Chapter Text
“You voted a child into the convocation? A child of all people!” He took a deep breath and let out an exasperated sigh.
“You know as well as I do that the office could not remain empty for long. And of course, there is the matter of his abilities-”
“Yes, yes I know my friend. Our duties must be fulfilled if we are to guide this star but surely our allies of the Convocation of Fourteen-”
“Thirteen in this matter,” he interrupted curtly. He began to feel a slight throbbing in this temple.
“Thirteen?”
It was his turn to let out a long, suffering sigh. “That wayward fool of a soul was somewhere unknown at the time of the vote, no doubt causing more trouble by reasoning he would be preventing more...He could not be reached when the ballots were cast.”
“......”
The figure at the desk broke decorum for the briefest of moments in allowing his forehead to come in contact with the wooden surface. He quickly and violently grasped the papers and tomes littering its surface and gave them a discrete shake. He could feel a headache forming and it wasn’t even the hour of noon yet…
Despite this, or choosing to remain oblivious to his colleagues' visible stress, Lahabrea did not relent in his diatribe. “-so this cannot be allowed to continue! He runs far too wild as it is, never calls upon us save to deliver reports on the regions once in a blue moon, and when he does dain to grace us with his presence he looks like he walked through a Behemoth’s den-”
“Lahabrea,” he stated.
“-We need to give him stricter guidance! Put him on a tighter leash so he does not keep slipping it, make a schedule so he does not just randomly disappear and reappear! And that that Chief of yours does not help matters! Always encouraging his explorations-”
“Lahabrea…” this time with a languished drone.
“- Gods know the kind of fantasies he fills the heads of the children with! Some of the concepts that have been coming through Academia recently have been nothing but insanity! A dragon one child wanted! A pet dragon! Doesn’t he know that-”
“LAHABREA!” he exclaimed.
Emet-Selch slammed down both palms as he abruptly stood, chair rattling as golden eyes glared at the other with the best-irritated expression he could muster. “I understand your frustrations with him and his methods but I would ask you to cease your slandering for the moment.”
Lahabrea blinked several times, stunned to silence, as the other took the opportunity to right his chair and gather his thoughts as he sat back down.
“That being said, I have received your....” account” on the matter and will make a note to speak with the Traveler when he returns lest he ‘slip the leash’ again as you call it.” Lahabrea moved to open his mouth again to argue but quickly closed it at the look of dismissal Emet-Selch gave him over folded fingers. As he left, shoulders were bumped with the newcomer walking in; the latter watching as he stormed down the hallway before turning back with a small grin on his face.
“I take it he still wanted to vent to you about what happened yesterday?”
A groan as he rubbed his forehead with three fingers. “Please...just... I haven't even had-”
The delicate smells of cooked food and coffee overwhelmed the normal aromas of the office as a light breakfast and coffee mug were placed on what little free space remained. “Yes I know so shush. I figured, as Chief of the Bureau of the Architect and your subordinate, I would nip this little issue in the bud before more destruction followed suit and it spread to the rest of the staff in the building.” A grin crossed his face as crimson eyes sparkled merrily. “Good thing too, the bystanders outside may have wondered what happened if the Speaker went flying out the window prior to this.”
“You know as well as I do that it would not happen.” A calm sip of his drink attempted to hide any murderous implications as he dug into his food.
“Yet you were entertaining the notion.”
“.....” A single glance up over the rim of his mug-
The redhead held up both hands in a peace motion as he slid into one of the chairs circling the desk. “Mums the word, my friend. Nothing leaves this office.”
Emet-Selch chose to finish his meal instead of commenting, slouching back for a moment to stare at his Chief and best friend as the other glanced around his office. “So….while I would like to assume that you actually need something, Hythlodaeus, I take it this visit is not about your personal amusement or work here in the Bureau?”
“Why Hades, my old comrade! You wound me so thinking I wasn’t here save for some sort of scheme!” He dramatically clutched at his own heart and scrunched up his face like he was about to weep uncontrollably. All of that was replaced with a grin when a small smile appeared briefly on the other’s tired face as the latter straightened himself back up in his seat. “Nay, my friend. I actually come with some good news.”
“Oh? And that would be…?”
“It seems our esteemed ally is not as out of touch as Lahabrea was previously vexed about. As a matter of fact, he reached out to me when he left the borders of Yrelas before sunrise this morning.”
“Yrelas, the blacksmith town?” Hades blinked in shock for a moment as his mind scrambled to pull up a mental map of their star. “That’s on the far end of the Western Continent near the southern mountains! What in heaven's name was he doing all the way out there?!”
Hythlodaeus waved aside his reaction with a simple shrug. “I asked the same thing and he mentioned something about...oh what was it...Ah! Some nonsense about a gathering of dragons or wyverns or lizards rampaging on the outskirts of the community-”
He almost spat out a mouthful of coffee at such a nonchalant response. “Wyverns?!” Oh, gods, he could feel his headache returning with renewed vigor…
“Calm yourself, Hades.” Hythlodaeus made another placating gesture before Emet’s forehead could come in contact with his desk again. “No one was badly injured and what buildings were caught in the crossfire have either been repaired or are in the process of being repaired, from what he assures me after the problem was fixed.” He paused for a moment. “It would explain why the Convocation had difficulty getting in touch with him, though. It's not easy to answer a linkpearl call when you have man-eating beasts breathing down your neck.”
“....That gods-forsaken fool of a fool. You would think he would reach out to us during troubles or instances like that.”
Hythlodaeus sobered at that comment. “You know as well as I do that he would never turn his back on the smallfolk during dangerous times, which can crop up unexpectedly. That gentle heart of his would not be able to handle the feelings of abandonment or grief if he simply left them to fend for themselves.”
A soft snort. “That still does not excuse him from not calling upon willing allies here in the city.”
“Too far away, perhaps?”
“That's a load of bull and you know it.”
“....Touche, my friend.”
The two allowed silence to settle over them as Emet cradled the cooling mug between his hands, eyes lingering on the swirl between brown liquid and cream as his thoughts drifted-
“Are you still thinking about what Lahabrea said to you this morning? About the seat of Elidibus and its new caretaker?”
“....I understand the pressing need not to leave the Seat of Reconciliation vacant for too long but, despite his abilities and his mental maturity, to bring a child into the fold so quickly…I still feel it would have been best to allow him to grow more, to divide the duties of Elidibus until he was truly ready.”
Hythlodaeus stared at the Architect for a few quiet moments. “The boy said he was willing and able.”
“Willing and able, perhaps, but it still does not sit with me well.”
The redhead let out a small gasp as a hand covered his mouth. “Someone alert the presses! Emet-Selch actually does have a heart!” An innocent look away quickly replaced the devilish grin his hand was covering at the withering glare he received in response. He did glance back when the glare faded with an understanding expression lingering in his eyes. “I understand your hesitation but, for now, all we can do is help the child in any way possible during this time of transition and see what happens. We can’t predict everything that comes on the wings of fate now can we?”
A small smirk covered the mild feelings of relief at the supportive gesture. “And here ‘I’ thought you were incapable of any form of rational or empathetic thought. I should alert the presses for this miracle of miracles.”
His jaw dropped; “Hades! Why I never-”
A series of knocks on the doors interrupted their forthcoming “argument” to which both men turned towards a muffled voice calling out from the hallway.
“Excuse me, Emet-Selch Sir. I apologize for interrupting but Mitron is here to discuss the additions to the Academia they presented to you last week?”
Hades winced internally; he had completely forgotten about those requests as well as the meeting planned. The vote yesterday as well as several other matters had driven them out of his mind.
“Well, I guess that is my queue to get back to work then!” He bounced to his feet, smoothing out his robes in the process while offering a rather dramatic bow in the direction of the Architect. “Have a wonderful morning, My lord! I pray that every minute is productive and eventful!” With a laugh, he scurried out of the office before any rebuttals could be said or heard, much to the amusement of the others standing out in the hallway.
Not long afterward in the confines of his own office did Hythlodaeus drop the mask of the fool as he took in the scenery of the surrounding city outside, fingers touching the shell of his ear-
A soft ping rang out, unheard by anyone save him.
“Ah! I was hoping to catch your attention before the world needed saving again, my friend.”
He allowed a smile to form on his lips at the soft voice that answered back, bright eyes reflecting the fondness heard on the other end.
“No no, I swear nothing of the sort happened- Of course not!” He laughed aloud. “I promised to help Hades retain his sanity and I have done so! ...No no, that was after the Speaker left his office this morning.”
A soft sort of silence filled the office as the Chief listened, that same gentle expression shifting as the Traveler spoke in hushed tones. After a moment, he nodded in agreement.
“Aye, then we should do that. But I doubt that he’ll even listen to me being the fool I-”
A playful question caused him to perk up, his mannerisms cat-like as the smile turned into a delighted grin.
“Oh? And you would do this?”
An agreement must have been said because his grin grew into one that would bring shame to the Cheshire Cat. A happy sound was muffled in the back of his throat as he gripped the armrest of his chair; “Yes, of course. I’ll make sure to let the proper people know. No, definitely not him...He can keep his secrets but I doubt he would be able to keep this particular secret, especially since our friend is far too perceptive for his own good.”
The grin faded as he continued listening.
“There is no reason to feel guilty about the situation. No, don’t even start with the ‘buts’. None of this was your doing or your fault...Yes, I do promise...Of course not, Hades does not blame you either. He may be a bit irritated at the world at the moment but there’s no finger-pointing in-”
Hythlodaeus paused, his expression falling briefly.
“Aye...He seems capable enough there’s no doubt amongst the Convocation about that. I fear what some people may be voicing doubt due to the fact that he is so young...Yes, you share those same sets of fears, I have no question about that. The Seat of Elidibus is not the easiest mantle to carry on one’s shoulders….Yes, that is what he had said when I spoke to him earlier. The same exact thing- ….Dear, you two are far too like-minded for my taste at times.”
He spun around to face the scenery outside of his window as the other spoke up again.
“Well, I certainly wouldn’t turn down such a suggestion even if it is for another person.” Hythlodaeus pouted at the soft laugh. “So you would simply come and then just leave me?! Leave me to the mercy of my boss? The world has made you cruel and cold-hearted.”
A whispered suggestion allowed his heart to leap with joy as a blush formed on his face.
“Well, if we can arrange that while you are here then I will certainly take back what I said.”
A soft chuckle as he nodded in agreement.
“I will do so. …. And to you as well. Travel safe, I will see you soon.”
As the call disconnected, he leaned back in his seat with a satisfied smile as the light started to shift in the room. He was satisfied, yes, but uncertainty remained; the man was confident though...if anyone could speak the young one, it would be the one with the most worldly view of them all.
“Shepard to the Stars in the Dark, indeed, my love.” A chuckle as he shifted to face his desk and mountain of paperwork stacked upon it. “May your light guide him now and forever.”
**
As night fell over the Great City of the Amaurot, there was a soft crunch of grass on the borders surrounding it.
The soles of boots blended with the quiet of the night as a figure doused in shadow paused to admire the glittering view of the city that stretched out before them. At his side, an azure creature with the characteristics of a fox chirped quietly with obsidian eyes reflecting the dozens of city lights below.
“It is strange being home after so long, my friend.” Gloved hands gently caressed long ears, the warm fur soft between his fingers. “I did not think we would return so soon yet…” A breathy chuckle as the cloaked figure stood upright. “It seems we are needed everywhere nowadays, doesn’t it?.”
A series of chitters in his ear as the creature climbed to come to rest on his shoulder.
“No...I promised. And I have no intention of doing so. We will help as much as we can or as much as we are allowed to.” They paused and pulled down their hood, silver eyes bright against the darkness of the night, and a warm smile lighting up a tanned face. “Besides, I did also promise one another thing.”
The creature tilted its head to the side.
A soft chuckle. “We have to stop by to see a dear friend- Right?”
The agreeing chirp rang out as the two stepped down the hill….towards the city…
Towards home.
**
“Have my appointment with Nabriales pushed back towards the late afternoon if this meeting that Hythlodaeus dropped into my lap runs over.”
“But sir-”
“Just do what you can, alright?!” he snapped quickly.
The secretary let out a soft meep and bowed, robes rustling as they rushed off to twist, turn and adjust several schedules, Hythlodaeus and his pulled maneuvers being felt all the way from top to bottom of the chain of command.
Hades was fuming because of this. Already he was plotting ways to discreetly strangle the younger Amaurotine as his cocky little smirk drifted through his mind pausing in front of his office doors.
“Stupid little shite of a brat…” He ground his teeth together while attempting to will away thoughts of murder. The door opened at his touch as his free hand rubbed at his forehead, cool air of the office willing away bits of frustration. “I swear when I get my hands on him-”
As he stepped over the threshold a soft but familiar laugh forced him to give a startled pause. “Hades, you know as well I do that death and dismemberment is not an effective way to deal with Hyth. If anything, the Underworld would spit him right back out.”
That voice! How-
Golden eyes grew wide drinking in the sight of the figure sitting leisurely on his desktop, legs folded on top one another. His warm smile was a greeting in of itself as he tilted his head, blonde hair tumbling over his cloaked shoulder.
“Well met, my friend.”
“Azem….” A shocked whisper.
The Traveler’s smile grew a little more, silver eyes sparkled merrily, as the two ancients watched one another from either side of the room.
“It's been ages now, hasn’t it? How long has it been? A few months now?”
His mouth clicked shut as his familiar, deadpan snarker tone overtook his voice despite the happiness blooming within. “I do believe that it has been more than a year now if not two. Of course, when someone is “roughing it” as you call it, time tends to become a fickle thing.”
“Well, a sea-side cliff nor most remote farming villages tend to not have electrical or clockwork devices on hand.”
“Excuses excuses.”
“A perfectly legitimate one as well.”
“Bah!”
“Bah yourself, you cranky bastard.” Sliding off the desktop, the shorter of the two crossed the small space between them to walk into open arms. The warmth in his heart grew as he inhaled that familiar scent that uniquely Hades were woven into the robes surrounding him, driving further the concrete fact that he was indeed home. “Gods, it's good to see you again.”
Hades closed his eyes as his mind's eye was overwhelmed by the radiance of the soul he held in his arms. It’s warmth and light burned away any of the stress he previously had to leave behind feelings of contentment and comfort. “It is good to see you as well.”
They stayed like that for several moments before the taller of the two reluctantly pulled away.
“So…” The snark filtered back into his voice. “I take it you were the source of the chaos that happened this morning? And the reason my entire day was completely torn in two?”
“Partially!” No denial whatsoever. Typical. Hades mentally rolled his eyes at his straightforward lover. “Hythlodaeus claimed he could make this work last night when I came in so I let him work his magic.”
“....You do realize he’s the reason Nabriales is raging right now.”
“So that wayward time bubble was him? Courteous of him to keep broken things from permanently breaking until he cools off.” A cheeky smile borderline a smirk.
“.....” Emet flicked Azem on the forehead to earn a small pout in response. “From what I understood during our talk, just yesterday you were on the other side of the ocean. For what reason brought you back here so swiftly?”
Azem sobered, the bright light in his eyes fading into a sharper glint.
“The vote from yesterday, mainly, if Hyth’s words are to be believed amongst other things.” A gentle pull from entwined hands urged them both to sit as a snap of fingers brought them a fresh cup of tea. “From what I am to understand, the Convocation had looked at the list of potentials but ultimately chose someone of young age.” Azem paused to take a sip with his mind going over the details he was told last night.
Emet-Selch nodded in agreement. “He excelled in everyone’s eyes despite their initial concerns. He handled every scenario quickly and effectively, taking no true side on either end of the spectrum. Yet, for all of his book knowledge and learning at the Academia…”
“You fear his lack of outer-world knowledge will ultimately hamper him? And you want me to assist with that?”
“Yes. If you are willing.” Emet took his own pause to drink. “The others have been sharing concerns about his dedicated approach to his duties, fearful he will become far too tunnel-visioned to see the whole picture.”
Silver eyes stared at his reflection in the colored liquid, fingers tracing the patterns on the sides of the cup. “I….Forgive me, Hades.” His voice fell into a soft whisper as guilt started to creep into his heart. “I should have been here.”
A wave from the other shooed away the apology. “You were doing your duty, my sun. Do not let the grumbles of the others get to you.”
A glance up; “But Lahabrea said-”
A snort cut his words off. “Lahabrea tends to blow more smoke then bite when he’s upset. I and several of the others have already spoken to him about his choice of words, including Mitron.”
Azem felt a warmth in his soul at the mention of his old mentor defending him alongside one of his other halves, a smile replacing the unhappy expression from before. “Did he manage to talk you out of throwing the Speaker out the window as well?” A snort of laughter followed the wide-eyed/guilty expression on the Architect's face as the other quickly turned to look at a bookcase defensively.
“I implicated no such thing!” His flustered expression destroyed the coolness behind his words.
“Really? From what I was told, you were.”
“....Who was spreading such a lie?” He knew exactly who.
“Oh, you know who.” A smile confirmed his hunch as a murderous glint appeared. “Hades, dear. No, no murdering today, please. Leave him alone.”
(Several stories below in his office, the offending redhead suddenly let out a loud sneeze as an unknown chill passed through the air.)
“Not even a little?”
“No.” Standing to lean over the desk, Hades blushed at the gentle kiss pressed to his forehead as the blonde leaned over to whisper in his ear. “If you promise to behave, I can help you get revenge later on.” He pulled back with a devilish smirk lingering on his lips.
“.....” A tempting offer dangled in front of his face like high-quality bait. “...How much later?” He leaned forward with his chin resting on folded fingers. His sun was prone to wandering off at random times with no warning after all.
“Soon, I promise.” Slender but calloused fingers brushed gently against his nose and lips as hooded gold looked at shimmering silver.
(The chill vanished as soon as it came, leaving the Chief bewildered as he looked around with confusion. After a time, he shrugged at the phenomenon and dove back into his paperwork.)
Another kiss was placed to his cheek before Azem pulled away to sit back down. Satisfied for now, Emet leaned back in his chair as he stared at the Ancient in front of him with Azem mirroring him in the chair across from his own.
“Informal greetings aside, I am glad to see you back in the borders of Amaurot for official reasons.”
“Ah yes, the inauguration of the lad into the Convocation. I had forgotten that usually followed closely after an individual had been chosen.”
Emet-Selch rolled his eyes. “Not since your own had you experienced one and that was...what? A few centuries ago?”
“Give or take.”
“Oh be serious for once in your lifetime.”
“I am being serious!” The best puppy eyes the Traveler could muster were tossed at the Architect to no effect.
“You hang around Hythlodaeus far too much….”
“As do you.”
Choosing to ignore the verbal bait he instead pushed a sheave of papers towards his other half much to the said half’s disappointment. “Here. These papers need to be taken to the Academia in preparation for the event to come. There are also some plans that need to be dropped off in Mitron’s office before the day ends.”
Despite the pout, Srijin’s eyes sparkled with delight at the thought of visiting his old place of learning. “So you want me to play delivery boy to shoo me away, do you?” Standing up to brush himself off, the folder was carefully tucked away in a satchel hidden from sight. Despite the official seal of these burdens thrust into his hands, the Ancient knew the hidden intent behind the other’s actions and words; this was a way for him to visit and catch up with others, a chance to see what has changed and what has not during his time away from the Capital.
“Alright then, I see how it is sending me on chores so soon.” Hips swayed sassily from side to side as he walked towards the office door, pausing to glance back over his shoulder with a grin. “But perhaps this can be forgiven with dinner later?”
Emet pretended to contemplate it. “I may consider it...possibly.” He would be there, of course, if the spark in his eye said anything. They could speak further on any ideas at that time...amongst other things.
A kiss was blown in his direction. “I shall see you later then.”
With that, the door clicked shut behind him whilst a warm hand grabbed his own from the shadowed hallway outside to tug him into a sheltered alcove.
“How was everything?”
Azem gave the hand a gentle squeeze as a kiss was placed on the offered cheek. “Everything went as well as expected. I believe he will help with your idea once he calms down.”
“Calms down?” The tilt of his head brought the mental image of perked cat ears into his mind.
“That stunt you pulled this morning.”
“Ah.” Hythlodaeus shrugged nonchalantly despite the threats from before. “Eh, it will be alright. You’ll see!” That's when he spied the folder poking into view from the folds of his cloak. “....So he sent you on errands already?”
“He did.” Srijin let his arms drape over his lover’s shoulders as strong arms encircled his waist in return. “Care to join me? I might get lost if anything has changed...” Hythlodaeus could not resist the coy look in his silver eyes as a growl/purr crept from his own throat.
Stars, he had missed this man so much.
“Well, we certainly can’t have that now can we?” With a soft chuckle, the two slid apart only to be linked by their hands entwined with one another. “But first, we should get you settled in...shall we?”
“Hm….Lets then.”
Twin peals of laughter rang out through the Bureau as two figures vanished from sight, leaving behind the scent of ozone and sun-warmed cloth.
+++
-Several days later-
Fourteen seats in a circle, twelve of which held their seated figures as the fourteenth newest, and youngest kneeled before the Speaker standing before him.
“-And by the Grace of the Heavens and the will of our Star do we grant thee the title of Elidibus. You who now bear the Voice of Reconciliation, the Seat of the Emissary.” Lahabrea raised a decorated mask above his head for all to see before lowering it into outstretched hands.
“May you forever look to the Heavens for guidance for, as one, do we labor for the prosperity and future of our world.”
Srijin watched from behind his own black mask as the young one muttered words of thankfulness and promises, trembling hands switching the white of citizenship to the red of Convocation. Around him, the others murmured quietly for a few moments before the Speaker’s voice raised again.
“Brothers and Sisters! Let us mark this joyous occasion for our circle is once more complete! The clouds have broken and the stars are whole once more.” Applause rang out from all sides as smiles lit up the faces of the others.
Yet Azem could see some were a bit more subdued than others, whispers again being shared between some as several of the others came forward to greet their newest colleague. He could see the uncertainty...as well as the tremble of fear as the one dubbed Elidibus greeted the other with nerves.
A glance up was met with a subtle nod from the other across the room as though their thoughts were shared unspoken, golden eyes darting to the group in the center.
Yes...perhaps it was time for them to speak face to face.