#ask hubert

[hubertvonaegir-vestra]

*sprays you with water* You're not a rat

I am indeed a rat, just not in the terms of a rodent, more of a spy, and Also I am not a cat...

You think some water is going to deter me from calling myself a rat.

[askhubertvonvestra]

A package has been left by the Imperial Spy's Delivery Boy on Hubert's desk. A letter with the imperial symbol lay stamped neatly on top under the twine tying it to the parcel. When opened, it's written in the signature Vestra Cypher: "My Dearest Hubert, Another year has passed, and I am thankful to celebrate it with you. My goodness, you have grown so much. I am unable to see your face up close, but from the presentations you've given with Her Majesty in Enbarr you have become a fine young man indeed. Though I do worry about how much you're eating. Your cheeks have gone a bit thin, and I know you've always had a picky palette, but please listen to Lady Edelgard when she's asking you to rest. Lest you enjoy giving me more gray hairs. Your siblings are doing well. Your sister, ever antsy, has been taking her homeschooling as well as she can, but she misses her friends. She's always complaining about when you're going to come visit us. She knows you're a busy fellow, but she's always looked up to you as soon as she could crawl. I keep having to ration her sugar intake with the war provisions; you know how many cakes she can put away. Your brother's getting taller, though I don't think he'll be as tall as you once he's grown. He's nearly in his teens now, and he's been working very hard on his studies and on learning to ride. I take them out when the weather's nice and I hear from the Vestra Intelligence Network that the area's safe enough. Both of them miss you terribly. I'm hanging on, but I will admit some days are harder than others. I never got to tell you properly, but I don't hold ill will for the incident with the Late Marquis. I loved him, yes, but I still can't look past what he put Her Magesty and you through. Our union was far from smooth, but know you and your siblings were made from love, and despite what you think of him, I know your father loved you all in his own way. I know the decisions you made are for trying to make a better world. Your siblings have it in spades, when they're older I'll be more transparent with them. Such is the life of the Vestra, isn't it? I'm still in good health. I make sure to take walks and keep my ears to the ground in the markets. Nothing formally to report besides old maid gossip, but I think that'd hardly interest a young man like yourself. With the weather change my joints ache a bit, but I've made sure to do my stretches. We believe in you, my dear, and you know if you ever need to, you can come home for a reprieve. Our door is always open for you. I've included a little something for you, a mother worries are always endless. A little something for Her Majesty as well. Tell her I'm thinking of her during this time. Long may she rule. Until I see you again, I love you very much. Happy Birthday my dear, You've made your mother proud. With all the love a mother can give, Lady Vestra" In the parcel's brown paper are an assortment of handmade confectioneries with Lady Vestra's swooping penmanship on a small card with weathered stationary "For My Lady". In a sleek black box holds a golden pocketwatch, ticking quietly. There's a small portrait of his mother and siblings smiling back at him. There's also a small cake in a glass dome, the smell unmistakably his mother's baking. One she would make him when he was a boy.

Ah. Another package from Mother. With her usual keen eye for gift-giving, I see. Childhood confectioneries for us to share in now and a pocketwatch for me to carry always. A suitable choice.

Although she knows full well I consider the portrait to be evidence to conceal rather than a present expressly... I supposed I can humor her giving nature on occasion. They do appear well, at least in this artist's interpretation.

I shall have to thank the delivery boy once again for his discreet service. Not so much as a wrinkle in the parchment either. She would be proud.

"Mother,

I should have known you mark this passage of time more closely than I. Hopefully it is some comfort to you that you are not the only one making note of my birthday, so the celebration lives up to what you would no doubt prefer for the occasion.

There will be no finer birthday than the one where we may meet in person. Through Her Majesty and our allies, that day comes closer with each battle. Some day, you will not have to wait for Imperial presentations to meet with me from such a distance that I cannot see you as well.

You needn't worry about my diet, I assure you. I eat when I must and ensure I receive the necessary nutrients, if only because I'm eating with my peers from time to time. I trust that you will ask Lady Edelgard to verify my claims, and you know she would not lie on my behalf in these matters.

As you also know that I will rest when the war allows. Gray hairs are merely a sign of your compassion and wisdom, my darling mother, and they suit you.

Extend my condolences to my sister, both for her containment and separation from her friends. Her lessons may be a cold comfort of sorts, but I am proud to hear she has taken to them so well. I shall have to reward her with a visit in the near future. While I can't say I agree with her choice of role model, far be it from me to avoid her company. Perhaps I might sabotage your efforts slightly by arriving with a cake. I hope only that you can find it in your heart to forgive me for this egregious slight.

If his opinion is unchanged on the matter, I'm certain my brother will be glad to not share my height. Privacy and going unnoticed have always been rather important to him. I'm very grateful that you are supporting him in his studies and riding lessons, and it gives me no small amount of peace to know the area is secure before he focuses on learning.

Their absences in my life are dearly felt. Though it is beyond me to know if they are better off knowing or not knowing that particular fact. I leave it in your capable hands to decide.

It weighs heavy on my heart to hear of your struggles, but that is balanced with the honor of knowing you can confide in me. I hope you know that that will never change. Even if you were to look on the incident with my late father with disgust, I would remain a bastion for you. We do not have to agree on the former Marquis' capacity for anything resembling love in order for me to be a loyal son to you. I am grateful for your presence to guide my brother and sister to make the most of the world we will create in the ruins of tyranny. The future is theirs to claim and shape for the better with far less bloodshed.

Secrecy is an unfortunate necessity for the Vestras now, yes, but I hope it shall not be forever. That there will come a time when transparency and truth let all of you live your lives fully and in the open.

All the better that you do so in good health, as you enjoy now. You have always been so spirited that I should hardly be surprised to hear you are doing work of your own on these walks to the market. All I ask is that you exercise caution. For your sake, I would greatly prefer that you never hear anything more severe than old maid gossip.

If you require anything to do your stretches in comfort or to help manage the symptoms of the shifting weather, you need only ask. Home is far more than a place, as you know, and I am here for you as you are for me. Perhaps not as well, but I can hope that your belief in me extends to knowing I do my best on your behalf. I will arrange a visit this autumn. Sooner is sadly not doable.

Your gifts are, of course, appreciated and well-chosen besides. I have no doubt that Lady Edelgard will light up with joy to know you considered her in this as well. Your thoughts mean the world to her and myself.

I love you, Mother. Be safe.

Warmest Regards,

Hubert von Vestra"

[ask-hubert-von-vestra]

Hubert hiii I made you a present!

Don’t worry, I would never drink your coffee because I honestly don’t know how you drink something so disgustingly bitter, and I like hot cocoa more. But uh… you never gave me that hug from last time… 👉👈

—–

“That is quite an accurate drawing, I must admit. A precise reaction. And I suppose you are correct, in that I forgot to give you your…hug.” [you have received HUBERT HUG]

[hubertvonaegir-vestra]

heyyyy babygirl are you single

...

I'm not a babygirl...

Nor am I single... I'm clearly married to Ferdinand, as stated.

[askhubertvonvestra]

Before Hubert can give Lady Edelgard her morning report, there's a distinct girlish giggling from inside her bedroom door. "Heehee~ Oh you are a feisty one! Such a little rascal~" she chirps with a giggle. The distinct meow of a cat responds back as the comforter rustles, plus the scamper of paws to her amusement. "Now now, we can't be too chatty. If Hubert finds out he'll scold me and I won't be able to kiss your little head or feed you fish anymore!" she's got the feline on her bed, having it chase after one of her old purple ribbons as she drags it back and forth, still in her nightshirt. It rolls over, exposing it's soft belly to her which she gleefully scoops up to her bosom to press kisses to furry cheeks. "H-Hhubert!" she looks at him, eyes wide and face going red. Caught red handed, as the cat bats at her bangs making them swish. "...I-I didn't hear you come in, apologies..."

Your Majesty.

Rather, I imagine you would prefer Lady Edelgard. I see you've made a friend. Of the feline variety, no less. I'm afraid I was unaware that you would have such an esteemed guest in attendance for the morning report. Fortunately, I have quite the experience with contending with rascals.

...Or one's innate desire to feed them fish. Among other such activities. I assure you, Edelgard, it is no business of mine if you have a pet. Unless you require supplies. Other than your ribbon, of course.

Perhaps a hair tie to spare your bangs. A suitably regal bed for Her Majesty's cat. I am the Minister to the Imperial Household, after all. Such services would extend to even the four-legged members of the Hresvelg family.

[askhubertvonvestra]

Hubert I love your new weapon that you got in Askr.

As do I. Rather aptly named and perfectly tailored to send our enemies on their way—whether they want to or not, heh. The tome certainly makes the most of my sinister capabilities. Between its hindrance upon those who would oppose our cause and the fright it instills once it is cast, I imagine we'll have these terrible business sorted out in short order.

[askhubertvonvestra]

My darling, my life, my dearest love, I have, perhaps, had a bit too much wine tonight, and I am in a particular mood to let you know how deeply I cherish you. You know, of course, but I feel compelled to tell you all the same. Endlessly. You bring so much joy and pleasure to my life. You know me better than anyone, and I consider it the highest honor to get to walk with you into another year of your life. Might I tell you a small secret? Of all the things we have accomplished, the nearest to my heart is the love we share. Happy Birthday, my moonlight. And here is to many, many more. - F

You... Heh. I cannot keep up with these outpourings of affection, certainly not when you have the advantage of speaking more freely than ever. I will make this up to you in other ways, when you are sober, and perhaps when you are least expecting to be doted upon. You know well how I love to surprise you. There is simply nothing so dear a view as watching you light up with the simple act of being thought of so tenderly.

It does me well to know you enjoyed my birthday so deeply as to bring us both here. There were many years that I believed fully that I would never know such a time as this. Where I might have a loving partner, however inebriated, to remind me constantly of how cherished I am. Still, even now, to say it... I find it hard to believe at times.

Yet here you are. Promising all the joy and pleasure I bring to your days, ensuring there will be only more for you on my part. May all the years that we walk together be the brightest there have ever been. Selfishly, I hope that love of ours that you take such pride in may be known only to those who would understand it as we do. You have accomplished a great deal, and yet, this is the most special in my heart too.

To think, in a short matter of weeks, I will offer those same ardent wishes to you as I have in the years prior and the vast number yet to come. My dearest sun.

[askhubertvonvestra]

Poll results are in! ☕

Asks are open now through APRIL 14. I'll spend the following days answering them and queueing them up to post on Hubert's birthday on the 17th!

The usual rules apply, but you folks have always been good about that kinda thing anyway, so I'm not worried. 💜