Work Text:
“Lord Lahabrea!” Hythlodaeus exclaimed with a surprised but pleased smile, rising from his seat whilst picking up the plate of checkerboard cookies that had sat next to him but moments ago. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? Would you like a cookie? I baked them this morning.”
Hythlodaeus knew that people did not simply visit the Director of the Bureau of the Architect for pleasure – no, he knew something was likely wrong if someone came calling directly to him, and so the least he could do was to offer a tasty home-made treat to put them at ease.
Judging from the surprised expression Lahabrea wore despite the red mask covering most of his face, Hythlodaeus’ gambit seemed to have worked – and the Speaker’s shoulders sagged somewhat, his stern façade softening as he took a cookie. Whether through magic or sheer will, the cookie was still warm, and a pleasant buttery taste filled his mouth, vanilla mingling with chocolate in perfect harmony.
“I…” Lahabrea swallowed, the cookie having done its due diligence at distracting him from the task at hand. Seeming to remember why he was there, he straightened up, though he seemed unable to muster the air of extreme authority that surrounded him when he entered Hythlodaeus’ office. “Ah, yes. I realise it is none of the Convocation’s business, but might I ask what the three of you were doing last night?”
Of course, the Convocation knew that himself, Emet-Selch, and Azem were in a relationship, given that the latter two were a part of it themselves, with the former having been invited to join before respectfully declining. But why would the Speaker ask such questions that might be construed as relatively personal?
“What a strange question. But to answer truthfully, nothing that I am aware. I went to bed at my usual time at 20:00, and then rose with the sun to begin preparing breakfast. Why do you ask?”
“And were Emet-Selch and Azem awake with you?” Lahabrea pressed, his tone becoming exasperated even as he glanced at the plate in Hythlodaeus’ hands.
“Oh, perish the thought!” Hythlodaeus exclaimed, his free hand covering his mouth as he allowed himself to laugh at the Speaker’s preposterous statement. “They are both a handful to awaken, which is strange when you consider the Sun,” referring to Azem’s affinity for the daystar. “I did manage to get them out the door shortly before the Convocation meeting, however.”
His expression darkened, then, as he tilted his head before continuing. “Why… did something happen?”
“Well, no… and yes all the same. I believe you should come with me and see for yourself.”
Plate of cookies in hand, a rather perplexed Hythlodaeus dutifully followed Lahabrea to the Capitol; he was never allowed here as a rule – not that this stopped him from acquiring information about the Convocation’s secretive meetings through other means – but the elevator’s security system admitted both as the Speaker’s guest. They eventually came upon the vast chambers used by the Convocation to hold their meetings… and that’s when Hythlodaeus bore witness to the problem at hand.
Though their meeting had long since been adjourned, nestled deep in their high-backed chairs in which the Fourteen customarily sat were Emet-Selch and Azem, both leaning against each other quite precariously as they snoozed away. It was plainly obvious that they had been asleep for quite some time, what with Emet-Selch’s deep, rumbling snoring, and the lighter, more nasal quality of Azem’s. Clearly, they thought that the topics at hand were not anything important enough to remain awake, and miraculously, they had not awoken as the other members had left, possibly with quite a few chuckles and glares.
“Ah,” Hythlodaeus finally murmured, as if his voice could possibly disturb the pair. “I see.”
“And now you understand why I called you here,” Lahabrea muttered between bites, his fingers having managed to filch another cookie from the platter. “I would normally have shouted them awake, but I did not know if there were any extenuating consequences to their behaviour this time.”
“This time,” Hythlodaeus repeated, his lips curling into a mischievous smile. “I shall endeavour to learn the truth. Please, leave the matter to me, dear Speaker.”
“My thanks.” Lahabrea paused, his gaze falling upon the plate of rapidly dwindling cookies. “I do not suppose I may…”
“Do take the rest, Lord Lahabrea.” A smile, and a genuine one at that, as he pushed the plate into his hands. “I insist.”
“This star would be a sadder place without your baking, Hythlodaeus.” That smile is returned, the Speaker’s annoyed expression all but melted away. “My sincere thanks. Do lock up before you leave?”
And with that, Lahabrea left, cookie in mouth, leaving a bemused Hythlodaeus to deal with his sleeping lovers.