Spells and Plans (Feliciano)

[Hamish Stuart]

Having been crowned nearly half a year ago much time has been spent grooming the new queen trying to get the woman into being the idea bride from the current king. It still remained unknown to all of the kingdom that the queen was a sham. Name being almost all that was the truth about the queen he kept to himself much more than he desired but becoming close to those of the kingdom held a certain risk to it making his days become rather lonely. Wandering between the libraries and attempting to get moments with the king seemed to keep the simple life of the queen busy. Had one kept watch of his actions they would see the smile fade once he was no longer in views of the workers of the kingdom. It wasn’t uncommon that he would request different books be located to allow more studies in magic to be performed but it seemed that was one of the only things the queen seemed to desire.

Not long ago it seemed the queen had become quieter, the loss of a gardener seemed to create a loss for the queen as it seemed he no longer had a friend in the kingdom. Pondering how he could remedy this dilemma it occurred to him there remained a member of the court he had yet to even meet. Feliciano, a close friend of Ludwig and formerly a talented soldier. Ludwig had made mention of injuries that robbed this poor soul of so much, his family and his hand. Even changing his routine to explore the castle it seemed the man managed to avoid the queen preventing them from running into each other no matter Hamish’s efforts.

Giving up on the idea of coming across the man it seemed Hamish would take a more direct route by going to the former soldier’s door. Brushing off invisible dirt from his gown Hamish tried to prepare himself for whatever kind of person this Feliciano would be. Ludwig found them pleasant right? He couldn’t be a cruel man if the king was so found of him but… Hamish simply couldn’t be sure of anything in a world that wasn’t his own.

Rapping on the door softly he worked up the courage to call out, “Feliciano? Urr ye awake?” It seemed unlikely the male wouldn’t be home with how little it seemed he was around the castle or about in general. Clutching the dress in his hands he waited nervously for even the smallest sound, hoping to not be turned away.
When he managed to hear anything about Feliciano many said his injuries were severe, life altering. Studying magic seemed to give Hamish a foolish idea that he might be able to offer help to the man in exchange of having someone he could become closer to. Healing magic was not on the list of things Hamish had attempted but anyone that saw the seals covering his bedroom they might struggle to argue with the idea that he could manage such acts. Healing magic would only provide further use to the kingdom but perhaps it would return Feliciano to more what he once was… Bringing back the dead was a matter that was not possible, however.

[Feliciano Vargas]

Feliciano absently poked at the meal one of the castle servants had brought up for him. It wasn't that the food was bad--Feliciano would never dare the insult the cooks down in the kitchens in such a way, rank or not--but that...as always, he wasn't hungry for it. Sometimes, it felt like the cooks tried to appeal to him, help him, by making his favorite foods; those were the worst days, because seeing the food reminded him of all that he'd lost, even a year later. Not only reminded him, but mocked him, because he would eat and he would taste nothing.

At least today, Feliciano wasn't expecting much. He poked the quail with a fork, shifted the vegetables across his plate; lamented that he needed to eat to survive because eating had gone from a pleasure to a chore. An obligation he didn't want any part of. Sometimes, he tasted the sweetness of the wine with his meal, and those nights ended...poorly. Not because of the sickness or the hangovers, but the painfully realistic dreams. The awkward glow of everything beyond alcohol-glazed eyes reminded Feliciano of flames, making staying awake as bad a nightmare as falling asleep.

So, bland was better. In the sense that bland was the unwanted but ultimately necessary alternative.

He went to poke the food again when a soft knock echoed against his door. "Feliciano? Urr ye awake?" The person on the other side called out, and that attracted Feliciano's attention more than the knock. His hand froze, and Feliciano stared down at his table in shock. Feliciano has only seen the Queen of Hearts from a distance, her long red hair striking in the light from the castle walls. She rarely spoke, especially noticeable in the few court gatherings Feliciano had been forced to attend over the months since her coronation. Hamish Stuart was a hermit rivaling Feliciano himself on her bad days, and while Feliciano wasn't one to speak to Ludwig about...much of anything, anymore, Feliciano knew how to listen. Not many people spoke poorly of the Queen, but there was a lot of speculation floating around about her. Especially the Queen's gift in magic. Supposedly, there was very little she couldn't do. She made a great foil to their fire-oriented King, slim and curvy and long-haired and soft-spoken and a jack-of-all-trades. Feliciano hadn't heard word of a wedding, but rumor had it as only a matter of time.

So what, exactly, was she doing standing at Feliciano's door nearing dark, asking if he was still awake? It was still daylight, right? Feliciano squinted at the window, trying to judge the amount of light peeking around the thick curtains he had pulled shut. There were still traces of light at the edges, not much but enough. At least he wasn't getting sucked into after-dark surprise visits. What was he getting dragged into now, though? Why could no one leave him in peace?

Feliciano sighed heavily, gently laying his fork down on the table before pushing himself awkwardly to his feet. This wasn't a visit from a friend-royal, but a royal nonetheless. Feliciano had to ensure he was presentable. A few pats down his torso and a quick check to see that his sleeve was still pinned properly against his shoulder deemed him acceptable enough in his sentry's uniform. It's only when Feliciano wrapped his hand around the door handle did it occur to him that, perhaps, he should've announced himself first.

Oh well.

He pulled the door open as best he could, leaning back to not hit himself with it in the process. Once he caught a glimpse of the Queen, Feliciano dipped into a deep bow. "Greetings, Your Majesty," He said, moreso to the floor than the Queen herself. "My apologies for the delay, what is it you need?" Formality flitted around him like a cloak, an old friend he can retreat behind. Hopefully she was simply curious, or lost, and needed help getting home. Even six months wasn't enough to learn every inch of the castle.

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Hamish Stuart I hope this works for you!! Sorry it's a bit late lol

[Hamish Stuart]

Waiting in silence was when he managed to hear it, the sound of something clanking but without vision into the room there was no way he could guess what the sound might have been and yet it was followed with a deafening silence. Someone had been in the room but there was a chance that Feliciano had no desire to meet the queen in such a personal place. There has been a few times Hamish managed to see Feliciano during the court gatherings that the male attended but no matter where Hamish had explored he could not once find the former knight away from his room. Had Hamish been determined enough he could have send summons but for what? Even being still adjusting to the castle many would find fear in suddenly being called for by the queen had they not spoken once before. Requesting Ludwig arrange a meeting seemed worse of the ideas, the king had business to attend to and he didn’t need proof how incapable his newly crown queen would be.

Attempting to learn the castle over the months had been chaos for the man and led to a few events that he would pray never reached the ears of the king. A few of the knights had borne witness to a few occasion that be in the heels or just poor footing but the queen tumbled down stairs. Each time someone attempted to assist the queen their help would be rejected as Hamish moved to his feet and attempted to regain balance. Some of the more friendly guards often got a bit of a laugh how often they saw a member of the royal court falling down the stairs.
This became less frequent as Hamish decided if his gowns were long enough it was unlikely anyone to notice his lack of footwear.

Eternity seemed to pass waiting for any answer from the injured male but at last the door has been opened allowing a glimpse not only at the knight but into his chambers. Normally there would be a gown that spoke of his status but the queen clearly had removed pieces of the normal attire causing the dress to lay flat against the queen’s lanky legs. Had most seen the state of dress they might have questioned if the queen had been running about in his undergarments but that thought never crossed the ginger’s mind. Even with Feliciano glancing downward he might possibly the lack of shoes on the queen which might bring even more question why the visit.

There was a laugh at the boy, more of a giggle than a full laugh. “Na need fur bowing. Ye deserve that treatment far mair than ah.” Even with the clear questioning of why he would feel the need to visit it was not something Hamish felt he could explain standing outside the door.
“Do you mind if we sit? I came to speak to you with a proposal that I am unsure how you might react.” Brushing hair behind his ear Hamish turned his green eyes away looking about trying to assure himself that no one would see the pair so late at night. “It's aboot mah magic bit ah dae understand if ye refuse!” Having never spoken to Feliciano it was clear Hamish was rather unsure of himself. Some research had been put into this plan but not as much as he had wished. There were no mentions of how to bind objects to others, or at least no mentions in the books he found around the kingdom. With time he could come to find something within the information of the other kingdoms if he could speak to their spell castors.

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Feliciano Vargas
Sorry for the wait

[Feliciano Vargas]

Later on, Feliciano would blame a bit of his general fatigue and disinterest in...everything around him, on the fact he didn't immediately notice how dressed-down the queen was. As it may, it took a moment or two to register that he could see bare toes just barely peeking out beneath the long train of a deep red gown. The sight made him blink, and it was only the years of propriety Feliciano's mother had firmly instilled in him that kept Feliciano from rearing back in shock.

Though, Feliciano frowned a little, beneath his bent head, as the queen laughed at him. "Na need fur bowing. Ye deserve that treatment far mair than ah," she said, which was absolutely preposterous. Even if the queen had been common born--Feliciano honestly couldn't say if she was or not off the top of his head--she was royalty now, and Feliciano was a lowly sentry with the ruins of his noble blood and house clinging to him in the specters that haunted the black behind his eyes. Only one of them deserved to be bowed to.

Still, at her words, Feliciano straightened up. By then, his frown had forcibly softened into a more neutral expression; a task made easier by her next request. "Do you mind if we sit? I came to speak to you with a proposal that I am unsure how you might react." She tucked a few wayward strands of hair behind her ear, anxiously looking around the halls. Was she seriously worried about being spotted outside his door? Then why would she visit in such late hours of the evening, practically in a nightgown compared to her usual finery.

Speaking of usual finery... Feliciano visibly hesitated; belatedly realizing that he had a half-eaten meal on his table. A disgustingly bland, unwanted meal he had mostly played with and murdered on his plate. That honestly couldn't set a good image to the royal, whom Feliciano was literally speaking to for the first time. He wasn't entirely sure what, exactly, she would or would not pass on to Ludwig or...anyone, really. She didn't seem the type to gossip, but who would dare oust the Queen of Hearts herself as the source of the latest titillating rumor spreading about? Still, though, he had already answered the door, and the sparse, militant set-up of the rest of his quarters should be enough to offset the state of his meal, right? The redhead must have seen Feliciano's hesitation, because she added an uncomfortable, "It's aboot mah magic bit ah dae understand if ye refuse!"

Even Feliciano winced a bit at the awkward way she spoke--her accent was definitely from the further reaches of the kingdom, and not one he was used to. But it was the discomfort in her voice, and the tense way she held herself, that made Feliciano tense in response. Awkwardly, Feliciano shifted in the doorway, before he stepped aside and bowed her in. "Feel free to make yourself comfortable in one of the chairs, or the settee, Your Highness," Feliciano replied, voice relatively mild and only a hair shy of welcoming, even though he felt quite the opposite. "Let me just clean up my dinner and we can speak freely."

He waited until she entered before shouldering the door shut with his good arm, doing his best to keep his missing arm as far out of light of sight as he could manage. Even with the sleeve tucked in neatly against his stump of a shoulder, there was no need for her highness the queen to see such a sight--and Feliciano could do without any staring, or worse: any questions about the injury. While it wasn't exactly polite to let his guest especially his royal guest!! his mother would be rolling in her grave worse than usual seat themselves, Feliciano had no servants or aids to help him clear up or handle his guests until he was ready. For one, he couldn't afford them himself anyway, but Feliciano didn't want anyone in his room when he was there. Ludwig still sent people to make sure the place was tidy, of course, but they only entered when Feliciano was gone, by Feliciano's own order. Therefore, Feliciano silently meandered over to his table, dumping his silverware on top of his food-laden plate. At least this was a good reason not to eat, right?

Feliciano kept his gaze firmly on his task at hand, frowning deeply as he awkwardly slid the plate up onto the heel of his hand. He still wasn't the best at this, but so long as he was careful and walked slowly... "What exactly do you need from me, Your Highness?" Feliciano asked as he slowly curled the stem of his wine glass between two of his fingers. "It's not often I'm called upon." As he spoke, Feliciano lifted both cup and plate at once, resting the glass against the edge of the plate for balance. He just had to set everything down on the serving platter he always left by the door, and cover it with the lid, and it would at least look nicer... Still, the plate wobbled a bit on the heel of his hand with his first step, unbalanced with the uneven distribution of his food. Fuck, this was a lot harder when there was someone nearby, watching. Who would give a shit if Feliciano spilled something.

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Hamish Stuart man I'm just spamming you with posts lmao I hope this works!!

[Hamish Stuart]

Even with his bent head it was more than a little clear to Hamish that the man was not seeming to agree to his idea that the queen didn’t deserve such honor to have someone such as Feliciano bowing. Not only was he common born but his hand would never bare a ring binding him to Ludwig. With time his secret would be discovered but with his time in power he could manage to leave some sort of name for himself, if he was fortunate enough his actions would be enough that his crimes would not overwrite it all. Death was not a pleasant thought but Hamish accepted his fate. A public execution had not been what he would have dreamt of during his childhood but there was no escaping his fate now. Fleeing the kingdom would only risk war and he would not be the cause of needless death.

Pausing there was a clear sign of displeasure hearing that he had come at a time that interrupted Feliciano from being able to compete the meal he had been presented. Even with the clear frown, there wasn’t any word against the male doing away with his meal, if he felt that it was alright then there was no reason to cause even more discomfort by mentioning how little had been eating. Seating himself those green eyes were careful to not stare, he didn’t want to make the knight feel as though he was being judged. Making Feliciano feel as though he were being judged would not aid in convincing the knight to accept his aid.

What would he do if the knight refused his idea? Things would become awkward when this was the first time he spoke to the man? This offer couldn’t be viewed as going against the king but… when his secret came to light it would put Feliciano at some risk. With prior connections to the king it seemed unlikely the man would be thought as a traitor to the crown. Hamish would have to continue to remind himself that Ludwig wouldn’t turn against the knight even if he began to doubt his own convictions.
Did he know anything about the king to be able to swear that no harm would be brought by those he was able to help? Before his secret came to light he would have to correct the spell. Why would someone else deserve punishment for his wrong doings? If unable to complete the new spell before his execution he would offer the crown a way to kill two birds with a single stone.

Pretending to be blind to his struggles just caused discomfort to the queen. Using his nails to draw symbols on the table there was not a single word utter before a loud whistle was heard from the seated queen. Finally looking toward Feliciano a single finger pointed at the dish that balanced against the male’s palm lifted guided by a single pointed digit. Whistling once more the dish traveled to the serving platter and was swiftly covered as though it had been taking orders from the silent queen. “Na yin is willing tae tell muckle o' ye bit ah didn’t come 'ere tae hear stories. Ah hawp we kin offer help tae ilk ither.” There was clear hesitation from Hamish, he did not want to risk himself by giving information that was no yet required by the male. “Ah managed tae create a spell that wid gie lee tae armor that ah kin attach tae you… Apologies that mah magic does nae allow me tae dae mair bit ah kin at least gie ye back something! I’ve tried tae fin' something mair bit even this spell is among forbidden magic 'n' i’ve ne'er bin given training bit mah personal spells hae nae wance failed.” There was a hint of panic as though the queen feared Feliciano would find such idea distasteful causing Hamish to attempt to explain before interrupted. Green eyes no longer were watching anything but his own hands as though he had prepared to be scolded for suggesting to use forbidden magic. “Ye'll be able tae cop wi' it. If ye desire ye kin even paint wi' a wee bit o' practice.”

[Feliciano Vargas]

Just when Feliciano felt he had everything balanced, when taking his next step didn't make the plate wobble as badly nor knock the wine glass loose, a sharp whistle pierced the air. Feliciano startled at the loud sound, and he felt more than saw the dished bounce out of his grip. Panic flooded his system, eyes opened wide as he fumbled with the glass and plate. He missed, but not because of anything he had done. Feliciano knew he'd grabbed for where the plate and glass were supposed to have been, but his one hand had only hit empty air. Because, instead, both were calmly floating in the air.

Another harsh whistle made Feliciano flinch, even as his eyes refused to leave the dishes as they sped along towards the serving platter on the floor. The silver lid lifted on its own, so the plate and glass could gently lay on the tray before being covered once again. The sentry stared a few moments more, as though willing the entire last few seconds to reset themselves as shame clawed its way up his throat. His tongue felt too large in his mouth, and heat burned the back of his neck, as though it felt the stare of the Queen waiting apparently-not-so patiently at the sitting area.

Feliciano hadn't even turned around yet, let alone work around his fumbling tongue to tell the Queen herself that he hadn't needed help with that, especially not from his own guest, when she began to speak instead. "Na yin is willing tae tell muckle o' ye bit ah didn’t come 'ere tae hear stories. Ah hawp we kin offer help tae ilk ither." Queen Stuart stopped and started over a few words, sounding like her tongue felt as awkward as Feliciano's own. He turned around at the word "help", unable to tell if he felt more or less uncomfortable knowing that the royal herself was feeling less than steady in this undeniably odd situation.

God, Feliciano's head hurt a bit trying to listen through her thick accent.

"Ah managed tae create a spell that wid gie lee tae armor that ah kin attach tae you… Apologies that mah magic does nae allow me tae dae mair bit ah kin at least gie ye back something!" Bright green eyes finally looked away from Feliciano's own--she sounded so painfully earnest, but uncomfortable all the same. She fidgeted with her hands, a visible tick Feliciano's own noble mother would've never allowed. Showing such a sign of weakness as a royal--it was dangerous to be so open. "I’ve tried tae fin' something mair bit even this spell is among forbidden magic 'n' i’ve ne'er bin given training bit mah personal spells hae nae wance failed." Queen Hamish's words were rushed, as if wanting to spit the words out before Feliciano could reply. "Ye'll be able tae cop wi' it. If ye desire ye kin even paint wi' a wee bit o' practice."

Feliciano's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He had to go over the words a bit, because her speaking so quickly only exacerbated his inability to understand. Still, it was impolite to simply continue standing by the door while his guest sat near cross the room. So he mulled over her words as he stepped over to the sitting area, instead picking the sole chair kitty-corner to the sofa. "...Your Highness, I'm incredibly sorry, but I'm having a bit of difficulty understanding your request, ve," Feliciano finally said, sitting straight and proper and thankful his seat kept his carefully pinned sleeve out of direct line of sight. "I... I know I heard mention of armor, and forbidden magic, but..." He paused, thinking over his words so as to not potentially insult the royal. Feliciano didn't need to have Ludwig after his head for upsetting his potential bride, or whatever arrangement he had with his Queen.

"Ve, I'm really not the one for you to be asking about magic," Feliciano finally said, bowing his head apologetically. "I've not the skill, nor any training in such matters. But I'm sure if you speak to His Royal Highness, he'd be more than happy to find you a magical tutor for whatever you need. They'd be able to explain any questions you have regarding any...forbidden magics. I'm sorry I can't be more useful to you." Despite himself and his own etiquette training, Feliciano bit his lip, grip tightening upon his knee. "If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask, but I can't guarantee any...satisfactory answers."

He never even entertained the idea that perhaps he'd misheard. After all, he knew very little about the study or practice of magic, despite having sat in on Ludwig's lessons as a child. Ludwig specialized fairly exclusively in fire-based spells at the time, and Feliciano had always been more entertained by the light show than attentive to what was being said. Plus, the very idea of someone performing magic on his behalf, solely for his benefit, didn't even cross his mind. "...Though I do request that perhaps...we k-keep any mention of my past where it belongs, ve?" Feliciano's voice sounded so very small, now, knuckles white against the pink and red of his uniform. "I-I know I might paint again, but... B-But I'd... I'd r-really not think about such things now."

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Sorry Feli's such an awkward butt Hamish Stuart