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[weenwoon]

Hythlodaeus

crew: RotLA

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A gift

[emet_sulk]

[ Hades is not the sort who likes making a big fuss over gift-giving and such. He dithers on whether to leave his present in Hythlodaeus cabin on the ship or at his (now comandeered) apartment. In the end, he opts for the latter as he doesn't need his crew witnessing any more embarrassing displays of affection than they already have.

The 'Quiver of Seasons', the merchant had called it before describing its fascinating effects. An apt thing for his bard friend, he feels.

He leaves the Quiver leaning against the side of the bed where Hythlodaeus can easily see upon walking in. He trusts that no explanation is needed. ]

:>

[weenwoon]

[ No explanation is needed, indeed - but that does not mean Hythlodaeus won't try to fish one out of Hades.

Some time after Hythlodaeus makes the discovery, Hades will receive a picture of the Quiver on his shellphone, along with the message: ]

Is this for me?

[emet_sulk]

Yes. I'm not sure how effective they will be but I thought you might appreciate the novelty if nothing else.

[weenwoon]

How sweet! And here I thought you were unwilling to spend coin on me.

[ Mainly because Hythlodaeus tends to want to buy ridiculous and pointless items of decor or some horrible "experimental cuisine", but he's not going to admit to knowing that. ]

Would you require a demonstration?

[emet_sulk]

A quiver is a USEFUL thing. Unlike the decorative statue you saw at market the other day.

I won't say no to a demonstration.

[weenwoon]

But the statue is useful for hanging my hat or keys on.

[ You can't outargue him, Hades. ]

Where should we test the quiver? If you still have business to attend to, we can meet up later in the day.

[emet_sulk]

So is a coat rack.

[ Checkmate!! ]

There is ample space along the coastline. I'm sure we can find an open beach. Or, if you feel the winds there would throw your aim, I believe there is a training ground nearby.

[ Requires a small fee to enter and use but would certainly be better than fighting coastal winds. ]

[weenwoon]

But what if there are already too many items on the coat rack?

[ He doesn't want to lose this argument! ]

'Twould be a shame to accidentally hit you with an arrow, that is true. Much as I regret to admit it, the training ground would be a better choice. Besides, you should have no problem paying for it, yes?

[emet_sulk]

[ He's not going to entertain your statue desires, friend. >:| ]

Yes, yes. I'll pay for our entry. I shall meet you after I finish this design. Say, in a bell or two?

[weenwoon]

In a bell "or" two? How unusual for the great Emet-Selch to be so inexact!

[ Of course he has to be a little shit, but would you have him any other way? ]

But I suppose I could find ways to entertain myself until you arrive.

[ And, true to his word, he'll be waiting for Hades by the training grounds at the appointed time - a rare occasion when Hythlodaeus is the first to arrive anywhere. ]

[emet_sulk]

I was allowing time for you to conclude your own tasks.

I shall see you momentarily.

[ Emet-Selch makes his own appearance after Hythlodaeus. When he first spots his friend, he pauses, as if surprised to see them there. But he quickly picks up his stride. ]

Well, well... Someone's eager.

[weenwoon]

"Why, I was simply hoping to escape your scorn should I arrive later than you," Hythlodaeus replies with a smile. "Though 'tis true I am looking forward to seeing how this quiver functions."

He nods towards the entrance to the training grounds.

"Shall we? I hope you remembered to bring your coin."

[emet_sulk]

He rolls his eyes. Forgetting to bring coin is a Hythlodaeus issue. Hades has long grown accustomed to carrying a purse on him (in such a way that nimble fingers cannot easily liberate it).

"Let's go."

He pays the appropriate fee to the caretaker, granting them one hour of use for one of the ranges. The set-up is fairly simple: there are large bales of hay draped with the almost universal symbol of a target at the end of the range. The cloth target is peppered with a few holes already.

"Hmm... Seeing as we are in the warmer season, I suppose your bow would fire flaming arrows," he muses.

text; forward-dated a lil while Wintertide is in full swing

[emet_sulk]

Hythlodaeus, are you free at the moment?

:>

[weenwoon]

For you I am always free ✨✨👋

[ He's learned where the emojis are on his shellphone. ]

[emet_sulk]

[ Of course he has. ]

I would like to spend some time with you. Mayhap we could take a tour of the festivities? This would be your first winter here.

[weenwoon]

I would enjoy that very much. But I am surprised to hear you are willing to spend your day among the crowds! Where did that shy workaholic I know go?

[emet_sulk]

I realised many centuries ago that without you or Azem to tear me away from my work, I was exhausting myself. I made a point of travelling our star and its many shards when duty did not call me.

That and I've finally finished the mammets requested of me. I would like some reprieve from the workshop.

[weenwoon]

[ That latter admission elicits a fond smile from Hythlodaeus. Of course he knows that Hades missed him and Azem terribly, but it's still pleasant to hear - well, read - him admitting how important his friends are to him. ]

Then I shall be glad to provide a distraction, as always.

When should we meet?

[emet_sulk]

In half a bell? I can meet you at the main square.

[weenwoon]

🤝👍👋

[ That should probably be understood to mean "See you there". And indeed he does, but this time Hythlodaeus arrives exactly half a bell after the message was sent - as ever. ]

Greetings, esteemed Emet-Selch!

[emet_sulk]

[ He rolls his eyes at the emoji. And of course, Hades is as punctual as ever. He raises a hand in greeting. ]

There's no need for that now. My title is unnecessary here.

[weenwoon]

"But it has meaning for the two of us, no?" Hythlodaeus grins in response, unperturbed.

"Now, where are we off to today?"

[emet_sulk]

He huffs but doesn't argue, instead offering his hand for Hythlodaeus to take.

"Mm... I thought we might take in the markets. Take our ease in a cafe. And then..."

He trails off self-consciously. Shakes himself mentally. Outing first.

"In Eorzea, they exchange gifts. If there is something you like the look of, I would not mind indulging you this once."

[weenwoon]

Hythlodaeus takes that hand, amused internally at the thought of what a sight they might make - a Corsair and a Paladin, walking along holding hands.

"Have you ever truly minded indulging me?" He quips in response. That itinerary for the day sounds good, though: it has been some time since they last could simply take their time to wander around together. It reminds Hythlodaeus of their younger days, before either of them assumed their responsibilities to their people and the star.

"But if it is an exchange, is there aught you would want me to give you in return?"