#from the shadows 𝖝 ic.

[cremisii]

so much for ' getting to know his students ', hubert gives him the impression he far prefers the reason of magic rather than the faith.

jakob digs his fork into the slice of cake, and takes a bite. the company is a strange one, he feels as if he should not be sitting here. alas, he has already sat down - and it was commonplace for professors to eat with those of their house.

"lady edelgard seems impressive," jakob sets the cutlery down. "i look forward to her walking in the footsteps of lord corrin. perhaps she'll come to emulate his success?"

it is a passive comment. he knows hubert will dislike it.

jakob sips his tea. so long as one understands the pecking order, he does not mind. "which is beyond achievable . . . so, i'm looking forward to seeing her aim for it."

The professors assigned to the Black Eagles House are varied in skill and talent. He has not yet had the misfortune of class with Professor Jakob, and as he opens his mouth to speak Hubert finds that he will not seek out his expertise on any subject.

His muscles tense. A passive aggressive remark on his own skills is something he can ignore, however a comment of this magnitude aimed at Lady Edelgard should not be left unchallenged.

A soft huff -- almost a chuckle -- escapes his lips. "Lady Edelgard needs no one to follow," he says, and looks up at the professor with narrowed eyes. "She can design her own path and carve out her place within this world. She has no equal, and does not need someone else to emulate."

He places his fork down on his napkin. "A shame that this obscure figure you speak of -- Lord Corrin -- needed someone else to design his path for him. Perhaps if he'd had a better hands to guide and support him, he would have been more of a visionary. A failing, perhaps, on his most trusted confidantes."

[cremisii]

Hubert watches his expression, and holds the tome open in his hand. His eyes narrow, and he begins to cast.

One after another the balls of Miasma cast into the lake, dissipating before they can ripple off into the water and cause harm. He does not aim anything at Louis, as that would be a distinctly unfair advantage; Hubert at least has clothes upon his back, whereas Louis is exposed without any means of protection.

The spell spreads out in a sea of shining iridescent purple and Hubert looks upon it with a self satisfied smile. "Consider not bathing here for the next few minutes. If you are as weak to magic as you claim, it will probably make you sick."

He turns, looks at Louis for a moment. Strange, that he feels less on edge around him now than he had just ten minutes prior. It does not matter.

"If you would like to see something else, consider keeping your eyes fixed upon me," he says, and looks to the sky. He reaches up and twists, his thumb moving outwards as his pinky reaches inwards. He holds the book, and casts light so bright into the sky.

It's beautiful, but Hubert does not think of that. He thinks about the dark magic that surges through him tome, through his fingers and his bones. He closes his eyes and lets the feeling wash over him.

thats not orange

[cremisii]

"Threatening them does nothing but rise the tensions."

Hubert stands back behind Corrin and looks down at the sword that is unceremoniously standing upright between them. He almost rolls his eyes, but that too would be counterproductive. "You are speaking in hypotheticals, Lord Corrin. Give them an answer that they can go home with tonight, or suffer consequences."

He is growing irritated, slowly allowing it to bloom in his chest. If there is not a choice made soon, he will leave, and allow Corrin to deal with this on his own.

It will be unfortunate to report back that the mission was failed, but if that is what he must do, then he will. He has offered his council and sees no way through but with one party utterly destroyed.

Mister Clean Was My Father. Call Me Clean.

Authority +1

[cremisii]

Hubert followed Petra, acting as a shadow for a could-be assassin. He thinks of her in this way; she may not be an equal to Lady Edelgard, and to expect her to be would be to hold her to an unreachable standard, however he finds her to be competent in her own right.

As she suggested earlier, if these ghosts -- or whatever they are -- are corporeal, they'd better pray to whatever goddess they believed in that Petra is merciful. Their other option was Hubert, who certainly would not be.

Petra moved deliberately, her eyes scanned the ground and saw things that Hubert would not. His forte did not involve tracking in the least, but he could appreciate her skills and see how they were useful. He watched as she looked at him, her expression troubled, and he considered.

"If not spirits, then it would appear your skillset will be of use today. Of course, I can always provide a necessary backup. I'll defer to your judgement."

He looked down at the tracks and once again determined he could not make sense of them. "Then it begs the question of what you do believe did this?"

He does not wait for an answer, instead touches the cool stone of the statue, searching along its cracks for an answer ...

perception roll: 1d20=4

... and finds nothing amiss.

mm, freaky man-baby

[cremisii]

The way that Prince Dimitri held himself was, Hubert had to admit, impressive. He looked more as if he could be Lady Edelgard's equal, though the thought was immediately banished as soon as it entered his mind. Regardless, he was looking more a proper leader, one that Hubert would be able to respect. Indeed, he had to give credit to the church in that they were correct to send the both of them for this mission.

He watched with narrowed eyes ( though, expression not judgmental ) between the alderman and the prince. He considered the situation and spoke.

"That is indeed a reasonable approach. If it is satisfactory to my companion, then I believe we will need to be on our way."

Hubert looked at Prince Dimitri for confirmation -- though his mind was made up already. This was the best either of them could ask for, and he felt that this was the ideal path forward. He'd known this mission was likely to take a while; such complicated affairs could not be settled in a matter on minutes.

He did not need to think about who lived or who died, only on how to complete this mission as it was assigned to them: stop a war before it breaks out. He took the paper and folded it to place in his breast pocket, knowing Dimitri would more than likely want to read it later. "If you will allow us two days' grace, we will have your summit scheduled."

A short amount of time, but time that they might very well need. Urgency often made for agreeable responses, a given timeline on when to expect an outcome. It also ensured that neither Hubert nor Prince Dimitri wasted any time.

"We should take our leave."

for my enemies, salt.

[cremisii]

Why would he waste his time with such frivolities? Hubert has no interest in partaking in this summer treat: he is here for other reasons. Namely he is here to determine the precise motives for this inexplicable pop-up business. Why is it so secretive? Why is it so elusive?

Something is wrong. And he will determine exactly what before handling it as he sees appropriate.

His eyes are narrowed and his body cloaked despite the warm temperature. He keeps to the back, watching and observing but not yet doing anything to draw attention to himself.

When another man speaks, Hubert looks over at him. More than likely a professor, but certainly not one of his. "I have not--"

His words are cut off by the loud bang that comes from the sign dismantling. Hubert stands tall, and quickly assesses the situation. It seems the only one with a modicum of sense is the man who had spoken, and so Hubert immediately barks out an order:

"With me, before he gets away. We will have our answers."

𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨

[cremisii]

Hubert would not have called himself a philanthropist. Not by the loosest definition, and certainly not for the people who surrounded the monastery. This did not mean that he was adverse to helping such individuals, it simply meant that he found no reason to go about with a generous and helpful demeanor.

But yet, here he was in this weaver's shop. There were children who were afraid, and while he did not feel pity for them he did feel a singular note of concern. And having seen the behavior of those who would use threats of violence and impose their power over a child --

( he does not think of her at this point. he shoves that out of his mind, lest anger rise like bile in his throat ; kidnapping and ripping a princess away from her family & most trusted servant. his very own bruised and bloodied hands and feet. distinct yelling and fighting and tearing at skin. hubert had felt like the entire world crumbled when he had been separated from his liege, and for three days he fought to make it back to her. )

-- made Hubert think twice about his inaction.

Still, the shadows were his home; they cradled him, bathed him in darkness. When his mercenary companion mentioned it he could only laugh.

"Would it not be a benefit to us to have the element of surprise in our arsenal?" he asked. "Though if you would prefer your mage be exposed to any attackers, then by all means. I never believed that Garreg Mach was teaching strategy properly."

the night starts here

[cremisii]

Hubert has already done work here. He's seen the white winged Reyson tend to the wounded, been intrigued by his magic, and settled himself into the role of 'quiet observer'. Nothing interesting to note during that communication, and he stays because curiosity is getting the better of him.

Hubert's connection to Micaiah has thus far been short-lived, though he cannot say he minds her at all; she, too, has a healing touch that perhaps is similar to his previous companion. He wonders how different faith magic is on other continents, and perhaps it is because he does not have a discerning eye that he is unable to tell different techniques apart.

( he does not, of course, know they come from very similar places indeed. )

He hums. Considers her words, and nods. "I suppose that would be for the best," he says, and looks out across over the disaster in front of them. He has no healing touch, not in the least -- his expertise can be used for other purposes. Good that Micaiah is able to recognize that.

"I'll converse with the others. You continue helping, and I will find you when I have discovered adequate information."

good cop bad cop but it's light mage dark mage

fracture / faith + 1

[cremisii]

Hubert knows who Claude is. Is there anyone within this monastery who does not? A very cunning figure if the rumors are to be believed, and the leader of the Golden Deer house. Of course such an individual would intrigue Hubert.

He has heard plenty of things about Claude. Both positive and negative. He is glad for a chance to learn firsthand which are true and which are not.

"Partially?" he asks, amused. Sure, he should have reached out to the other sooner rather than later, but he had things to attend to. If he were to admit it, he would see that Claude also much have been overwhelmed with work.

Well, no matter.

"Three different elixirs and poisons, hm?" he repeats. "I'm interested to know what your experience with these are. If you are at all adept at even one of them, surely this will go by without issue. If you do not, however..."

He takes the paper from Claude and looks down at it with narrowed eyes. This is not altogether that difficult, he finds, and when he looks back up he almost smiles.

"Even then, this will not be difficult. Let's get to work."

sometimes friendship is a 6'1 goth guy and his emotional support gremlin

[cremisii]

Hubert watches Louis with a deep frown upon his face.

These quizzes... false things that they are, they have exposed him in a way that makes Hubert uneasy. Hubert would not consider himself knightly -- and to liken his relationship with Lady Edelgard to one of a mere princess and knight is to diminish her importance in the greater scheme of things. Ha! He could not be someone so chivalrous, he would be the one who casts his dark magics and poisons those who dare to go against his Lady's will. He would cast his own life aside tenfold in order to protect the will of the future Emperor.

There certainly is nothing knightly about that.

And: to consider what a soul mate needs to be -- that's not possible! He does not need a single individual, because no one would ever be as dedicated as he is to his cause. He has no time for this nonsense.

"I..."

His cheeks redden and he stands, eyes narrowed as if trying to hide the embarrassment behind them. "Your quizzes are incorrect. My lucky color cannot be orange, because I do not own a single article of clothing that is that color. I will go where I please, and if I need to converse with those in the rain I will do so."

He huffs, and having nothing to say, he turns on his heel. "I hope you have all the information you need for your faux project. You will not best me next time, I assure you."

He leaves the papers in Louis' care. "I will take my leave. Farewell."

end !

goth girl instagram aesthetic vs my cottagecore tumblr girlie aesthetic who wins?

[cremisii]

It has taken him much too long to find Lady Edelgard.

Such tardiness is not to be permitted, and though Hubert has been indisposed as of late, he cannot say that this negates his duties and forgives him his transgressions. He feels unease when he is away; it reminds him too much of the separation wherein Lord Arundel had stolen the princess from her home, and Hubert had been powerless to stop it.

Such memories are not ones he wishes to dwell on. There are more important matters at hand, besides.

This is nothing like when they were children. Hubert has enough agency to return when he is away, and Lady Edelgard has a brilliant mind that can make use of Hubert's particular skillset. He is at her beck and call, willing to do whatever she needs at a moment's notice.

He finds her when it is getting dark. The sky up above does not look correct to Hubert, and he notes this for later. There has been much that he has missed. This is one of the least of his concerns.

Moving out of the shadows as if he is made of the same fabric that belongs to the darkness, he settles by her side in silence.

"Lady Edelgard. I apologize for keeping you."

@hresvelged

𝖉𝖚𝖙𝖞 𝖎𝖘 𝖓𝖔 𝖒𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓.

[cremisii]

Hubert does not understand the lyrics. The language that's sung is beautiful, no doubt, and incredibly haunting; it is something that he will look up later when he has a spare moment. For now, though, he continues to look at him and study the way the magic flows through him.

"Interesting," he says, under his breath. Sharp eyes flick up to meet the healer's and he bows his head in agreement.

"That might be a place where my skills are better suited. I will leave the finer details to you, then," he agrees. He gives the man one last once-over, considering the physical changes to both him and his associates, and then turns to leave Reyson to his work.

end!

𝖆 𝖋𝖆𝖑𝖘𝖊 𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖒𝖎𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓.

[cremisii]

Upon arriving in the Kingdom of Faerghus, it is evident that those tasked with guarding its borders are pleased to see Blue Lions students coming to help bolster their efforts. Many of the border guards are convinced that the turmoil in neighboring regions will cause criminals to be deported and instead sent to Faerghus, upending what peace they have left. Before you can make it much farther into the Kingdom, they persuade you (quite forcefully) to help fortify their defense. [Grants Heavy Armor +1]

This should not be something that he is assigned to complete, and yet here he is. He is becoming sick of being sent away on church sanctioned missions that by all rights he should not involve himself with. However, according to a certain professor inclined to use his status as faculty over Hubert, it appears that he does not have a choice in this matter.

He hopes to make this quick. These fools seem more concerned with that which is happening outside their walls rather than what is in it, and he knows that what happens within Faerghus is just as -- if not moreso -- uneasy.

With arms crossed he leans against the stone wall, his eyes surveying the scene in front of him. As a Black Eagles student he does not intend to help fortify as much as they would like him to, but he will find a way to keep busy. If nothing else, he might be able to figure out what exactly they are so afraid of.

His gaze flicks over to the professor who forced him on this little field trip. Having obvious skill with reason magic ( and with the lack of magically inclined students in the Blue Lions ) made him a prime target for the little foray.

"Professor Perceval," he says, and looks at him through his hair. "You do not expect me to assist with these menial tasks, do you? I feel I have done enough to assist a house I am not a part of."

@genrali

𝖙𝖚𝖗𝖒𝖔𝖎𝖑 𝖔𝖋 𝖋𝖆𝖊𝖗𝖌𝖍𝖚𝖘

[RECOVERY] Heavy Armor +1 w/Perceval

[cremisii]

Seminars are encouraged at the monastery. They help others learn from their peers while strengthening friendship at the same time. Well… most seminars. This seminar, on the other hand, is on… the basis of keeping one’s composure? That’s what the paper says, after all. “Learn how to withstand interrogations that may test your emotional and physical strength.” What wasn’t included in the description was that the instructor would attack you the moment you arrived at the meeting place! By their words, they’ll chase you and your partner through a booby-trapped forest to raise the tension, but if you’re caught… Well, they only smile at you and count down. [Grants Sword +1]

He's not the worst at running, but it certainly was not in his plans for today. His hands are thrumming with magic; he wants to aim it backwards towards the instructor, but he has long since heard only silence behind him. He slows, but hears a crack and footsteps approach him from the left.

He holds Miasma in his hands and whips towards the sound. It is not the man who was chasing him ( with his some strange and perverse way of testing Hubert's wits ) but a sickly looking figure with a hood pulled over his head.

"You are aware that there is a man in these woods, determined to slaughter anyone who might get in his path?"

He lowers his tome. "Perhaps we are better suited for this death maze with a companion. Let us make haste."

He does not bother to ask him to join.

@pryings

call me katniss the way the faculty at this institution put me in the hunger games.

[RECOVERY] - Sword+1 w/Knoll

[cremisii]

Someone - or something - has been disturbing graves in the monastery’s graveyard. The knights are busy with preparations for the monastery’s defenses, and so patrols to the site have not been a priority. If you have some rare free time, would you bring peace back to these departed souls? Then find the culprit, even if it means having to spend the night surrounded by the dead.

He blended in well to these scenes. Darkness, nighttime, graves and the dead; Hubert was a dark mage, and with all that dark magic pent up inside he was apt to dwell in these sorts of scenes. Volunteering to take this night shift was not an act of philanthropy, however. He had chosen to do so because he wished to stay up late and use that time to think.

The bonus of catching someone in the act of vandalism was a potential benefit to his plan.

He stood there, amongst the tombstones and the trees, his narrowed eyes focused on the dancing and flickering darkness. He considered to himself the likelihood of discovering anyone this deep into the night; his eyes were sharp, focused, and could easily spot changes in the terrain, but that did not mean he would see everything.

But, hold: a figure in the distance. As he made his way across the graveyard he kept silent, wishing to approach without being seen first.

As the figure came into focus he laughed a little under his breath. He did not believe Prince Dimitri to be the culprit, but that did not mean that he would extend that grace to him aloud.

"Your Highness," he said, and slipped into cold indifference as he revealed himself. "I hadn't thought you capable of such acts of utter villainy, yet here you are."

@blaiddllodi

𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 ;

[cremisii]

Days pass and the strange tears in the sky have not yet closed up. In fact, they seem to be growing larger, or maybe your mind is playing tricks on you. When you find yourself with a free day, you decide to gather a reliable companion or two to climb the tallest point you can find and try to get a better look at what lies on the other side.

Perhaps he should be more wary than he is. The holes in the sky are not something he would expect, as not many expect holes in the sky to simply open up. He does not even for a moment believe that his mind is playing a trick on him; his connection to reality is sound, whole, and unbothered. Others might have fleeting thoughts of insanity but as one that is loyal to Lady Edelgard, it is imperative that his body and mind be intact.

Thusly, he is more curious than cautious.

He does not attend faith lectures as much as he should. Yet he has seen Professor Deirdre around these halls, and has deemed her presence one that is undeniably beneficial to the success of the Black Eagles House. He approaches her, hands behind his back, and tilts his head.

"Professor," he says in a tone low enough that one would need to strain to hear. "It seems you're unoccupied at present. Would you care to come with me for a moment?"

@nagaficat

𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖘𝖐𝖞 𝖌𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖘 𝖈𝖔𝖑𝖉𝖊𝖗.