Chapter Text
Ferdinand was only six years old when he first encountered the enigma that was Hubert von Vestra. Truthfully, he should have never encountered him that evening, but fate had a different set of plans for both boys. The occasion was simple enough, a dinner between various noble houses, all gathering to celebrate the newest Duke of the Imperial conglomerate. His father, Ludwig von Aegir, had finally gained enough social graces and power to keep his seat as the governing force in Aegir lands.
The land and estate had been passed through generations, and was assumed to be under his control from the beginning, but there had been many debates, diplomatic persuasions, and legal paperwork that all had to have been settled before he was officially given the title. Behaving like a loyal follower to the Hresvelg authority, Ludwig now could relax and know the deed and reign of his land would stay within his name for another five or so generations, as long as he kept a legitimate heir to inherit.
That was why his son was such an important piece to the puzzle. He had been struggling to birth a son for quite some time now. His wife had birthed two healthy daughters, but none were allowed to inherit his title, as it was unfit for ladies. Frivolous tradition and rules, which Ludwig abided by religiously, were still followed by the majority of the noble homes of the Empire. The only exception being that of the highest seat. The Hresvelgs had a plethora of children to choose from for their next heir. Many would inherit different portions of the Empire to oversee, but the true fight was for staying in the heart of it all, in Enbarr.
Within the gossip of wine and seven course meals, there were whispers that it would likely be one of the younger children, and a daughter at that. But Ferdinand had no attention for such things. He sat between his mother and father, his legs swinging off the seat as he picked at his plate. He did not wish to eat another bite. He wanted to stretch his legs, as it seemed this dinner was never ending. Even his sisters had been allowed to excuse themselves! He could spot them across the large dining hall, hanging with other ladies and a few gentlemen around their ages of fourteen and twelve. They were giggling so much and having fun, getting to “play” with other kids! He wanted to do the same.
So, he looks to his mother, tugging at the sleeve of her magenta dress. He gives a soft pouting look her way, taking a glance at the corner of the room where the younger (but not too young) nobles were all chatting and walking outside of the dining hall to get fresh air. Of course, Ferdinand was at an age where he would not understand that this was not some form of “playing”, but more a social contract, too. He was too immature to realize his sisters were highly suggested to play nice with the sons of other well-esteemed families to try and start forming future connections. After all, marrying age could be as young as fifteen, though most waited until their seventeenth or eighteenth year for an official engagement.
“Momma, may I be excused? I am tired of eating.” He huffs, puffed up cheeks as his mother smiles and leans down to wipe off a few crumbs off his lips with a napkin.
“You know you should ask your father for permission to leave the table. This is his special day, Ferdinand.” She glances to her husband, her smile faltering as he seemed rather tipsy and muttering nonsense and spreading rumors under his wine scented breath. “...but perhaps you may take a short walk. Do not wander, though. It is easy to get lost. Go up and down the hallway, then come right back.”
Ferdinand’s eyes light up and he eagerly nods. He pushes out his chair, ready to bolt before he hears a small coughing sound from his mother. A few pairs of eyes looked his way, and he sheepishly bows and pushed his chair back in. He goes to his mother’s side, whispering something to her ear before pecking her cheek.
“Thanks, momma!” He chirps, then quickly scuttles away, nearly tripping over his own shoes as he leaves the dining hall. He quickly begins to skip down the long corridor, able to hear his own steps echo in the long, empty hallway. There were a few guards patrolling around the place, to which he stopped and gave a wave before hurrying down the hall. Yet, when he reaches the end, he can see a doorway just a few steps to the left. Curiosity overwhelms him, so he must disobey his mother’s request.
Stepping forward, he makes a small heaving sound as he pushes the heavy wooden door to reveal a quiet garden. There are cobblestone paths swirling around the ground, leading through various bushes and rows of flowers. Not to mention a few budding trees that bloom with vivid fruits and flowers. He gasps in awe, hearing the sound of running water, as a marble fountain pours into a manmade pond, a few ducks coasting across the water far off in the distance.
As he takes in the magnificent beauty of the vast gardens, there are the sounds of birds chirping and a quiet humming in the air. It sounded like it was coming from the right, so he continued on his adventure down the cobblestone path, feeling as if he recognized the tune. His mother often sang and hummed different arias when preparing him for bed, so he felt a sense of comfort as he chased to find the source of the angelic song. Walking through the tall rose bushes, his head peeks out, and he witnesses two other children within the gardens.
Before him stood a short brunette girl with hair set in two pigtails with white ribbons, wearing a red, poofy dress with white tights and gloves to match. Her eyes were of a soothing violet, yet seemed to hold an unknown passion behind them, waiting to be stricken into life. She was sitting upon a rock, her legs folded as she intently watched and listened to the other child with her. Her lips curved in a quiet smile, at the sound of Ferdinand’s approaching footsteps, she gives him a look that tells him not to move a muscle just yet.
So, Ferdinand hides behind the rose bush. He switches his attention to the older boy with her, who stood taller than himself and the girl. His hair was rather long for a boy (according to his father’s opinion) and it has a slight wave to it within its black strands. His own clothing seemed far less elaborate. A simple white button up shirt with both sleeves cuffed at the wrists. His trousers were held by black suspenders, and seemed to be that of black with no ornamentation of his status to be found. He had his hands folded behind his back as he was standing before the girl, softly singing for her alone.
Except, now he had a second member of his audience, as Ferdinand grew fascinated by the richness of his voice. It was mesmerizing, pulling him in, along with the shining gleam of his eyes. He seemed so engrossed by his performance that he did not hear Ferdinand until the song came to a close and the young heir burst from behind the rose bush, clapping and cheering.
“Wow! You are really good! My momma sings like that, too! All pretty, like an angel.” Ferdinand gushes out loud, and suddenly the mood in the air shifts with his surprise presence.
Quickly, the older boy gasps and stands in front of the other girl, taking a protective stance at this sudden intruder. However, as he surveys the appearance of the boy, he comes to realize that he posed no real threat. Instead, he seemed rather naïve and very young. He could tell by the meticulously embellished navy blue vest he wore over his shirt and the family brooch upon his cravat that this was the Aegir boy, even before announcing his title.
“Sneaking up on others is not appreciated. I would prefer if you did not listen into my private conversations with Miss Hresvelg.” He huffs, arms crossed against his chest and trying to to seem intimidating. He was quite taller than both of them, so it helped him to keep his “scary” demeanor.
“But, you were singing! Beautifully, too!” Ferdinand retorts back, watching as the girl, referred to as Miss Hresvelg, stands up and gently pushes the other boy out of her way. She offers a curious smile to Ferdinand, then glances back to Hubert as she gently pats him on the shoulder.
“He is complimenting you, Hubert. You should thank him, not scare him.” She reminds him, amused by the annoyed face the older boy makes as he shrugs off her touch.
“Hmmph,...fine.” Hubert grumbles, his eyes still cold as he offers his gratitude. “Thank you, Aegir.”
“YOU KNOW MY NAME?!”
“Duh. How could I not? Your family is the whole reason I and Miss Hresvelg have to attend this party.” He mumbles, raising a brow in his direction. He feels a little uneasy when Ferdinand finally steps closer to approach the two of them.
Ferdinand beams at them, extending his hand out for either to shake. He had been taught at a young age to always introduce yourself and be polite. He often skipped a few steps, but he tries to remember the etiquette of first meetings. His parents had informed him various times that there was no way to fix the first time you meet someone, so it had to be perfect.
“Ah! I am Ferdinand von Aegir! It is an honor to meet you, Hubert and….Miss Hresvelg?” He tilts his head to the side, relieved when the brunette reaches and shakes his hand. He smiles back at her, eagerly bouncing their hands up and down a little more aggressive than necessary.
“Edelgard, you can call me that.” She informed him, removing her hand and then nudged Hubert with her elbow. She knew he was resisting shaking the other’s hand, but she wouldn’t allow him to be acting so rude in front of her.
Hubert bites on his lip, feeling both sets of eyes on him, waiting for him to return the action. He didn’t see the point, though. There was no point for a person like him to waste time greeting a noble child like Ferdinand. Honestly, if he was discovered sneaking off with not one, but now two noble heirs, well, he would be in for quite the scolding this evening. He knew that he was not allowed to mingle with the children of those holding higher status than him. It was improper. He was but a child built for servitude, while they were meant to rule. One did not “play” with the heirs and heiresses of Imperial families when holding no title of his own.
“Hubert, the honor is mine…” He speaks formally as he takes Ferdinand’s hand, but his grip is a bit forceful, and his tone does not match his words. While he spoke according to textbook levels of etiquette, his tone was passive and disinterested. He held no sincerity behind his words.
Ferdinand nodded and pulled his hand away, smiling at the two of them. He seemed unaffected by the shortness of Hubert. Instead, he was eager to weasel his way into joining them in their fun. He never got to play with kids even close to his age. While his sisters were sweet to him, they did not wish to partake in the same activities that he did. They were of an age where they did not wish to get dirty or too wild. (Likely influenced by their father’s teachers for proper young ladies.)
“So, what are you two playing? I want to join!” Ferdinand is nearly jumping in his shoes, ready to get out all the pent up energy from sitting through four courses of a dinner.
Edelgard giggles softly, not used to such a lively playmate. Most of her siblings were older than her, and those that were younger were too young to understand the concepts of many of her favorite games. So, she jumps on the occasion to try and have another person join in their fun. Two people made it hard for any elaborate games, but perhaps three would do nicely.
“Nothing.”
“Oh, hush Hubert.” Edelgard quickly stops him from scaring away a possible new friend. “I was thinking you two could go and hide while I stay here with my eyes closed, then after I’ve counted long enough, I will come searching for you! If I find you, I win. If I can’t find you before time runs out, you win. Sounds fun, yes?”
Hubert snickers, feeling confident already that he could find a perfect hiding spot in this garden. There were plenty of spaces he could sneak behind and never be found. He nods along, finding this to be a game worthy of his time.
On the other hand, Ferdinand blinks a few times and shrugs. He didn’t think hiding and waiting to be found was as fun as playing “Duke and Duchess” or playing pretend to fight against imaginary monsters and enemies. Still, he knew not to be too picky. His father has told him not to complain so much about the little things, so he heeds that order and nods as well.
“Alright. Then, shall we start?” Ferdinand glances around, not familiar with this garden of its hiding spots.
“I will close my eyes and begin to count in three….two…” Edelgard covers her eyes and shuts them tight. “One! Go hide”! She quickly orders before beginning to count up to one hundred.
In a flash, Hubert is gone from his sight. The taller boy dashes down the path, quickly looking for somewhere to hide. Yet, Ferdinand is left in the dust. He quickly scrambles on his feet, sprinting around the gardens in hope to find somewhere to hide. He considers one of the fountains, but none of the statutes are wide enough to hide him completely without a limb sticking out. He continues searching, contemplating hiding between some bushes. But when he tries to squeeze in, the hedges are too dense, and he cuts one of his hands on a thorn.
Whining, he tries not to cry at the bleeding cut on his finger as he continues to search. He was running out of time, as he could hear the muffled voice of Edelgard getting closer to a hundred. He thinks about slipping under a bench, but that left him in plain sight, too! As he sprints across the ground, he trips over a raised stone in the path, catching himself on his hands. He sniffles and feels the urge to cry, knowing he was bound to lose the game and had scuffed up his knees.
However, there is the sound of stifled groaning as Hubert appears from behind a vine covered lattice fence that separated sections of the garden. He quickly steps out and grabs Ferdinand by the arm, pulling him up and shoving him behind the fence with the cover of the vines and a large tree nearby. As he squeezes the two of them behind the fence, he glares at the small whimpers coming from Ferdinand’s mouth.
“Quiet! We will be caught. Now, get down to the ground and stay low. And do not make a sound.” Hubert whispers to him, staring at his misty amber eyes as they search for sympathy. His muffled cries do not stop though, as Ferdinand looks at his bleeding finger.
The sight of which startles Hubert. He rolls his eyes, reaching to grab his handkerchief from his pocket and grab a hold of the other’s hand. He wipes at the cut, then adds pressure to help stop the bleeding. It was a rather shallow cut from the thorns of the rose bush, so it doesn’t take very long. As Hubert cleans up the small amount of blood, Ferdinand stops his quiet sniffling and scoots closer to him.
As Ferdinand opens his mouth to offer his thanks, Hubert presses his own finger to his lips and makes a quiet “shhh” sound. It was going to be harder to not get noticed with both of them hiding in the spot, so he did not wish for Ferdinand to ruin their chance completely with his big mouth. He removes his finger and makes a motion to keep his lips zipped tight, to which Ferdinand nods and gestures the same towards him. For some odd reason, it slightly amuses Hubert.
Hubert is certain that Edelgard would be coming this way soon enough. He could make out the faint sound of her footsteps against the stone path. As she gets closer and closer, he stares deeply into Ferdinand’s eyes. They say nothing, attempting to keep their breathing softer, if not held completely. The proximity of the other’s body against him makes this hotter than it already would have been. Pressed against the younger boy as they squeeze behind the lattice fence. A few vines even tickle against his skin, but he ignores them to the best of his ability.
“Hmph...I swore I heard both of them run off in this direction.” Edelgard ponders out loud, searching through various flowers and bushes. She looks under chairs and benches, even opening a shed with no such luck to see either boy.
As she walks beside the large lattice fence, she stops for a brief moment. She swore she could hear the sound of someone breathing very quickly. In response to her presence nearby, Ferdinand had started to get a little worked up over his nerves. He was certain they would be caught any moment now, but Hubert moves and tugs him close, pressing his face into his hunched over chest.
“...Relax.” Is all he whispers, soft as the air as he keeps Ferdinand covered and protected behind the massive wall of vines.
Even though Edelgard tries to scrutinize over every little spot in this section of the garden, her efforts are in vain. She skips further into the gardens, continuing her search to find both boys elsewhere.
As the two stay huddled together a little longer, Ferdinand feels his heart skip a beat faster, if only for a moment before it calms back down. He stares upwards at Hubert, looking thankful for all his assistance in hiding them from Edelgard. A few more minutes pass before Edelgard begins to run around and call out about the time being out. The two had managed to be undiscovered and won the round.
“Hurry and get out of here. It’s uncomfortable.” Hubert lets Ferdinand go, pushing him out from behind the fence, then slipping out from the vines as well. He fixes his clothes, dusting them off as he watches Ferdinand linger by the tulips nearby. He rolls his eyes, shaking his head and tapping his foot impatiently.
“O-One moment, please!” Ferdinand chirps, getting on his hands and knees as he trudges through some of the dirt to find a perfect tulip. He pulls one out from the ground, grinning as he stands back up. His pants were muddy, and so were the sleeves of his shirt, but Ferdinand did not seem to notice or care.
Quickly, Ferdinand skips over to Hubert. He holds out the bright red tulip, plucking away a large amount of its stem before reaching up on the top of his toes to try and reach for Hubert’s hair. The older boy narrows his gaze, eyeing his dirty hands and the flower, but he gives in with a sigh and bends at the knee slightly to allow him to reach his head. Once within his grasp, Ferdinand tucks the flower behind his ear, enjoying the vivid crimson hue against his disheveled black strands of hair.
“...Why are you doing this?” Hubert asks, pouting slightly as he feels the flower sitting against his ear.
“As a thank you, for hiding me.” He hums cheerfully, admiring the way the tulip sits within his hair. “I think you look cute! You should wear more flowers in your hair.” He offers, already fantasizing about creating personal flower crowns for him and Edelgard.
“C-Cute?” Hubert stutters, face growing hot before he scowls and turns away. He starts heading down the path towards where the three had started the silly game. “I doubt that.” Is all he mumbles, and Ferdinand is quick to follow after him. He did not wish to get lost in this garden, which seemed far too easy to do with all its twists and turns.
The two meet with Edelgard, who was back to sitting upon the rock from before with her legs crossed. She eyes the two of them, noticing the flower within Hubert’s hair and smiling. It was strange to see him accepting such an offer, especially when it was from a strange noble boy. While she had been sour about losing the game, she was quite curious where the two had run off during her search.
“It seems I lost. Good job.” She stands up, making sure her dress was settled as she brushed the skirt of it out. “Perhaps, we could try again and switch the roles?”
Ferdinand quickly nodded. He was ready to play all evening, until the silly party inside was over.
That is exactly what he does, too. The three play various games, enjoying the fun of having more friends to interact with. They do a little roleplaying, both for action and playing “house” with different roles, hiding and searching a few more times, chasing after a few birds and rabbits in useless attempts to capture one, and of course, singing a little more since Ferdinand wished to show off his own magnificent voice. Even Hubert starts to slowly warm up more, keeping the little tulip in his hair the entire time they are all hanging out together. Yet, all good things must come to and end; a bitter end at that, too.
As the three are sitting in the grass, picking at strands and talking mindlessly about silly stories shared with them at bedtime from parents, there is an immediate shift in the amiable air. While Ferdinand was attempting to weave together various flowers for a crown to place on Edelgard’s head, he is caught disobeying his mother’s orders when the dinner party comes to an end, and there was no sight of the Aegir son within the halls.
“FERDINAND!” A loud voice booms from the distance, getting closer with heavy steps. It is his father; Ludwig had finally found his son in the middle of the gardens with two children. Yet, when he notices the background of both, his anger only grows twice as large.
“Y-Yes, sir? I...I am sorry! I uhh...I got lost.” He lies, his heart sinking in his chest as his father looms over the three of them.
There is a tension in the air, as Ludwig looks over Edelgard without much of a second glance, but stops and glares at Hubert for a long moment. Their eyes meet, and Hubert feels shame wallowing inside his gut. He says nothing, turning his head away and dropping the flowers he had been casually collecting as well. He had been planning to try and craft a crown for Ferdinand, but it had been a stupid idea to begin with.
“Your mother specifically told you not to leave the hall.” He reminds him, reaching between the two children and roughly grabbing his son’s hand and yanking him from the ground. He stumbles to his feet, eyes growing wide and filled with unshed tears. He hated it when his father raised his voice, especially when he returned from dinners or meetings. He seemed to be extra irritable then, quick to slur and scold his son.
“Sir, if I may speak-” Hubert attempts to raise his voice, getting to his feet.
“Nonsense. Do not speak unless spoken to, Vestra. Got it?” He barks viciously at the older boy, who bites his tongue and says no more after that comment. “You should know far better than to be playing, especially with my son and the daughter of the Hresvelgs. Do not forget your station or place, Vestra.” He sneers the words, mocking him as if he were speaking to a grown man and not a child.
Ferdinand looks to Hubert, wanting to apologize to him for his father being so mean towards him, but he is quickly tugged again down the path. Plus, Hubert avoids his eye contact now, his green eyes burning with shame and fury as he stares at the ground. His hands ball up into fists, shaking with unchecked guilt and anger. He had been foolish to let himself get so wrapped up in the moment.
“Disgusting, Ferdinand. Look at the dirt on your clothes!” Ludwig groans, shaking his head as he keeps dragging his son down the path towards the back entrance of the estate. “You will never live to be a fitting noble. How many times must I tell you? Noble children do not get dirty like common folk. You have to hold yourself on a higher standard.”
Ferdinand looks back behind them as Edelgard and Hubert get smaller and smaller. He is barely listening to his father, worrying too much about the others. With a heavy heart, knowing the full punishment is yet to come, Ferdinand can’t help but wonder if he’d ever see his friends again. He makes a quiet wish, hoping it comes true.
“Sorry…” Is all he mumbles, finally losing sight of them. He sighs and keeps his eyes forward, not daring to meet his father’s enraged gaze.
“I know you are.” Ludwig says tiredly, opening the door and stepping back into the building. “You can prove it with more etiquette lessons. It seems you must have been slacking.”