(open | november log)

[fulgency]

Who: Ozymandias + you (some closed starters as well)
When: Noveuer
Where: Aefenglom (Residential, Aristocratic, and Entertainment Districts), Mhysadei (farmland beyond the Wall), & the Wilde
What: Ozymandias starts surveying and problem-solving for the issues of overcrowding in the Residential District, suffers tea time with old rich women, and tries to do his best taking care of a farm that was left behind. He also has some private 1:1 chats with some folks.
Warnings: Animal death (via hunting) with the Wilde prompt; will update as needed

residential district | aristocratic district | entertainment district (closed) | mhysadei + the wilde
((ooc: feel free to riff off any of the open prompts if you would like. if you need/want to run something by me before you do that, you can either pm this journal or shoot me a message on plurk [rebreather]. same goes with if you would like to have a private starter!))

Comments

Purramid Cafe, late month

[bloodypath]

[An individual like Hubert von Vestra did not seem like he belonged in a place like Purramid Cafe. Tall, grave, gaunt, and always sternly dressed like he were attending a funeral (or planning someone else's...), the cats and pleasant décor and pastries seemed like an utterly ill fit for him.]

[And yet, he quietly visited the little shop with some frequency, always ordering a black coffee with nothing to eat and sitting outside away from the kittens, and on occasion, escorted the young Leslie to or from her work, when he wasn't shadowing Edelgard through various activities. Despite his severe demeanor, he was always perfectly polite, if not warm.]

[Which marked today as different. As statuesquely stoic as Hubert tended to be, there was something... particularly dour about him, even by the mage's typical standards. A sharper furrow of his brow, a sunkenness to his eyes, a harsh set to his mouth in place of the usual strictly-polite smile.]

[He waits patiently to the side of the counter, hands folded behind his back and a waterproof folio clutched in his fingers and droplets of rain drying on his cloak, until Ozymandias was finished with the present customers.]

Pharaoh Ozymandias. If I might have a minute of your time.

[fulgency]

[To say that Ozymandias is familiar with Hubert would be a bit of a stretch in the definition of the word. While he is not particularly a stranger to Ozymandias–as he does always seem to be lurking about on one occasion or another–the two rarely ever do speak in the absence of Edelgard or Leslie, limited to polite conversation rather than anything at length. And so although it does not cross his expression, Ozymandias is a bit surprised to have Hubert beckon him independent of the aforementioned company. He takes stock of the other as he offers a nod.]

Of course.

[It's difficult for Ozymandias to gauge what might need a minute of his time beyond that it is serious. Although Ozymandias cannot say he's ever witnessed the Hubert be anything but, it seems a bit more than that by his expression. And so, Ozymandias steps around the counter, giving a light motion to follow. Despite approaching him here, Ozymandias would wager that Hubert would prefer a bit more privacy than nearby the counter offers. He leads them to the back where one employee is in the process of preparing meals for the sphinxes. They turn to look at both Ozymandias and Hubert when they enter.]

Help them out there. I'll finish this. [There is some hesitation as they are very nearly done, but they wipe their hands with the towel on their waist and nod before scurrying out. Ozymandias waits until the door has swung shut before directing his attention back to Hubert.] Now then, what is it that has you seeking an audience with me?

[bloodypath]

[Patient as always, steady as always. He doesn't speak further until the door is firmly at rest before carrying on, posture rigid and straight; his tone is likewise mellow, and far too evenly formal.]

I've come to inform you that Her Majesty, and General Eisner if you were familiar, are no longer in the realm of Geardagas. [Hubert produces that waterproof folio from behind his back, offering it.] Seeing as you were her closest collaborator within the Mirrorbound council, I was of the mind to present you with Her Majesty's work on her motions and projects. I've also amended them with additional thought she and I had discussed, but not yet added to her notes.

Given the frequency of your collaboration, I trust you will do right by them.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias makes no immediate motion to accept the folio from Hubert as fragments of conversation pass through his mind at the news. He thinks little of their work together for the moment–though it shall certainly come to him eventually with their most recent collaboration now to be left unfinished–and more of her request of what would be done with her young ward, the girl that Ozymandias himself cannot help but think of as a daughter. While this news may be of a disappointment to him, he cannot help but immediately find it to be likely devastating to her.]

[His brow begins to furrow before he accepts the folio and he speaks with the sort of evenness one would anticipate from a monarch used to receiving such news.]

I shall see to it that her great works are brought to fruition. Thank you, Hubert. [And yet, even in the absence of some great surge of emotion, it is likely plain that it is hardly Ozymandias' focus at the present moment. He's quicker to ask,] What of Leslie?

[bloodypath]

[And there it was. Hubert had been expecting this. He inhales quietly, resettling his hands behind his back.]

She took to the news as well as could be expected, all considered, but it is giving her difficulty. [Who could fault her? Leslie and Edelgard had connected in a way beyond words, and Hubert's sympathy rings wearily in the hollow left by a severed Bond.]

She has elected to continue residing with me. I... am aware I cannot be what Her Majesty was, but she is still Lady Edelgard's ward. I will ensure Leslie's safety and essential needs so long as she will have my guardianship.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias draws a careful breath, jaw clenching for the briefest of moments. What child can ever say that they are prepared to say goodbye to their mother? Never mind a child who has lived far too much of it without love and kindness as Leslie has. He can scarcely imagine the weight that must now reside within that young girl's heart over this loss.]

Then I hope you might tell Leslie on my behalf that she may take the time she needs before returning to work. [As much as Ozymandias would like to think something like that was plain and obvious, he knows Leslie well enough to know that she probably needs such blatant permission to allow herself the time away.] And I hope you will not take it as an insult or questioning your abilities, but I would like to remain informed of her well-being. That child is as dear to me as my own.

[bloodypath]

[Hubert lays one hand across his chest, affecting as much of a bow as the space between them would allow without intruding on personal bubbles.]

Of course; such is simple enough on both accounts. Do not be surprised if you find her here soon, however; despite her youth, Leslie seems to be growing into the sort of individual that find solace in busy hands. [And the desperate need to please others and meeting their expectations, but. That was a different can of worms.]

[fulgency]

[As so often seems to be the case with those raised as heir apparent. Even if Leslie was not to inherit a land over which to rule, Ozymandias would find it difficult to believe that her upbringing with Edelgard did not involve some degree of such education and training.]

If that is to be the case, then we shall no doubt welcome her back. [Because Ozymandias would frankly be a hypocrite if he did not allow Leslie to do as much.] But I shall not permit her to be here so long as her reasoning is to avoid displeasing me or anyone else.

[bloodypath]

Fair terms. I'll see to it that she understands them.

[A phantom ache gnaws at the back of Hubert's mind, along with all the other tasks he had to set about in the wake of Edelgard's departure. Two less people meant less to do, but also, fewer people to take up tasks.]

Is there anything else you would like me to pass to her?

[fulgency]

Only my affection and condolences. And that she should desire my company, she need not ask.

[Not that there were many times that Ozymandias would not drop everything for Leslie should she ever have such a need for him, but it is especially true at a time like this. Which is perhaps why he also adds,]

Should either of you have need of anything, do not hesitate to make such a request.

[Ozymandias holds no expectations that Hubert will ever take him up on that for himself. They are not particularly close to one another, after all. But it is a lot to manage suddenly becoming head of a household while balancing the grief Ozymandias does not doubt is felt with Edelgard and Byleth's departures. So even if he will not consider it for himself, he trusts that Hubert would for Leslie's sake if he felt it appropriate.]

[bloodypath]

Very well. I shall consider your offer.

[Consider, and likely reject unless it was for Leslie's sake. Hubert was reluctant to accept help even from those closest to him in his own matters.]

Then if you have nothing further to add, I'll take my leave with Her Majesty's projects in like-minded hands; I've much to do. Do not disappoint her intentions.

[Not that Hubert was involved enough in the politics of his world to call Ozymandias on it if he did, nor was Edelgard present to witness any warping of her ideas, but... well, it's the principle of the matter.]

[fulgency]

[Under other circumstances, Ozymandias might find the last of Hubert's words to be insulting for one reason or another. But given the recent loss, he does not take any offense. He understands the desire to be protective of someone's legacy, and sees it as a great mark of Hubert's loyalty to Edelgard.]

Of course. Do not let me keep you. I trust you can find your way out.

[Ozymandias nods in the direction of the nearly-assembled meals for the sphinxes that he said he would finish.]

[bloodypath]

[Hubert offers a prim, business-like bow with his hand over his chest again. ]

Of course.

[And with nothing left to add, he takes his leave.]