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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You are not the least bit intruding. To be so would require that you be unwelcome, when your presence is instead very much desired.

If I have given the impression that your Sundered status makes you less worthy in my eyes, rest assured that your actions have thoroughly dispelled that notion. Do think for a moment, why would I have agreed to remain at your behest, when beforehand I saw no place for myself in this world, now entrusted to mortal hands?

Oh...

[She looks up, her eyes widening. Naltryd hadn't expected this, no. While she is still ignorant to the true, full extent of things, their words say enough for the time being for her to mostly understand.]

Well. You two certainly have a way with words.

[She smiles, if a bit shyly. It's an expression that not many see upon her face in public.]

Then-- Well. I may return to my room shortly to give you two the private time you clearly desire, but your words, well... They mean a lot to me, and comfort me. I've much to think about, much to discuss, and much to learn, but for now? For now... I am gladdened.

[ Her reaction reinforces the certainty that the words needed to be said, and that perhaps more need to be said, though not necessarily immediately. But her aether calms down from the traces of bitterness that were starting to lace the clear color of her soul.

Hythlodaeus smiles, softly, and hums again. ]

Eventually, and so long as you know, truly know, that you are very welcome to stay, or even join if you are in the mood for it. [ A small head-shake. ] Everything among us still is heavily weighted, and it will take time for understanding to be easy and natural. So we'll try to make sure you have no reason to misunderstand us this way again.

[ She knows a little of how their time-- how his time was. Much was veiled in uniformness and subtlety, and there was ever time to elaborate. But he'll learn to hear her heart and sooth it in the here-and-now. She is worth it, always. ]

[He nods, smiling faintly, and reaches out to push Naltryd's damp bangs aside.]

Don't forget all I have done for you. I would not have put in nearly so much effort, particularly while in Zodiark's thrall, if you were meaningless to me. I shan't assume that I mean the same to you that I did to Azem, particularly given our rather more complicated history, but know that you needn't fear rejection...whatever you may desire of us.

[Oh. Oh. Her face takes on a definite shade of red at their words, and at the touch. There's no denying the implications there, and the situation both past and present become a lot clearer now.]

I see. I...certainly see. Um.

[She clears her throat.]

My apologies, it's been...quite some time since, ah... [She just kind of, waves her hand.] Anyone has been this...open with me? I've still much to think about, especially considering this all, but...thank you for your words. The knowledge will help the confusion of my situation.

[ And... only a little sorry, but he has to ask, softly. ]

Quite some time since you have been held?

[ Gentle, gentle eyes on her, before he shakes his head slightly and then sharper, to let the little droplets spray on Hades, the smile turning definitely teasing. ]

And he is not wrong, you know. It takes some good motivation for him to stray from, well, blissful, leisurely idleness.

[He saw that blush coming, given her reaction to his earlier joke about her watching him in the bath. What Hythlodaeus said was far more suggestive, but also very much true.

What he says now, however, earns a huff.]

I have had a very tiring, and very productive century. I shall be glad to never experience 'old age' again.

[But, back to the subject at hand...]

I quite understand if you've found yourself starved for true intimacy, my dear. The life of a famed hero is a remarkably lonely one, hm?

It...has been quite some time.

[She rubs the back of her head.]

It's not necessarily that it's lonely. I've no want for companionship. But something of that nature, ah... Well. I haven't...since I...

[They might be able to see a change in her aether briefly--another twinge of pain.]

The interest was not there for some time, really.

[ Oh, Naltryd.

Now Hythlodaeus will shift a little and extend his arm on the opposite side of where Hades is towards her in invitation. ]

Just hug.

[ No strings attached, no commitment or answers asked. Only comfort. ]

[His expression softens, and he nods in understanding. He's had similar periods, himself. Most recently, after his son...after his last vessel's son died.]

Emotional stress can do as much. Further evidence that this reprieve is long overdue.

Ah... Well. A hug certainly couldn't hurt.

[A little nod, and she scoots over in the bath. Once she's close enough, Naltryd leans in, taking a deep breath before giving Hythlodaeus a hug. It's a little awkward, what with the nudity and all, but... Hugs are good.]

[ Hugs are indeed good, and Hythlodaeus will not add any awkwardness due to the state of undress. He generally runs warm, though that is hardly noticeable in the water of the bath, and he gives good hugs, his arm coming around her and settling there, with comfort and affection as he shift a little to allow Hades to reach her, as well. ]

Some things will never be all right - a change, I know, from the first time we had the chance to touch on the subject of loss, but I have had a bit of time to consider - but this comfort is yours now, whenever you need or even simply wish for it.

[While he might sometimes play lip service to thinking hugs are embarrassingly sappy, this time he moves to wrap his free arm around Naltryd's shoulder without hesitation. He, for his part, doesn't seem to feel any awkwardness, holding them both firmly. Hythlodaeus, at least, will definitely get the sense that he's needed this, himself.]

Even if the comfort you seek is simply a listening ear. Giving voice to one's complaints has a way of easing them all on its own.

[Well then. Strange as this is, it's definitely welcome. Naltryd chuckles, letting herself relax into the dual embrace.]

Thank you. It means more than I can say. The same goes back, by the by; even if I don't always know the right thing to say, I will always be there if you need something.

[ Hythlodaeus's breath catches slightly, as that is not an offer often made out loud in his direction - that is not to say he doesn't know it's been there, before, but voiced is... well, that is something he usually does, rather than receives, after all. But... even this is good. Everything about this moment is better than it was a little bit ago.

He is very, very comfortable right now. In all the ways. ]

Mm. You don't always have to worry about saying the right thing, you know. We are both a little better at realizing the meaning beneath the words than most.

[ And even if it is, by chance, the wrong thing... what about the three of them isn't about giving second chances? ]

[It's an offer he's often been awkward about making in the past, but between his meddling in mortal politics and somehow being the least broken of the Unsundered, improving his social skills has been a must. So he nods, content for now to lean against the other two and soak up the affection and supportive company he's been deprived of for so long.]

And as well as that, you know better than most what it is we have lived through.

That I have. And....thank you. Words aren't always my forte. I'm the Warrior of Light, not the Orator of Light, after all.

[She smiles, relaxing further into the hug.]

Thank you. Both of you, for everything you have done for me. It isn't an exaggeration at all to say that I would not be here if it weren't for you. For aiding me, for saving my very life...

[She would have been lost to the rift had Emet-Selch not intervened during her fight with Elidibus. And the gods only known what would have happened had they not helped her escape in Ktisis Hyperboreia. And, of course, in Ultima Thule...]

[ He leans his head sideways to rest lightly against hers - so she can lean on him a little more - and his other arm, wrapped around Hades's waist, squeezes in turn. ]

Well now. Most of that is Hades's doing. [ A familiar tone of pride at his friend's accomplishments from Elpis, mostly. ] But for the part of what I have done, you are very welcome. I told you - I selfishly want for you to survive.

Well, I was hardly the Speaker of the Convocation...one tends to learn skills as they're needed. But...you may consider my aid against Elidibus, at least, to be apology for the difficulties I caused you. I did know full well what he would attempt if you did prevail...

[It's...disappointing, that Elidibus didn't calm down after seeing him act in defense of the Warrior of Darkness. But he can't entirely say he's surprised. His brother was not in any fit state to be making rational decisions.]

And as for you, my sweet... [He gives Hythlodaeus' cheek a brief kiss.] Helped more than you might know, in a sense. Where I was not able to act directly due to Zodiark's will, the shade I fashioned after you was able to see to it that she had what she needed to prevail.

I owe both of you for being here today. And so...thank you.

[There's a brief pause before she leans in, giving Hythlodaeus a kiss on the cheek, before turning her head to give the same to Emet-Selch.]

That is all you'll be getting from me in that regard for now, but...that...is that.

[ Hythlodaeus's aether glows at Hades's kiss, as he smiles sweetly, and then both glow and smile brighten at both Naltryd's. He tilts his head and presses his lips at her temple. ]

And we owe you, too, and are happy.

And for now - this is plenty.

[ All of that murmured, lips against her skin, before he tilts his head away finally. ]

And when you need help, we'll do our best.

[ He's volunteering Hades but he's aware that he's not overstepping anything. ]

Edited 2022-04-14 07:48 (UTC)

[His own smile is subtler than Hythlodaeus', it always is, but the swell of his aether gives away just how much even such a small gesture makes him happy. He places a kiss of his own on her cheek, brief yet full of affection.]

My dear, even this much is more than I thought remotely possible back when we spoke on Kholusia. Do you recall, how I first began to truly open myself in your company, and you seemed incredulous that an Ascian could shed tears?

I did. We were still on opposing sides of sorts, even working towards part of a goal together. And you were the first Ascian that appeared... Well. Humanized, in my eyes. I didn't like you much then, but now... One shard closer to complete, and with all this new knowledge... I truly regret what I had to do.

[She leans down, placing a very brief kiss on Emet's chest, where it would have been punctured clean with light that time ago.]

I had no choice, but my heart was certainly not light for it. I won't apologize for doing what I had to do, but I still... I wish there had been... Mmn. Well, whatever it is, it doesn't matter, now as we're here.

[ This part is mostly between the two of them, and Hythlodaeus lounges a little back to give them a chance for the contact they need, for the words, without alarming them or actually pulling away.

But the kiss she places on Hades's chest, the implications of it and her words - Hythlodaeus's heart clenches, and his arm around Hades's waist tightens helplessly. ]

[He recognizes the tension in Hythlodaeus' grip, and gives a light shrug that he hopes will serve to reassure them both.]

Unpleasant as it was...I consider it to have been for the best. I can't say with certainty if my brief time in the Aetherial Sea would have washed away something so powerful as Zodiark's influence, but the Light you wielded against me was anathema to His aether.

Not that I wouldn't also have preferred there to be another way, of course, but it did work out in the end. Better to accept what victories we claim than to bemoan those we'd wished to grasp instead.