#in character: hythlodaeus { ARCHITECT. }

[archaeoelysion]

“Please, Hythlodaeus — don’t do this.” She was not one to plead, most of all not in this serious manner - a rare occurrence for even one who had known her since their childhood days. Even so, ‘twas all that she could do - plead and pray that he would not take this step. Her opinion aside, even the Convocation members were not quite clear on what exactly would happen to the Souls sacrificed — what if he was to disappear and never to return? What if, unlike their custom, he was unable to return to the star ever?

The deep frown on her features matched one they were both so fond of, yet her upset was not directed at Hythlodaeus himself, nay, ‘twas due to her own failure. “We — he cannot lose you, too.” ‘Twas an irony, how Hades and Aphrodite had an argument which she knew they would not recover from ‘till the end of the days; yet despite her own sorrows and wish for her friend to stay, she knew well how hard it would be on the other. “There is — must be - another way. And I am going to find it.” A silent oath. She would not return lest she did. There had to be another way.

PAIN & SUFFERING ⁘ @archaeoelysian (I tagged right this time 😌)

We — he cannot lose you, too.

To say the words did not cut deep into his heart would be a heinous lie. He hated nothing more than to cause pain for them, except the idea they would not survive this to see their goals achieved. 'Twas much too early for Hades and Aphrodite, who had so much to offer and could indeed see their star restored. 

Not for him, though.

As Chief Architect, Hythlodaeus had plenty of experience in looking into things with a clinical eye, seeking their value and worth, their flaws, how they would best work for the betternment of the star. ‘Twas a gaze solely reserved for creations, of couse, but that did not prevent him from wielding that same logical perspective in times like this. Cold as it may seem, it was the truth he saw: his life was expendable. He had no talent nor worth that was not irreplaceable, and through sacrifice, he could aid those who mattered most. If they survived, ‘twould be enough for him. 

"To remedy his loneliness, I would advise you to seek him out. He is too proud to do it himself, but regardless of disagreement, you know how dear you are to him and how deeply hurt he was for the fight the two of you had." Hades had always been far more emotional than he believed himself to be, and as loyal to his friends as he was chained to his duty. He would come around, should she give the first step. Hythlodaeus knew that with as much certainty as he had in the fact his path was chosen and his fate sealed.

"There's too much love between you for that rift to be unmendable, Aphrodite." He adds, violet eyes watching her as stubborn determination he is so familiar with is obvious in her face. Lips curl in a subtle smile tinged with sadness, head slightly tilted. "You cannot ask me to stay when you yourself is choosing to leave. Stay with him, so that he will have someone who understands not only his pain but his heart in its entirety."

"I believe, given time, you would indeed be the one to find another way. Who else but you would find a solution to an impossible matter? As Azem, you have done so countless times," The praise is sincere and filled with fondness, a pure expression of it. She had been with him through the best and the worst, and despite their disagreement in regards to which path to follow, Hythlodaeus loved her most dearly, too. "But we have no time left this time, and if this is the path he believes in, then I would walk it blindfolded because I trust his guidance wholeheartedly."

"The best I can offer you and him is that my life may be a parting gift that would allow you both to continue." There is steely resolve underneath the usual gentle tone; he shall not be dissuaded, even if his heart breaks to have her ask, to think his beloved will suffer with his absence. But they can overcome it. They are strong enough to do it, Hythlodaeus knows -- his faith on the pair is unwavering. “In death, my love for you shall alow me to give you more than life would.”

[asteriasfallingstarsandtears]

From my Hythlodaeus as Emet-Selch fic, Hades approaches Lahabrea about his suitability to head the Bureau of the Architect, feeling he only got it because of Hythlodaeus. (Which mirrors some feelings of the canon version where the character can be read that he feels he only became Emet-Selch because of Hythlodaeus).

Lahabrea will consider it, but first Hades has to consider why he actually wants to step down and return to the Words of Azem, if it is his own desires for duty/career or just his feelings.

[azurillturtle]

heart & home character index

mostly because I needed to keep track of relative ages. (not that that matters that much either; it's mostly for my timeline reference.)

an incomplete listing of characters. ages are as of the start of all that I have (early spring). when characters were named after mythological figures, a link is given to the source. strikethroughs are... a mystery.

canon characters The Convocation of Fourteen and associates

Emet-Selch (Hades)

Age: 35

Birthday: February 2 (Anthesteria)

Tenet of the Underworld

Hythlodaeus

Age: 35

Birthday: March 20 (vernal equinox)

Azem (Pirithous)

Age: 34 32

Birthday: October 15

Tenet of Travelers

Elidibus (Themis)

Age: 20

Tenet of Mores

Venat

Age: 51 49

Enjoying her retirement

Halmarut

See below.

Altima (Adonis)

Age: 38

Beautiful (lol).

Hythlodaeus’s ex. According to Hythlodaeus, the paintings are gross exaggerations: he does not look nearly so good in the nude.

Family

Hera

Age: 39

Hades’s elder sister by four years.

Chin-length silver hair, yellow eyes (paler than Hades’s).

Iris

Age: 27

Hades’s younger sister by eight years.

Birthday: early summer

Silver hair (usually worn in a crown braid), rainbow/iridescent eyes.

Halmarut (Demeter)

Tenet of Growth

Age: [REDACTED]

Hythlodaeus’s mother.

Pink hair, green eyes. Beautiful.

Iasion

Age: [REDACTED]

Hythlodaeus’s father.

Black hair, black eyes. Giant. Like, broad-shouldered and a full head taller than Hades.

Deidamia

Called “Damis” by Pirithous (if I have my Greek diminutives right)

Age: 26

Pirithous’s younger sibling by six years.

Wavy strawberry blond hair, yellow eyes.

Atrax

Pirithous's father

Bright red hair

Staff

Bureau of the Architect: Eudoxos (junior assistant) Sebastian and Alecta (angry directors)

Emet-Selch’s manor: Theseus (doorman, Azem’s trusted friend) Hespere, Erytheis, Aegle (cooking staff) Cleo (librarian) Alpheus and Peneus (cleaning staff)

[sodomhipped]

to whisper all night as the trees do (4583 words) by reclamation

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Final Fantasy XIV

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Emet-Selch/Hythlodaeus (Final Fantasy XIV)

Characters: Emet-Selch (Final Fantasy XIV), Hythlodaeus (Final Fantasy XIV)

Additional Tags: Pre-Canon, Canon Compliant, Pre-Sundering (Final Fantasy XIV), Amaurot (Final Fantasy XIV), Worldbuilding, Bureau of the architect, Established Relationship, Anal Fingering, Anal Sex, a belated valentione's day fic that features, Bottom Hades

Summary:

“I almost forgot,” Hythlodaeus says suddenly. “There was something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Now?” Hades asks, sliding his fingers around the hem of Hythlodaeus’ robe.

“It will only take a moment,” Hythlodaeus answers.

[therisingphoenixden]

Prompt #15: Floral Forgiveness

Prompt: Row

Characters: Azem/Hythlodaeus/Emet-Selch, Berude Eijinn

Content Warnings: The usual ShB and EW spoilers within for the Ancients!

Author’s Notes: Happy halfway point everyone! It turns out that not just Emet-Selch is prone to memories of what was!

“Had another disagreement the future esteemed Emet-Selch?”

Thalia gasped at the sudden intrusion and stared up into gentle, lilac colored eyes. Hythlodaeus was perceptive as ever. Even when they were young, she would retreat to this small garden within the city if Hades angered her when he got into one of his more…prickly moods.

 “You know me so well, dear ‘Daeus.” She patted the grass with a soft, if troubled smile. “Hades is…unhappy that he was chosen to assume the seat of Emet-Selch.” She sighed, a deep bone-weary sigh. “He doesn’t think that he is the best candidate possible, doesn’t want the responsibility, afraid he’s going to fall into old habits and work too long hours at the cost of time with us. You name it, he presented it as an argument why he was the worst possible choice.”

Hythlodaeus hummed as he sat behind Thalia and slowly ran long, elegant fingers through her fire-red curls. “That does sound like our dear Hades. Always worried and willing to sacrifice for us.” He sighed softly at the thought of their white-haired lover. One of these days, that desire to sacrifice for them would prove bothersome. “I know you aren’t normally allowed to discuss Convocation matters outside of the Chambers,” he started, his hands staying busy as he sectioned her hair off to braid.

“But you want to know where the discussion turned in his favor,” she murmured with a hint of a smirk. Thalia was torn between absolute mischief and actually staying silent on Convocation matters for once. She decided to throw discretion to the wind, letting herself relax into her dear Daeus’ ministrations.

He noticed that the spark had returned to her moonstone colored eyes. “And you still wonder why Venat chose you to succeed her as Azem,” he chuckled, fingers nimbly working her hair. “Of the three of us, you’ve always been the best at reading people.”

She sighed and let herself relax further, all anger she felt toward Hades for their argument dissipating. “I will tell you. It’s not like the Convocation hasn’t already censured me several times, mostly for acting without ‘just cause’ and ‘meddling with the fate of the Star’ when they take too damn long to make a decision.”

Hythlodaeus paused in his braiding, the sight of pale green flowers catching his eye. “Hold onto that thought for a moment, and please forgive my abruptness, dear Thalia.” He took one of her hands into his, pausing just a moment to brush a gentle kiss to her knuckles, before he threaded the sectioned hair between her fingers. A few minutes later, he returned with a number of the large, fluffy blossoms. “I can’t resist adding a few to your braid, my love.”

Her cheeks warmed at the thought. “You’ve always been so wonderful, ‘Daeus, to the both of us.” She handed back the sections of hair and winced slightly at the tugging to weave the flowers securely into her hair.

“So, the Convocation…”

Thalia swallowed. “It came down to Lahabrea, in the end. He was quite fond of keeping you on as the Chief to the Bureau of the Architect.” She turned her head slightly. “I argued for you - for both of you, really, because I would be happy with either one of you on the Convocation. But Lahabrea’s word is far more respected than mine.” She wrinkled her nose. “He would be very displeased if Hades turns him down.”

He pressed a gentle kiss to the crown of her head, not having the heart to tell her that he had politely declined the position. “Then we’ll just have to talk our grumpy love into accepting.”

“We’d just be starting another row with him, you know.”

Hythlodaeus chuckled and tied off her floral braid with a thin strip of leather. “I’d wager he would be more than happy to accept if presented in the right way, especially now that the shock of their decision has worn off!” He stood with a soft grunt and held out a hand to Thalia. “Come, my dear. Let us try and speak reason to our beloved.” He leaned close and kissed her softly before she had a chance to fix her mask in place. With a smirk, she twirled his braided lavender hair around her fingers before she pulled back.

As they walked back to their apartment together, perhaps standing just a bit closer together than was proper, Hythlodaeus smiled to himself. This was why he could never have accepted the seat of Emet-Selch. He made his loves the best versions of themselves, despite their rows when the odd personality clash happened. This was his purpose. And when the both of them had fulfilled theirs, he will have fulfilled his. And they could return to the Star together, as it was meant to be.

-

Berude blinked owlishly in the dim lighting of her suite. That was an odd…dream? Memory? Ever since she had accepted the soul crystals from the shade of Hythlodaeus, they had been growing more frequent. Aumarot still called to her, a longing buried deep within her soul. It was only by pure luck, and the surprisingly well-muscled arm of Urianger around her waist, that had kept her from attempting to travel there while sleeping. She needed answers before the city finally faded away. But not now. It could wait, perhaps, a little while longer.

[strangefellows]

Oh yeah, i'm gonna add Thancred, Hythlodaeus, and Zero to the list

First impression

Thancred:

my first post about him on my blog should tell you.

Hythlodaeus: Oh! Oh no! This shade is very sweet!

Zero: Holy shit, it's Vampire Hunter D. Damn that Amano flavor, girl.

Impression now

Thancred: That's my husband your honor. My first love my eternal love the best XIV boy, Hades may have stolen my heart the last couple expacs but Thancred is forever.

Hythlodaeus: HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A MAN SO BEAUTIFUL AND SWEET YOU STARTED CRYING? What a guy, what a good boy.

Zero: I'm enjoying her character arc!

Favorite moment

Thancred: I can't say everything can I? But no, his intro in the Ul'dah starter quest line, his saving you in Ifrit, the bit where he rogues out in 2.2, his return in 3.1, his farewell to Minfilia in 3.4, EVERYTHING IN SHADOWBRINGERS...

Hythlodaeus: WOW, AMAZING, IT'S COMPLETELY USELESS! but every time he's onscreen is a delight.

Zero: Her and the Meat Dumpling was cute as fucking hell.

Idea for a story

Thancred: cocks gun you WILL talk about your trauma more, but also I want to see shithead street kid brat in Sharlayan now that we've seen Old Sharlayan.

Hythlodaeus: More ancient shenanigans of course, but I'd love to see A Day In The Life of the Chief Architect.

Zero: Check back later when we've seen more of her~

Unpopular opinion

Thancred: I WILL PERSONALLY FIGHT EVERY SINGLE THANCRED HATER AND I HAVE HELD THAT OPINION SINCE ARR, I'VE SURVIVED THE TRENCHES. But also, I'm not as big a fan of ThanUri as popular as it seems to be lately.

Hythlodaeus: It frustrates me sometimes to see people focus solely on Hythades and nudge Azem to the side a bit.

Zero: Uhhhhh, nothing yet! I love her awkward fidgety hat tip though and people seem not to like it?

Favorite relationship

Thancred: THANCRED AND MY WOL AKHEMI IS MY OTP AND HAS BEEN SINCE 2013 YOU WILL PRY THEM FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS. But also I adore Thancred and his daughters. But also also Thancred and my WoL Bran are horrible shithead brothers to each other.

Hythlodaeus: HYTHADESAZEM PLEASE THANKS BYE

Zero: Look I'm shipping Zero and Jullus now thanks to 6.2

Favorite headcanon

Thancred: He's asexual. This man is a deeply repressed asexual and possibly demiromantic, given his backstory he has a fucked up relationship with sex and romance to be sure, he's absolutely a sex neutral ace who just fucks for the job.

Hythlodaeus: He has fucked at least half the Convocation and WILL brag about it, except for that time Altima and Emmerololth almost tossed him out a window. He also didn't fuck Themis because he'd get murdered by his boyfriends. He also didn't fuck Nabriales because they're twin brothers.

Zero: No HEADCANONS yet but given the voidsent=hollows similarity she's basically Ulquiorra transplanted into XIV give me a heart speech STAT.

[trackerkitsune]

AO3 Link: here

Title: Time Circles Endlessly

Rating: General

Characters: Emet-Selch, Hythlodaeus, named Azem, unsundered!G'raha Tia

Prompt: Patching Up Wounds

Warnings: Vague description of injuries, Azem being a goof.

Summary: Azem has received explicit instruction to not get themself hurt on their latest expedition. Of course, this doesn't go to plan, and their loved ones get to deal with an ornery Wanderer when they get home. (Azem hoards all the pronouns and uses she/he/they)

Obviously spoilers for 6.0, because back in the days of paradise-

Everyone knows Azem is not one for obeying the rules of the Convocation. Aristaeus is, however, very much someone who respects the rules of her two best friends on the entire star, and the rules of his beloved.

So when they return home from a trip covered in cuts, bruises and with their arm in a hastily constructed sling, the Wanderer is entirely unsurprised and very sheepish to be dragged inside their own house immediately by Hythlodaeus, Hades, and Orpheus; the last of them in particular is shaken by his state.

“Truly, Azem, can you not obey even our simple rule of not coming back to burden us with your care?” The most grumpy Emet-Selch sighs in exasperation, and Aristaeus laughs softly, wincing as his bruised ribs protest the attempt. He can sense the man’s concern under his biting words as always.

“Don’t you ‘Azem’ me outside of my office,” he returns the playful jab, and Hades snorts in amusement.

“You’re never in your office, Aristaeus, I must refer to you by your title while in polite company.”

“Well then, I do believe that she’s quite correct, for none of us here are thinking particularly politely,” Hythlodaeus puts in, and the Shepherd clutches her ribs as they try and fail not to laugh.

“Twelve, Hyth, please don’t make me laugh right now,” he grins playfully at the lavender haired man.

“If you three don’t mind, I do believe we should get Aristaeus settled and their wounds seen to,” Orpheus interrupts firmly, his voice calm and sure in such a way that none of them can argue. The holder of the seat of Azem smiles fondly at their partner and nods agreeably, knowing better by now than to argue with the accomplished bardic spellwright. The shorter man crosses his arms at him, tilting his head up with an annoyed pout. “And I should like some alone time with my beloved.” 

Ever straight and to the point at home is Orpheus. The redhead saves more superfluous language for performances and dealing with the others in the Words, usually to the effect of receiving complaints for his sharp tongue. 

“Very well, we shall leave him in your capable hands,” Hades nods, seeming content to leave Aristaeus to her husband’s reprimands and tender care. “Pray do not let them out of the house before their arm and ribs are fixed, Orpheus. Good day.” A particular look crosses the spellwright’s face and they smile devilishly at him; Azem shrinks, adopting a terrified expression.

“Hyth,” he pleads, “my friend and enabler, my partner-in-crime-” “I’ll see you at the office when you are recovered, Ari,” the chief of the bureau of the Architect giggles, waving as he leaves. “Ours may be the power to weave the fabric of reality, but equally we have the wisdom to not come between an irate man and his danger prone spouse.” “No! Hythlodaeus, come back and save me from house arrest!” Aristaeus lets out an absolutely overdramatic cry for help as the door closes. 

“Now, dear,” Orpheus purrs, keeping his laughter under control as he takes a careful hold of the Shepherd’s good arm, “I do appreciate that your wanderlust is nigh insatiable, but there really are times when you need to accept that resting is a good idea. You should really come home so I can see to your wounds.” He summons a lyre and pulls them along. “Or even better, take me with you so I can prevent them in the first place. As I have suggested to you many times before.”

“Lahabrea has refused your requests for leave every time you’ve tried to join me,” Aristaeus reminds him, obediently sitting down when her husband gestures for her to, and Orpheus smiles softly as he starts to manipulate their arm and sing. 

“From those who've fallen to those who rise, a prayer to keep us ever by your side…”

The lyre plays by itself as Orpheus works his magic; the rest of the instruments join in the symphony as he continues.

Aether knits flesh and sinew back together under his soothing voice’s direction, and Aristaeus relaxes with a sigh of relief. They drop the game of dramatics and protests, leaning back into strong capable arms, and let his husband’s voice convince their battered body to sleep for once.

[xaracosmia]

ꕥ — WELCOME TO MARE COSMIA, HYTHLODAEUS. 🌗

ꕥ  — OOC INFORMATION;

name / alias: skadi age: 27 pronouns: any pronouns ooc contact: @illromances (tumblr) other characters in xc: none!

ꕥ  — IC INFORMATION;

name: Hythlodaeus age: Looks to be in his late twenties to early thirties; don’t be deceived, he’s more than 13000+ pronouns: He / Him series: Final Fantasy XIV canon point: Patch 6.4 app triggers:  Endwalker spoilers, death, and apocalyptic scenarios personality: Those who’d a chance to make his acquaintance often describe Hythlodaeus as a friendly figure—his cheery demeanor and the easiness of falling into a natural interaction with him just fuels their impression of him as an approachable individual. If not a bit coy and mischievous at times when the mood strikes him, or well, when opportunity does. It wasn’t just his soul sight that was keen, but so was his perceptiveness; it served its purpose well when he had the fancy to tease and as well in times where it truly mattered. He was also a touch odd in a subtle way and a little reckless at times, prominent in the last second choices he always made which were also just a tad bit impulsive on his part.

Closer friends would collectively agree on this, on how Hythlodaeus is. Yet there’s a side of him that they’re the only ones witness to. They also describe him as a pillar in their lives; always serving as a source of strength and support to them in ways that were unique to Hythlodaeus. While their people saw service and creativity as a measure of their great contribution to the world, it was only secondary to him. For Hythlodaeus, he finds purpose in aiding his friends, supporting them in their dreams. To see them realize and fulfill their aspirations is a source of accomplishment to him something your muse struggles with: An individual who often thinks and prioritizes those he cares for; an admirable trait in a person and yet, his devotion to their well being often makes him forget about his own. your muse’s greatest strength: A loyal friend one could always call on—a person that would go to great lengths to help those he cares for to flourish and succeed in their endeavors.

history / background: An Ancient from the time when the world was unsundered. In the beginning, Hythlodaeus was not unlike any other Amaurotine—a man with humble origins and, in his opinion, a frankly uninteresting life bar, of course, meeting select individuals that made some of his days more interesting and eventful. A pivotal moment in his life eventually fell onto his lap in the form of an invitation from their time’s governing council—the Convocation of Fourteen—to take up the seat of Emet-Selch. One reason he was extended the offer was due to the strength of his Soul Sight. Hythlodaeus understood as much and yet he was also aware of his own limitations—that he lacked the capacity to lend himself into the role fully. As such he turned down their offer but in his place suggested his good friend Hades, a man who not only possessed the same degree in keenness of their soul sight but is also recognized by all as a powerful and talented mage. In this, the Convocation and many more agreed with.  Later on, Hythlodaeus accepts a post in the Bureau of the Architect—the organization responsible for approving new concepts for creatures and other magical constructs to be released into the world.  He eventually earned himself a leading position in the organization. While not tied to the Convocation, he does have some involvement in some of their activities. Namely through the antics of Azem—another friend of his—whom he has secretly aided in some of their exploits. Sometime in the future, Hythlodaeus accompanied his friend Hades to Elpis  for an official Convocation matter, and acted as a guide to him and a newly arrived “familiar” of Azem in navigating the research facility in search of its Chief Overseer, Hermes. In the following days to come unravels a plot that centers around the arrival of Azem’s familiar—this Warrior of Light and Venat’s Champion—their purpose and the undoing of their world in an apocalyptic calamity called the Final Days.

history / background: An Ancient from the time when the world was unsundered. In the beginning, Hythlodaeus was not unlike any other Amaurotine—a man with humble origins and, in his opinion, a frankly uninteresting life bar, of course, meeting select individuals that made some of his days more interesting and eventful. A pivotal moment in his life eventually fell onto his lap in the form of an invitation from their time’s governing council—the Convocation of Fourteen—to take up the seat of Emet-Selch. One reason he was extended the offer was due to the strength of his Soul Sight. Hythlodaeus understood as much and yet he was also aware of his own limitations—that he lacked the capacity to lend himself into the role fully. As such he turned down their offer but in his place suggested his good friend Hades, a man who not only possessed the same degree in keenness of their soul sight but is also recognized by all as a powerful and talented mage. In this, the Convocation and many more agreed with.  Later on, Hythlodaeus accepts a post in the Bureau of the Architect—the organization responsible for approving new concepts for creatures and other magical constructs to be released into the world.  He eventually earned himself a leading position in the organization. While not tied to the Convocation, he does have some involvement in some of their activities. Namely through the antics of Azem—another friend of his—whom he has secretly aided in some of their exploits. Sometime in the future, Hythlodaeus accompanied his friend Hades to Elpis  for an official Convocation matter, and acted as a guide to him and a newly arrived “familiar” of Azem in navigating the research facility in search of its Chief Overseer, Hermes. In the following days to come unravels a plot that centers around the arrival of Azem’s familiar—this Warrior of Light and Venat’s Champion—their purpose and the undoing of their world in an apocalyptic calamity called the Final Days. Which was all well forgotten due to the activation of KAIROS following a confrontation with Hermes, immediately plucking days worth of memories from their mind since their initial arrival in Elpis. The Final Days arrived thereafter, manifesting itself first as aetherial decline before progressing to catastrophic events that tampered with their people’s creation magic. In the height of this devastation, the Convocation of Thirteen has devised a momentary yet swift solution to their dilemma—a summoning of what is known as a Primal to forestall the Final Days. A ritual that took too many to save what remained. The seat of Elidibus offered himself to serve as its core and to give life and power to an entity that could rewrite the destiny of their star required lives sacrificed in the name of this duty. Half of the world’s existing population sacrificed to summon this god, Zodiark, and one of these people included Hythlodaeus, who considered this act his greatest contribution. Muffled is one way to describe his existence, along with his brethren that shared the same fate as him. Residing within Zodiark, he had an inkling of what has been happening, from the attempted restoration of their world to Venat—Hydaelyn sundering their god and all of creation into ten and three—the source and its thirteen reflections. More, so much more has happened—and yet clarity only came when Zodiark’s prison was cracked. His brethren slipped through, wandering the moon, impeding the effort of this new old friend who held eight parts of Azem’s soul. Of course, how could Hythlodaeus deny them his aid? He had always been and always will be their supporter.

Even when Zodiark was felled and he returned to the star with all his missing memories returned. It only served for him to reach out and answer the call of the Warrior of Light one last time. Along with Hades, Hythlodaeus came to them, with Hope in their hands as proof against despair.

With his duty done, Hythlodaeus departs with his friend, expressing a wish to the Warrior that all three of them would be reunited in another life.

powers / abilities:

✧ Creation Magic. The people before Etheirys was sundered were possessed of vast aetheric pools. And the masterful use and manipulation of this is what brought life to the art of creation magic. Creation magics allow them to conjure and manifest thoughts, ideas. And concepts into the physical realm. And like all ancients, Hythlodaeus has the ability to wield such magics.

✧The Echo. In present day Etheirys, this was a rare skill to be had and noted to be a ‘fraction’ or a residue of an ancient’s power. Before the sundering, however, this assortment of abilities was common amongst the ancients. It allowed them to understand all languages and communicate with the same words, more resistant to tempering influences, and, with focus, view past memories of others. These were the most common abilities but there are more variations of this ability.

✧ Teleportation. Hythlodaeus can teleport from one point to another; a telltale sign of his departure and arrival via teleportation are the appearance of smoky tendrils of black and blue hues.

✧ Transformation. The unsundered were capable of many feats, one such ability they have is shaping their bodies to their will, even fuse with other tangible concepts. All this ranges from small changes to their features to a more massive form, twisting their very physical being into something else different and often grandiose, another kind of reflection of them.

✧ Soulseer. Hythlodaeus possess the skills and talents of a soulseer which is an equivalent to the modern day bard of hydaelyn; they are those who wield bows and use the songs sang by the bowmen of eld, swaying the hearts of men, giving them inspiration in the heat of battle or granting them a peaceful final hymn of peace in their last moments. The biggest difference of a soulseer to that of a bard are the skills and spells used by the ancient which are of a higher tier than the latter. Weaponskill. This section refers to a soulseer’s physical ranged attacks. These skills allow them to take aim and target a single enemy as well as  multiple ones instantaneously, with a few of these weaponskills dealing more damage thanks to their additional effects and damage over time.

Luminous Bolt: Delivers an attack with a potency of 280.

Meggido Flame: It delivers an attack to all enemies in a single line.

Limit Break: Desperado. Delivers a high damage attack to all enemies in a line.

Support Abilities.  Soulseers, or bards as they are known in modern-day Etheirys, offer a range of abilities that bolsters their own combat performance as well as their peers.

Mage’s Ballad - Allows him to deal damage to a single target and grant himself as his allies with “Mage’s Ballad, increasing the damage they are dealing for a time.

The Warden’s Paean - This skill allows him to remove a single detrimental effect from himself or his intended target when they’re afflicted by one and should they be unaffected, it creates a barrier instead to protect them from these detrimental effects for a short period.

Army’s Paeon - Allows him to deal damage to a single target and grants him and his as well as his allies with “Army’s Paeon”, which increases one’s direct hit rate for a time.

Battle Voice - This skill grants him and his nearby allies a boost  in their  direct hit rate by a certain percent.

The Wanderer’s Minuet  - Allows him to deal damage to a single target and grants him and his as well as his allies with “Wanderer’s Minuet”, which increases one’s critical  hit rate for a time.

Troubadour - When used, this skill helps reduce damage taken by himself and as well as nearby allies by a certain percent for a brief period.

Nature’s Minne - During Nature’s Minne, recovery through healing actions will be increased.

Radiant Finale - This skill grants him and his nearby allies a boost in the damage they deal by a certain percent.

Auxiliary Skills. These are basic extra skills that individuals belonging to this job class can carry out and aid them in their exploits.

Leg Graze - Afflicts target with ‘heavy’ for a short period.

Foot Graze - Allows him to bind targets for a brief moment.

Head Graze - Interrupts a target’s action.

Second Wind - Instantly restores a portion of his health.

Pelotone - Allows him to increase his and his peers speed for a set time; this, however, doesn’t work in battle.

Arms Length - This creates a barrier that nullifies most knockback and draw-in effects for a short time and when the barrier is struck, it afflicts the target with ‘slow’.

Specific Abilities. These are higher tiered spells performed by the ancients.

Annihilation. It combines the power of fire with the power of ice, causing high damage to the target and all enemies nearby it.

True Benediction. The ability allows him to restore the target to full health.    

True Raise. It allows him to resurrect a target instantaneously.

⤷ More information about the bard class can be found here.

inherent abilities:

✧ Soul Sight. Eyes that possess this kind of ability can perceive the essence and appearance of an individual's aether as well as the underworld; an uncommon ability among his kind but Hythlodaeus was born with one that had great strength amongst others, enough to spark interest from authoritative parties.

✧ Sharp-Eyed. Literally. Thanks to his soul sight, he could perceive an individual's soul. Nevertheless, he possesses the same such keenness when it comes to details. Being the chief of the bureau of the architect required him to oversee and evaluate each concept entrusted to their office and it required him to be both observant and critical. literally. Thanks to his soul sight, he could perceive an individual's soul.

✧ Ancient Physiology. The inhabitants of Etheirys prior to its sundering. They’re figures are no different from the regular hyur, though compared to them and other inhabitants of the new world, they were quite large and towering. Their aether was  quite abundant as well. In addition, they’re implied to be much more long lived. Barring fatal accidents and other life depriving misfortune, they are immortal. When their duty to the star is fulfilled, it’s only then that they return to the star.

items / weapons:

✧ White Mask. A mask often worn as part of their societal practices.

starting ability: Creation Magic

starting item: White Mask

extra:

Fruity.

Can play a musical instrument or two and belt out songs.

Stares into your soul.

He’s watching everything from the aetherial sea.

discord id: soulseer.

passcode: chocolate orange

[astrcthesiai-archived]

SHIPPING INFO //

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR MUSE(S) SO PEOPLE KNOW HOW SHIPPING WORKS ON YOUR BLOG.

tagged by: this was stolen. tagging: all of you.

WHAT IS YOUR OTP FOR YOUR CHARACTER(S)?

Original Characters (first because I said so)

Mira: MiraLaw (romantic or platonic. Rivals in finding the most bones perhaps?), WoL!Mira/Emet-Selch (Hades), WoL!Mira/Emet/Hyth (I just want to absolutely destroy Mira in Endwalker ok? ok.), Mira/OC (Mira is likely going to be Thanatos, Death, or Hades in this pair. I'm sorry.) Anything that reminds me of Life/Death, Light/Darkness, Fire/Ice. When there’s no one to ship, she’s with Crimson. Mira/Canon, Mira/OC.

Jasper: Has a bad case of unrequited first love. He loves Mira, but Mira only sees him as a brother. If you can love him through that, he’ll make a good boyfriend! Jasper/Canon, Jasper/OC. He is a pretty hardy noble/wealthy/spoiled brat, having been through several near-death experiences.

Crimson: Eustass/Crimson, Crimson is full of fire, fun, and passion! Crimson/Canon, Crimson/OC. When there’s no one to ship, she’s with Mira. She has a weakness toward redheads.

Nerissa: She is a Fishwoman that loves humans. Nerissa/Canon, Nerissa/OC. I played around with Nerissa/Crocodile and Nerissa/Shanks. If you want a very tall, strong woman for a girlfriend, there's Nerissa.

Miyuki: AceYuki, SaboYuki, KoalaYuki, and survived!LamiYuki. Miyuki/Canon, Miyuki/OC. While I do want to make her happy, she has a tendency towards people who were character deathed... I liken her to anything water related, and I do headcanon her as having a mermaid ancestor, so she can stay underwater longer than a regular human could. In FFXIV, she's a Xaela Auri female who is a sky pirate navigator. I ship her Unsundered self with Hythlodaeus.

Marie: She is on the asexual and aromantic spectrum. Marie/Canon, Marie/OC. She manipulates blood and it would be great if her partner can stomach that.

Marquis: Marie's twin brother, he is also on the asexual and aromantic spectrum. Marquis/Canon, Marquis/OC. He is a mad scientist and fights with various blades including and not limited to scalpels.

Ana: AnaMarco, as for her ffxiv self, has been playing with the idea of Ana/Nero/Cid lately. Ana/Canon, Ana/OC.

Shakti: When there are no ships around, it's usually Rockette/Shakti against the world! Shakti/Canon, Shakti/OC. In One Piece, she is a sky islander. In ffxiv, she is a Viera.

Rockette: When there are no ships around, it's usually Rockette/Shakti against the world! Rockette/Canon, Rockette/OC. In One Piece, she is a wealthy gal born in a family or architects, but she wants to walk in the footsteps of shipwrights! In ffxiv, she is a Viera.

Feiyu: Feiyu/Canon, Feiyu/OC. They are AFAB nonbinary and prefer all pronouns.

HOW LARGE DOES THE AGE GAP HAVE TO BE TO MAKE IT UNCOMFORTABLE?

I'm good as long as both parties are over 25. I do ship Ana with someone older than her.

HOW FAR DO STEAMY MOMENTS HAVE TO GO BEFORE THEY ARE CONSIDERED NSFW?

So long as both are unclothed it's mature. There are other ways to be intimate while nude, but just to be safe...

ARE YOU SELECTIVE WHEN SHIPPING?

Yes, or I like to think I am. I like to make sure we're on the same page just abouts.

WHO ARE OTHER CHARACTERS YOU SHIP YOUR CHARACTER WITH?

All of my pairings are OTPs pretty much. I just need to roleplay a couple of times to consider them as such. I've just grown really shy about asking for some reason...

Canon Characters

Chrome Dokuro: 6996, 9618, 96MM (kinda sorta), Chrome/Canon, Chrome/OC

Nico Robin: RobinFranky, RobinLaw, Robin/Canon, Robin/OC

Nefertari Vivi: ViviNami, ViviLuffy, Vivi/Canon, Vivi/OC

Eiji Okumura: EijiAsh, ShorEiji

Hino Rei/Sailor Mars: MinaRei (Venus/Mars), Jadeite/Rei, Rei/OC, Rei/Canon

Kaiou Michiru/Sailor Neptune: MichiHaru (Neptune/Uranus), MamoruMichiru, Michiru/OC, Michiru/Canon. Mamoru and Haruka are the only masculines I can see her dating. (*Haruka is bigender/agender depending on the rper)

Roberto de Niro/OC

DOES ONE HAVE TO ASK TO SHIP WITH YOU?

Yes, otherwise, I won't know your intentions for my characters. I will assume it's friendship related and steer on the side of caution. I am, however, shy about asking.

ARE YOU SHIP OBSESSED OR SHIP MORE-OR-LESS?

People may consider me ship obsessed, but I like to think I'm ship more or less nowadays. Leaving you to be the judge of that, but for safety, it's both.

ARE YOU MULTISHIP?

Yes, depending on the character. Roberto I am not shipping him at this time. Marie, Endorsi, and Marquis are on the asexual and aromantic spectrum. It's not impossible to ship them, it's just there needs to be a lot of communication.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHIP IN YOUR CURRENT FANDOM?

It's usually the oc/canon route. I like all my ships, but I may have more muse for some than others at a given time.

FINALLY, HOW DOES ONE SHIP WITH YOU?

You just come up to me and say you want to ship with me in my DMs, IMs and ask. I'll look at you like a deer in the headlights, and try my best to remember how a character acts like in a ship...

[archaeoelysion]

“I highly doubt your new friend would want that.” Hades claims, arms across his chest and frown in place. To say he hadn’t somewhat felt bad for being unnecessarily cruel to the hunter now turned, would be a lie, yet he has never been one to quite regret his actions - least of all when he feels they are justified in one way or another. And to have the same mortal reincarnated and chase after him, again and again for centuries ( and all this time, he has been kind enough as to let the hunter go! ) - ‘twas simply too much. More so when in truth, Emet-Selch has been trying his best to give them a chance - cooperating with mortals when he could easily crush them instead.

“I reckon they much prefer to never see me again.” Even so, he has ever been weak to his lover’s requests, especially when Hythlodaeus would look at him like that. As if ‘tis his choice whether they would ever see eye to eye or not ( would the newborn be able to forgive him? ).

VAMPIRE HYTH IS NOT ABOVE USING THE PLEADING EYES

⁘ @archaeoelysian

“My new friend may yet surprise you, dearest Hades,” There is truth to Emet-Selch’s words, of course; Azem had every reason to wish distance from their vampiric sire, after being so violently turned. But Azem, for all their stubbornness, was capable of seeing him in another light, Hythlodaeus was sure, with a bit of persuasion. They had adapted quite well, with adequate support, and truth be told, the friendship between himself and the other had developed with a natural ease he had not expected when first approaching them.

Perhaps it was their very natures, their shared inclination to mischief; he was well aware his lover would define it simply as their ability to give him headaches despite his vampiric powers. Regardless, he knew Hades enough to know that for all his certainty in his acts, he was not beyond befriending Azem, either. With the right push, they may yet see beyond their differences, and when they did, Hythlodaeus was sure they would yet be able to become good friends.

For that to happen, however, they needed at least coexist in the same environment for some time, rather than avoiding each other. Azem had been easily convinced to join them, though somewhat begrudgingy at first; and Hades, for all his stubbornness, could be convinced too. “And they have already agreed to my proposition,” He adds, draping himself over the other and facing him with pleading violet eyes. “Can you not make an attempt, at least, beloved? I do not ask you to apologize --- simply to try and be in their company for some time, and to genuinely give them a chance.”

“ ‘Tis not too much to ask, is it?” Relentless in pursuit of his goal, he continues to look up to golden eyes in that manner, arms around Hades’ neck. “Please -- for me?”

[archivistmia]

Day 15: Row

Words: 272

Characters: various Ancients and Scions mentioned; unnamed!WoL

Endwalker warning

At our most natural, we gather together like a pack, keeping each other company.

There were many things you had expected as an outcome of the fight to end all fights at the very edge of the universe. Somehow this hasn’t been one of them.

As you stepped out of your front door onto your porch you waved to Y’Shtola already drinking her tea on the house next to yours. On the other side, Alphinaud was busy with his 'homework‘ (diplomatic lessons from Aymeric). Alisaie was lounging in the early summer rays, Alphinauds Carbuncle curled up at her feet.

„Morning, Warrior!“ a friendly shout and a wave were shared with your neighbors across the ‚road‘ (though to call it that was generous). The three houses directly across from yours were probably the most surprising thing to come out of the debacle that called itself the edge of the universe. Directly across from you lived Hades and Hythlodaeus, the grumpy Architect helping fix the Garlean Empire with his husband there to mediate. To the left, Venat hat taken Hermes and Meteions under her wing (you couldn’t help but snicker at that thought) taking them to travel the world and find the world’s sights. To the right, the surprising pair of Hephaistos and Themis had build a little Historical museum and library. You couldn’t claim to understand the weird father-son thing they had going on, but you didn’t particularly care either way. They all deserved some happiness.

You waved to them as you settled on your porch with the days news and letters and a hot cup of tea. No, this little cul-de-sac of happiness hadn’t been in your expectations, but you couldn’t claim you didn’t enjoy it.

[kaerran]

#11 Free Day - Speculate

[speculate was #7 in 2021. i WAS going to continue yesterday's but my mind just completely blanked when i went to put words down sooooo ancient background instead. shb 80 spoilers i guess???]

Once there were a pair of Ancients who decided it felt Right to have some children. Neither of their life purposes focused on families, but they both agreed they both wanted it anyway.

They were both surprised when they welcomed their twins into the world.

It is not uncommon for children to take some time to decide on things like appearance and gender, but the twins settled on their preferences quite quickly.

They were then given the names Hades and Hythlodaeus.

As they grew older, their parents came to understand that while they share the gift of soul sight, but while Hades had quite large aether reserves, Hythlodaeus... did not. Still, they did their best to help their sons learn how to cope, since an abundance of aether could easily lead to mistakes and Hythlodaeus needed to learn ways to cope.

And eventually, they welcomed a third child into their lives.

Both Hades and Hythlodaeus were excited to meet their new sibling, but they took longer than their brothers to settle, but where both twins had chosen to be male, their sibling chose no gender.

Their parents named them Hero.

Hero did not have their brothers' soul sight, but shared Hades's large aether reserves, and eventually was shown to have a gift of prophecy, altho Hero did not seem particularly invested in developing it further.

The three siblings loved each other dearly, and slowly solidifed into a truly impressive team when they worked together.

Eventually, Hythlodaeus found a position in the Bureau of the Architect, where he quickly excelled, and Hero found themself unexpectedly adopted into a mentorship by the distinguised Azem herself.

Their parents knew they had done well by their children indeed.

[ok so. why hero? partially there's a delicious irony there for when emet-selch says "My world will have no need for heroes." partially i really wanted another h name to go with hades and hythlodaeus. and partially i still remember my greek and roman studies class on technology and hearing the name "hero of alexandria" and going "really? HERO?". and partially hero is just about the only somewhat gender neutral greek name i know. hero of alexandria was previously regularly transliterated as heron instead, and wiki lists his spelling as "Ἥρων", whereas hero from the myth of hero and lysander is a priestess of aphrodite and it's spelled "Ἡρώ" which is a whole less character :V but what can you do. anyway hero of alexandria was a really cool dude who invented the vending machine, a bunch of wind-worked devices, a self-filling wine bowl, a bunch of automatons including a full play, and a (n utterly useless) steam engine. hero and lysander is only known for sleeping with a dude who swam across a straight every day until one day he drowned and she committed suicide. yeahhhhhhh no thanks.

and why siblings? well emet-selch REALLY overreacted to alphinaud telling him off and trying to protect alisaie in shadowbringers (quest) so me and my partner discussed it a bit trying to figure out why. my brain got stuck on “well obviously he’s a twin” and the obvious other twin was either hythlo or at-the-time-unnamed azem. and then i just kinda went with it instead of with a qpr poly trio. that’s probably the backstory of one of my other alts]

[sodomhipped]

as stars to a sky (1881 words) by reclamation

Chapters: 2/2

Fandom: Final Fantasy XIV

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Emet-Selch/Hythlodaeus (Final Fantasy XIV), Emet-Selch/The Previous Emet-Selch

Characters: Emet-Selch (Final Fantasy XIV), Hythlodaeus (Final Fantasy XIV), Amaurotine Characters (Final Fantasy XIV), The Previous Emet-Selch - Character

Additional Tags: Pre-Canon, Canon Compliant, Pre-Sundering (Final Fantasy XIV), Non-Chronological, Bureau of the architect, Established Relationship, Worldbuilding, Ceremonies and Rituals, amaurotine masks, the third seat of the convocation, Kissing

Summary:

Vignettes about the Ancients and their world. Some serious—and some less so.

[therisingphoenixden]

Prompt #24: Thalia

Prompt: Vicissitude

Characters: Azem, Hythlodaeus

Content Warnings: ShB/EW spoilers, mentions of blood, starvation, and death.

Author’s Notes: So, this is what happens when you put Natalie Merchant’s “Ophelia” on repeat in a way to get the creative juices flowing. I just let the song carry me as I wrote. It definitely influenced the final bit of this story. The first bit was lifted and expanded upon from day 22′s prompt, Veracity.

“So that’s it, then?” Thalia stood tall at her podium, her mask of Azem affixed to her face as she addressed the Convocation. All of the talk and debates held regarding this matter, and still they were up their own arses over what was best for Amaurot! More than once in the past week had she found herself crying in Hythlodaeus’ arms, both from sorrow at the suffering and death across Etheirys and out of sheer frustration at the Convocation’s inaction.

“Your grand plan is to summon this…Zodiark to forestall the Final Days through the sacrifice of our people?” To her surprise, it had been the new Fandaniel and Elidibus who had proposed this measure - to grant Etheirys a will of its own through a being, Zodiark. But the summoning required vast amounts of aether, which meant sacrifices - of both the people of Amaurot and those throughout the Star. 

All of this set her on edge. The rest of the Convocation had spoken with this entity, and skeptical minds rapidly changed. That was not normal! Could none of them see that this entity, this Zodiark was manipulating them for its own ends? She had yet to meet with it, as she had been busy defending those the Convocation would easily dismiss as “acceptable losses.” Even her usual defender hadn’t spoken up in support of her. Had he…

She paled behind her mask. She wanted, no, needed, to know. 

Her gaze swept across the room, fixing each member who nodded their support with a glare, until it settled on the Third Seat, the one of Emet-Selch. “Even you?”

A nod.

She sighed, using her rage to mask the feeling of her heart breaking. “I cannot, in good conscience, follow you. There is another way to save our world and I will find it.” Thalia’s posture straightened further as she stepped aside and brought a hand up to her face. “As of this day, I step down from the Seat of Azem.” She removed her mask, set it carefully on her podium, and walked away.

All poise crumbled as soon as the doors to the chamber slammed shut behind her. The noise echoed down the hallway, a hard stop to her once bright career. Fighting back tears, she ran.

–

Packing before an excursion had never ached so much before. But Thalia knew deep down that this would be the last time she stood in this bedroom. She looked at what she had - armor, repair kit for her armor and weapons, bedroll, extra smallclothes, some rations if she couldn’t hunt or gather for herself, but no trinkets of the two who held her heart. It would be better this way. Better if they forgot her, forgot her betrayal. Still…

She reached up and unclasped one of her teardrop pearl earrings and left it on the dresser. If Hades truly cared, if his mind was still his own, he would come looking for her. It had been a code the three of them had set up long ago when they were still students. Whenever they had a fight, Thalia would leave something of hers where Hades was sure to notice. To let him know she was mad, but she would forgive him.

She hoped he would remember, and that his will was his own and not of the entity’s.

With one last look at the apartment, Thalia sighed and left, locking the door behind her.

–

It had been a stupid impulse. She had only meant to call for her familiar on top of the Bureau of the Architect building so she could leave quietly. But someone had spotted her during her ascent up to the roof of the tower, and she now stood before Hythlodaeus. He wasn’t angry, nor disappointed. She wrung her hands as tears flowed down her cheeks, shame and sorrow crushing her in equal measure under the gentle, accepting gaze of part of her heart.

“I can’t say I’m surprised, my love,” he said gently as he approached her. He was cautious, tone soft and body language as nonthreatening as possible. “Both of you have grown distant since the disasters started.”

She fell into his arms, relishing in the sensation of his embrace. Possibly the last one. “I’m sorry, ‘Daeus,” she whimpered. “I am so sorry.” Her body began to shake with sobs and she felt his hands rub her back through her robes. 

“You've naught to apologize for,” he whispered. “The Convocation made its choice and lost the best of them with it.” He leaned down to press his forehead to hers. Somewhere, deep down, he knew this would be the last time he saw her. Still, he couldn’t help himself. “Come back to us.” His whisper was less an order and more a plea, a beggared promise to see her safe in their home once more.

Words failed her, so she leaned up and kissed him fiercely, pouring all the love she held for him and Hades into it. Yet it was bitter, tasting only of their shared tears and farewells. “If he asks you to consider giving your life to this cause, deny him,” she replied.

They were the last words she ever said to him.

–

At first, she slowly helped the people of the Star regain ground lost to the monstrosities called forth by the Final Days. Each life saved was precious aether denied to Zodiark in her mind. Each life saved lifted the spirits of those around her.

But it wasn’t enough.

One day, the beasts vanished. Yet the earth beneath her feet was barren and the water turned to poison. It had taken so long, too long in her mind, to develop a way to make the water safe to consume again. The people were starving.

She, too, was starving.

Her armor hung off her too-thin frame and she leaned heavily on her spear to walk. Her boots had worn out long ago from the battles - scorched and melted by fire and the buckles to her leg guards would no longer fasten around her thin, brittle legs. So she traveled barefoot, then with blistered and bloodied feet wrapped in the cleanest rags she could find.

She was so tired. Even thinking was too much for her, although there was little to distract her from the stabbing pains in her empty belly.

It was by sheer luck she collapsed near a village that had emerged from the calamity mostly unscathed, right as the green of life burst into view.

She slept for a long time.

When she awoke, she was still weak. Her Amaurotine robes threatened to slip from her shoulders, but the soil was alive again. The green was…refreshing. Calming.

The villagers doted on her, which she didn’t deserve. She was merely fulfilling her purpose, although her seat was long-abandoned.

She grew stronger, began working the fields with the villagers. It was peaceful, fulfilling. She was content.

Until one day, that peace shattered. Elidibus, or at least a shade of him, had appeared in the village and began to cull them in the name of Zodiark. Suddenly, he teleported away without warning.

She realized far too late what had caused him to withdraw.

A wave of pure blue-white aether enveloped the land. When it hit, pain like she had never experienced before wracked her. She heard glass breaking. She could feel herself breaking.

Then she felt no more.

–

She was a feline hunter, racing through the jungle before his world was consumed in flame.

She was a tall, stately leoprine matriarch, worried for her clan as their world was consumed by lightning.

She was an avian warrior, watching in horror as generations were smashed to the unfeeling earth from winds stronger than he could fight.

She was an Allagan scientist under Amon, although she couldn’t understand what it was about the new advisor that intrigued her.

She was an elven merchant, watching as those around her slowly froze to death.

She was of a clan of merfolk, watching as the seas ran dry around them and powerless to fix it.

She was a hume man, helpless as the Light consumed his world.

She was an au ra, terrified as Dalamud fell from Limsa Lominsa.

She was the same au ra, standing proud as she felled Nabriales.

She was Thalia. And she was not Thalia.

She was Berude.

[warwaged-moved]

@fallenshepherd // AZEM.

There would be no reply from Azem, curled on themself on the corner of the room, tense and silent and not even breathing. Not at first.

Then again, they thought bitterly, they had no need to breathe now. Not when they felt their own body coiled in tension, their throat burning and their very soul aching in the kind of hunger they'd only had heard described, before.

Azem had been a fool. They'd seen their chance, and they'd taken it. And they had failed, as one of the oldest vampires in existence had captured them instead.

They had known they would turn. Emet-Selch had told them, and then he'd sunk his fangs into their neck and Azem had felt every moment of it, from the first moment of pain until the last second of cold terror, then dread, and then nothing. And it still did not compare to the pain of turning.

They did not know if they'd screamed, and they did not know what they'd do if they moved. Their body felt too light, and their thoughts too single minded. Their sense of smell, far too sharp, and their instinct, in their panic, was to tackle the newcomer. The threat.

Azem stood still, because they'd been holding themself back far too long and so they could handle a moment more, before slowly raising their head. Sharp bronze eyes and a visage contorted by pain and fury would be what greeted Hythlodaeus, only halfway listening to their words.

All Azem wanted was to hurt something, and yet... slowly, very carefully, they formed one word. It felt strange, to speak through fangs.

"Why?"

Why would a vampire, particularly one who knew Emet-Selch, want to help his victim?

Then again, a little voice told them, Azem too was a vampire now. One of his. It made them sick.

A soft furrow of concern upon his brow, he watched as the newly made vampire curled on the corner, all tension and fury; understandable, of course, and he figures the question is to be expected. His own transformation had been a choice, and he had the one he trusted most to aid him throughout it, the Hades he knew and the Emet-Selch who Azem faced much too divergent facets of the same person. Now, even as a vampire, too much compassion remained within Hythlodaeus’ heart; he could not bear the idea of leaving the other to their own devices, knowing full well even with support the change was bound to be difficult.

“ The short answer is that I know what you are going through, ” There is no antagonism in voice nor demeanor, his answer simple and sincere. “ The pain, the way your body feels wrong, senses too sharp, movement too light, out of control. Instinct taking over when it feels your thoughts cannot quite follow fast enough. The urge to hunt, of course -- the thirst. And I know you, as a hunter, will be loathe to hurt anyone due to a lack of control. ”

" If it is my ties to Emet-Selch you mistrust, then know they too have a part in this. Believe it or not, he is not wont to be cruel. ” He admitted softly. The other was sure to not even want to hear it, with good reason, but they had inquired about his motives, and Hythlodaeus would offer the answer to them in full. Violet eyes upon the newly turned, he continues. “ I do not think he would delight in this after the anger has passed -- nevertheless, he is too proud to admit to a mistake, and ‘twould only serve to make you both suffer for it. Better to have an intermediary, is it not? This way, you need not struggle alone, and the situation needs not become as messy as he surely did not intend to make it. ”

“ But I talk too much and I fear you do not listen as intently as you ought to. ” Light laughter follows his reply, knowing his words are likely wasted on the other in their current condition. A better choice altogether to deal with immediate needs first. Hythlodaeus takes a step closer, neither threatening nor afraid; even should the other attack, he has enough experience to defend himself ( even better, perhaps, that the other should let go of some of that tension on him, rather than someone who may not be as capable ). “ We should talk proper after you feed -- it will help you clear your head. And I shall accompany you to prevent you from hurting anyone. Deal? ”

[holdbeast]

Hythlodaeus really is a saint for running the Bureau of the Architect however many years and not going off the deep end.

Is it really utopia if you have to spend all day every deal dealing with people having emotions about their very important Original Character Do Not Steal?

No wonder that dude hooked up with Emet-Selch.