[It's guarded. It's so, so incredibly guarded.]
...You've been bothering me quite a bit as of late, when you do not even have to. And now you're going out of your way to bring me entertainment, as if you're looking for an excuse to spend time with me.
[Lif's gaze trains itself on Hubert; accusatory, intentionally so.]
I want to know why, Vestra. Why do you persist? What do you stand to gain from this?
[Is it a heavy level of deflection away from the fact that he too has been going out of his way? Yes, absolutely. Does Lif care?? Of course not.
The dead don't have feelings, after all, despite all evidence to the contrary.]
[It seems to be the wrong answer, given how Lif's gaze hardens and he decides to fire back. Hubert was prepared to answer a question like this - because he's been asking himself the same thing. Why would he go out of his way for something like this, when he knows that Lif will likewise question him? He isn't kind. He looks out for his allies in more subtle ways - but the people here aren't his allies. They're only working together because they have to be.
But Lif... Things are different with Lif. He's not sure he could ever articulate how, so he leaves that thought alone and refuses to elaborate on it, even to himself.]
In this particular instance, it serves our healers to have you stay put. The less strain we place on them now, the easier their job will be when they've other injured to deal with. I saw a problem and sought to solve it, that's all.
[That isn't all, but the answer is easy and he inclines his head a bit as if considering.]
Though your reaction leads me to believe that there is something more to it. What have I done to upset you so?
[Despite the wording, it is a serious question. If he's stepped on Lif's toes, then he owes Lif an apology. Though they may not be comrades, they are temporary allies here, and Hubert doesn't want to insult Lif, accidentally or otherwise.]
[Lif's gaze stays hard as Hubert continues to speak, everything in Lif going even more guarded than usual. How could he possibly tell him--if he's not the same person he knew so long ago, then it's just burdening him with something unnecessary. If he is, then...
Lif's eyes close, though. After a moment.]
...You haven't upset me.
[When Lif opens them again, there's something more somber in his expression. His look goes down towards the book in question, and he lets out something soft; something close to a chuckle, at least.
It might even sound a bit familiar.]
There are simply far too many coincidences, for this to be a matter of random selection. This book...it is something that holds a few significant memories to me. That is all.
[He doesn't know if he should elaborate; he's not entirely sure how. But he's putting that out there and at least taking the book for the moment.]
[Truthfully, it's somewhat surprising that Lif offers an answer at all, though not nearly as surprising as that soft chuckle, something that sounds... familiar. Like he's gotten that exact same laugh from the man before somehow, though he's quite certain he's never heard Lif sound so amused. So then how? Is there truly more to all of this - the fact that he finds himself drawn to Lif, the fact that so much of this feels familiar, even that particular book? It's not something he really wants to consider, but Hubert's not going to be able to continue avoiding it for much longer.
Lif's answer is likewise something he knew, somehow. It isn't a surprise to hear it, despite the fact that it should be, given Hubert had no way of knowing such a thing.]
I wasn't aware of your fondness for tactics.
[Which... is sort of true, in that he hadn't realized it despite this weird sense of deja vu, as though somehow he did actually know this. Even as he says it, Hubert looks unsure, as if that isn't quite the response he wanted - or maybe it isn't the right response at all.
He shakes his head as if to clear it. This isn't getting him anywhere.]
Will it suitably occupy you until you're free to return to the battlefield?
[...which is probably the most stunted way he could have put that, but alright.]
[Lif's expression...it becomes unreadable for a moment. There's a lot of ways he could respond to this; a lot of ways he should. He should push Hubert away, he should make sure that he doesn't come back to bother him at all. If it weren't for the damned summoner's power, maybe he'd just kill Hubert to fix all of this malfunction. Then he could at least justify feeling responsible for all of this.]
And if it doesn't?
[And yet, those damning words leave him before he can take them back. His empty chest feels a phantom tightness, and his tone almost seems...amused.]
Do you intend to do anything more about it?
[He hopes Hubert doesn't. (He hopes Hubert does, gods, give him more of an excuse--)]
It isn't my responsibility to ensure you behave yourself. Should you continue to act in ways that are detrimental to your own health, you truly will meet your end someday.
[Though whether that's on the battlefield in the immediate future or not is up in the air.]
I thought it best to at least provide you with some form of entertainment, but I won't stop you, should you decide you know better than the healers.
[Perhaps if things were different, he would. Some small part of him wonders if this is the right call, if maybe he should intervene more - if not for their healers, then for Lif himself. But...
But nothing. Lif is hardly a replacement for Lady Edelgard (and such a thought is an insult to them both) and Hubert won't consider it any further. Lif will do what he wants in the end, and Hubert doubts he has the power to truly stop him even if he wanted to.]
[Lif pauses, at that. It's what he was expecting, really, and he holds no ill towards Hubert for it; it makes Lif push those thoughts out of his head, if only for a time. He could give the book back to Hubert and simply go on his way; he needs to become stronger, as strong as he can to lay the gods low who have toyed with him.
...And yet...]
Some might accuse you of growing soft-hearted, Vestra. [...] But...I suppose I can refrain, for the time being.
[He doesn't want to. But maybe getting caught up in sentiment, just this once, will actually benefit him. He'll at least start to struggle his way back, but...]
...Thank you. You did not have to go out of your way like that.
[The first part gets a scoff from him, but then Lif decides to play nice for the time being and that gets an expression that's actually somewhat close to a smile from Hubert.]
You don't need to thank me for that... but I'll accept it regardless.
[He watches Lif for a moment to make sure that he'll actually be able to make it back. You going to be okay, or do you need a hand...]
Just don't get into the--habit of it, lest you want everyone to think you've gone mad.
[It probably doesn't help that he doesn't have Éljúðnir to support himself--damn Sigurd for thinking to confiscate that from him. But while Lif can give thanks, asking for help is a whole different beast.
Please help, this is pathetic...the bed's at least several feet away, given that it was supposed to be a deterrent to keep him there.]
[It's an unintentionally startled voice that Hubert gets at that--rude, he's supposed to be the one who shocks and scares people??? He doesn't protest being helped back to bed, at least, though he just. Very pointedly is going to ignore how almost gallant that was of Hubert.
Dear gods, feelings are a mistake and that just proves it. Eternally. At the very least, Lif can get himself laid back down easily, but the glow on his face is certainly dulled from it's usual and he's not looking at Hubert.]
...Thank you. For your assistance. [...] Don't forget to get some rest yourself, Vestra.
[So I don't have to worry, Lif wants to say, but he won't. of course he won't say that much.]
[That's almost... cute his mind supplies, though that's not precisely what he was going for. At least he didn't voice such a ridiculous thought.]
You don't need to worry yourself over me.
[But with that said he does hold up a hand in farewell.]
Do try not to trouble the healers too much.
[And with that, he takes his leave; though this wasn't exactly what he was expecting when he entered the infirmary, he leaves it feeling satisfied. At the very least Lif will hopefully stay put for now... even if Hubert has more questions than answers at this point. Still, he doesn't intend to remain awake for much longer - so even though he didn't say it, he'll be sure to get some rest as well.]
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darkbishop) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sranks2022-09-23 01:17 am
no subject
Cease. I am fine, and I am--perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and it is not necessary. Go back to the--
[It's as if on cue that his horse decides that she's had enough of Lif's pontificating, and she decides to express this by way of promptly bucking Lif off of her back and sending him to the ground. His weapon falls out of his hand and perhaps thankfully, he falls onto his back so Hubert can actually get a good look at what's happened.
It seems to be the culmination of many smaller injuries; given that his defenses tend to be inhumanly strong, there's many darkened cuts into the glowing blue parts of his body, and in general he seems like he's been dealing with a battle of attrition. One mage seems to have gotten a good hit off on him with Gronnwolf or something similar, given the almost magical bite injury he's sustained on one of his legs, so...walking is perhaps surprisingly out of the question for him.
Lif doesn't even look at Hubert. His dignity is already shattered, he's just giving up and letting the man assess the damage.]
no subject
Anyway, he kneels beside Lif to assess the damage. He doesn't reach out to touch - partially because he isn't a healer and partially because that's rather rude - but he can tell that this is definitely not going to be a fun trip home for Lif. Shame they don't have a dedicated healer with them...]
I should be able to stop the bleeding, though I can do little more than that. Hold still.
[wait hubert you can't do that, you're a red mage, you aren't allowed to heal—]
no subject
Nevertheless, though, Lif promptly avoids all eye contact again while Hubert checks him over. It's humiliating, really, though he feels his face growing warm too. It manifests as the blue around his face darkening, if only just a bit, but--
It dissipates, along with Lif's lack of eye contact, when Hubert brings up that he can do more than stop the bleeding. Wait, what is he talking about, he's just a--]
What are you talking about? You never--
[liked the idea of learning such things.
...He shouldn't have spoken up. Lif's eye contact becomes minimal again, but he acquiesces.]
...Do as you will. You can't exactly make this much worse.
[jesus christ lif]
no subject
No, it hardly matters now. Hubert dismisses it and scoffs at the rest of Lif's statement.]
I very well could were I to attempt anything more.
[His ability to heal really is that bad. Though it'd probably be more like using Reciprocal Aid rather than injuring Lif further. Still, the point stands!!
Anyway, Hubert holds a hand out over the most severe of the cuts, weak Faith magic spreading out to at the very least seal it. It's merely a temporary solution, but it will stop the bleeding, and he's able to do that for all of the bleeding cuts before he has to stop.]
There's nothing I can do for your leg, unfortunately. Do you believe your steed will be willing to carry you back?
[...okay, he couldn't help the sarcasm there, but what did you expect of him??]
no subject
[It's not pleading, but it is just so very tired. Please, he's dealt with enough today, leave him alone--
Either way, though, he lets Hubert continue his work at least; he's a little surprised that Hubert has even minor knowledge of this, given his hatred of the faith. Lif watches carefully as Hubert works, and when he's finished and makes that little comment he finds himself scoffing.]
She had better. I doubt I could get back there by myself--
[And try as he might to get up, though, he winds up falling back down onto a knee again and grimaces. He. Might need some help here...admittedly, his horse does look to Hubert and she seems to walk over to him and offer her reins. Seems you're invited too if you want, Hubert...?]
no subject
Hubert moves to help Lif up - he's not taking no for an answer, so c'mon, up we go!!]
no subject
Lif goes tense. Mostly in surprise; he's not sure if he's more surprised that Hubert's willing to actually try and help him, or if the fact that Hubert's strong enough to support him now is...
It's doing something, at least, and his face darkens further.]
You--you could have waited.
[At the very least getting on the horse should be easy, and she's very cooperative. The real question is who's taking the reins here for the moment.]
You should not be wasting your time on me, Vestra. I am capable of caring for myself.
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I've no doubts that you are, but in your current condition, you'd take twice as long as necessary. To put it in a way you're all too familiar with - it's more practical for me to assist you now.
[There's a touch of sarcasm there, of course, but he does mean it. Practically, leaving Lif on his own to struggle back to the castle would waste time and resources; Lif's wounds could even be agitated by his struggles, so it's best to cooperate.
Anyway, this is Lif's horse and Hubert's not exactly skilled at riding (though he does have some training with horses, at least) so she's all yours! Once Lif's up, Hubert will follow, frowning for a moment as he decides where to put his hands. Lif's rather spikey attire makes this harder than it should be, but he finally settles for holding onto Lif's waist. There isn't a great place to hold onto his shoulders and just clinging to his cape won't be sturdy enough to keep Hubert on the horse should she pick up speed or traverse rough terrain. So this too is practical, albeit a bit embarrassing. Ugh, this is why he prefers to just teleport everywhere... Shame that's not one of his tome's effects!!]
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...Nonetheless, Lif doesn't gesture for the horse to go until Hubert is fully secured, which--yeah, due to his spiky attire is going to be hard, now that he thinks of it. He supposes Hubert will just have to deal, and admittedly he'll have to deal with whatever Hubert actually decides to do.
...He's just so glad Hubert can't see his face darkening further at that, dear god he's lost practically all of his glow--]
Let's just--get back to the castle and get this farce over and done with.
[At the very least, the ride home is swift--his horse at least takes some care to make sure not to jostle them both around too much, but it is a bit of a bumpy ride if mostly due to the terrain. They're back to the castle in relatively short order, though, and once they've reached a stop, Lif finds himself scoffing.]
...I suppose it is my turn to thank you now, isn't it?
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as a treat).]Of course.
[The trip back isn't all that long at all, and Lif's horse certainly seems to be doing her best not to jostle them too much, so he doesn't really have anything to complain about. Still, Hubert is a bit pink when he dismounts.]
Only doing my part, though I'll accept it regardless.
[It would be hypocritical of him to try to downplay it when he insisted on thanking Lif last time. Fair's fair and all that.]
I trust you'll see yourself to a healer without the need of an escort?
[Not that he'd be opposed to escorting Lif, but that might actually kill poor Lif of embarrassment.]
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Please. I'll be fine to get there on my own; you don't need to focus your efforts on a dead man. Save your concern for the living.
[Lif just kind of shakes his head, really. He doesn't get why Hubert's electing to care so much about him; he's almost nostalgic for the times in the past, when he...]
...I'll make it there fine on my own. You should send a report to Prince Alfonse and the others, like you always do.
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I wasn't aware you were keeping so close an eye on me.
[Yes, it's true that he always does insist on a thorough briefing and that's hardly unusual - if he doesn't do it from their team, who will? Perhaps he's reading too much into it, though; it's not as though Lif's truly keeping that close a watch on him - otherwise Hubert would have noticed by now.
So instead he shakes his head and lifts his shoulders a bit.]
Very well. May your injuries heal swiftly, Lif.
[It's not... quite as light and dismissive as he was going for, but he turns to take his leave anyway while opting not to think any more on it.]
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[It's an almost instantaneous answer, one that Lif regrets the moment he says it. In a way, it's damning him further; he shouldn't bother with this, nor pursue it. This isn't even the man he once knew; that man has gone back to his home, if Lif's final act was successful before Hel set upon him. That man is by all rights dead.
And yet, as Hubert walks away, Lif watches for a bit none the less. He's so foolish, so nostalgic, and he hates it, he hates it--]
...Tch. You haven't changed a bit, Hubert.
[Lif stumbles away, uncaring if Hubert actually heard him or not, and it takes him a little while to reach the healers--needless to say, the news isn't good. It is recoverable, as all things are with the summoner's assistance, but even with that, he's going to have to sit the next few days out.
It's a pity, really, that Lif's never been inclined to listen. Granted, most of their healers are simply competent at best (given they seem to have abysmal luck at summoning anyone with more than the moral fiber of tissue paper), and Lif has a terrible habit of trying to sneak out of bed to join the fray. Once he was left with some firm words from one of the women in charge; the next, and he's apparently got someone who's going to be watching over him to make sure he doesn't get out now.
Great. At least it can't get much worse than this?]
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It's soft enough as he leaves that he's not quite sure he heard it right, and Hubert doesn't pause to ask if he did because... it likely wasn't meant for him to be heard to begin with. He's reading too deeply into things; he's certain of that now. Besides, it isn't possible that Lif knew him before...
Before what, exactly? Becoming a member of Hel's army? For all his research on Lif, he's somehow missed who exactly Lif was before that.
It doesn't matter, he tells himself. It doesn't matter who Lif was because that's not who he is now. And yet dismissing it like that is far harder than it should be.
Initially, Hubert is pleased to see that Lif has been kept in bed. His injuries had looked bad enough to require some more serious treatment - and given their rather lackluster options, it makes sense it will take a bit longer than if they had Linhardt or Manuela running around here. But that quickly gives way to concern when Lif isn't around for the next battle, and concern becomes worry by the third. At the very least Lif is likely driving the healers crazy, Hubert reasons as he comes up with yet another excuse to visit Lif. He doesn't need to have this many, but somehow it feels wrong simply to show up because he was worried.
So he slips into the clinic later in the evening - it should be late enough for most people to be asleep, which would be the perfect time for an escape attempt... so is Lif attempting just that or has he finally given up and decided it's not worth being yelled at and/or quite literally strapped to the bed with magical restraints?]
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Usually, being the keyword.
Deirdre, the kind woman who practically runs this place, has certainly been run ragged trying to keep him in his bed. She said that the most optimistic outlook was a week with plenty of bedrest so his wounds could heal; that was unacceptable to him. Feeling nothing, he absolutely kept trying to get out of bed to join the fray; he had places to be and battles to fight, and while he certainly expected to draw the usually sedate woman's ire, he didn't think about the workload he was putting on her and the other two idiots working with her. There was a pain in his chest; certainly not guilt, because he couldn't feel anything anymore, but something. It was vexing, at the very least to not be there for Hubert, but...
Well, it doesn't stop him from attempting to get out tonight as well. Deirdre was exhausted and had to be almost literally carried out by Sigurd, and Iago and Gangrel both don't like staying here longer than they have to. But Hubert won't even have to step inside to see Lif attempting to limp out again, and those dull red eyes on him as he realizes he's been caught.
Damn it.]
...Let me guess; she sent you here?
[Because Hubert clearly has no reason to come on his own??]
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If you mean Deirdre, she did not.
[It would have been easier to lie. It would have been better to lie, because then he could pretend that this wasn't... what? A random whim of his? But no, it's a lie that could be easily disproven, and Hubert isn't going to make a mistake that stupid. All Lif would have to do is ask Deirdre about it, and her look of confusion would shatter that to pieces immediately. Better to be straightforward about his intentions.]
Though it would seem she would be right to find someone to look after you at night. Don't tell me you think you're healed enough to be out on the field?
[Though given the slight incline of his head and the small smirk, it's obvious Hubert's already assumed that anyway and the question's more for show.]
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...You already know the answer, Vestra. I'm of no use here; all I'm doing is taking up a valuable bed. I am--fine.
[That much is said strained, as Lif attempts to shift a bit, wincing in the process.]
...If not that, then why are you here?
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I thought you might be bored; remaining still while recovering hardly seems like the sort of thing you'd find acceptable.
[And from within his cape, he pulls a book! Hubert hands it over, expecting Lif to accept.]
While I doubt you'll find reading much more acceptable, perhaps it will help stave off the boredom. I confess I'm not familiar with your tastes for reading material, but this one seemed promising.
["Promising" in this case was... well, perhaps a little odd. It stuck out to him more than anything else in the library, and though he wasn't sure why or how, he thought Lif would appreciate it.
As for whether or not Lif actually will... well, that sort of depends. It's a book on tactics - something Hubert and Alfonse once poured over together on the eve of a particularly difficult battle, towards the end of Hubert's previous stay in Askr. They spent hours building and scrapping battle plans in an attempt to find something that would serve Askr well - and though it was a difficult and stressful night... it was one of the last ones where they were actually able to spend time and joke a bit as they worked.]
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you vastly overestimate this man's sense of self esteem. or self preservation, even.]
...!
[But no, something more important comes through in Lif's expression--for all he's tried to quash various feelings, negative and positive, he's always been a man of sentiment. Even as Alfonse, this was true of him; he enjoyed remembering little things. Nights spent in the quiet company of the library, pouring over books. Sometimes with friends, dear friends who you could make even the most harrowing times a little lighter.
Of course Lif recognizes that book. He'd be a fool not to. It was one of the last good memories he had of Hubert, and he pauses pretty significantly at the book as he stares at it.
It feels like a confrontation. Lif knows--deep down, that this isn't what Hubert intends. He knew better than anyone that Hubert had a kind side, layered underneath the image he had to present for Princess Edelgard's sake.]
...I...
[Words dry up in his throat, lost. He stares at Hubert, finally, fixing him with something...wary. Guarded, almost. He doesn't accept the book, not yet, but...]
...What made you choose this book?
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Hubert waits. He doesn't interrupt because whatever's going through Lif's mind must be quite important to earn a look of surprise like that.]
It stood out to me.
[How, exactly, he's not sure he can describe without sounding insane. It would be easy to lie about it, but...
But for some absolutely bizarre reason, Hubert doesn't want to. So though the answer is crazy, perhaps it's worth sharing.]
...It almost felt... familiar. As though out of all the books I could look through, this one was the right one. I suppose you could call it a gut feeling, but I've never been one to act on such a thing.
[It was something more than that, he's sure of it.]
Why do you ask?
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Lif doesn't have any blood left to run cold at a statement like that, but Hubert will almost certainly be able to see the way Lif tenses at that statement. He didn't want to believe that there was a chance that he'd see this man again, much less one who could've possibly been one of his most stalwart allies. His friends.
Lif's gaze hardens at that, though. He forces it to. Even if he is the man he once knew, the boy Hubert knew in kind is--]
...It would seem your gut feeling led you in the right direction. I am...not one for reading, but I do prefer these.
[It's guarded. It's so, so incredibly guarded.]
...You've been bothering me quite a bit as of late, when you do not even have to. And now you're going out of your way to bring me entertainment, as if you're looking for an excuse to spend time with me.
[Lif's gaze trains itself on Hubert; accusatory, intentionally so.]
I want to know why, Vestra. Why do you persist? What do you stand to gain from this?
[Is it a heavy level of deflection away from the fact that he too has been going out of his way? Yes, absolutely. Does Lif care?? Of course not.
The dead don't have feelings, after all, despite all evidence to the contrary.]
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But Lif... Things are different with Lif. He's not sure he could ever articulate how, so he leaves that thought alone and refuses to elaborate on it, even to himself.]
In this particular instance, it serves our healers to have you stay put. The less strain we place on them now, the easier their job will be when they've other injured to deal with. I saw a problem and sought to solve it, that's all.
[That isn't all, but the answer is easy and he inclines his head a bit as if considering.]
Though your reaction leads me to believe that there is something more to it. What have I done to upset you so?
[Despite the wording, it is a serious question. If he's stepped on Lif's toes, then he owes Lif an apology. Though they may not be comrades, they are temporary allies here, and Hubert doesn't want to insult Lif, accidentally or otherwise.]
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Lif's eyes close, though. After a moment.]
...You haven't upset me.
[When Lif opens them again, there's something more somber in his expression. His look goes down towards the book in question, and he lets out something soft; something close to a chuckle, at least.
It might even sound a bit familiar.]
There are simply far too many coincidences, for this to be a matter of random selection. This book...it is something that holds a few significant memories to me. That is all.
[He doesn't know if he should elaborate; he's not entirely sure how. But he's putting that out there and at least taking the book for the moment.]
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Lif's answer is likewise something he knew, somehow. It isn't a surprise to hear it, despite the fact that it should be, given Hubert had no way of knowing such a thing.]
I wasn't aware of your fondness for tactics.
[Which... is sort of true, in that he hadn't realized it despite this weird sense of deja vu, as though somehow he did actually know this. Even as he says it, Hubert looks unsure, as if that isn't quite the response he wanted - or maybe it isn't the right response at all.
He shakes his head as if to clear it. This isn't getting him anywhere.]
Will it suitably occupy you until you're free to return to the battlefield?
[...which is probably the most stunted way he could have put that, but alright.]
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And if it doesn't?
[And yet, those damning words leave him before he can take them back. His empty chest feels a phantom tightness, and his tone almost seems...amused.]
Do you intend to do anything more about it?
[He hopes Hubert doesn't. (He hopes Hubert does, gods, give him more of an excuse--)]
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[Though whether that's on the battlefield in the immediate future or not is up in the air.]
I thought it best to at least provide you with some form of entertainment, but I won't stop you, should you decide you know better than the healers.
[Perhaps if things were different, he would. Some small part of him wonders if this is the right call, if maybe he should intervene more - if not for their healers, then for Lif himself. But...
But nothing. Lif is hardly a replacement for Lady Edelgard (and such a thought is an insult to them both) and Hubert won't consider it any further. Lif will do what he wants in the end, and Hubert doubts he has the power to truly stop him even if he wanted to.]
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...And yet...]
Some might accuse you of growing soft-hearted, Vestra. [...] But...I suppose I can refrain, for the time being.
[He doesn't want to. But maybe getting caught up in sentiment, just this once, will actually benefit him. He'll at least start to struggle his way back, but...]
...Thank you. You did not have to go out of your way like that.
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You don't need to thank me for that... but I'll accept it regardless.
[He watches Lif for a moment to make sure that he'll actually be able to make it back. You going to be okay, or do you need a hand...]
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[It probably doesn't help that he doesn't have Éljúðnir to support himself--damn Sigurd for thinking to confiscate that from him. But while Lif can give thanks, asking for help is a whole different beast.
Please help, this is pathetic...the bed's at least several feet away, given that it was supposed to be a deterrent to keep him there.]
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Then they won't question this.
[C'mon, Lif, give him your arm. He is not accepting no for an answer. He's going to help you back to bed whether you want him to or not.]
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W-What are you--
[It's an unintentionally startled voice that Hubert gets at that--rude, he's supposed to be the one who shocks and scares people??? He doesn't protest being helped back to bed, at least, though he just. Very pointedly is going to ignore how almost gallant that was of Hubert.
Dear gods, feelings are a mistake and that just proves it. Eternally. At the very least, Lif can get himself laid back down easily, but the glow on his face is certainly dulled from it's usual and he's not looking at Hubert.]
...Thank you. For your assistance. [...] Don't forget to get some rest yourself, Vestra.
[So I don't have to worry, Lif wants to say, but he won't. of course he won't say that much.]
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You don't need to worry yourself over me.
[But with that said he does hold up a hand in farewell.]
Do try not to trouble the healers too much.
[And with that, he takes his leave; though this wasn't exactly what he was expecting when he entered the infirmary, he leaves it feeling satisfied. At the very least Lif will hopefully stay put for now... even if Hubert has more questions than answers at this point. Still, he doesn't intend to remain awake for much longer - so even though he didn't say it, he'll be sure to get some rest as well.]