expiationlogs | closed log

Who: Emet-Selch, Hythlodaeus, and Yuja (plus self-invited guests)
Where: The woods/cave etc
What: They're going on a quest to build a house
Warnings: None besides spoilers for canon

Emet-Selch doesn't expect it to be so easy to request a new dwelling, but simple enquiries reveal that the workers are more than happy to get it done should he provide the raw materials. Now, he knows building a house is not a simple task, so there is the niggling suspicion that some kind of magic will be involved. However, it's none of his business so long as it's done and done right. He leaves his request to the builders - a home with three bedrooms, as many bathrooms, and the usual amenities - then departs with a list in hand of what they need for it.

Hythlodaeus, he informs of their new quest in person since they live together. The Warrior of Light, he leaves a message using his charm:

I have a quest for you. Meet me at the edge of the forest. Dress comfortably.

Emet-Selch will be waiting.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Hythlodaeus grins to himself at Hades's pointed tone of voice. And yet despite all that, Hades is still messing around in the sand with him instead of actually making Hythlodaeus work.

"Oh, that's true. What about a little racing ring?"

"Grani does not race," he says in mild disgust. "It has no need to prove itself in such a ridiculous manner."

He's sure Grani would win a race against any landbound creature. Surely(??).

"But are you sure it doesn't want to?" Hythlodaeus replies with a grin. "Not everything must needs be a test. Is there no simple joy in merely running around?"

By the sour look Hades develops, Hythlodaeus can take some satisfaction in scoring a point.

"The commission is for a house, not a homestead," he says grumpily. "The more you request, the longer it will take before construction can begin, you know."

Well...it's not a complete refusal?

"I will ask, but do not get your hopes raised."

Hythlodaeus knows just how to get Hades to indulge his whims; in this case, he leans against his friend's side more - it's getting closer to cuddling, really.

"Well, if that doesn't work, would you still take me for a ride on Grani?"

"...You know Grani won't carry anyone on its back whose strength it does not recognise. I don't want you to get thrown off and hurt just because you fancied a bit of fun."

He seems genuinely worried that Hythlodaeus will try.

He pouts, a little playfully.

"Does it really not recognize my strength? Couldn't you talk to it for me?" Says the man who tends to constantly downplay his own ability.

"Or - what if you ride it and I hold on behind you?"

He suspects that Hythlodaeus' own attempts to mask his strength are exactly why Grani doesn't recognise the man as worthy of its back. Hades sighs and pinches his friend's cheek, pulling it out slightly.

"If you would stop pretending you aren't as capable as I am then mayhap I wouldn't have to do any of that."

He laughs as his cheek is pinched - it's a very cute gesture to him, given that usually Hades would just harrumph at his antics.

"But I thought 'twas my modesty that you found so charming~"

"I believe the word you want is 'frustrating'."

With a harrumph, he lets go of Hythlodaeus' cheek and settles back to gaze at their sand house.

"Two floors. Living quarters upstairs, amenities below. A stable to the side, and a cemetery for all the poor plants about to die from your black thumb."

"You like the fact that I'm frustrating, then?"

Of course he's not going to give up that easily.

"You can't be certain all the plants will die. I am quite sure I could handle growing the grass!"

"I love you, even the aspects of you which frustrate me," he says matter-of-factly. They have known each other for so long that something like that can barely dampen his affection.

"Grass will grow even if you neglect it. A pity I cannot let you run wild the same way, hmm?"

He tosses a faint smirk Hythlodaeus' way.

Hythlodaeus's heart skips a beat at Hades's proclamation of affection. It's both like and unlike the man: for him to say it so openly and casually is unfamiliar, but the truth and certainty of the statement is very much like Hades. Hythlodaeus shifts closer still, then wraps both his arms around one of Hades's and cuddles up to him, very much like a cat climbing into one's lap.

"But I need love and attention to flourish! You would take care of me, wouldn't you, Hades?"

He blushes faintly but wraps his arms around Hythlodaeus and gathers him close, much as he would a cat that had plopped itself in his lap.

"I would," he says quietly. "I will love you until the end of time. When the star sees fit to send us back, I hope it will grant us the days we have lost."

He can't help smiling at being embraced like that, and makes himself comfortable against Hades. Here and now, he feels happy.

"I hope so too. I want to bring you back home with me."

"I...doubt that will be possible."

And how would he fit into their peaceful society again, after having known strife, war, and all manner of ills? If he can go back it would be simply to glimpse home one last time before returning to the star.

"Our little hero says I must return to where I left. She says I am vital to ensuring the star does not meet its end, though it means dying for it."

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