#ask hubert

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

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.

heyyyy babygirl are you single

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..."

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

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

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