insideoflight | (no subject)

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[Exhaustion is hardly anything new for Naltryd. The moment she decided to become an adventurer, she knew that life ahead of her wasn't going to be easy, filled with hard knocks and barriers to overcome. Granted, those many years ago, she hadn't an idea that adventuring would lead to her at the very edge of the universe, fighting to save her world--nay, every world. Her exponentially growing adventures over time had lead to no small amount of injuries and near death experiences, though none had come quite as close to this one. Had that teleporter not appeared out of thin air, she knows she would have died alongside Zenos.

(The thought scares her less than she would have expected, but she's grateful to be alive nonetheless.)

Her friends and the healers in Sharlayan alike have done what they can for her, fixing up the most grievous of wounds, but even magic can only heal so much. The rest is up to her own body and time. It was difficult enough being bedridden for several days, and she's still only allowed outside of the Annex for stints at a time as she recovers (she's pretty sure the combined will of Alisae and G'raha will keep her from even accidentally stubbing a toe). Still, there's plenty of people coming and going to see her and keep her company, at least.

The person she wishes to talk to most, however, is still asleep. Not as if she knows exactly what she wants to say, granted.

Emet-Selch is the last to have awoken, though her worries have been lessened by Hythlodaeus' insistence that he's perfectly fine, just needs to sleep a little. Still, there's uncertainty there, as she doesn't know where this road is going to lead exactly. She doesn't know where the first step is going to fall.

And so she sits there at his bedside, still-healing bruises and scrapes across the skin of hers that isn't still bandaged, thumbing through a book. It's difficult to focus; she's not sure if she can recall exactly what she read on the previous page, and her eyes keep flickering over to the sleeping Ancient in the bed beside her.]

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[Well... Hythlodaeus isn't wrong. She did make some of that history. Maybe more than just some of it now, all things considered, but even now it still rings strange to her, and she ducks her head with a sheepish expression.]

We all did our parts, in the end. Myself, the two of you, Venat... And everyone along the way. The important part now is where we currently stand.

[ Hythlodaeus rubs the arm his fingers are wrapped around, reassuringly. ]

I know you won't hide. But don't overthinking it just yet, hmm? We'll get to that, one step at a time.

[ And Naltryd is correct... when it comes to the living. But as Hades is going to be dealing with the Underworld, and Hythlodaeus will be helping, how they got there will be important, too.

But again, later.

He grins at her. ]

We are currently lounging very comfortably, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.

No dwelling upon ends of worlds in the bath, is it?

[He gives Hythlodaeus' scalp one last good scrub, then moves on to rinsing the shampoo out of it.]

Then mayhap we should think on other plans? Travel, certainly, but one of us still has a great many local sights to see.

Ah, there is! The city is beautiful, if a little chilly sometimes. I'm hardly a local, but still, I've learned my way about for the most part. I'm sure that I can get you into Labyrinthos as well. Though its exact purpose is no longer needed, I doubt they will be shutting the place down anytime soon.

[She gives a little nod.]

[ Hythlodaeus lets out a contented sigh at the two of them following the lead away from ruining the relaxing time, because yes, no dwelling upon ends of the worlds in the bath. Not when the idea for the bath was to relax.

Then he chuckles softly. ]

I do hope you don't get bored of visiting the same sights all over again for my sake.

[ Both in Naltryd's scope and in Hades's. Because he does have an idea what Hades means, at least somewhat. He's had a little time with him, observing Naltryd's progress, to get used to some of the way he speaks now. ]

In truth, a majority of it is places I haven't seen in much detail for the better part of a century. I didn't exactly have time to go gallivanting around the far reaches of the world whilst acting as Garlemald's emperor, after all, so it shall be interesting to see how places outside of the Empire's reach have changed in that time.

[Hair as long as Hythlodaeus' is going to take a bit more effort to rinse than his own or Naltryd's, but he doesn't seem to mind. It just means more time combing his fingers through it...]

I won't get bored at all. In fact, I look forward to it. Most places I never got to travel for the sake of exploration... They were merely places to pass through, to fight through, to get to a destination. But this time, I can see these lands at peace.

[What she's referring exactly to, the lands themselves or her, is up to their interpretation.]

Truly, I wish to show you the places I know. Introduce you to the people I've met throughout the years, though you will need to let me know what exactly to introduce you as.

[And she chuckles. Emet-Selch, especially... Not that his current form is the same as when he was Solus, not exactly anyway, face aside.]

Oh...

[ Instead of some sort of deflection, or even less, Hythlodaeus receives reassurances, from both of them, and it's a little exhilarating... and a trifle disorienting. They will all be mindful, careful around each other for a good while, he registers yet again. Naltryd, for having been sundered, and having to go through it all while not completely herself - and suffering losses and pain and betrayal along the way. Hades, for having born the burden of loss and grief and tempering and so much that he would perhaps not have chosen to do, loss of memory and at the same time having too much memory weighing on his shoulders.

Hythlodaeus himself... well, having sacrificed himself, and having been missing from their lives.

There is, indeed, so much to learn again, among the three of them. And so much to be gentle for. There will be teasing of the more naggy kind again, he's sure. Eventually. But this sweetness, he will relish, also. ]

Then I look forward to all of them. With you, both of you.

[ ... and the introduction question is obviously not to him. But that is all right. ]

I may have to think upon that...it's been a long time by any metric since last I allowed any but my dearest friends to use my true name, yet 'Emet-Selch' is an odd enough moniker in modern day to invite inconvenient questions.

[He finishes rinsing Hythlodaeus' hair, but lingers behind him just long enough to press a brief kiss to the back of his neck before moving to sit next to him.]

All I'm certain of right now is that I'd rather not use an outright pseudonym. I have lived under more than enough aliases already.

[Aw, they really are cute. She stretches her arms out, yawning a bit, feeling a lot more relaxed than earlier.]

An odd name, yes, but I've heard odder. I doubt too many would care much.

[ At that little kiss... Hades can feel the goosebumps of pleasure that break Hythlodaeus's skin; Naltryd can see the helpless, besotted smile that lights up his face.

Little things go a long way with him, because he knows even they can be a bit much for Hades sometimes - and she was away more than she was with them, back then, so he cherishes every moment, too.

When Hades moves, he straightens up a little, settles for more lounging in the bath- and reaches a hand under the water to twine his fingers with Hades's. ]

Hmm. Perhaps that will not be bad at all. At least some people getting used to knowing you, so when their time comes, they will know the one who will ease them into the lifestream.

[He closes his own fingers around Hythlodaeus' hand and shifts to stretch his legs out under the water, careful to avoid bumping his feet into Naltryd.]

If you don't think it would make things more difficult for us, I would prefer you introduce me as Emet-Selch. Calling a Convocation member by their true name has always had a certain...personal element to it, compared to using our titles.

I've come to understand that, yes.

[Part of her wants to ask what he wants her to address him as, but... She'll wait. It may be better for her to make more of her own decision before that, anyway.]

Emet-Selch it is, then! The name is only known to a scant few, so you shan't need worry about anyone connecting you to...well, the past, because of it. It will be a good new beginning here.

[ In all fairness, what she is called, by either of them, should be her choice first. Hythlodaeus for his own part is really tempted to just go back to calling her darling, or any other endearments, but for now, he is sticking to Naltryd. There will be time for much and more. ]

So ... after a slight interlude... our fellowship travels on, unbroken.

[ He knows he might glares from both of them for repeating what he said, so long ago. But he can't resist, not really. ]

Maybe slightly differently attired, but that seems less of a remarkable thing, in this time.

[He rolls his eyes, but there are far more embarrassing things Hythlodaeus could reference...such as the conversation that nearly did break said fellowship. And after everything...he isn't going to be the one to comment on Venat's absence.]

Our robes would draw the more attention, only professional thaumaturges seem to favor such things anymore.

I suppose you must needs find some other way to avoid thoroughly distracting any who lay eyes upon you.

Honestly, I'm certain that Tataru is sewing your new outfits as we speak. Inspiration strikes her in instants, and once she has her mind to it, she can get things done in record time. I do look forward to what she has in store for you... And I, perhaps, may ask her for an outfit myself.

[She's worn this garb for a good year now and is very attached to it, but maybe something to show her more as a simple adventurer...

She does chuckle at that last part, though.]

[ Hythlodaeus's smile brightens, and then sharpens a little into a smirk even as he opens his eyes wide and innocent. ]

But if I am not working, whysoever would I not want them to be distracted?

[ ... it makes the lives of certain tsuns a lot easier when the attention is not on them, after all. ]

Have you considered, my sweet, that they might be working?

[He gives Hythlodaeus a playful nudge with the side of his arm.]

I do recall Tataru designed you a new set of aetherially conductive clothing for your trip to Ultima Thule. If that is the quality of her work, then I can't imagine anyone accomplishing anything productive in his presence.

[The two of them really do flirt it up, huh? It's not awkward, more amusing than anything, but there's a softness there that she appreciates seeing.

(At the same time, there's a longing that she doesn't want to give much thought to right now).]

She did, yes. I'm certain that all will be well, and outfits will be laid at the feet of your bed soon enough. No doubts that she probably had you measured before you even regained consciousness.

Well, they can get back to working once what you two need of them is done.

[ Dainty shrug because he absolutely will make sure that Naltryd and Hades get what they need and what they want. Some things do not change.

Then he chuckles slightly. ]

Hades, perhaps, possibly because while I was still there it might have been difficult - and she measured me after I woke up.

[ They were a little too-tightly tangled while asleep. ]

Not if you linger. You are like to be downright captivating in a properly flattering outfit.

Though, given what I've observed thus far, mayhap I ought to lock my door from now on to ensure the Scions' treasurer steals naught more than simply my measurements.

[She snorts in amusement.]

No, no, it's simply the measurements she would have stolen. There needn't be any worry, even if I do consider her the most frightening member of our lot.

[ Smirking at Hades because oh, there really is so much of that to explore. ]

You have given that some thought, I see.

[ He has not really worn anything other than robes, after all. And underwear at home, but hardly more fetching than normal.

Then, a nod to Naltryd. ]

You are not mistaken. Indomitable will, there.

I've given much thought to your return to the physical realm in general. Things I was certain you would enjoy...'tis a pity that Varis went and forced my favored theater company to flee Garlemald.

[A pause, and a frown.]

Or mayhap a blessing in disguise, given more recent events. I may not know where they went, but at least they are like to still be alive.

Kugane, at the moment, if we speak of the same company. They fare well enough now, and we've had quite the adventures together. I imagine they would be happy to have me and my companions to an upcoming performance of whatever they do next.

[See? Good news!]