Hubert von Vestra (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bloodypath) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
middaeg2019-10-21 06:48 pm
bloodypath) wrote in middaeg2019-10-21 06:48 pm
Entry tags:
[Closed]
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.
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.
no subject
"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?"
no subject
"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.
no subject
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."
no subject
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."
no subject
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..."
no subject
"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?"
no subject
"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.
no subject
"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.
no subject
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."
no subject
"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 subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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..."
no subject
"As I said. It should be a trifle. When are you expecting to make a selection?"
no subject
They do have this wonderful new bond to explore.
no subject
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?"
no subject
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.
no subject
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?"
no subject
She rose, smiling still.
"Yes, I think we should."
no subject
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.
no subject