Breakfast was a strange affair; there was not another way to describe it. The servants were confused about exactly who Ludwig was, because Gilbert had requested for the blue-eyed man to be treated as a Representative. Therefore, he was entitled to treatment equal to Gilbert's. Ludwig was overwhelmed because there were simply too many new things happening all at once. Though his new brother probably would not have let him, Ludwig would have been delighted to wander around the castle looking at all the art hanging on the walls. Gilbert was simply infuriated about the whole situation. It quickly became evident that Ludwig knew absolutely nothing. Well, he was able to read and write. Yet, he knew nothing of the past, even the most recent occurrences.
Tempers were running high while the brothers ate a light meal of fruit and bread. The pair left the hall not really knowing what to say to each other when Ludwig spotted a chessboard in the parlor. He wasn't entirely certain why, but something in Ludwig made him really want to try his hand at chess. Gilbert agreed to play and was actually quite eager to see if Ludwig had any innate talent at chess.
He found himself staring dumbstruck at his new brother barely an hour later. No one had ever managed to defeat him at chess, and certainly not as quickly as Ludwig had just done.
"You know, Ludwig, you might be a really good general or something," remarked Gilbert as he quickly reset the chessboard to play again. His thoughts were racing, and he was a bit distracted, causing him to lose again. How was it possible that a man who didn't know yesterday's weather could be able to play chess so well? Gilbert did not really care, and he was running out of patience when an idea formed in his head.
"Bruder, we ought to do something practical. It is time to learn the art of combat!" he exclaimed, eager to avoid another round of chess.
"Ja, that sounds good. What should we do first?" asked Ludwig, running a finger over the black knight piece.
"Follow me! I have an awesome plan for the… er… afternoon!" called Gilbert as he turned and walked out of the dining area.
Gilbert quickly walked down a confusing path of twisting corridors and spiral staircases. Ludwig followed him, paying close attention to the route. Eventually, the brothers reached a heavily guarded door. The guards before Gilbert bowed and opened the doors for the Representative of Prussia. Ludwig awkwardly followed his white-haired brother into a large chamber; fully aware the guards were staring at him. He soon forgot the questioning glances when he began looking around. Lined with long rows of weapons, the weaponry was a site to behold.
Ludwig walked up and down the long rows of weapons. His boots clicked on the floor and echoed down the chamber.
"How am I supposed to choose what to use?" he muttered to himself.
Gilbert sprang up behind his brother, scaring him a bit.
"Most of the weapons here are a bit outdated, at least where we are here. I was thinking of training you in the older weapons first, then moving you up through the ages!" he laughed.
So half an hour later, Ludwig found himself with a quiver of arrows over his back, clutching a large bow.
"He's got to be joking," he said under his breath, just loud enough to be heard.
"I'm hardly joking," replied Gilbert, with an evil grin on his face. "I've already had the servants set up some targets."
Half an hour and many close calls later, it was obvious to both brothers that Ludwig was hopeless with a bow .
"All right, I'm tired of seeing you struggle with those arrows. I never liked them very much either. Here!" Gilbert shouted, tossing a sword at Ludwig.
Ludwig caught it effortlessly and unsheathed it, holding it in his hands. It certainly felt better to him than the bow had. Gilbert had already taken out his sword and was giving it a few warm up swings when Ludwig lunged at him. Gilbert dodged the blow and the pair began dueling. Though Ludwig was no match for his red-eyed brother, it was evident he was still an excellent swordsman. The blade began to feel heavy in his hand as Gilbert continued on offense. Suddenly the tip of Gilbert's blade was pointed directly at Ludwig's throat.
"How are you so good with the blade, Ludwig?" Gilbert asked, panting slightly.
Ludwig looked down at the elegant sword he held and frowned. Where did his skills with the sword come from? Just a few minutes ago was the first time he had ever held a blade.
"I do not know, Bruder. It is as if I have done this before." He replied.
Gilbert paused. Hartwig had also had excellent swordsmanship, and fought in a similar style to Ludwig. He must have had a strange look on his face, for Ludwig was looking curiously at him.
"Do you feel all right? You look a bit ill."
"I'm fine. Let's stop here for today. I'll let you use some modern weapons tomorrow, alright?" replied Gilbert, a bit harsher than necessary.
Gilbert called for a servant and had Ludwig escorted to one of the many lavish guest rooms. Once his blonde brother was out of site, Gilbert found himself on his knees, hands clutching his throbbing head. His new brother and his old brother were so similar, but they were not the same. They never would be the same, either. Both were good at strategy and combat. Both had blonde hair and blue eyes that looked deep into people's souls. The difference was, Hartwig was long dead and Gilbert had done nothing to stop his death. Ludwig was alive and quickly learning the arts of war. Hartwig knew too much, and Ludwig knew nothing. Perhaps that was the best way overall.
Chapter Beta'd by MissBipolarBOTDF
Sorry I didn't update in a while- this is a slow update story because I'm so busy! Also, there's some personal issues going on. Sorry .
