closed; homecoming.

[lackingtalent]

WHO: Elidibus, Hythlodaeus, and Emet-Selch.
WHAT: Bringing a very old friend home.
WHEN: Early August, after the new wave of arrivals.
WHERE: A small house on the outskirts of the first settlement.




"And here we are."

His words come with an opening of a door with the aid of a key brought out from a pocket, a cross of the threshold, and a wipe of, and then removal of his shoes. Hythlodaeus' voice is pleasant, and easy- indicating precious little of the (fair) amount of excitement he feels... but he is quick to move through the small houses' entrance hall, seemingly looking for something. Or someone.

Saying that he does glance at Elidibus from time to time, from over his shoulder.

"You'll find all usual amenities at your disposal. A living area-" a brief indication with a hand indicates as such as they pass the doorway. Within is a room with a large fireplace, optimal reading light streaming in from a rather well-placed bay window, and an abundance of books on large shelves- some loose, clearly in the midst of being read. "A place to prepare meals." Another indication of a room that serves well as a kitchen. One pleasant, homely. Smaller than most, and distinctly quaint in styling, emulating Solvunn's rustic aesthetic, but oddly charming with the presence of an ever-burning stove as well as numerous dried herbs hung upon the walls. Some seedlings on the windowsill appear to not quite be doing as well.

"And of course, facilities to keep yourself comfortable." A bathroom is then indicated. "Heated and plumbed water, mercifully, is available without the usage of magick. The stove keeps most of the house warm, yet you are more than welcome to use any of the fireplaces amongst the rooms in order to feel more comfortable, should you so wish."

He then turns on his heels, and closes the space toward Elidibus in a few strides. And kindly:

"You are more than welcome to treat this building as your own. While it, like this star, is hardly home..." And likely never would be, "I do hope it might provide sanctuary for you. And that you might even eventually appreciate it for its own charm."

Charm which, in his mind, was there in abundance. While this house indeed matched Solvunn's other buildings in a great many respects- a thatched roof, the somewhat freehand shape of the building itself, the mixed and matched nature of the stones that formed it... there is still charm within it. The architect saw to that with considerate design, understated and clever enough to blend in seamlessly.

The ceilings and doorframes, for instance, are high enough so that neither he or Emet-Selch should have to stoop to enter... though of course, Elidibus' milage may vary in that matter. The furniture is functional over flowery (perhaps belying a few of the architect's opinions on the matter) but Hythlodaeus' influence in things like textiles and decoration- mostly in the form of more than a few floral displays- at least ensures that the area is comfortable.

And. With a smile:

"Would you like to be shown to your room?" Elidibus, after all, could be excused for feeling somewhat exhausted.

Comments

[wewillwewill]

Here they are.

Elidibus had been a calm and polite little bundle of Ancient and even on the inside, the turmoil of his soul's emotion has settled. There's been much that's happened in the remainder of the day. Time had been taken to continue learning about the Primary Settlement and little bits of information, from Hythlodaeus, from the native adults and through the exchange of stories with the children.

The Ascian- or would that be former ascian now? He had a body, a shadow, as mortal a life as any Ancient had had. Well, regardless, Elidibus was good at telling stories, both adapting what he witnessed over millennia into exciting tales or crafting an adventure based on what the children told him. Which of course encouraged them to tell him more.

Gathering information... it helped center him. Observing, learning, coming to understand the situation he'd found himself in. It kept him from dwelling too heavily on the past and how muted the world currently felt in his weakened state. Though that's not to say Elidibus wasn't mindful of the matters he needed to remember.

Hythlodaeus may have gotten a look of askance, mind you, with how rapidly and efficiently the procedures had been handled to notify the council of Elidibus's intentions to move out of the apartment he'd been assigned. It was either a testament to his skills as former head of the Bureau of Architects or planned the moment Elidibus had been first spotted and before he was even approached.

Probably the former since underneath the lavender-haired man's whimsy must lie a very efficient individual. Arguments could be made toward the latter but at the end of the day either is welcome enough. It provides more time to learn and less time lingering when it was time to go home.

Such an odd place to call home, really. Yet Elidibus couldn't deny small dwelling had sufficient facilities and no few 'luxuries', particularly by mortal standards and maybe even a little part of especially so based on what he's so far seen of Solvunn. The ritual of entry and removing of shoes is politely followed.

The glances his host gives to Elidibus are met with appearance of a youthful visage casting his attention this way and that. Certainly interested, maybe even curious. Elidibus focuses briefly on Hythlodaeus under the particular stress of heated water and indoor plumbing and the offer to make use of any of the other comforts. While it's not the case that Elidibus wouldn't welcome not having to make use of magic for every single comfort, he might have wondered at first why it would have been pointed out so directly when it was in fact easy enough to compensate... ah.

Ah yes, his.... current condition. Well maybe more thoughtfulness than that but at the end of the day, Elidibus won't be able to resort to magic for a bit now, will he?

"I'm grateful for your thoughtfulness, Hythlodaeus. And your willingness to open your place of respite and accomodate me. I hope to one day return the favor. And plan to do my share of any tasks that are required."

Ah, the mileage of the household's comfort. The return of his original body, sized in relative proportion to the world they now reside in is, comes with its own perspective on the matter of sill heights and comfortable reach. He'd always been notably shorter than his brethren even as an adult. This was hardly anything to complain about. There are so many things that will be far outweighed but what Elidibus gains.

Not least is a place of refuge with his people.

He would make do. There is a comfort and style in the house that really suggests disparity to the observant eye. Having sampled much of Solvunn's architecture already within the Primary Settlement, it wouldn't take him long at all to judge it has been shaped. Maybe here and there and keeping the original 'charm' as Hythlodaeus calls it, but still touched. Probably in ways most mortal are incapable of.

"Yes, while it may not be home, it is like to bring far more comfort than any other place in Solvunn." Elidibus chances to look up at Hythlodaeus. This time the faint smile seems to be far more than what is needed politeness sake. Only for a moment do the Emissary's eyes close to consider the proposal of being shown to a room and, perhaps, get some rest. The vibrant blue gaze opens once again.

Oh, Elidibus has a small collection of items, 'gifts' from the populace, basic necessities given by the Council for the start of his new life in Solvunn. But it's a small thing and can be easily held onto or tucked somewhere for a bit if that is offered.

"Rest would be welcome, but I'd be remiss in courtesy if I were to settle in before offering greetings to my other host." One that has been thus far conspicuously absent- at least as far as Elidibus's limited senses are concerned. One whom, if his suspicions are correct, is fully aware the two have returned.

"You've been expecting him to appear, have you not?" After all it would be pointless to expect Elidibus of all people to have missed the questing glances Hythlodaeus has been casting around since the basic tour began.

[unnecessaryflourishes]

It has most certainly been crafted in ways that most mortals would be incapable of. True, even Emet-Selch has needed to take it piece by piece rather than simple create the house as a concrete whole, but no small amount of it has been created, rather than worked by hand. A matter of necessity, for the most part, and one that he had been more than willing to see to, even when he had done his best to ensure that the house at least looks like the rest of its counterparts in the rest of the settlement. (Plus or minus the almost-incongruous tower attached to it, but that is at least still built of the same stone as the rest of the house.)

Still, once Hythlodaeus and Elidibus arrive, it doesn't take long before Emet-Selch makes his appearance, and that alone will no doubt be enough to tell Elidibus approximately when he has come from, given that he still hold the appearance of Solus zos Galvus rather than his own proper one. More relevant, perhaps, is the fact that he seems to be completely unsurprised by Elidibus' arrival, though there's a brief blink at the form in which he has appeared. Still, there is no mistaking Elidibus for anyone else, and though Emet-Selch might not have expected him to arrive in his true form (or close enough to, given the comparative sizes of those here) it's not an insurmountable difficulty in the slightest.

"There were matters that required my attention here."

Matters that had largely included moving things such that there would be an available room for Elidibus, once he had spotted Hythlodaeus and Elidibus in close proximity to each other, but he figures there's no need to directly say as much.

"As such, I had assumed that Hythlodaeus had matters well in hand."

There's a nod in Hythlodaeus' direction at that - one that is clearly meant as thanks and appreciation - but the majority of his focus is yet on Elidibus. And no surprise, perhaps, given that he's the more recently arrived.

(He would, of course, have made an appearance sooner had his presence been warranted for one reason or another. But as it had not, he had seen no direct reason to.)

[lackingtalent]

He cannot help but smile as he listens to Elidibus' response, responding with a mixture of modesty and fond regard, which really- grows all the more fond by each moment.

It cannot be helped. Truly, it cannot. For the link that connects them both- even now- of once being the same thing, of knowing each other as well as they knew themselves, is one thing. Yet this is something quite different. There is something to be said for being two separate things. Of speaking with each other, and working with each other in a space where duty, the fate of their people, the will of the star, doesn't factor into their actions or their thoughts.

And even without those things, Elidibus seems like someone that Hythlodaeus is already finding quite dear. He is about to answer when he abruptly turns his head to the stairs, and... yes. There he is- and thus Elidibus has been answered. Of course, Emet-Selch has already seen to the matter of logistics. And in a sense, he would expect nothing less. The ages that had passed between meeting here had done nothing to mar their synchronicity, and most matters between them simply did not require discussion. That they are of the same mind in the matter of Elidibus' residence is of no surprise to him. He would expect nothing less.

So! With the majority of Emet's attention on Elidibus himself, he speaks up.

"Well." he starts, his tone bright. "Given that I've stolen away our guest's attentions for the majority of the day," A somewhat impish glance toward Elidibus- for that is not the way of it at all. But he is happy to construct a somewhat skewed narrative to suit his ends. "It would only be fair to allow you some time together."

His gaze moves to Emet-Selch, and again, he finds himself smiling. For he knows there is no secret matters the both of them would wish to discuss between themselves, not really. The majority of what might have been considered sensitive information- of his, no their terrible duty- had already been covered.

Instead, he can tell by the way Emet-Selch looks at Elidibus' physical body, that there are questions of a different nature. And thus he is inclined to allow them time- a limited amount of it of course- to privately ask, and privately elaborate. "So. I'll see to the tea." He moves them into the doorway for the kitchen, to do just that.

[wewillwewill]

As if it were only natural that the Emissary's gaze were to end on Emet-Selch, the inquisitive gaze settles on the man that just appeared. There is but a moment where the calm and polite expression falters. His body had returned to its original form. Hythlodaeus as well had presented as a typical example of their race. Elidibus had thought the person he'd yet to see to be likewise restored. It would have made sense, particularly given who it was all but certain to be.

But Emet-Selch stood before him in, for all he could tell currently, the form of the now-dead Garlean Founding Emperor. And it's clear this was unexpected. And in all honesty, Elidibus had only Hythlodaeus's assurance that this was not the vessel itself. That and the voice coming from Solus's lips. In those immediate seconds of realization, the youngest member of the Convocation has to decide on how he intends to proceed, all based on the short- decades short- period in which Emet-Selch lay claim to that particular body. His eyes close and he's in thought again, briefly before opening them and focusing once again on his fellow Unsundered.

"I would say that I meant Hythlodaeus's behavior since we entered this dwelling rather than some earlier expectation." In all honesty, Elidibus doesn't appear to be bothered that the man had not rushed out to join them. Besides seeing to arrangements here, it's as like they both might have needed time. This... period of time in their shared history, a snapshot of a figure wearing Garlean skin... was a time filled with so much upheaval for so scant a time in their long lives.

A simple, "Thank you." chases after Hythlodaeus. The appreciation is not just anticipation of a welcome beverage after a long walk.

But then what to say? Elidibus turns his full attention back to his fellow Convocation member. There is little uncertainty, only speculative thought. Not calculative. Not devoid of emotion or so stunted by lack of memory that it may as well have been unfeeling.

"I believe we both have questions for one another. But first, allow me to express my gratitude, as I already have for Hythlodaeus, for hosting me." He nods his head forward for a moment. "It is good to see you again, Emet-Selch."

The greeting perhaps muted out of respect for the uncertainty of Emet-Selch's position on... matters of history and purpose.

[unnecessaryflourishes]

It would have made sense for him to be likewise returned to how he had been, true. Why he had not been is yet a mystery, but he is hardly privy to the inner workings of the summonings, much less how it may have changed in the months since his own arrival. Still, for all that it is very much an oddity, he cannot claim to have disliked Solus' form. Not enough to raise any significant complaint, and even if he did he hardly expects that it would make any difference besides.

(To say nothing of the fact that even he cannot deny that it will hopefully serve to provide some insight as to when Elidibus himself should happen to be from.)

Elidibus' first comment earns him a soft noise of understanding, albeit one still slightly tinged by Emet-Selch's persistent grumpiness. Not enough to be any sort of concerning, mind, but enough to simply mark that it's there, for good or for ill - and perhaps to serve as further confirmation that this is indeed Emet-Selch. Still, past that he says nothing as Elidibus takes a brief moment to consider, Emet-Selch taking careful not of what he can see in turn. The lack of immediate calculation. The implication - slight though it may be - that there is emotion too in Elidibus' consideration; emotion beyond what he had come to expect. Both things that offer some indication as to Elidibus' current state, if not necessarily what he might know.

"You need not thank me for that. It was only reasonable to expect Hythlodaeus might wish to open our home to another."

Especially in this case, though neither can he truly deny that he would have made a similar offer had he been the one to come across Elidibus instead of Hythlodaeus.

"I could say likewise. Though I cannot entirely claim it to be under the best of circumstances."

He has been torn from his rest at the end of his long duty, and Hythlodaeus has only but recently been himself again, before being brought to another world. And as for Elidibus? Well, time will tell on that front, though either way the world on which they have found themselves is not their world, for all they have been asked to involve themselves with its affairs.

[wewillwewill]

The confirmation is added to a small list at the back of the newcomer's mind. It was Emet-Selch. For some reason the Summon could and did leave him in the body of the Garlean Emperor. Elidibus had no reason yet to suspect keeping the body was a matter of convenience for his comrade. He remains a little guarded, thanks to his weakened state and that is probably all too reasonable. The lingering thought that this may be some elaborate dream might still linger. But it really is losing credibility the more he experiences and feels and learns.

While intense and lacking the unemotional detachment of the man's usual gaze, Elidibus is still observing Emet-Selch. Like the Architect, the Emissary is undoubtedly attempting to gain what insight there might be in gesture and response. What comes next may be a bit startling. There is an easing of Elidibus's expression. Then a slight curve at the corners of his mouth suggest a smile, however faint. But what's more is how it manages to reach his eyes.

"And yet you would not argue," Elidibus answers. The most imminent Emet-Selch does have his reputation. And the smile had just about threatened to grow a little when the hint of the other man's well-known grouchiness colored his words.

"And that alone would give me reason to extend my gratitude." Afterwards Elidibus sobers a little. "I agree, it is not the best of circumstances." It is, however, not entirely unwelcome given whom he has found here... even if it seems to early to admit this aloud.

Elidibus may be the picture of composure. But the subtle differences aren't going to be hidden after millennia and even were the line of the shell he had been and what stands before the other two Ancients now not so clear cut, there would be little chance he'd be capable of hiding the truth from these two in particular.

He is not the youthful and youngest member of the Convocation with the robust energy of one untouched by the Final Days, nor the one who returned from Zodiark before the Sundering. And most certainly not the one who existed for countless eons, working to guide the others with whatever means were necessary to achieve their ultimate goal.

To soulsight the primordial Darkness Zodiark had been created of still lingers and likely will for as long as Elidibus exists in any state as himself. Yet its composition and... arrangement if that's the right word, has changed and it was nothing to do with the Summoning itself.

It would leave only one possible point in time Elidibus might have come from, regardless of what was known about the details. But for the former Ascian to look at Emet-Selch, at his surroundings, without the sense of looking through them and without passion, there is no other reason to expect the man to be from any other point of their long history than one.

There would also be few, if any powers indeed, that could have left such a marked change in the state of his aether, but to think that this Elidibus had finally reached duty's end.

[unnecessaryflourishes]

It's an old habit, the careful gauging of what those around him are saying - or not saying - by their actions alone, and one that he knows quite well that he is not alone in. True, it had certainly become more necessary after their world had been Sundered, but even before it would have not been any sort of surprise from Elidibus. As such, neither is it one now. Even the smile itself is not any sort of surprise - it may have not been a common thing to see on Elidibus' face, but he had yet been known to.

The slight easing of his expression, on the other hand is a surprise, as is the fact that his smile genuinely reaches his eyes; something it had usually not in Emet-Selch's more recent encounters with Elidibus. Something that leaves but two options for when he is from - one of which is utterly incompatible with the lingering marks of Zodiark's darkness.

(Were he to think on it, it might be strange to realize that he is the only one of them to not have returned to himself after his death, but he does not. He is content as he is, and as far as he can tell, Hythlodaeus at least has no objections.)

There's a faint grumble in lieu of any direct admission that he would not - and had not - argued with what he had assumed Hythlodaeus' intentions would be, before Emet-Selch sidesteps Elidibus' further comment about extending his gratitude (though it is accepted, if not addressed) and moves instead to the rest of the topic at hand.

"It is least not the first time we have sought to save a world in peril, if those who have brought us here have been correct about our purpose. Though I should have preferred to not be called so soon."

So soon after his death, he means. Though he has been able to relax some since his arrival, he can't say having been abruptly summoned out of being able to finally take a well-deserved rest had been the most enjoyable.

[lackingtalent]

And even now, the both of them still stand in the hallway, omitting the inviting living room with all of the comforts it provides. It cannot be helped- not really. Not with the gravity of the matters that they are only just starting to discuss- yet Hythlodaeus cannot help but feel slightly amused.

"If you'll come with me?"

That amusement is clear in his voice as he, laden with a quaint tray of Solvunn's own design (purchased, he thinks. Not created.) bearing a similarly kitch teapot, three cups, and of course items to compliment the tea to taste. Not least of all a cake which had been procured as partial payment for a particular shift at his day job a day or two before. (or rather, the tailend of such a cake. For some slices had been cut and consumed already. The cake in question was still quite good.)

And as he places the tray down upon the central table, and takes a seat nearby, so he can remove the lid from the teapot, give the brew a stir, and replace it...

"Ah, yes. Should either of you wish to discuss anything privately, you'll not have to worry about my feelings in the matter. I'll remove myself in short order."

Convocation business was indeed still Convocation business. Even here.

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus's gaze becomes half-lidded in speculation after Emet-Selch's remarks about how they were called to save this world. 'If' is certainly noted, but the ease in which his fellow Convocation member speaks of it gives him a moment to wonder if it's serious or the common bite of sarcasm that often colors Emet-Selch's words.

Elidibus has had a far different first impression as to why they were Summoned and it was certainly wasn't flattering. Although he'd be the first to admit that he needs to look into the matter more.

"Yes, I would like to hear more regarding what you've learned about the reasons we have been Summoned by the people of this world. Our hosts were unsurprisingly reluctant to share details."

Hythlodaeus's arrival comes at quite the perfect time in the conversational lull. While Elidibus seems a little confused about the source of amusement - what's wrong with standing in the hall and speaking to an old comrade - he does recognize the guidance toward the creature comforts of social convention after a brief glance. Oh yes, the tea.

"Of course." After a glance at Emet-Selch to be certain the other will also follow the hospitable Ancient. As to the offer made to leave them in private, Elidibus needs only a moment's reflection on what he knows and what has been said since his arrival before offering his input.

"There is nothing I could say that you would not deserve to know," he says to Hythlodaeus. Another glance is spared for Emet-Selch even though his answer is still directed to the lavender-haired man. "As you've mentioned knowing of our deeds since the sundering of our Star, asking you to step away while we discussed anything on the subject would seem a discourtesy at best."

Downright petty at its worst.

Though Elidibus does pause long enough to obtain affirmative responses from both, he'll eventually move into the living area and find a seat somewhere the other two can be nearby and the tray set down. Tea will be accepted when it's served and cake will be desired even if its consumption will wait.

"Emet-Selch, I think we might be better served being forthcoming with the questions of the past we have. I suspect they are somewhat similar." Elidibus wastes no time in going first, as it were.

"When last I saw you, you had departed for the First after I'd informed you of Lahabrea's fate." It's... risky to speak of what might be the possible future. But it seems... needed.

"It was not long after that my own fall came." His voice is quiet here. "Before I awakened in Solvunn's summoning well, I touched the Aetherial Sea. Long enough it seems, to have my memories fully restored."

It's worth wondering, Elidibus realises to himself with some bitter irony, whether he is any more himself now than he was before. Did Solvunn capture a man restored to his memories before the brink of dissolution or did they simply give a body to the strong burst of memories and he is no more the man than that shell without recollection?

Oh the uncertainties of his current weakness. He'll be glad enough for- and dread- the revelation in a week's time.

[unnecessaryflourishes]

The information he has is what he has come by honestly, at the very least. True, Emet-Selch might not be able to speak for the veracity of the information - and if neither Hythlodaeus not Elidibus have heard similarly he has his doubts about that - but it is nonetheless something he had been told. Still, he is content enough to hold off on answering for a moment, instead offering a nod at Elidibus' glance before following the others on in to the rest of the house. There may well be things of various import to say, yes. But there is no reason to not avail themselves of the creature comforts while they speak.

"As he says," he adds with a nod after Elidibus' comment. "There is little we might say that you do not deserve to hear, and we two do not a Convocation make."

Especially after the Sundering, and the necessary shift in their aims. Still, he waits until they are all seated and the tea has been distributed before he speaks again.

"My own memories of our last meeting are similar. We spoke, and I departed to continue on after Lahabrea's fate. My own end followed sometime thereafter, at the hands of the Warrior of Light." An end that had been hard fought, yes, as he had pitted all that he was against all that she had been. But an end all the same. "If I touched the Aetherial Sea between that and finding myself here, it was no doubt little more than a moment. Else I should imagine I would look different then I do now."

Or perhaps the Aetherial Sea of the First had not had the power to restore him to the way he had been. But that much is likely to remain a mystery that not even he can answer, for all his familiarity with the Aetherial Sea and all that his work as Emet-Selch had entailed.