[ There are few things Dimitri truly hates about Enbarr; the first is the summer season.
Since marrying Edelgard, he's come to love the imperial capital almost as much as his own place of birth. The streets bustling with business, their colors so vibrant, their crops so rich and fragrant-- they must make for delectable dishes, he imagines. And the people, oh, those are his favorite. Whereas some may still eye him with suspicion, so many are simply curious, the concept of royalty -- hailing from Faerghus, no less -- walking among them still so foreign... Despite years of (an admittedly misguided) war, the people had never been his enemy, and he loved hearing both their anecdotal tales and their plight alike.
The children had their own way with making him feel less out of place, always so free to speak their truest minds-- and lacking just enough awareness of social positions to attach themselves to the soft cloak trailing behind the king. He supposes this, too, is lending him their kind assistance; layers of fur on top of a heavy suit of armor don't make for a very comfortable southern summer ensemble, now do they?
With a gentle pat on each head and a world of velvety blue that four tiny hands could barely hold, Dimitri sends them off back to their home, wondering a minute too late if their parents would presume the cloak to be the product of theft instead of a gift. Well. He's sure he can write them a letter and clear the incident up, though for now he can at least bask in the relative relief from the stifling heat.
Which leaves him with only the second of his southern foes: the unnerving shadow that tracks his moves, often without warning... or consent, really. ]
Do you truly intend to follow me all day, Hubert?
[ He doesn't turn, but it's said loud enough that it can reach its destination from whatever distance the man has decided to keep this time. ]
[Hubert appears from the shadows as an apparition might, only some twenty feet from where Dimitri stands. Despite the heat, he's clad in all black as usual, and seems to hardly be breaking a sweat. He's accustomed to it, much more so than Dimitri.]
I will only follow you for so long as you insist on traipsing about without your personal guard. Whether that is all day is up to you.
[He comes closer, unconcerned about the startled or suspicious looks of the commoners who give him a wide berth. He's not particularly amused by Dimitri's decisions on this day, and it's clear on his face.]
Need I remind you that our enemies are hardly vanquished? Enbarr is full of rats who thirst for Faerghan blood.
[ There are several points Dimitri could bring up in retort: that he is a skilled warrior and can keep himself safe; that he doesn't need a weapon to crush a man's skull; that this is hardly the first (nor, he imagines, the last) time Hubert stalks him down even within palace walls. However, they would, at best, sound confrontational, and at worst, a threat; none the course of action he would like to take.
So instead, what he offers is: ]
In that case, you may consider dealing with these rats my gift to you. For your amusement more so than my sake.
[ It's... said in as much good humor as he can muster, given what he knows of Hubert. He's in a light-hearted mood today and not about to let anyone ruin it! ]
At any rate, if you must come along, then I would much prefer if you would accompany me. [ You know, instead of following him like a creepy shadow? ] There is no reason we cannot walk side by side; you are no foe, after all.
[Well, he does like sticking rats, he can't deny that. But that isn't the only reason he follows Dimitri around.
He hadn't initially trusted Dimitri with Edelgard, constantly on alert for when their relationship would turn out to be a trap, or for the moment it would simply turn sour. That was why he often followed Dimitri, trying to gauge his true intentions.
In the end, he'd only been reassured that Dimitri's feelings for Edelgard were true... which had almost been worse, in a way. Because it meant he had to resign himself to his fate for good; always at Edelgard's feet and never at her side.
By now he's over it (mostly, anyway). Now his stalking of Dimitri really is more out of concern than malice; if something were happen to him, it would not be good for Edelgard or the union between their countries.
It's simply his duty.]
No, I am but your humble servant. [He gives a slight bow.] But if walking by your side is what you wish of me, I suppose I can indulge you.
[ The bow feels... well, not necessarily out of place, since Dimitri does understand the workings of servitude, but that doesn't mean he agrees with them, especially not so with closer relationships-- and sure, he may not be close with Hubert, but Edelgard is. He doubts she sees him as a servant any more than Dimitri regards Dedue as a vassal.
He also doubts pointing that out now would bear results, really. ]
Nonsense. [ Instead, he offers a frown, though his tone still rings light. ] You are the minister of the imperial household, and personal servant to the emperor. I am no emperor, but the king of Faerghus.
[ The king of Faerghus who happens to be married to the emperor of Adrestia, yes, and sure, he understands that technically does make him as much a part of the imperial household as Edelgard is queen consort in the Kingdom, so by extension and sheer technicality -- very technically!! -- he can see that Hubert is also in his service, but listen, that's just... not right, okay, the bowing and following two steps behind is completely unnecessary, please don't do that. ]
Regardless, I was considering one final stop for tea before retiring for the evening. [ It's a compromise, see? He won't be parading around in the streets of Enbarr with a big Faerghan target on his back for much longer! ] In Faerghus, it is customary to extend an invitation to present company. I don't imagine customs are much different in Adrestia, are they?
[ Also known as: join him for tea, Hubert! Or... whatever it is that you drink-- other than the blood of your enemies, naturally!! ]
[Dimitri is right that pointing it out will get him nowhere. Hubert is more comfortable this way, anyway; he and Dimitri are not friends, and having clearly delineated roles gives him a script to follow, a way to act.
Being anything else would be uncharted waters.]
The customs in Adrestia are much the same, yes. Are you asking me to join you, then?
[Even if that is the custom, he hardly expects Dimitri to actually want to get a drink with him. Even if they aren't at each other's throats, he knows most people don't enjoy being with him socially.
(Though, even that has changed, over time.)]
If Lady Edelgard's Lord Husband wishes it, then so it shall be.
[ Lady Edelgard's Lord Husband. Damn, and he thought "Your Majesty" was too formal.
At any rate! By this point, he's also figured out this is the best he can get out of Hubert in terms of easy cooperation, so he will take what he can; if they can't establish more friendly relations, then at least he can aim for something a step farther from stalking. ]
Very well. And where do you suggest we make our stop? You are far more familiar with Enbarr than I am, after all.
[ Or: if Hubert has to lead the way, then he can't follow. See, Dimitri can be sneaky! ]
Besides, I suppose coffee must not be readily available in most teashops. I hear that is your preferred drink?
It is. I prefer the taste, and it keeps me awake more than tea.
[Sneaky Dimitri. But he does step forward a bit, to lead him.]
I know a place. It's somewhere Ferdinand and I often go.
[It still feels odd, to talk about going out to a cafe with his friend, to be telling this to someone he considered an enemy before... like he's a normal person with a normal life, even though he's always been so far from that it feels foreign to him. Like he's playacting at best.
But if playacting is what is being asked of him, he'll do it.]
[ If he keeps going then Dimitri will have to retaliate by means of awful puns and that's just going to be a blooddyd path no one is ready to walk.
He can, however, trail behind Hubert, easily falling into pace as they redirect their trek -- and people's attention -- to this other shop he's being taken to. In all honesty, it does all feel odd to him; the company alone is unusual, the idea of hot drinks in an even hotter day possibly ill-advised, and a whole afternoon dedicated to his leisure enjoyment, away from any sort of work, is... about aas foreign to him as Enbarr itself.
(Perhaps he should think of dealing with Hubert as work, troublesome as it can be.) ]
I do wonder what coffee tastes like. [ But wonder is all he can do, so he quickly moves on from that train of thought. ] I prefer tea, myself. Chamomile, as it helps me relax.
[ Different like night and day, it seems. Still, if his personal experience with restless nights is anything to go by, then he does wonder: does Hubert have a preference for coffee because he has trouble staying awake? ]
It is good to see you and Ferdinand are on friendlier terms these days, though. I recall some animosity between the two of you, back in the Academy. [ Okay, and maybe he heard a teensy little bit of a complaint or two from Edelgard. On occasion. ] It reminds me of Felix and Dedue, in several ways.
[ Except, you know, Felix is more angy cat than excitable puppy, and Dedue is... well, perhaps just as fiercely loyal and intimidating, but certainly not as scary as Hubert. ]
Coffee is bitter, but that is precisely why I like it. I've always preferred bitter tastes to sweet ones.
[Does that sound like a metaphor for something? But he really does mean it literally, too.
Hubert may or may not be aware that Dimitri has difficulties with taste, anyway, but he does not comment on it.]
Ferdinand and I simply had different ideas about what the future of Adrestia should look like. Once he accepted Edelgard's leadership, there ceased to be reasons for animosity between us.
[It's so much more complicated than that, but he has no interest in detailing the specifics of his friendship with Ferdinand to Dimitri of all people. Not when the idea of even having friends is so new to Hubert - it's a vulnerability, and one he will not disclose without cause.
Perhaps simply getting close to someone is a sufficient cause, but he sees no need for that, right now.]
I do not mind being compared to Dedue, though. He's the only one of your retainers with any sort of sense. [Unless he's being compared to Felix, in which case Dimitri can fuck right off.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
for @sourcery
Since marrying Edelgard, he's come to love the imperial capital almost as much as his own place of birth. The streets bustling with business, their colors so vibrant, their crops so rich and fragrant-- they must make for delectable dishes, he imagines. And the people, oh, those are his favorite. Whereas some may still eye him with suspicion, so many are simply curious, the concept of royalty -- hailing from Faerghus, no less -- walking among them still so foreign... Despite years of (an admittedly misguided) war, the people had never been his enemy, and he loved hearing both their anecdotal tales and their plight alike.
The children had their own way with making him feel less out of place, always so free to speak their truest minds-- and lacking just enough awareness of social positions to attach themselves to the soft cloak trailing behind the king. He supposes this, too, is lending him their kind assistance; layers of fur on top of a heavy suit of armor don't make for a very comfortable southern summer ensemble, now do they?
With a gentle pat on each head and a world of velvety blue that four tiny hands could barely hold, Dimitri sends them off back to their home, wondering a minute too late if their parents would presume the cloak to be the product of theft instead of a gift. Well. He's sure he can write them a letter and clear the incident up, though for now he can at least bask in the relative relief from the stifling heat.
Which leaves him with only the second of his southern foes: the unnerving shadow that tracks his moves, often without warning... or consent, really. ]
Do you truly intend to follow me all day, Hubert?
[ He doesn't turn, but it's said loud enough that it can reach its destination from whatever distance the man has decided to keep this time. ]
no subject
I will only follow you for so long as you insist on traipsing about without your personal guard. Whether that is all day is up to you.
[He comes closer, unconcerned about the startled or suspicious looks of the commoners who give him a wide berth. He's not particularly amused by Dimitri's decisions on this day, and it's clear on his face.]
Need I remind you that our enemies are hardly vanquished? Enbarr is full of rats who thirst for Faerghan blood.
no subject
So instead, what he offers is: ]
In that case, you may consider dealing with these rats my gift to you. For your amusement more so than my sake.
[ It's... said in as much good humor as he can muster, given what he knows of Hubert. He's in a light-hearted mood today and not about to let anyone ruin it! ]
At any rate, if you must come along, then I would much prefer if you would accompany me. [ You know, instead of following him like a creepy shadow? ] There is no reason we cannot walk side by side; you are no foe, after all.
[ Although not quite a friend, either. ]
no subject
He hadn't initially trusted Dimitri with Edelgard, constantly on alert for when their relationship would turn out to be a trap, or for the moment it would simply turn sour. That was why he often followed Dimitri, trying to gauge his true intentions.
In the end, he'd only been reassured that Dimitri's feelings for Edelgard were true... which had almost been worse, in a way. Because it meant he had to resign himself to his fate for good; always at Edelgard's feet and never at her side.
By now he's over it (mostly, anyway). Now his stalking of Dimitri really is more out of concern than malice; if something were happen to him, it would not be good for Edelgard or the union between their countries.
It's simply his duty.]
No, I am but your humble servant. [He gives a slight bow.] But if walking by your side is what you wish of me, I suppose I can indulge you.
no subject
He also doubts pointing that out now would bear results, really. ]
Nonsense. [ Instead, he offers a frown, though his tone still rings light. ] You are the minister of the imperial household, and personal servant to the emperor. I am no emperor, but the king of Faerghus.
[ The king of Faerghus who happens to be married to the emperor of Adrestia, yes, and sure, he understands that technically does make him as much a part of the imperial household as Edelgard is queen consort in the Kingdom, so by extension and sheer technicality -- very technically!! -- he can see that Hubert is also in his service, but listen, that's just... not right, okay, the bowing and following two steps behind is completely unnecessary, please don't do that. ]
Regardless, I was considering one final stop for tea before retiring for the evening. [ It's a compromise, see? He won't be parading around in the streets of Enbarr with a big Faerghan target on his back for much longer! ] In Faerghus, it is customary to extend an invitation to present company. I don't imagine customs are much different in Adrestia, are they?
[ Also known as: join him for tea, Hubert! Or... whatever it is that you drink-- other than the blood of your enemies, naturally!! ]
no subject
Being anything else would be uncharted waters.]
The customs in Adrestia are much the same, yes. Are you asking me to join you, then?
[Even if that is the custom, he hardly expects Dimitri to actually want to get a drink with him. Even if they aren't at each other's throats, he knows most people don't enjoy being with him socially.
(Though, even that has changed, over time.)]
If Lady Edelgard's Lord Husband wishes it, then so it shall be.
[He isn't backing down.]
no subject
At any rate! By this point, he's also figured out this is the best he can get out of Hubert in terms of easy cooperation, so he will take what he can; if they can't establish more friendly relations, then at least he can aim for something a step farther from stalking. ]
Very well. And where do you suggest we make our stop? You are far more familiar with Enbarr than I am, after all.
[ Or: if Hubert has to lead the way, then he can't follow. See, Dimitri can be sneaky! ]
Besides, I suppose coffee must not be readily available in most teashops. I hear that is your preferred drink?
no subject
It is. I prefer the taste, and it keeps me awake more than tea.
[Sneaky Dimitri. But he does step forward a bit, to lead him.]
I know a place. It's somewhere Ferdinand and I often go.
[It still feels odd, to talk about going out to a cafe with his friend, to be telling this to someone he considered an enemy before... like he's a normal person with a normal life, even though he's always been so far from that it feels foreign to him. Like he's playacting at best.
But if playacting is what is being asked of him, he'll do it.]
Follow me.
no subject
He can, however, trail behind Hubert, easily falling into pace as they redirect their trek -- and people's attention -- to this other shop he's being taken to. In all honesty, it does all feel odd to him; the company alone is unusual, the idea of hot drinks in an even hotter day possibly ill-advised, and a whole afternoon dedicated to his leisure enjoyment, away from any sort of work, is... about aas foreign to him as Enbarr itself.
(Perhaps he should think of dealing with Hubert as work, troublesome as it can be.) ]
I do wonder what coffee tastes like. [ But wonder is all he can do, so he quickly moves on from that train of thought. ] I prefer tea, myself. Chamomile, as it helps me relax.
[ Different like night and day, it seems. Still, if his personal experience with restless nights is anything to go by, then he does wonder: does Hubert have a preference for coffee because he has trouble staying awake? ]
It is good to see you and Ferdinand are on friendlier terms these days, though. I recall some animosity between the two of you, back in the Academy. [ Okay, and maybe he heard a teensy little bit of a complaint or two from Edelgard. On occasion. ] It reminds me of Felix and Dedue, in several ways.
[ Except, you know, Felix is more angy cat than excitable puppy, and Dedue is... well, perhaps just as fiercely loyal and intimidating, but certainly not as scary as Hubert. ]
no subject
[Does that sound like a metaphor for something? But he really does mean it literally, too.
Hubert may or may not be aware that Dimitri has difficulties with taste, anyway, but he does not comment on it.]
Ferdinand and I simply had different ideas about what the future of Adrestia should look like. Once he accepted Edelgard's leadership, there ceased to be reasons for animosity between us.
[It's so much more complicated than that, but he has no interest in detailing the specifics of his friendship with Ferdinand to Dimitri of all people. Not when the idea of even having friends is so new to Hubert - it's a vulnerability, and one he will not disclose without cause.
Perhaps simply getting close to someone is a sufficient cause, but he sees no need for that, right now.]
I do not mind being compared to Dedue, though. He's the only one of your retainers with any sort of sense. [Unless he's being compared to Felix, in which case Dimitri can fuck right off.]