[ Instead of letting go, however, he steps closer and leans their foreheads together. Granting Hades the privacy to not have his expression stay under scrutiny, for all they know they can both see more than that. ]
But that would have left you wondering, and I think you've had enough of that. And of this, too.
[ A smile, gentle, from the very soul. ]
You did the best that you could do. When you saw a sliver of hope, even without knowing, you guided and taught, so that a path can be found.
[ That much he is certain of, even if he does not yet know all the details. But he is also certain that Emet-Selch, that Hades, needs to hear it. ]
You know because I'm here, that means He is gone.
[ There are so, so many things to say. There are so many emotions, but Hythlodaeus has far from come to terms with his own, and his friend probably needs a little more time before they face those. So getting the facts out of the way first. Even if the facts may be difficult. ]
[ It is comforting, painfully so, to have Hythlodaeus so near once more. The shade of him had been nothing but a painful, hurting echo, nothing alike to the real thing. To see him with life in his eyes and real movement, real speech, is a blessing he had not dare to ask for. It is a gift. ]
Oh, I have had enough of a great deal. The very fact that I continue to be summoned for aid is is exhaustion I had not anticipated when I left our little hero to deal with the situation.
[ His hand lifts, touching Hythlodaeus' arm, feels anchored for the first time in a long time, and allows himself to have a breath of relief. ]
I am aware. I know the consequences of our return. He is gone and so are many of our fellows. I doubt many more remain - either returned to the Star or elsewhere. I do not need the reminder of my failings.
[ But it is clear he is a little overwhelmed by it all, crass and cruel words dripping foremost. Eventually, he bows his head and leans close. ]
[ Hythlodaeus shifts his arms, wraps one around Emet-Selch, keeps the one Emet-Selch is holding on to settled on the man's shoulder. He can feel the weight of the millennia that he hasn't lived in full; his empathy is more than enough to be able to guess how much heavier it must be. ]
Azem believes, I think, despite Fandaniel forcing the confrontation, that we don't need the shield that Zodiark was. Let's see how that works out, hmm?
[ A turn of his head, and he presses lips to Hades's temple. Whispers. ]
You're tired, I can see. Let all of us have a chance to see a brand new star. Let go.
[ They don't have much of a choice, but.. Hythlodaeus knows better than to underestimate Emet-Selch's determination, if he puts his mind to something.
Not a path any of us wanted, Hythlodaeus. Our little Azem saw to that.
[ To see Azem's soul as bright as it once was, to know the hero as they did - it had been good, he recognises that. He had been blessed to see the Warrior of Light do as they did, to watch the world remake itself even as he had faltered at the end. He did not complete the Rejoining, but he thinks that, perhaps, he had managed to do something just as good.
There is no sense of Zodiark any longer; his duty is done. There is nothing to rejoin, nothing to repair. ]
Of course I am tired. Have you not borne witness to the work I have done over these last years? I am surprised I can stand, all that which has been demanded of me. I've had no rest.
[ It's complaining for the sake of complaining, of course, because he was content with the duty afforded him. It was what he wanted, despite the pain and suffering it had caused. The death of so many lies on his hands, but they were barely people - especially compared to the reality of Hythlodaeus in front of him now.
He shakes his head, turning to look around. ]
Return to the star and - what? Continue to mourn our losses? Lick our wounds like a kitten?
Not a path any of knew to want. [ Softly. ] But now we can figure out what we do want.
[ The question, he considers carefully, only tightening his arm around Emet-Selch a little more. I'll hold you up. Silent and certain. ]
Emet-Selch...
Hades.
If that is the answer you have for Meteion's question, then we'll have to spend a while of the forever I intend to stay by your side so we can find you a better one.
[ As if he hasn't spent all this time for it all to come to nothing, as if his time hasn't been squandered, the pain for absolutely nothing. It makes him feel a little bitter, it makes him want to be snappish, more irritable than he had ever been in the past, and he's certain that his friend can recognise it.
Breathing out, he looks over at Hythlodaeus and feels the ache in his heart burn. It has been too long, it has left him bereft, but now...
Emet-Selch cannot help but lean into the touch, into the comfort of familiar arms. ]
What sort of answer would you like me to have, Hythlodaeus?
going on the assumption he's wearing his solus hair but ignore if he's reverted to elpis hair
I do. We have to start with something simple, when everything has broken down. And then we can rebuild more.
[ Hythlodaeus can't take all the time wasted for a memory lost and give it back to Emet-Selch. He can't make it all worthwhile, either. He is fully, fully aware that he left Hades alone, of his own choice - for all it was a choice he thought necessary, it's still wrong.
But if he lets even an inkling about how upset with all the suffering Hades has had to endure he is, the man will be in an even worse state. Emet-Selch, Hades, his friend needs some time to heal, truly heal, before having to deal with someone else's pain. And if it's Hythlodaeus, he will try, making things so much harder for himself...
No, for now he can be Hades's soft light, to guide his way from the pain and despair and sadness. ]
And I want your sort of answer. Just not... the sort of answer that's born out of... how things are right now. How things have been, and how things can't be.
[ Hythlodaeus's fingers, restless as ever, move up from Emet-Selch's shoulder to toy with the short hairs at the back of his hair. This is a new sensation, though his hair is just as soft and lovely as always. ]
[ There is no repairing or undoing the things that have happened. No matter how hard he had tried he had failed to complete the Rejoining, had failed to return the lost and sundered souls back to their rightful place. In the end, however, he had succeeded in being of help to the Warrior of Light - perhaps some might regard that as success.
There is time to dwell on his failings and mistakes - an eternity. They will guide themselves to the star and be together forever. That... Is something of a comfort, if nothing else might be.
He's brought back to reality with the touch to his hair, eyes alighting on Hythlodaeus before his expression relaxes, just a little. ]
You want an answer of someone less burned by the world. I might trust you to attempt to find the impossible in all situations.
Start simple. I said start simple. It would be very boring if that's all we did and neither of us actually likes being bored.
[ Oh, that look. Hythlodaeus's eyes soften ever further, warmth that the memory of has faded thin while his mind was barely there. It makes his breath catch. Ah, how much time it has been indeed.
His voice is very, very gentle. ]
Burns heal, with time and care. I'm willing to give the care, and take the time. If you are.
[ And, if Emet-Selch is not willing, then Hythlodaeus will still be by his side, and take things as they are. Wishing his friend to be someone who he is not? Not Hythlodaeus's thing. ]
I have little issue with boredom these days. You are the one who was inclined to drag me this way and that, as if we were not busy enough.
[ But he is clearly not miserable, not finding any real reason for discontentment when they are finally together once again. They're able to touch one another once more, and that anchors him with a sense of wonderful relief.
Moving closer, he lets himself lean just a little, wandering into Hythlodaeus' space without preamble. ]
[ The words slip off Hythlodaeus's lips, helpless and immediate. Not a brag, not even a reassurance, but a statement of fact, absolute despite the millennia past. ]
So we'll see where that takes us. [ The leaning in is welcome, Hythlodaeus's smile brightening a little, his touch turning more certain though just as gentle. ] With all our time.
Now... have you been sitting in one place brooding since you arrived, or have you looked around, yet?
[ Hythlodaeus has no idea how much of anything there is, beyond very vague, dissolving aether shapes, but it seems like something he can help with. ]
[ No matter where he went, no matter how poor the world became, how painful it all was, he always had Hythlodaeus at his side. Even the shade of him had offered some cold comfort, an echoing memory to remind him of all the things he had done and why he continued to push himself.
The smile is familiar, comforting, and it eases some of the tension in Emet-Selch's shoulders. ]
And I have not been brooding. I would not do something so juvenile.
[ Turning away, he looks around at what has been made of the world they've found themselves in. ]
Come along, then, we may as well move, unless you've more to say?
[ And the smile sharpens to a smirk. Of course he wasn't brooding except he totally was. And that's fine. But they can not call it that, sometimes. ]
And I can talk while I move, I'll have you know.
[ Mock-offended as he moves to stand next to Emet-Selch. Not one step behind, not where he would have to wonder if Hythlodaeus is still there, but next to him. Equals, if different. If Emet-Selch is so much better and more powerful. If he's carried such greater weight.
Even so. ]
There are few who can appreciate the place as we can, after all.
[ The aethereal sea. Were Hythlodaeus not elated (and broken) by his reunion with Emet-Selch, he would be happy to finally truly be here. ]
[ Hythlodaeus is the same as ever, a welcome comfort in the midst of the loss and confusion. He can do no more than nod, moving to turn and begin their journey - together once more. It is a pleasant thing indeed. ]
If that is so then it is not oft the case in my experience. You would stop and speak with a tree if you thought it might listen to you.
[ Motioning, he begins to walk himself, certain his friend will follow. ]
I'm not blind to it. I simply felt it necessary to ensure I was functional first.
[ Said with a straight face, but then Hythlodaeus can't resist and cracks up with a small laugh. ]
Or more like watching people's reactions to me doing that is absolutely delightful.
[ He casts a curious glance at Hades at the last part, though. It didn't seem like he said it in a pained way, but at the same time, he can't help walking a little closer, in fact his friend truly does need support of some sort. ]
[ Of course his friend would be just this level of ridiculous; of course he would be a terror even after all this time. Emet-Selch, who has always been somewhat more sour than sweet in nature to put it lightly, has always been softened around the edges by the company of his fellows.
Many in Amaurot had mentioned it, in their time.
Shaking his head, he motions at his body. ]
Oh, measured and whole and not falling to pieces at the seams. Am I supposed to be capable of imagining what returning to the star might entail? That is beyond even me.
[ And Hythlodaeus just chuckles more at Emet-Selch's denial, but also walks close and doesn't let his attention stray much, despite all the wealth of everything around them. At this... he hums. What he says he is certain his friend knows, but still. ]
Well, we are, very slowly, fading. I am guessing we're having a bit of a time before we move on to what is next for us. But it is very slow, so it shouldn't be trouble for quite a while.
[ Beat. Then, deadpan. ]
Or was Emet-Selch, Keeper of the Underworld, pulling my leg just now?
[ He rather thinks even Hades has a thing or two to learn about what is happening, but teasing him has ever been a part of how Hythlodaeus is. ]
Oh, certainly. I would enjoy nothing more than some brief relief and succour. A shame our little Hero is not here to grant us some extra relief of duty.
[ Yes, they are together, and yes, it is wonderful to be with the real Hythlodaeus rather than a shade, but he is nothing short of a sour man at heart.
Our Hero will join us... When the time for it comes. And oh, no, whatever will you do. When the person so well suited to answering the calls for help of others is the one crying out this time.
[ Small smile, with a tiny hue of hope to it. ]
Perhaps, for once, I might be the one to come to your rescue...
[ Hythlodaeus theatrically presses a hand towards his chest, but the way he shakes his head is not even resigned - he is content with being here the way that he is, for Emet-Selch. For those who need to blaze the trail - or, in this case... rest. ]
Well then. My aid is always yours, unneeded though it may be. And yes, we will be together again, one day. I am certain - and I know you might not be very thrilled by that, but... howsoever long it may take.
[ Emet-Selch's eyes follow Hythlodaeus' hand without realising it, feeling overwhelmed and uncertain before he breathes out and forces himself to look elsewhere. It still hurts, a deep ache inside of him, all the things he had done and all the people he had lost and forgotten.
It hurts. ]
Another life. Do you truly believe I have earned such a thing?
[ The mirth, the showmanship, disappear from his face in an instant, and Hythlodaeus reaches his hands to cup Emet-Selch's face gently, looking into his eyes with all that he has.
The pain, its deep roots attempting to tarnish his very soul, but that soul was ever so, so bright... even ages and ages of hurting, both himself and others, has not darkened it. ]
Hades...
[ Hythlodaeus takes in a deep breath, trying to seek out words that fit what he feels, what he thinks. ]
I do believe, my dear, dear friend. If it is not happening immediately, it is not because you fail to deserve it, or anything else good, but only because you have earned a rest.
For whatever you have done, it cannot have been only ill, or only wrong. I know you. [ Through and through. ] And that is why I believe.
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[ Instead of letting go, however, he steps closer and leans their foreheads together. Granting Hades the privacy to not have his expression stay under scrutiny, for all they know they can both see more than that. ]
But that would have left you wondering, and I think you've had enough of that. And of this, too.
[ A smile, gentle, from the very soul. ]
You did the best that you could do. When you saw a sliver of hope, even without knowing, you guided and taught, so that a path can be found.
[ That much he is certain of, even if he does not yet know all the details. But he is also certain that Emet-Selch, that Hades, needs to hear it. ]
You know because I'm here, that means He is gone.
[ There are so, so many things to say. There are so many emotions, but Hythlodaeus has far from come to terms with his own, and his friend probably needs a little more time before they face those. So getting the facts out of the way first. Even if the facts may be difficult. ]
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[ It is comforting, painfully so, to have Hythlodaeus so near once more. The shade of him had been nothing but a painful, hurting echo, nothing alike to the real thing. To see him with life in his eyes and real movement, real speech, is a blessing he had not dare to ask for. It is a gift. ]
Oh, I have had enough of a great deal. The very fact that I continue to be summoned for aid is is exhaustion I had not anticipated when I left our little hero to deal with the situation.
[ His hand lifts, touching Hythlodaeus' arm, feels anchored for the first time in a long time, and allows himself to have a breath of relief. ]
I am aware. I know the consequences of our return. He is gone and so are many of our fellows. I doubt many more remain - either returned to the Star or elsewhere. I do not need the reminder of my failings.
[ But it is clear he is a little overwhelmed by it all, crass and cruel words dripping foremost. Eventually, he bows his head and leans close. ]
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[ Hythlodaeus shifts his arms, wraps one around Emet-Selch, keeps the one Emet-Selch is holding on to settled on the man's shoulder. He can feel the weight of the millennia that he hasn't lived in full; his empathy is more than enough to be able to guess how much heavier it must be. ]
Azem believes, I think, despite Fandaniel forcing the confrontation, that we don't need the shield that Zodiark was. Let's see how that works out, hmm?
[ A turn of his head, and he presses lips to Hades's temple. Whispers. ]
You're tired, I can see. Let all of us have a chance to see a brand new star. Let go.
[ They don't have much of a choice, but.. Hythlodaeus knows better than to underestimate Emet-Selch's determination, if he puts his mind to something.
Much as he misses the past that they loved...
It is time to see what the future can be. ]
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[ To see Azem's soul as bright as it once was, to know the hero as they did - it had been good, he recognises that. He had been blessed to see the Warrior of Light do as they did, to watch the world remake itself even as he had faltered at the end. He did not complete the Rejoining, but he thinks that, perhaps, he had managed to do something just as good.
There is no sense of Zodiark any longer; his duty is done. There is nothing to rejoin, nothing to repair. ]
Of course I am tired. Have you not borne witness to the work I have done over these last years? I am surprised I can stand, all that which has been demanded of me. I've had no rest.
[ It's complaining for the sake of complaining, of course, because he was content with the duty afforded him. It was what he wanted, despite the pain and suffering it had caused. The death of so many lies on his hands, but they were barely people - especially compared to the reality of Hythlodaeus in front of him now.
He shakes his head, turning to look around. ]
Return to the star and - what? Continue to mourn our losses? Lick our wounds like a kitten?
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[ The question, he considers carefully, only tightening his arm around Emet-Selch a little more. I'll hold you up. Silent and certain. ]
Emet-Selch...
Hades.
If that is the answer you have for Meteion's question, then we'll have to spend a while of the forever I intend to stay by your side so we can find you a better one.
[ He's just saying. ]
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[ As if he hasn't spent all this time for it all to come to nothing, as if his time hasn't been squandered, the pain for absolutely nothing. It makes him feel a little bitter, it makes him want to be snappish, more irritable than he had ever been in the past, and he's certain that his friend can recognise it.
Breathing out, he looks over at Hythlodaeus and feels the ache in his heart burn. It has been too long, it has left him bereft, but now...
Emet-Selch cannot help but lean into the touch, into the comfort of familiar arms. ]
What sort of answer would you like me to have, Hythlodaeus?
going on the assumption he's wearing his solus hair but ignore if he's reverted to elpis hair
[ Hythlodaeus can't take all the time wasted for a memory lost and give it back to Emet-Selch. He can't make it all worthwhile, either. He is fully, fully aware that he left Hades alone, of his own choice - for all it was a choice he thought necessary, it's still wrong.
But if he lets even an inkling about how upset with all the suffering Hades has had to endure he is, the man will be in an even worse state. Emet-Selch, Hades, his friend needs some time to heal, truly heal, before having to deal with someone else's pain. And if it's Hythlodaeus, he will try, making things so much harder for himself...
No, for now he can be Hades's soft light, to guide his way from the pain and despair and sadness. ]
And I want your sort of answer. Just not... the sort of answer that's born out of... how things are right now. How things have been, and how things can't be.
[ Hythlodaeus's fingers, restless as ever, move up from Emet-Selch's shoulder to toy with the short hairs at the back of his hair. This is a new sensation, though his hair is just as soft and lovely as always. ]
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[ There is no repairing or undoing the things that have happened. No matter how hard he had tried he had failed to complete the Rejoining, had failed to return the lost and sundered souls back to their rightful place. In the end, however, he had succeeded in being of help to the Warrior of Light - perhaps some might regard that as success.
There is time to dwell on his failings and mistakes - an eternity. They will guide themselves to the star and be together forever. That... Is something of a comfort, if nothing else might be.
He's brought back to reality with the touch to his hair, eyes alighting on Hythlodaeus before his expression relaxes, just a little. ]
You want an answer of someone less burned by the world. I might trust you to attempt to find the impossible in all situations.
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Start simple. I said start simple. It would be very boring if that's all we did and neither of us actually likes being bored.
[ Oh, that look. Hythlodaeus's eyes soften ever further, warmth that the memory of has faded thin while his mind was barely there. It makes his breath catch. Ah, how much time it has been indeed.
His voice is very, very gentle. ]
Burns heal, with time and care. I'm willing to give the care, and take the time. If you are.
[ And, if Emet-Selch is not willing, then Hythlodaeus will still be by his side, and take things as they are. Wishing his friend to be someone who he is not? Not Hythlodaeus's thing. ]
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[ But he is clearly not miserable, not finding any real reason for discontentment when they are finally together once again. They're able to touch one another once more, and that anchors him with a sense of wonderful relief.
Moving closer, he lets himself lean just a little, wandering into Hythlodaeus' space without preamble. ]
I have nothing but time.
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[ The words slip off Hythlodaeus's lips, helpless and immediate. Not a brag, not even a reassurance, but a statement of fact, absolute despite the millennia past. ]
So we'll see where that takes us. [ The leaning in is welcome, Hythlodaeus's smile brightening a little, his touch turning more certain though just as gentle. ] With all our time.
Now... have you been sitting in one place brooding since you arrived, or have you looked around, yet?
[ Hythlodaeus has no idea how much of anything there is, beyond very vague, dissolving aether shapes, but it seems like something he can help with. ]
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[ No matter where he went, no matter how poor the world became, how painful it all was, he always had Hythlodaeus at his side. Even the shade of him had offered some cold comfort, an echoing memory to remind him of all the things he had done and why he continued to push himself.
The smile is familiar, comforting, and it eases some of the tension in Emet-Selch's shoulders. ]
And I have not been brooding. I would not do something so juvenile.
[ Turning away, he looks around at what has been made of the world they've found themselves in. ]
Come along, then, we may as well move, unless you've more to say?
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[ And the smile sharpens to a smirk. Of course he wasn't brooding except he totally was. And that's fine. But they can not call it that, sometimes. ]
And I can talk while I move, I'll have you know.
[ Mock-offended as he moves to stand next to Emet-Selch. Not one step behind, not where he would have to wonder if Hythlodaeus is still there, but next to him. Equals, if different. If Emet-Selch is so much better and more powerful. If he's carried such greater weight.
Even so. ]
There are few who can appreciate the place as we can, after all.
[ The aethereal sea. Were Hythlodaeus not elated (and broken) by his reunion with Emet-Selch, he would be happy to finally truly be here. ]
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[ Hythlodaeus is the same as ever, a welcome comfort in the midst of the loss and confusion. He can do no more than nod, moving to turn and begin their journey - together once more. It is a pleasant thing indeed. ]
If that is so then it is not oft the case in my experience. You would stop and speak with a tree if you thought it might listen to you.
[ Motioning, he begins to walk himself, certain his friend will follow. ]
I'm not blind to it. I simply felt it necessary to ensure I was functional first.
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[ Said with a straight face, but then Hythlodaeus can't resist and cracks up with a small laugh. ]
Or more like watching people's reactions to me doing that is absolutely delightful.
[ He casts a curious glance at Hades at the last part, though. It didn't seem like he said it in a pained way, but at the same time, he can't help walking a little closer, in fact his friend truly does need support of some sort. ]
Functional?
[ Soft and sweet. ]
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[ Of course his friend would be just this level of ridiculous; of course he would be a terror even after all this time. Emet-Selch, who has always been somewhat more sour than sweet in nature to put it lightly, has always been softened around the edges by the company of his fellows.
Many in Amaurot had mentioned it, in their time.
Shaking his head, he motions at his body. ]
Oh, measured and whole and not falling to pieces at the seams. Am I supposed to be capable of imagining what returning to the star might entail? That is beyond even me.
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Well, we are, very slowly, fading. I am guessing we're having a bit of a time before we move on to what is next for us. But it is very slow, so it shouldn't be trouble for quite a while.
[ Beat. Then, deadpan. ]
Or was Emet-Selch, Keeper of the Underworld, pulling my leg just now?
[ He rather thinks even Hades has a thing or two to learn about what is happening, but teasing him has ever been a part of how Hythlodaeus is. ]
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Oh, how wonderful, a prolonged experience is just what we could have asked for. The Star is truly dissatisfied with us.
[ He looks over, smirking a little. ]
I've no spirit for jest. You know that.
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[ Together, he doesn't say. But he is pretty sure Hades understands it. He hopes he does.
Beat. ]
And I know no such thing. Your jests are much to my liking, always.
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[ Yes, they are together, and yes, it is wonderful to be with the real Hythlodaeus rather than a shade, but he is nothing short of a sour man at heart.
That is not going to change. ]
A cry for help if I were to ever hear one.
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[ Small smile, with a tiny hue of hope to it. ]
Perhaps, for once, I might be the one to come to your rescue...
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[ It's rare that Emet-Selch is hopeful, but he has been particularly coloured of late. ]
That will never be the case, I am certain. Do try not to become too optimistic.
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Well then. My aid is always yours, unneeded though it may be. And yes, we will be together again, one day. I am certain - and I know you might not be very thrilled by that, but... howsoever long it may take.
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It hurts. ]
Another life. Do you truly believe I have earned such a thing?
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The pain, its deep roots attempting to tarnish his very soul, but that soul was ever so, so bright... even ages and ages of hurting, both himself and others, has not darkened it. ]
Hades...
[ Hythlodaeus takes in a deep breath, trying to seek out words that fit what he feels, what he thinks. ]
I do believe, my dear, dear friend. If it is not happening immediately, it is not because you fail to deserve it, or anything else good, but only because you have earned a rest.
For whatever you have done, it cannot have been only ill, or only wrong. I know you. [ Through and through. ] And that is why I believe.
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