thefeywood | [OPEN] open post for a water lizard

[ To that, she does freely smile. A part of her is a little afraid of comparisons, having an inkling of how close they were before (though not the full extent of it), owning to disappointments in herself for so long and only wanting to be helpful and useful to others. But that, at least, is an appraisal she can stand by--not just for her sake, but for his.

Because, really, that is what Himeka wants for him too after all is said and done. ]

That this world still exists is in no small part thanks to you as well, you know. You ought to see it and, gods forbid, enjoy it a little. I'm sure you're capable of that.

I did, for a time.

[Normally, he'd never admit such a thing...but the couerl is already out of the bag about his son, and how dearly he'd once loved his Garlean family. Even his wife, who he had originally married out of political convenience, had become a precious part of his life while he'd allowed it.]

Even Elidibus didn't know of this, but during Novus' lifetime, the Rejoinings were not at the top of my priorities. I had even entertained the idea of discarding plans for the seventh altogether and simply living as Solus. Of course, the young man's death changed all that, as history summarily proves.

[ That's it. That's the depth of regret and sorrow she felt in the Echo--that he had not just found something to love and hold dear in this new sundered world, but it was enough for Emet-Selch to set aside his greater plans. To give it all a chance.

Himeka hastily sets the tea down and turns to face him full on the couch, curling a leg underneath herself in the process as her tail gives a thumb of newfound motivation on the cushion. ]

That's just it!

[ Okay, don't sound too excited as he talks about the death of his son. There'sa pause as Himeka reins it in a bit. ]

I mean--...we cannot bring back those that we loved and lost, but this can be your opportunity to see the world as it is, a place that is always changing and ever striving to be something amazing. Like just the other day--

[ She looks then and points to the aquariums on the other side of the room. In one sits a rather large and shimmering shark-like creature. (Not at all unlike a much larger version held at Anamnesis Anyder that her previous incarnation may have jumped into one of the tanks to meet face to snout. Uninvited, of course.) ]

--I ran into this friend while spear-fishing. I'd never seen anything like it before! But I wouldn't have known if I hadn't decided to hop overboard and see what lay beneath uncharted waters.

[ Well, charted by the captain of the ship, of course, and the trip was decidedly not meant to encourage people diving into the deep, but...sometimes she uses her Warrior of Light privilege. Who is going to tell her not to?

Excitement over chondrichthyes aside, she turns back to Emet-Selch, expression imploring. ]

If you have no grander plans right now, you can certainly find something new. You can choose your own path--there really is a place for everyone here.

[He starts at the sudden outburst, eyes narrowing for a moment before she continues. He can't help a wry snort over her claim of not being able to bring back those they've lost, one eyebrow quirked accusingly.]

So says the woman sitting next to someone she herself pulled from the Lifestream and restored to life.

[The rest is just so familiar he has to laugh. He shakes his head, once more leaning back to rest an elbow on the back of the couch.]

Honestly, some things simply haven't changed an onze... [Despite the slightly scolding tone, the look in his eyes is affectionate.] Well, aside from the literal sense...I recall those being a fair bit larger in the days of eld.

And yet, others change far too quickly. [His expression sobers.] Even the grand city that I allowed myself to regard as home as recently as a mere half a century past now lies in a tattered ruin.

[ He--

--okay, he has a point there. Granted when she summoned him she didn't exactly anticipate he would be able to leave the lifestream entirely, since his previous appearances were brief (albeit helpful). But she can't really say she's upset at the turn of events, even if she knows some of her friends will have words once they find out.

(Thancred. She's really thinking of Thancred.) ]

Well...that wouldn't have been possible without you and...

[ She jostles the crystal in her hand. Her Raise spell isn't' that good.

Though the thought of a shark like that being larger is just bound to get her excited again. (What can she say? She grew up in the sea, she's very fond of most sea creatures. Sorry, Hythlodaeus. Sharks are always cool.) ]

Even larger?

[ The mention of his ruined empire, though, does bring a thought to mind and it is writ all over her face. ]

I was planning on visiting the twins to see how the restoration efforts are going.

[ A pause. He likely knows the invitation that's coming, but she will still voice it. ]

Would you like to come?

[He reaches out to brush his fingers over the crystal, a small gesture of fondness as she's distracted by the thought of gigantic sharks.

But the thing she suggests...he hesitates, uncertain. He's seen the complete devastation caused by the war of succession Zenos incited and inflamed, and he recalls how he himself had deliberately planted the seeds of it. The near-religion the Garlean people treated the empire as had been no coincidence, it had always been his intention to spark the creation of a Primal when he decided the empire would cause more instability dead than thriving. If he does let himself think of Garlemald as home again, then that means accepting that he knowingly laid the foundation that destroyed his home.]

...Perhaps. My thoughts regarding the former empire are complicated to say the least, considering I spent the majority of my time as its leader ensuring that it would never be anything but a source of strife.

[ Himeka nods. He is right, after all, and no matter how difficult it may be to swallow, acknowledging the reality of the situation he's in is an important one. ]

And they should be, I think.

[ Complicated. She may empathize with his desires and motivations but that doesn't mean she agrees with the methods he employed, though she does understand that being tempered by Zodiark is a factor. He will still forever be burdened with the knowledge that he was the one who enacted them.

She curls her fingers around the crystal and smile. ]

But doesn't that also make you the person best suited to help change things? For the better?

It's hardly as though I can simply waltz in and make use of the people's adoration for Solus zos Galvus. I have no more capability to sway their beliefs now than anyone else of Garlean appearance.

[Helping things change for the better, though...it's been a long time since he's done anything of the sort without ulterior motive. Well, maybe one might count plucking that miqo'te woman from the Lifestream, but that was a far more personal thing. Certainly, the condition of the Source has crossed his mind any number of times, leaving him constantly searching for a better way, but it had ultimately all been part of playing the long game.]

I might, however, be able to share some insight into how those beliefs came to be, which more influential persons could then use to change the prevailing attitudes. Theoretically, mind you. As things stand, I still haven't gotten a proper rest since before I took this face for my own.

[ She shakes her head at that. Though she has gotten better at choosing her words more carefully, Himeka is ever someone who speaks her mind. ]

No, I think...it's not Solus' time anymore. It's yours--as you. As...Hades.

[ Which is not a name she uses often, at least in part of out respect for the fact that he seems to prefer to use his title over most things. But this is deeply personal, as it was beyond his responsibilities that he found a new people to commiserate with and to love.

Himeka does cock her head to the side at that, corner of her mouth quirked a little in turn. ]

Really? I can count a few times you were found to be sleeping somewhere.

[He inhales sharply at hearing his real name, but his expression doesn't tense. If anything, there's something longingly nostalgic in it...at least until he gives a deliberately theatrical shrug.]

Mere naps, I'm afraid. The First was not exactly a comfortable place for a servant of Zodiark, even setting aside the all too numerous interruptions to my attempts at repose.

[ Himeka gives an amused huff of her own. She can't fault him for that. Nearly exploding with aether wasn't a pleasant experience in and of itself so she can imagine that being surrounded by your opposing element at all times wasn't much better. ]

Well...

[ She sets the crystal down on the couch between them, going to pick up her tea once again. It's definitely cooled off a bit. ]

If a place to rest is all you really need, then you're welcome to stay here if you want. It's not much but no one really comes and goes here but me and I'm not here too often anyway.

[ She motions towards the folded futon in the corner. ]

My home is your home and all that.

[ There is a lingering feeling she's had this conversation with him before, or some parts of it, but...a quick glance to the crystal and she busies herself with conjuring up a small ball of fire to hold underneath her teacup. (#JustMageThings) ]

[For a moment, he's perfectly still, as if something she said had struck something within him. His own eyes flicker to the crystal, before he closes them, exhales carefully, and puts on one of his trademark cheeky grins.]

Ah, how disappointing...I would find it altogether more welcoming were you a frequent presence here.

[ That brings her a moment's pause and she has to admit to herself that maybe that is what she wants to hear. It causes the flame in her hand to grow when she isn't paying attention and Himeka has to quickly snuff it out before that becomes an entirely new problem. If she sets fire to her apartment she is definitely not getting her deposit back... ]

Mmm...

[ She hums to fill the air between them. ]

Mayhaps I will stop by more often then.

[ Don't mind the way the end of her tail starts to twitch. ]

--Though in a fair warning I have never kept to a schedule, especially now that we've been set free to follow our whims to their fullest, and I don't plan on changing that any time soon.

[ She's not exactly sure why she feels the need to make that clear, but she does.

A quick glance is spared in Emet-Selch's direction before she takes a hearty drink from her tea. A little hot and--yeah that may burn. Just a bit. She coughs.

Smooth. ]

[The entire flustered routine gets a chuckle out of him, as he warms his own tea back up with a simple snap of his fingers.]

I would expect nothing less of she to whom I have entrusted Azem's duties. Exploring unknown frontiers does not often mix with keeping to a set schedule.

[ Look, not everyone can snap their fingers and make their tea the perfect temperature. That's all the problem is here, clearly. (CLEARLY.)

Himeka does need a moment to make a face as she can tell she has definitely burned her tongue a bit. Urgh. She may be a healer but she knows that will just have to fix itself over time. A shame as it does affect her ability to taste things, which is honestly one of her favorite things to do.

Once she regains some semblance of what can be considered composure for her, she smiles to try and cover up some of the awkwardness. ]

Thankfully there are an abundance of unknown frontiers left. Which...does feel a little odd to say after having travelled to the other ends of the universe, but still.

[ She blows on her tea this time before taking a more careful drink. ]

Still so many places to see, so many things to try both within and without of the home.

[ And stops mid-sip.

Oh. ]

--I mean in the kitchen, of course.

[Nope, too late. He's raising an eyebrow, with a shamelessly teasing grin visible even as he sips his perfectly reheated tea.]

My my, I knew you were the adventurous sort, but to that extent?

[ Himeka purses her lips, casting a cautious glance towards Emet-Selch. (Hades? She's not exactly sure what she should be calling him at this point given that he only invited the latter at their final battle.) Uncharted waters indeed. But unlike reading the movements of fish on the ocean current, she's not sure if he's just teasing (as his want when she has made a fool of herself) or...well.

You know. ]

...

[ Then again, she is known for tugging on lines that she ought not to just to see what will happen. ]

I'd have you know that I'm an esteemed culinarian...amongst other things.

Yes, you are quite multi-talented. But even for all of my...observations in the First, I can't say I've managed to pin down everything you're experienced with.

[ Himeka raises her other brow and cants her head to the side as the realization dawns on her, eyes slowly widening. ]

...You really were watching all the time, weren't you?

[ Well--she's. Not sure if that makes things more awkward or not. She may not have ever had any...guests over during her stay on the First, but there were a few instances Himeka took a bit of time for herself, so to speak. Much needed with all the stress she was under, thank you.

Gods, she thought she only had Ardbert to consider, and he seemed like the sort to leave once he saw what was happening so she hadn't really worried. ]

Save for when I was dozing instead, yes. I did warn you, my dear, it's hardly my fault if you thought I was bluffing.

[He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he looks her over.]

If you had objections to the concept, you ought have voiced them.

[ Himeka's mouth hangs open. She shuts it, opens again to speak, the finds herself at a loss for words, if only for a moment. ]

I hadn't thought you meant...like, literally!

[ The one time in her life she isn't taking someone at face value? Apparently. Though to her credit the idea that someone could just view her actions on a whim was little new and too god-like to her. Yet considering how could conveniently appear whenever and wherever he liked, it really should not be too surprising. ]

Mostly.

[ Not a great save.

At least she isn't the sort for shame, though now she is going through all the different things she had done while alone in her chambers. Sleep, on occasion, which was generally fleeting as she has the uncanny ability to power nap anywhere at any given time. What free time she had was far and few between.

Himeka crosses the hand that isn't holding her tea beneath her chest as she holds Emet-Selch's gaze. ]

I hope you're not expecting me to be ashamed.

I would hardly expect as much, especially when you have naught to be ashamed of.

[Once upon a time, in the distant past, he would've sighed at that lack of shame. But now, his own having long since withered nearly to nothing, he simply gives a small shrug.]

Or did you also think I was speaking figuratively when I said I like to watch?

[ These are...compliments, right? They sound like it. She may want them to be despite herself. Himeka has never been one to boast about much other than her cooking skills, but she would be remiss to say that favorable appraisals in other areas are not unwelcome. ]

Thank you, I think.

[ Gods, she usually doesn't find this so difficult to gauge. Why does she care about reading the room right now, of all times? She's holding her tea a little too loosely the more Emet-Selch takes up her attention. ]

I'd thought you meant more of our progress, to be honest.

[ At least she can admit to that. Himeka worries her lower lip with her teeth for a second before finally venturing... ]

...In your observations, did you see anything of interest?

[Ah, there, clear interest in his opinion. As fun as it is to fluster her, this is what he was really hoping to see.]

Mayhap I did...I must say, I didn't expect to find the scales quite so enticing.

[ There's--relief in that. Relief she didn't realize she needed but absolutely did and it shows in the way that her expression opens and her shoulders relax just a little.

Seeing the ancients as they were back in Elpis was yet another reminder of how things are different. Playing as "Azem's familiar" was entertaining in and of itself, but she was also so easily recognized as...something else. Not fully a person. She likely looked more like Meteion than whatever Azem of the time did with her horns and scales and tail, things she had always been proud of. Things she didn't want to question. ]

Really?

[ She might have been trying to convince Emet-Selch that the world of now is good and worthy, but a part of her has wondered if she could really measure up to what she may have been before. (All the more reasons she's handled the crystal so carefully, never delving deeper than the incantation.) The twitch of her tail, in turn, becomes smoother, more languid and pleased than anxious.

Himeka unfolds her arm, twisting her forearm back and forth so that the scales along the back shimmer between the pale pinks, blues, and greens she's known for. ]

We are taught from a young age to take good care of them. "A blessing from the Dawn Father", you know.

[ There's just a moment's pause before she holds out her hand to him. ]

Some people have made the mistake they're hard as dragon scales.

[ But if he takes the offering, he'll find that they are actually quite soft to the touch. ]

they learned from the best

Then he expects to be surrounded by beautiful spires upon his awakening.

now don't get your hopes up too high...

They should know he's an exacting mentor.

maybe they don't want to admit they took terrible notes

Ah, so they're just bad students.

chaos gremlins, what do you expect?

Usually they manage to pay more attention to him than that.

oh they were paying attention to him, just not what he was saying

Right, so he should wear his mask next time?

... no :(

Well, if they can't pay attention to his face and his words at the same time...

it's not their fault his bedhead and scowl is endearing

Oh, so mask AND hood, then.

well now they're not going to pay attention at all!

They will if they want him to take the hood off.

that's just rude. is he grading on a curve at least?

He is, but it's based on observed effort.

there will be effort made, just not where he expects it

What is he going to do with them...

love them ceaselessly despite their flaws?

Yeah pretty much.

this is why they keep doing what they do

They know he loves them too much to not put up with it.

let chaos reign