#yeeeeah I latched onto the Faramir and Denethor stuff

[talesofourworlds]

Loose notes on the Graces AU my rewatch of RotK inspired.

So in this AU, Asbel doesn’t try to become a knight. He doesn’t like the idea of becoming lord any more than he does in canon but Aston *really* favors Asbel over Hubert and eventually Asbel just decides to begrudgingly go along with what his dad wants. He hates that Aston doesn’t treat Hubert well and tries to get their dad to ease up, but even agreeing to accept his birthright doesn’t do Asbel any favors in buttering up their dad. He becomes a skilled fighter, his style influenced by his old desire to become a knight, and the people of Lhant really love him.

Hubert, because Asbel accepts his birthright, doesn’t end up being adopted out to the Oswells. He knows it isn’t what Asbel wanted deep down, but fully supports his big brother as Aston trains him to take over as lord one day. He becomes all the more interested in sailing and also longs to fight alongside Asbel. He develops his own fighting style influenced by a comic he loved as a child and grows into a skilled fighter too. But nothing Hubert does ever pleases Aston. And he knows it. But the people of Lhant love Hubert and his accomplishments.

Hubert often accompanies Asbel on trips and helps him in battles they face with the Fendel forces. However, when they reach their respective ages in Graces canon Asbel gets sent alone to Windor to seek aid from the king as Fendel attacks on Lhant get worse. Hubert remains and takes a group to try and reclaim territory further out that was lost. When he does make it back home, though, Hubert is met with tragedy.

Asbel was unable to get aid from the king of Windor (undecided on if Richard takes the throne in this AU or if it’s Cedric in the throne.) Not only that, but Asbel was able to get home much sooner and was present for a battle that took place not far from Lhant Hill. He was slain in the battle while trying to protect some of their allies. (Sophie? Cheria? Undecided as of now) Hubert of course is devastated by the loss of his older brother, but still tries to be there for Aston. Aston, however, does not receive Hubert well. Hubert was only partly successful in reclaiming land, and of course he isn’t Asbel. He isn’t his father’s perfect son.

And as attacks from Fendel get worse, Hubert continues to do what he can for his homeland. But it still isn’t good enough for Aston. And Hubert even speaks with Aston on this point at some point. Asking if Aston wishes Hubert had died instead of Asbel.

And Aston says yes. He does wish this.

Hubert throws himself into doing all he can for Lhant after this. Risking life and limb for a father that will never see him as anything more than the lesser of his two sons. Because he loves his country, even if his father doesn’t love him.