[avalon] IC Inbox

[emet_sulk]

I am currently not available at the moment.
If you were directed here by Hythlodaeus, kindly inform him that any messes he creates are his responsibility to clean up.

If this is Hythlodaeus: Please act like a bureau chief for once in your life and stop referring complaints to me.


(A place for private network messages or overflow threads from Isle of Avalon!)

Comments

[weenwoon]

He listens attentively, a slight frown appearing on his features, then deepening. While it is true that his sacrifice was voluntary, he could never blame Hades for wanting to bring him back; Hythlodaeus would likely have done the same if the roles had been reversed. Or rather, he would have sacrificed himself along with Hades, unable and unwilling to be parted from one another. And as for having no sympathy for Hades's pain because he, too, has hurt others... Hythlodaeus can't quite imagine the Venat he knew to think like that. It's a very mortal way of thinking - and perhaps a sign that Venat really is not as unaffected as Hades thinks.

But as those thoughts flash by Hythlodaeus's attention is still on his friend. When Hades rests his forehead against him, he hugs him in return, one hand stroking his back soothingly to help keep Hades grounded in reality. And despite the heaviness of the topic, there is only one response that comes to his mind.

"And you say you do not care for them."

Even as he says it, Hythlodaeus is reminded of a conversation from long ago, so much longer for Hades that he likely does not even remember it. Such moving empathy. It's as if you wore the feathers yourself. Yes, Hades has always felt things so strongly, even back then; how much stronger, how much more painful would it grow after sharing lives with mortals?

[emet_sulk]

He shakes his head roughly and voices a muffled sound of complaint. "I don't care for them. I don't. I--"

...But there's something in Hythlodaeus' gentle tone that brings out the lie of his denial even before he can finish.

His shoulders slump. He exhales shakily, and in a small voice, says, "I wanted them to live long enough to see their dreams fulfilled."

[weenwoon]

Hythlodaeus feels a pang of relief: up until now Hades would only deny that he has any concern for the mortals, and him finally admitting that he does is a step forward. He holds him a little closer, resting his cheek against Hades's head.

"I know. And it hurt you so to never see those dreams come to fruition."

[emet_sulk]

"I would always hear their souls crying out," he murmurs. "Mourning for tasks left incomplete, words left unsaid. 'Twas unfathomably cruel what she did to them. Even had I tried to help, I couldn't possibly bear all their unfulfilled wishes by myself. I already had my arms full with the regrets of our own.

"...Besides which," he continues quietly, "if the intent was to condemn man to an eternal search for life's meaning, wouldn't my interference make them complacent?"

[weenwoon]

"Who knows," he replies quietly. His heart grows heavier as Hades talks of the unfulfilled aspirations of the mortals; in a way, Hythlodaeus's own wish never came true either, did it? And though it is minor in the grand scheme of things, that makes it no less sad.

"Did any of them find that meaning?"

[emet_sulk]

That gets a crooked, unseen smile against Hythlodaeus' shirt. "Well now, mayhap you should ask that of the Warriors of Light."

Even if the Azem they knew is gone, their spirit lives on. And he thinks that in confronting a living entity of despair, that they have found their answer.

"...What was your life's purpose, 'Daeus?" he eventually asks, lifting his head. "What was it you sought to accomplish?"

He cannot help but ask in the past tense even though his friend has yet to see the Final Days.

[weenwoon]

He smiles in return, a little mischievous, but a little shy, too. It's not like he ever made a secret of his life's goal, but it is still embarrassing to say out loud to one of the people it concerns.

"Have I never told you? What I've always wanted is to help you and Azem realize your full potential. I haven't got much I can give the star, but you two do. And I want to see you shine as brightly as I know you can."

[emet_sulk]

He gazes into his partner's eyes. Then cups Hythlodaeus' face between his hands and kisses his friend tenderly. Not that a mere kiss can convey all the warmth and affection he feels for them. No, nothing in this realm can come close at all.

"I am afraid I am very much a fallen star right now, 'Daeus. One whose potential will never be realised after all. But we are here - we will halt the calamity threatening our star. And once we have, once we return home, I would ask that you travel the world with me so that we might see the world as Azem did but through our own eyes."

[weenwoon]

"I would love that," he replies after kissing back, a smile on his face and obvious affection in his eyes. He is truly, truly happy to hear that Hades has something he wants to do after returning now; the last few times they've spoken of it, all that his friend wanted was to go to his rest. "But I suppose that does mean they will have to find someone else to mind the Bureau." His voice takes on a mischievous tone there; after all, how often does he get to slack off by Hades's own permission?

[emet_sulk]

'Slack off'? That would imply Hythlodaeus did any work to begin with--

"'Twill be a scandal for the ages: man abandons his work to travel for pleasure," he says with a soft laugh. "Foist the work on my past self. Give him something to grumble about when you return - and something for you to fuss over and appease upon your return."

[weenwoon]

Come on, he very diligently sat in his office most of the time! When he wasn't sneaking out under one pretense or another.

Hythlodaeus laughs in answer, amused by the mental image of the younger Hades having to deal with the many ridiculous submissions the Bureau saw on the daily... in addition to his main duties as Emet-Selch. He would have such lectures to endure upon his return.

"I would not be surprised if on our return he would force us both to do his work for a few moons. Which, I suppose, would be only fair... And I imagine I would have to take him traveling sometimes, too. I could just see him feeling jealous over himself - that is, you."

[emet_sulk]

"I think I could stand to do some menial work as punishment for a little selfishness." He chuckles as well. "Although I must confess...'twould be lonely not being able to monopolise your attention."

Because yes, he wagers he would be jealous of anyone else occupying Hythlodaeus' time. Even if it was another of him. Oh, he doubts he would make it clear though. There would be barbs, pointed words, the silent treatment - until someone confronted him about the matter and forced him to out his concerns.

[weenwoon]

Hythlodaeus can't help chuckling more at the mental image, completely charmed. He knows full well that Hades would be absolutely loath to voice his jealousy outright - it's only a blessing that his older self at least can admit to it. But he's also certain in his ability to reassure both of them, one way or another.

"Ah, I can wager I would be the only man ever to be faced with such a problem! Having two lovers vying for my attention, yet they are both the same person. I shall have to turn to Azem so they would distract you two in turns."

[emet_sulk]

"Oh, outsourcing your mischief now, are you? But would you not then grow jealous?"

He smiles faintly though. He doesn't think he has anything to worry about. The bond between them gives him surety. Hythlodaeus will always come back to him, no matter how long the wait. Isn't there a saying? 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder'?

"I think you will need to introduce him to your pet name for me as well, else he will think himself less worthy."

[weenwoon]

"Ah, you are right there. I considered coming up with another one for him, but I fear differentiating between you would still make you both feel as though 'tis a competition." Another wave of fondness through their bond - it's obvious that Hythlodaeus considers the prospect charming. And perhaps buoyed by that feeling he wraps his arms around Hades's waist a little tighter, lifting him off his feet and spinning him around a little - a silly, embarrassingly affectionate gesture that's so much in Hythlodaeus's character. "And well, if I grew lonely in your or his absence, I would merely make you make it up to me later! One way or another."

[emet_sulk]

Hades utters an undignified squawk as he's suddenly lifted off his feet and spun around. For the briefest moment, he ends up leaning Hythlodaeus (much to his partner's glee, no doubt). Once he touches down again and regains his composure, he huffs and pinches his friend's cheek.

Despite his outward manner, there is nothing but affection for the other man.

"You silly man - I hope you didn't throw out your back picking me up just now."

[weenwoon]

He grins at the familiar grousing, though there is some unevenness to his breathing. It's not his fault that Hades is heavier than he might look!

"If I did, does that mean I don't have to wash the dishes today?"

[emet_sulk]

He rolls his eyes but then suddenly smirks. Bending suddenly, he sweeps his friend off their feet and into his arms, carrying them over to a nearby armchair and placing them gently in it.

"Alright, 'Daeus," he says. "But just this once." And then as though doting on one of the elderly, he kisses the crown of Hythlodaeus' head before straightening, still wearing that smirk.

[weenwoon]

He squeaks in surprise, clinging to Hades automatically, but being carried is quite pleasing! But just as he gets comfortable in Hades's arms he's deposited on an armchair, not to mention the implications of being treated as an old man. He pouts (though it's all playful, of course) and grabs onto one of Hades's arms, refusing to let go even as he straightens up. If he's going to be pandered to, it ought to last longer than a couple minutes!

"I also want a massage. For my poor thrown back."

[emet_sulk]

"A massage, is it? What a demanding man you are. How am I supposed to massage your back while you sit in this chair, hmm?"

He flicks a stray lock of hair out of Hythlodaeus' face playfully, crouching so they're mostly eye-level.

[weenwoon]

He grins in response, looking smug, and very obviously delighted at having Hades indulge his whims.

"You could put me on the bed, then. I fear I cannot walk on my own!"

[emet_sulk]

"Oh dear," he says with mock concern. "With such a terrible affliction paralysing the love of my heart, I suppose I must."

He rises again, carefully scooping Hythlodaeus up once more. Once he has his friend securely in his arms (and now HIS back and arms are straining) he makes his way to their bedroom, carefully shuffling in sideways through the door so as not to bump his friend's head.

[weenwoon]

Oh, Hythlodaeus is so terribly smug, and certainly Hades can feel that through their bond, happiness and affection mixed with self-satisfaction. He nuzzles into Hades's neck, getting cozy in his arms again, even if it only lasts for a while before he's deposited on the bed. Almost immediately, Hythlodaeus stretches like a contented cat, giving a pleased hum.

"You know, I could get used to being carried everywhere. And being told I'm the love of your heart."

[emet_sulk]

The mattress sinks a little when Hades sits upon the edge. He trails a hand over the back of Hythlodaeus' head, smiling slightly.

"I wouldn't want you to grow fat from the privilege. Now, are you comfortable?"

He shifts further inward, kneeling beside his friend's outstretched body. He hasn't really massaged someone before but how hard could it be?

He starts by kneading the lower back, planning to work his way up to the shoulder blades.

[weenwoon]

"Well, if you thought I was in danger of putting on weight, couldn't you help me... exercise?" Hythlodaeus turns his head to the side to glance up at Hades slyly... and wink. What could he possibly mean by "exercise", who can even tell!

But he makes a pleased sound, closing his eyes again as Hades begins to knead his back. Any physical contact is pleasant, of course, but the additional atmosphere of care makes it all the better.