He's flattered all the same. He's never really thought he was that special, especially not in comparison to his peers, but Amelia makes him feel, for the moment, that he's worth more than he claims to be.
"Ah, Hermes created a familiar called Meteion. She was an entelechy- able to convert an energy called dynamis into something tangible. Dynamis is an energy influenced by emotion, and so Meteion was quite sensitive to the feelings of others. And as the first entelechy to be possessed of free will, she was very special indeed."
There's a lack of warmth to his voice suddenly, though. It's as if the clouds had rolled over the sun, leaving a chill in the air. He isn't especially fond of Meteion. Not that he blames her entirely for the Final Days, and if he's willing to forgive Hermes his folly in creating her then he should be willing to understand her, too. But his resentment over what happened has to go somewhere, and blame has landed squarely on her shoulders. Easier to blame a creation than one of his fellow Ancients.
He doesn't have to say it for her to hear it: this is where things went wrong. One doesn't drop the the fondness and care in their voice suddenly without reason. She doesn't know the extent of what happened, and she won't push him to tell, but she will make it known she's hear to listen.
"Things weren't easy for her," she observes, giving his hands a gentle squeeze of assurance. "And for anyone to love something so unique so fiercely and so closely..." She huffs a softly breath. "I know it can lead to many confrontations and troubles. Such is the way of all worlds and all people, no matter where or who they may be."
She wishes she had better words for this. Comfort on an individual scale is easy, but what he's lost, what he sacrificed for those to come after, is on a scale Amelia simply can't comprehend, not fully. She frowns, moving a little closer to him and shifts to catch his eyes.
"Everyone in your story has some amount of the blame for what happened. It's not for you to carry it all on your own." Says the woman who refuses to let other carry her burdens, but so be it. Others deserve the relief she denies herself. "You don't have to tell me more of this if it hurts too much. We can talk of any number of things, or do anything else that might lift your spirits. I have no desire to have you feel so hurt for things that are done and can't be changed."
"You've no need to apologize to me. I asked the questions that led us here." It's an effect of her curious nature at times. Often it's harmless, sometimes it's devastating. She never knows until the conversation's rolled so far along that the only way to stop it is to address it directly. She doesn't mind being the one to do so.
"I would enjoy hearing you play something else, from your home or anywhere else, that speaks to you. I so rarely hear the lyre played since coming to the city, and you play very well." She smiles warmly. "Give me a little more of your time like this, and I'll be a very content woman."
This one brings about feelings of longing, but not unhappily so. Amelia allows her eyes to drift closed briefly as she listens, swaying slightly with the melody. He plays so beautifully and evocatively she can almost imagine this far off place he comes from with its foreign ways, and it makes her smile as he strums the last few notes.
She claps and rises to her feet as he bows, stepping close again to press another kiss to his cheek. "I very much did. Thank you for indulging me. You didn't have to, not for any of it." Yet he has without hesitation. It never ceases to make her wonder when people simply do things for her, all because she asked. She shakes her head to clear the thought.
"Now that I've had my way multiple times, I believe it's your turn to ask for something for our time together. Anything you like - I leave it entirely to you."
"Oh? Anything?" He chuckles, letting his lyre disappear now that he's done playing for the moment.
"I only ask that you spend a while longer with me. I enjoy your company." He turns his head to press a kiss of his own to her temple.
"Perhaps a drink somewhere? Either at my apartment, or at a bar?" They needn't get drunk, but Hythlodaeus finds a glass of wine and good company delightful. Were they in Amaurot, he'd have asked for the same.
"Anything," she confirms. The difficulty of his world's end aside, they've been having a lovely time together, and she's not looking to end it so soon. Distractions are good, and whatever sort he offers is something she'll welcome.
She smiles warmly up at him in return for the kiss. "I'd enjoy your company for as long as you'll have me. I'm not expected anywhere this evening, so if a drink at your apartment is what you'd like, I would be honored to join you." Her smile warms further as she gestures down the path that will lead them out of the garden. "Lead the way? And tell me what finery we'll enjoy at your apartment. I suspect you and your love keep many good things for sharing."
"Heh... aye, Emet-Selch was an emperor in one of his many lifetimes. I'm not entirely sure what that entails, but it seems to have given him a taste for luxury. We have expensive wines, spirits and such... all there to be consumed of course, so don't worry about drinking it!"
He starts to lead the way, a hand idly finding hers to link fingers with. He's... admittedly in need of the contact, after that conversation about the Final Days.
"Are you hungry at all? I wouldn't mind ordering a little something in- or we could grab something on the way back."
Physical contact is a more difficult thing for Amelia, but she makes the effort for those she's close to. As she's gotten to know Hythlodaeus more today, it's a bit easier. That he needs the comfort only makes it more so for her. She gives his hand a squeeze of reassurance once they're connected, smile warming further as they walk.
"Let's order something in once we're back. I'd hate for us to choose something that doesn't pair well with the drinks you've got, though... I admit I'm not always the best at judging such things." Her cheeks flush a light pink as she admits, "I can't make a single thing for myself where food is concerned. I'm best left to enjoying what others have prepared or eating fruits. Those I can handle, as handling knives is very easy for me."
Hythlodaeus chuckles, appreciative of the gesture.
"I can cook a little, but nothing spectacular I'm afraid. Ordering in sounds like a better idea."
He doesn't think there's any shame in not being good at cooking. Not everyone is good at it.
"Honestly, some days I would forget to eat. My people didn't need to eat quite so often as the mortals of today- still, we needed to eat sometimes, and I would often get so engrossed in my work that I simply... forgot."
Being the Chief of the Bureau of the Architect was a demanding job. He'd fallen asleep with his face buried in his papers before.
She laughs, the sound a little self-effacing. "I don't even have such an excuse for myself, and I do that often. I should eat more than I do, but have a habit of forgetting or setting it aside for other matters I find more pressing." Namely anything that isn't taking care of herself, because there are obviously far more important things to worry after than her health and well-being.
"But if we're both that way, we'll simply have to indulge even more while we drink." She gives his hand another squeeze. "Have you any favorites you've discovered since arriving here? We should make certain we have at least a little of whatever that may be."
"And indulge we shall! I'm quite in the mood for noodles, I think. And what of you, my dear? What takes your fancy?"
They're rounding the corner close to the apartments, and Hythlodaeus idly conjures up his card to the door as they get closer still. He'd tell her to look after herself better, but then he'd be a huge hypocrite, wouldn't he? But he's always cared more for others than himself.
It's on her lips to tell him she needs nothing, but after just admitting she forgets to eat often and asking him to choose something, that seems a very poor idea. She huffs a laugh at her own thoughts, taking a few seconds to think before she answers.
"I've found I rather enjoy the savory pizzas here. I rarely order them, too, but if we're indulging, it's a good time for them." She smiles up at him as they step inside the building and into the elevator. "As for drink... I'll have whatever you suggest with that. I often stick to whiskey or brandy because I know it, but I'm eager to try anything you recommend or favor."
"We have whiskey. And given Emet-Selch's expensive taste, it's likely of good quality." Emet-Selch would obviously settle for nothing less, so he's quite confident.
"We have wines, too. But I will drink whatever you choose, I am not fussy."
Stepping into the apartment, Hythlodaeus smiles to his companion and gestures for her to follow him. "Let's see..."
There's whiskey and wine as promised- but there's also gin and vodka. Well, Hythlodaeus enjoys his drink, and Emet-Selch likes to wind down after a long day of work, so... they're getting quite the collection. Either way, he'll let her choose.
She nods to him as she follows him inside and over to their collection of alcohol. It's impressive, especially compared to what she's gathered at her own home, but she recognizes most of it. Some of the varieties are new, but each bottle is labeled with what it is, and that's helpful. Amelia considers for a moment, then selects a bottle of red wine and a bottle of whiskey.
"A glass of each. Wine to start, and then whiskey later when we're so inclined. Wine always goes well with dinner." She smiles warmly at him, then starts searching out a corkscrew to open the bottle. "Shall I order dinner for us? Or would you like to do the honors? We're doing what you want for the next few hours, so don't feel pressured to let me take advantage of you being my host."
"Of course. We'll have food soon." She hands him the bottle of wine she's chosen to free her hands for ordering. After enough evenings in with friends who insist on ordering, she's very quick about paying for their food and getting it on its way.
"Music would be wonderful, thank you." Television shows are usually quite noisy in a distracting way that won't be good for them holding conversation. Best to avoid that entirely if they can.
She smiles warmly at him as she settles onto the couch, hand outstretched for her drink when he brings it over. "Thank you for your hospitality. It's a lovely addition to our time together today after you played for me." Unexpected, too, but in a way she's very much enjoying.
"Of course, I know how to treat a guest." He winks, sitting beside her. The music is set to be low enough for them to speak over it, but it's a nice little something to listen to during any lulls in the conversation.
"I don't entertain company too often, however. Emet-Selch does enjoy his rest at night, and though he could soundproof the room he shouldn't have to. He's working right now, though- he won't be home for a while. During the days I'm not working, it's the perfect time to invite others over."
"I'm glad I had the chance to join you when it won't be a bother, then. The last thing I want is to become a strain or nuisance to your love." It's a mostly earnest statement. Imposing on anyone is less than ideal, and if she and Hythlodaeus are becoming better friends, she really doesn't want to cause any strife with Emet-Selch. It is a little amusing that one versed in magic doesn't simply use it to their advantage, though.
She helps herself to a sip of wine, humming softly in approval. "You're right about his taste, though. I've rarely had anything this good since arriving." She hesitates a moment before adding, coyly, "Or shared it with such fine company."
"He understands that I have other friends. You are no bother." And if he couldn't understand that, Hythlodaeus would have to speak with him about it. He's hardly going to isolate himself- he'd be miserable.
"He was, of course, a great emperor at one time. To his people he was Solus zos Galvus, founding father of the Garlean empire. He seems to have gained a taste for fashion and luxury in that time- although I may appear well dressed now, I can assure you I personally have little interest in it. He simply tells me what to wear. Although... his taste in wine was always very particular, even beforehand."
She'll hold to herself that she still feels at least somewhat of an inconvenience. If her current company says otherwise, and the master of the house isn't in, she can hold to that. Her mind may struggle against it, but she will certainly make the effort.
"So if I wish to compliment the man in front of me now, I should direct my comments to your love?" She chuckles softly, obviously teasing. "His taste is very fine, and I appreciate it greatly, but I'm more than content to be with you now. Your company, even if it was offered in the most humble clothes and a shabby home, will always be welcome to me."
Which makes her think a little about something else after a moment. She smiles warmly as she reaches out to rest a hand over his. "If you'd like, I'd gladly invite you into my home sometime. It's modest compared to your love's tastes, but it's warm and comfortable, and I have places for large fires, if that suits us."
"I'm glad to hear as much." He's flattered in any case, and smiles at the offer.
"I would love to see your home. Modest or grand, it matters little to me." He would simply be delighted to spend more time with her.
"My apologies. I can get carried away, speaking of Emet-Selch. You are always welcome to stop me." He laughs to himself, a little embarrassed. Yes, he's always been one to praise Emet-Selch to anyone who would listen.
"Someday you will, then. I look forward to sharing it with you." Now that she knows they're friends (dreams, how did she not see this before?), she truly wants him to see it. She's proud of the home she and her partner have made. For all its modesty, it feels like home, and that's a thing that should never be discounted here.
She laughs softly, shaking her head. "You have no reason to apologize when I was teasing. Truly, it makes me happy to see those closest to me so excited for those they have in their lives. Your love for him is obvious, and you have the most beautiful smile when you speak of him."
After a sip of her drink, she sets it aside to rest her hand over one of his. Her smile warms considerably as she looks up at him. "Never lose the joy you have for him. It's a wonderful thing, and should be forever cherished." She's not so loud in her own love, but it warms her heart to see it and hear it from those she surrounds herself with. Everyone loves differently, and he simply does it with heartfelt praise and an open warmth.
Hythlodaeus chuckles, appreciative of the gesture.
"Ah... if I have not lost my love for him yet, I never will. I've loved him for as long as I can recall- for most of my life, and even after my return to the star. He is my other half, the one I sought out immediately after my soul was freed to the Underworld."
He doesn't speak of his own death- and Emet-Selch's obviously implied death- with any sadness. He's just happy that he could find him in the vastness of the lifestream.
"That said- should you meet him, pray do not mention anything of what I've told you to him. I have yet to tell him of his own death... I come from a time a little further along than him, you see. I have yet to find a way to tell him."
He doesn't know how to tell Emet-Selch that his efforts to see his home again are for naught, the same way he cannot bear to tell Hermes that he will become a suicidal madman in the future. Fate was unkind to them.
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"Ah, Hermes created a familiar called Meteion. She was an entelechy- able to convert an energy called dynamis into something tangible. Dynamis is an energy influenced by emotion, and so Meteion was quite sensitive to the feelings of others. And as the first entelechy to be possessed of free will, she was very special indeed."
There's a lack of warmth to his voice suddenly, though. It's as if the clouds had rolled over the sun, leaving a chill in the air. He isn't especially fond of Meteion. Not that he blames her entirely for the Final Days, and if he's willing to forgive Hermes his folly in creating her then he should be willing to understand her, too. But his resentment over what happened has to go somewhere, and blame has landed squarely on her shoulders. Easier to blame a creation than one of his fellow Ancients.
"Hermes loved her like a daughter."
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"Things weren't easy for her," she observes, giving his hands a gentle squeeze of assurance. "And for anyone to love something so unique so fiercely and so closely..." She huffs a softly breath. "I know it can lead to many confrontations and troubles. Such is the way of all worlds and all people, no matter where or who they may be."
She wishes she had better words for this. Comfort on an individual scale is easy, but what he's lost, what he sacrificed for those to come after, is on a scale Amelia simply can't comprehend, not fully. She frowns, moving a little closer to him and shifts to catch his eyes.
"Everyone in your story has some amount of the blame for what happened. It's not for you to carry it all on your own." Says the woman who refuses to let other carry her burdens, but so be it. Others deserve the relief she denies herself. "You don't have to tell me more of this if it hurts too much. We can talk of any number of things, or do anything else that might lift your spirits. I have no desire to have you feel so hurt for things that are done and can't be changed."
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"We can speak of other things. My apologies for bringing down the mood. How might I show my gratitude to you for listening to my woes?"
He'll gladly listen to her own troubles, or play her another song, or anything else she might have in mind.
"Tell me and it will be done to the best of my ability."
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"I would enjoy hearing you play something else, from your home or anywhere else, that speaks to you. I so rarely hear the lyre played since coming to the city, and you play very well." She smiles warmly. "Give me a little more of your time like this, and I'll be a very content woman."
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He gets to his feet and strums a note.
"A more uplifting song, I should hope."
As he plays another song, he lets himself relax. And once he's finished, he bows and looks up to Amelia with a grin.
"I sincerely hope you enjoyed it."
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She claps and rises to her feet as he bows, stepping close again to press another kiss to his cheek. "I very much did. Thank you for indulging me. You didn't have to, not for any of it." Yet he has without hesitation. It never ceases to make her wonder when people simply do things for her, all because she asked. She shakes her head to clear the thought.
"Now that I've had my way multiple times, I believe it's your turn to ask for something for our time together. Anything you like - I leave it entirely to you."
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"I only ask that you spend a while longer with me. I enjoy your company." He turns his head to press a kiss of his own to her temple.
"Perhaps a drink somewhere? Either at my apartment, or at a bar?" They needn't get drunk, but Hythlodaeus finds a glass of wine and good company delightful. Were they in Amaurot, he'd have asked for the same.
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She smiles warmly up at him in return for the kiss. "I'd enjoy your company for as long as you'll have me. I'm not expected anywhere this evening, so if a drink at your apartment is what you'd like, I would be honored to join you." Her smile warms further as she gestures down the path that will lead them out of the garden. "Lead the way? And tell me what finery we'll enjoy at your apartment. I suspect you and your love keep many good things for sharing."
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He starts to lead the way, a hand idly finding hers to link fingers with. He's... admittedly in need of the contact, after that conversation about the Final Days.
"Are you hungry at all? I wouldn't mind ordering a little something in- or we could grab something on the way back."
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"Let's order something in once we're back. I'd hate for us to choose something that doesn't pair well with the drinks you've got, though... I admit I'm not always the best at judging such things." Her cheeks flush a light pink as she admits, "I can't make a single thing for myself where food is concerned. I'm best left to enjoying what others have prepared or eating fruits. Those I can handle, as handling knives is very easy for me."
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"I can cook a little, but nothing spectacular I'm afraid. Ordering in sounds like a better idea."
He doesn't think there's any shame in not being good at cooking. Not everyone is good at it.
"Honestly, some days I would forget to eat. My people didn't need to eat quite so often as the mortals of today- still, we needed to eat sometimes, and I would often get so engrossed in my work that I simply... forgot."
Being the Chief of the Bureau of the Architect was a demanding job. He'd fallen asleep with his face buried in his papers before.
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"But if we're both that way, we'll simply have to indulge even more while we drink." She gives his hand another squeeze. "Have you any favorites you've discovered since arriving here? We should make certain we have at least a little of whatever that may be."
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They're rounding the corner close to the apartments, and Hythlodaeus idly conjures up his card to the door as they get closer still. He'd tell her to look after herself better, but then he'd be a huge hypocrite, wouldn't he? But he's always cared more for others than himself.
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"I've found I rather enjoy the savory pizzas here. I rarely order them, too, but if we're indulging, it's a good time for them." She smiles up at him as they step inside the building and into the elevator. "As for drink... I'll have whatever you suggest with that. I often stick to whiskey or brandy because I know it, but I'm eager to try anything you recommend or favor."
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"We have wines, too. But I will drink whatever you choose, I am not fussy."
Stepping into the apartment, Hythlodaeus smiles to his companion and gestures for her to follow him. "Let's see..."
There's whiskey and wine as promised- but there's also gin and vodka. Well, Hythlodaeus enjoys his drink, and Emet-Selch likes to wind down after a long day of work, so... they're getting quite the collection. Either way, he'll let her choose.
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"A glass of each. Wine to start, and then whiskey later when we're so inclined. Wine always goes well with dinner." She smiles warmly at him, then starts searching out a corkscrew to open the bottle. "Shall I order dinner for us? Or would you like to do the honors? We're doing what you want for the next few hours, so don't feel pressured to let me take advantage of you being my host."
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He fishes out the corkscrew from a nearby drawer with a smile.
"What would you like on the television? Music, perhaps?"
He starts fiddling with the remote for the tv, switching it to the music channel.
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"Music would be wonderful, thank you." Television shows are usually quite noisy in a distracting way that won't be good for them holding conversation. Best to avoid that entirely if they can.
She smiles warmly at him as she settles onto the couch, hand outstretched for her drink when he brings it over. "Thank you for your hospitality. It's a lovely addition to our time together today after you played for me." Unexpected, too, but in a way she's very much enjoying.
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"I don't entertain company too often, however. Emet-Selch does enjoy his rest at night, and though he could soundproof the room he shouldn't have to. He's working right now, though- he won't be home for a while. During the days I'm not working, it's the perfect time to invite others over."
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She helps herself to a sip of wine, humming softly in approval. "You're right about his taste, though. I've rarely had anything this good since arriving." She hesitates a moment before adding, coyly, "Or shared it with such fine company."
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"He was, of course, a great emperor at one time. To his people he was Solus zos Galvus, founding father of the Garlean empire. He seems to have gained a taste for fashion and luxury in that time- although I may appear well dressed now, I can assure you I personally have little interest in it. He simply tells me what to wear. Although... his taste in wine was always very particular, even beforehand."
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"So if I wish to compliment the man in front of me now, I should direct my comments to your love?" She chuckles softly, obviously teasing. "His taste is very fine, and I appreciate it greatly, but I'm more than content to be with you now. Your company, even if it was offered in the most humble clothes and a shabby home, will always be welcome to me."
Which makes her think a little about something else after a moment. She smiles warmly as she reaches out to rest a hand over his. "If you'd like, I'd gladly invite you into my home sometime. It's modest compared to your love's tastes, but it's warm and comfortable, and I have places for large fires, if that suits us."
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"I would love to see your home. Modest or grand, it matters little to me." He would simply be delighted to spend more time with her.
"My apologies. I can get carried away, speaking of Emet-Selch. You are always welcome to stop me." He laughs to himself, a little embarrassed. Yes, he's always been one to praise Emet-Selch to anyone who would listen.
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She laughs softly, shaking her head. "You have no reason to apologize when I was teasing. Truly, it makes me happy to see those closest to me so excited for those they have in their lives. Your love for him is obvious, and you have the most beautiful smile when you speak of him."
After a sip of her drink, she sets it aside to rest her hand over one of his. Her smile warms considerably as she looks up at him. "Never lose the joy you have for him. It's a wonderful thing, and should be forever cherished." She's not so loud in her own love, but it warms her heart to see it and hear it from those she surrounds herself with. Everyone loves differently, and he simply does it with heartfelt praise and an open warmth.
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"Ah... if I have not lost my love for him yet, I never will. I've loved him for as long as I can recall- for most of my life, and even after my return to the star. He is my other half, the one I sought out immediately after my soul was freed to the Underworld."
He doesn't speak of his own death- and Emet-Selch's obviously implied death- with any sadness. He's just happy that he could find him in the vastness of the lifestream.
"That said- should you meet him, pray do not mention anything of what I've told you to him. I have yet to tell him of his own death... I come from a time a little further along than him, you see. I have yet to find a way to tell him."
He doesn't know how to tell Emet-Selch that his efforts to see his home again are for naught, the same way he cannot bear to tell Hermes that he will become a suicidal madman in the future. Fate was unkind to them.
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