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Who: Hubert and Edelgard
When: Oct. 16th
Where: Coven
What: Bonding
Warnings: None

They had spoken of Bonding so clinically. They both had to find one eventually; it wasn't without benefits, and there was no shortage of trust between vassal and liege. Why should they wait until misfortune struck? Aside from Hubert's paranoid concern of the Bond being potentially exploited, they had no objections.

Hubert wasn't entirely without apprehension, if he was honest. Though his life was already tied to Edelgard's, though they knew each other nearly as well as they knew themselves, he worked best with distance. There was a difference between promising to keep no secrets from her and... occasionally failing to mention things. Distance allowed him to separate the important from the unimportant, his work in the shadows from that in the light, the logical from the emotional.

The Bond was... the complete and utter opposite of all that.

They'd been waiting for some time in the morning. In the aftermath of the fog, the Coven was completely overwhelmed between the injured and legal issues and whatnot. Keeping staff on hand to work the Bonding ritual wasn't a priority.

Hubert practiced simple exercises while he waited in the comfortable silence. He focused on the little orb of mist swirling in his palm, carefully sculpting it into different shapes with his will and the occasional gesture.

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Likewise, the acute awareness of the ebb and flow of Edelgard's confidence distracts him as he follows along. It's something he would've known regardless, both from their familiarity and her body language, but not-quite experiencing it secondhand is something Hubert never would have imagined possible.

Just what else was the odd magic in this world capable of?

Hubert's thoughts turn inward, idly musing about the nature of the Bond as they walked. The cold analytics of his mind examined it the best he was able, sharply noting the difference between Bonded and the lack thereof while the sensation was still fresh and alien. He still wondered about potential exploitation, but it was just that: wonder and scrutiny, rather than actual worry.

As they drew closer to the cafe, he noted a sheltered table—prudent, probably, with how intermittent the rains have been. Hubert drew a few cunes into his palm.

"The bergamot, or something else today?" Or earl grey—whatever name it bore here. The similarities between the two teas surprised him, considering how different the two worlds were.

Walking silently is something that they've never really struggled to do. Edelgard stayed close, not surprising, but as they walked and she turned her consideration inward, the more pleased she grows. It's a quiet sort of pleasure, a delight both girlish and adult at knowing what her companion is thinking almost as he is thinking it. Strange it may be, but a marvelous kind of strange.

Have I ever felt this tied to anyone? she muses. The answer is simply no. Not her father, not the Professor, nor any of their siblings or classmates. It was easy to see why people did this, too. She felt warmer, more grounded, and stronger than she had in days. There was fatigue, certainly, but not so much that she felt weary.

His question has her tilting her head. Was that a guess or...no probably, because she hadn't thought of tea yet.

"Yes. I think so. And a dark roast coffee for you?"

She didn't mind coffee so much, but she never had his particular fondness for the bitter drink either.

He hums a note of confirmation.

"I'll return shortly, then."

Hubert slips inside the little shop. They have more than enough money to be bothered by a small expense like this—as long as they didn't do so too often. It's in his nature to budget extremely conservatively, with what he considered the "emergency" fund making up a bulk of that budget.

He returns soon, easily balancing the two cups and a small plate with two slices of a bread with dried fruit pieces in it. The elderly woman behind the counter insisted they try it. It sounded like the sort of thing Edelgard might enjoy, anyway.

"Thank you."

Edelgard makes her way over to the covered table he'd noted earlier, settling herself there and running through her thoughts once more. And following him in her mind's eye, feeling him ebb as he drew further apart, and come pouring back as he returned to her side.

Her eyes light up a little at the sight of the bread, interest clearly there.

"Are those apricots baked inside?" she asks, curious.

"Indeed. Compliments of the owner."

Hubert chuckles softly, taking his mug in hand and leaning back in the chair. That sudden spark of interest that wasn't his was the most novel thing.

"From a tree she cultivates herself in a greenhouse. She seems quite convinced it will keep customers returning."

"Oh excellent. I hope they are good."

She plucks one off the tray and takes a bite, savoring the squish of fruit in her mouth. Her teeth weren't bothering her as much, but it was still not a perfect thing, and the chewy feeling helped alleviate a little of the pressure.

"She's not wrong. These are nice. A good compliment to the tea, though, I don't know about coffee."

She doesn't drink it enough to really know.

"Perhaps; it's difficult to say. I don't particularly care for sweeter things."

He isn't really interested in 'his piece,' but it was easier to accept it than fight the little old businesswoman over it. If nothing else, Edelgard could eat it later. He turns his attention out to the city, watching the morning light filter through breaks in the looming clouds.

"This part of the city doesn't seem too affected by the chaos. Probably its proximity to the Coven."

"Probably. They were very efficient at defending their own space."

She did not particularly care for how the Coven handled some things, that most of all. It was troublesome, how unprepared they had been for the chaos, and her emotions rankle inside without her meaning to show such.

"I broke up several gangs of looters personally," she says with a note of resignation, "and several attempts on refugees as well. I wonder if the mists brought that out, or if the city's tensions are boiling over."

"Is anything ever so simple as to have one root cause?"

Hubert took a cautious drink of the coffee—it wasn't quite how he was used to it, but it was close enough—and extended his hand over the table. The mist orb slowly swirls into existence once more as Hubert begins to run through his exercises again.

"The city is fracturing, pulled in all directions by assailants on every side. Small influences build like sediment, paving the way for larger floods."

They didn't have to be more experienced Mirrorbound to see that much, though the nuances might be lost on them.

"Mmm."

She nods her agreement, lifting the cup of tea to her lips and sipping on it, letting the liquid run over her tongue and warm her. It was autumn, and she had never minded the chill, but it was a touch harder to rise in the mornings since her arrival. Things she pointedly was not thinking about.

"The people are struggling with all the upheavals, yes. Dorchacht blaring the trumpets of war not that long ago, refugees arriving to escape a resistance there...to say nothing of us, the strange dreams, and the encroaching infection. Ill tidings in already troubled times, I agree. and little recourse for us to alter their opinions as outsiders. I wonder if the Coven and Parliament think as they do."

"Considering that the Coven is our sponsor, and most immediately benefits from our presence... unlikely. I expect the Parliament to sit halfway between the Coven and people."

He ought to be more concerned about the timebomb of the city's situation, but... in a way, it felt like more of the same, almost a continuation of their status quo of the last five years. Well, with one key difference. The corner of his mouth quirks of slightly, an odd mood flickering through him that falls just short of amused.

"It's... strange, not being privy to the finer machinations of local politics." Or having a hand in it. "I haven't been this uninvolved since I was a child."

"I feel likewise. I was not as close to the day to day politics as you, but intrigues have been our lives for a long time."

She mirrors his amusement, happy to not be the only one that feels a touch out of sorts. Just a touch, but it is odd. And a little refreshing, too.

"It's almost as though our lives are our own, for a time. I had not thought to see that day soon."

"Mm, if Your Majesty insists so," he says, in his usual dry tongue-in-cheek manner.

A novel concept—Hubert both looked forward to dealing with significantly fewer irritating people, but feared he wouldn't know what to do with himself. His life hasn't been his own in nearly twenty years, and it wasn't something he regretted even a shred.

Even now, there was much to do. Managing their shared home really wasn't terribly different from what he did before; though it was a dramatically smaller scale, there was far less he could delegate.

Until Edelgard pried the tasks from his hands, but that's beside the point.

"I'm thinking of adopting a familiar of some sort." His line of thought drew him to something else on his to-do list. "Since the Bond should mitigate any concerns of magical backlash, I see no point in forgoing an additional reservoir to draw from."

She would. Eventually. She was no better at remaining idle and she was already an inherently tidy person. Working with her hands would give her something good to do, and it would keep her occupied.

"A familiar?" she asks with a quirked brow. That didn't sound like a terrible idea, even without the practical aspect. It would give him something to care for, and also bring a little movement into their home.

"I can see the upsides, most definitely. What sort are you considering?"

As his thoughts turned towards animals, he decided to roll with it, carefully sculpting the swirling mist from its more boring shapes into that of an eagle. The more complex shape was fuzzier at the edges, but still distinctive.

"I haven't decided yet. I thought I'd be open to the possibilities, considering how... exotic some of the creatures here are, compared to Fódlan's."

Granted, most of those tended to be bigger, and he wasn't picking a turtleduck.

"That's understandable. There are quite a few strange creatures here..."

She remembers her flower-wolves after all. But, something does pop to mind at the sight of that eagle. The connection was a strange one, but Eagle and Lion.

"...Would you object strenuously to me getting a cat? Not as a familiar, obviously. But I would like one to take care of potential...rodent...problems. And I'm not certain I've ever asked if you were allergic to them."

"A cat?" That did make sense. Considering that this city was more populated and far denser than Enbarr... "No reason I can think to object."

Hubert's quite suddenly glad he'd decided to take over the cellar for his burgeoning alchemy lab, though he supposed a ward to repel a cat wouldn't have been too difficult.

"If I were allergic, I'm sure the Academy would've been far more unpleasant."

"Hah, true enough."

Though he'd never spent a lot of time around the animals, that she had noticed.

"Then, that is something I would like to do. It's important to keep our home rodent free."

A shiver of worry runs through her, at the thought, though it's brief.

"I know there are plenty of strays around, and given their nocturnal proclivities that I will soon share..."

It's still odd, feeling that shiver of worry run parallel to his sympathetic concern. Hubert makes an amused note, one that doesn't develop all the way into a chuckle.

"Strays, Lady Edelgard? Suffer not a rodent to live, but fleas are perfectly acceptable to invite in?" His mouth quirks up again, his voice taking a teasingly facetious turn. "Or is there some kinship to be found with their biting, as well?"

"They can be bathed," she retorts with a laugh and some real amusement.

"And it would be less expensive than buying one. Though, I suppose we have the cunes to get one from a shop."

It had been purely practical. But his amusement does push away that little bit of worry. Sometimes, it's good to be teased.

Edited 2019-10-30 05:58 (UTC)

The heavy armor specialist would make light of bathing cats.

"If you'd prefer to take charge of that, then do not let me stop you." Even if they both knew that if she asked, he really would bath the cat in question, even if he complained about it.

Hubert thoughtfully takes another drink of his coffee, the mist shape shifting to a feline. It's raw habit to break down benefits and drawbacks at this point, even to something so mundane.

"A stray would likely be the better hunter, but there's no guarantee it wouldn't roam away, or if it would be remotely agreeable. Fleas and other conditions are likely." He tilts his head during the brief pause. "You'd have a much better selection of healthy specimens from a shop, and probably your only choice if you want any degree of companionship from it."

Which... he honestly thought would do her good. Edelgard could benefit from a creature free of all social judgement, and one that would give her a chance to be a little softer, after everything she's hardened her heart for.

"Mmm."

Edelgard watches his mist-cat as she listens, quietly taking in his points as she always does. He is quite good at this, and he's clearly got a preference. His emotions give that away, but it's not that he's raising bad points.

"Yes, I suppose you are right on that. I will at least look into the shops and see if there's one that stands out."

She tilts her head to the side, giving him a slightly cheerful look.

"...Because I should like to have a companion."

Hubert's eyes flick up to meet hers; he smiles while holding her gaze for a moment, a rare one that touches the corners of his eyes.

"I don't expect finding you one will be difficult, Your Majesty."

The mist-cat curls back into a plain sphere at a twitch of his fingers, once again rotating through basic shapes.

"No?"

She sounds...and feels...even more amused. Tickled, even. Hubert's smiles were rare enough as it was.

"Have I a way with felines then?"

...She does, Hubert is most definitely a cat.

"Such wouldn't surprise me, given your multitude of admirable and expertly-honed talents, and your years of experience herding them. Surely our overly-qualified Emperor could find one suiting her exacting standards with ease."

It's not a difficult comparison to make, considering his nocturnal tendencies, ruthless and aloof nature, and perpetual alertness. Especially when he's doing the verbal equivalent of making eye contact and pointedly knocking something off the table.

"Oh...certainly. It's not as though I'm inexperienced. Keeping Bernadetta and Caspar in the same room during a meeting is a bit like that. To say nothing of others..."

In her mind, the image of Hubert flicking a tail back and forth comes through loud and clear.

"To say nothing of Annette and Linhardt..."

He chuckles.

"As I said. It should be a trifle. When are you expecting to make a selection?"

"Soon. Perhaps as soon as tomorrow. Today...I would rather spend with you."

They do have this wonderful new bond to explore.

Hubert blinks in surprise, the mist conjuration in his palm faltering as embarrassment flits through the Bond. He catches it quickly and it fades—not to hide it from their link, but to keep it distant from himself.

The whole day? That would be too much idleness for his tastes, but... considering that Edelgard had an undetermined amount of literal days left, he had no grounds to object. Besides, it wasn't as if the time would be unpleasant. His unending drive to be productive might itch at him, but it's a small discomfort to endure.

The mage closes his eyes for a brief moment, still smiling faintly. That warm regard, always at a constant low thrum in the back of his mind, grows a little brighter before it quiets again.

"Hah... Very well. What did you have in mind, Your Majesty?"

Ah yes, his drive to be doing things with his time. She could feel his embarrassment and his...yes, discomfort...that was discomfort...through their bond.

Setting down her cup, she leaned forward and smiled up at the blushing mage. That was a good look for him, she thought to herself, amused...but also with an idea in mind.

"I should like for us to begin scouting the city for ways to get out, outside of the main gates, for a start. In case there is trouble, knowing a way out is good. Also, I think there is a greenspace not too far from where that goblin market was set up. I'd like to head there and see if we can locate some herbs growing that might be useful for anything."

She really just wants to walk, get air, and enjoy the sun...but this is a way to keep him happy.

That amusement he felt in their Bond ran parallel to something sly, and it almost felt like he could abstractly track the thoughts as they formed. Even without that duality in the back of his mind, it wasn't the most convincing of reasoning—but it wasn't the worst, either. He appreciated the thought, anyway.

Hubert returns the smile, albeit a slighter one, far more composed than he'd been a moment ago. Perhaps because it was still so alien, Hubert wasn't sure if he'd ever get used to this... mental proximity.

"I see. We should be quite busy, then. The city is immense. Shall we get going?"

"Yes."

She rose, smiling still.

"Yes, I think we should."

He rose as well, deftly wrapping up the uneaten piece of fruit bread in a handkerchief and tucking it away in his coat. Hubert pauses just before stepping back out onto the street, considering Edelgard thoughtfully.

After a moment, the mage offers his arm with a quirk of his mouth. He'd play the part of companion, if it made his Emperor happy.

She takes his arm, wordlessly sliding into place with a soft chuckle. Yes, he knew what she wanted, he likely didn't even need the bond for that. But...she couldn't deny that she didn't want to be alone. Not now, or ever.

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