bladeshowers

[bladeshowers]

"Good, because I'm not going back there either unless someone is paying me." Amara pinched the bridge of her nose. Too many bad memories and the weather was far too cold for her taste. As far as she was concerned, most of the Garleans didn't want her help, and she wasn't the person to give it. The twins were perfectly capable of helping out on their own when they desired to do that. The other information Themis would likely find out later. Mostly because Amara imagined Amon wouldn't be able to resist bragging about it further. When? She had no clue, but she imagined it would happen eventually.

Amara made a noise. "I kind of have to by virtue of the fact we all live together." Eventually it was going to come out and then her family would make demands. Briefly, she made a face. "He'll get along perfectly fine with my mother as is." The thought left her mouth before her head could properly catch up to it and she quirked an eyebrow. "That explains a lot, actually, now that I think about it." Amon had a similar enough personality to her mother and Themis was more laid back like her father. Ah. Psychology was a wonderful thing.

Within that moment Amara casually gave up on the distance she had put between them and moved to rest her head on his shoulder. "I have a complicated relationship with them. I was always close to my dad but… Mom's always been rather distant emotionally and disinterested. I always felt they preferred my brother over me. I always felt like I wasn't good enough. Which was the catalyst that started everything."

“Aside from the lab in Azys Lla, the only other one is in Garlemald and I’m not going back there any time soon.” Amon retorted from the kitchen. “Though I certainly won’t deny that Azys Lla could use some cleaning, considering someone went tromping all over the place breaking things! Or well, I suppose it must have been several someones, so I can’t lay all the blame at your feet.” He cackled then at mention of the soul transfer. “I do believe you were the one who just brought it up, but good to know you realized the lavish meal I was referring to!”

Themis tilted his head slightly in curiosity concerning the soul transfer statement, but since Amara seemed uncomfortable with it he opted not to ask. Instead he gave a slight shrug. “My duty as Emissary always went beyond simply the Convocation’s interests. Being Zodiark’s Heart didn’t change that. Even when it came to our agreed upon goal of restoring Etheirys to its whole state, the methods of doing so were not something we always agreed upon….ah, but that is a moot point now since we have agreed there is no further need to seek the Rejoining.”

He shifted to rest chin in hand then, and made a thoughtful sound. “Ah, well you don’t have to introduce us, of course. I was simply wondering if you would.” His gaze drifted toward the kitchen. “Although, much as it goes without saying, you may want to….rub down Amon’s sharper edges beforehand if you do.” He looked back to her. “Though might I ask why? You choose to live close to them, so I assume you get along with them well enough.”

[bladeshowers]

Amara gave a shrug. "I'm not sure. Most of the time I spend the winters…elsewhere? The Starlight festivals are always held in Gridania." She hadn't really asked her mother about it either. His lab comment was met with a sigh. "You already have several labs. You don't get more just because you need to clean up the others." It wasn't as if anyone was currently claiming the areas in Azys Lla for their own anyways. Maybe they were in Ishgard territory, but she wasn't overly familiar with it. Amara doubted anyone would actually bother her over it much.

Amon's next choice of statements had her giving him a look. "Dear," Amara said in a strained tone. A tone that said 'We are not arguing about the soul transfer again in front of a guest'. Even if she was sorely tempted to just for the sake of having someone agree with her. "Besides, you make a lavish dish for me every time you cook."

Themis' beauty was ethereal and when he graced Amara with that smile of his, her annoyance melted away quickly. It was easy for her to suspect that he would have a calming effect on both her and Amon. Their fiercely stubborn tendencies would now have a bit of a buffer. "You only ever wanted what was best for the Star. There were times you sided against your brethren even when your memories were gone. I would assume that is something he can respect." That was merely speculation on her part though.

As Themis spoke again, she had no clue where he was going, until his follow up question caused all her neurons to promptly cease functioning for a split second. "You…want to meet my family?" The question had rendered her fairly speechless and more than a little flustered. The bravado and drama she usually wore were completely forgotten as she scrambled to reconcile everything in her head. "I uh, can, I guess. If you want to. I'm not entirely sure how to…go about that though. I've never really introduced anyone to them. Not even my friends."

Amon shrugged. “Limsa? Mm….gets awfully cold in the winters, doesn’t it? Not to mention the storms….but maybe, I suppose. Given the choice I just want somewhere with lab space. Oh how I miss my home in Allag….” He tilted his head toward Themis, then smirked. “Oh yes, certainly. You can join us if you want. I’m quite the good cook and the last time I made a lavish meal no one appreciated it properly!”

Themis huffed a soft breath and looked to Amara with a smile. “Then I will stay for dinner.” Amon rolled his eyes and minced his way back to the kitchen. Themis turned his head to clock his location, then looked back at Amara again. “Well, this is going better than I thought. Though he never clashed with me the way he did with Emet-Selch, so maybe this will all work out.” It wasn’t as if Amon could really do anything to him. His body was the closest to being his own since the sundering, but he was still an Ascian. Poison would do nothing, and unless he had white auracite and knew how to use it, he couldn’t kill him in any way that mattered. He didn’t think Amon would risk poisoning Amara though. “So, your family is here?” He continued. “Will you be introducing us to them at some point?”

[bladeshowers]

"I don't want the mess involved with moving," Amara pointed out with a sigh. "And I live here because my family is here." Not to mention it was the easiest place to find a house to begin with. He was right about the Gridanian feelings towards Duskwights. No argument there and she sure as shit wasn't moving to Ishgard. "Limsa could be the compromise. I wouldn't mind something with a view of the sea." She'd probably get home sick. She usually always did. Not that Amon or Themis would know that. There was still a discussion to be had about where they would live. Especially since her home was no longer just 'hers' and she should, theoretically, be accomodating. Amara didn't want to be but well… Them staying was more important.

Not at all minding the options, the blonde woman glanced between the two men cautiously, uncertain of how this would all play out. Amon was handling all this surprisingly well. Suspiciously well. "If the cook of the night doesn't mind company. I have no qualms." Because Amara didn't mind Themis joining them. Amon? She didn't know. Amara had sort of been expecting him to not want Themis around at all or know anything. Yet here they were, interacting. Was this an ascian thing?

“My suggestion is to move somewhere more temperate.” Amon called back. “I’d suggest Gridania, but I might check if any of my old clones are viable and transplant into one at some point, and then I’d be dealing with racist Wildwoods and well….” He came back into the room in the midst of an expressive shrug, shaking his head. “I’m quite sure you don’t want me killing anybody for making the mistake of talking down to me, so better to not.”

Themis rolled his eyes, but pursed his lips rather than comment. Amon didn’t seem to notice him doing this and looked at Amara. “Dinner? Hm. Haven’t quite decided yet.” He glanced toward Themis. “Something spicy. Hannish, or as close to with Ul'dahan spices…” He tapped a finger against his chin thoughtfully. “Although, it wouldn’t be too difficult to just pop on over to Radz-at-Han and see what they have in the market….”

“Ah, so that would be how I die.” Themis remarked with amusement. “By the spicest food you could conjure. Assuming I’m invited to dinner, of course.” He looked at Amara then, since it was her home, after all.

[bladeshowers]

minor spoilers for a certain sidequest

not eric making me tear up by what he says about us/how he describes the WoL

[bladeshowers]

"You have no idea," she mused in response. Battling with an ancient she'd already beaten? Fairly exciting because it was him. Once they had gotten to know one another better, she'd give him anything he wanted. Much like Amon, as it were. What it was with her and ancient beings… She didn't know but they were going to get her into trouble one day. More than she was likely already in. Amara regarded him contemplatively at his response. "No, I can't imagine they would be, but still I'd like to know. At least concerning you." She'd accept the good and the bad, just as she always did, probably against her better judgement.

Once again, just as she did with Amon, who apparently was home. Quirking an eyebrow, she turned to look at him and laughed a puff of air. "Because my family lives here and it was the only place I could find housing. If you have any suggestions, I'll happily take them." Honestly, she was surprised Amon was so nonplussed about Themis being here. Probably a good thing honestly.

"What are you planning on making for dinner?" Amara asked curiously, tilting her head slightly to one side. She sort of wanted to invite Themis to stay, but she didn't want to do it without asking Amon first. Half not to be rude, half because she had no idea if there'd be enough for three people.

Themis smiled crookedly. “No, not at the same time.” He agreed. “Different days, different situations, different forms. I will wait until you are fully recovered before I face you with my true transformation.” There was a thrill of fear at the idea of facing her in combat at all, but surely the Warrior of Light knew how to hold back enough to keep from killing her opponent when she didn’t intend to. He chuckled. “I’m sure you are indeed looking forward to it. As am I.” Hopefully Emet wouldn’t find out somehow, since he would doubtless be utterly scandalized despite the fact he had shown Amara his own transformation–warped as it was after twelve millennia. Hypocrisy at its finest.

He laughed then and mimicked her pose. “What you have to show me will likely be far more interesting than what I have to show you, if only for the tales you will have to tell. I have little of any stories of any kind concerning this sundered world, and what there is to tell…would not be the nice kinds of stories.”

He straightened up and turned his head toward the door when he heard it open, followed by a loud complaint. “Why you choose to live in this oven of a city continues to elude me, dear Amara. I’ve never had–” Amon stopped when he came into the room and saw Themis before his brows arched. “Ahh, Elidibus. It was only a matter of time before I saw you again, huh.”

“Hello Amon.” Themis inclined his head. “And you can call me Themis if you like. I am dissolving the Convocation officially, since it holds little use in the modern age.”

“…..Heh. I see.” Amon looked to Amara, then produced a bag from behind his back and shook it. “Got spices.” He carried on to go to the kitchen.

[bladeshowers]

"Plenty of time to experience it first hand," she agreed. It was, admittedly, a little odd to be sitting here and speaking with him so casually after everything that had happened. It gladdened her heart that he was though. Themis was just…like light to her. Not so radiant that he was blinding, but a warm glow that she enjoyed basking in. He was different to Fandaniels darkness, whose depths she could easily drown in, in both good and bad ways.

A laugh came from her at the notion that fighting him in aetherized form would be fun. He would think that, wouldn't he? "Both have their benefits. We can explore both options… Just perhaps not at the same time." Her reasoning being purely because facing him as he was now made it easier for her to seduce him. And fight him but well… She was interested. Even if owning up to that fact was a little difficult in some ways. "I'm looking forward to meeting the real Themis," she teased, eyes sparkling.

A hand moved to curl under her chin. Easy to impress hmm? "Ah so I can start small and work my way up for our dates. Rather than giving you the best from the get go and not being able to follow up. Excellent." Not that she was too worried about that. There were plenty of places to take him on romantic picnics. She already had the location of the first in mind already. Or at least a few spots but there was one she felt more of a 'pull' to…But perhaps… "I'm looking forward to what you can show me." He had to have some special ones in mind too.

Themis chuckled softly and smiled sheepishly. “You would think I would know more, but I admit….there are many things I did not pay attention to that I should have. I only knew enough to play the roles of the bodies I inhabited, and I mostly relied upon the memories of the host to provide the knowledge. That will change now, and I look forward to the experience.” It was actually pretty embarrassing to him, but he would fix it now. This was the world he had to accept now, so it was proper to learn about it.

He tilted his head then, and made an affirmative sound. “Yes, just so, though I thought perhaps I would spar with you like this.” He gave a closed-eye smile. “Though now that you mention it, fighting you in my true transformed state would also be fun! The transformation you saw at the tower’s pinnacle was…..not who I am.” He put a hand to his chest and bowed his head slightly. “I look forward to introducing myself to you properly now that I have regained my sense of self and something of my memories.”

He folded his hands on his lap. “I’m easier to impress than you might assume, really. Emet-Selch knows far more about the shape of modern Etheirys than I do. I concerned myself only with the overall balance of the Source to ensure we didn’t lose it when we were trying to rejoin the shards. Ergo, there is so much I have not seen….but I do know about some secrets I believe you are unaware of. It will be fun!”

[bladeshowers]

[bladeshowers]

Amara gave a shrug of her shoulders. "I believe so, but I am not a miqo'te so you'd have to ask one of them to be sure. But yeah, most people tend to stick with one, though I also imagine it's due to legal and social reasons… On top of culture." Not that the woman was going to give into it right now. There really was no reason to. Nothing had really been decided and wouldn't be for some time. They were just going to see where life took them. At least that was her intention. Okay, her intention was to enchant Themis, but that wasn't definitive.

"Mmm, going to transform? Or did you mean something else by 'in the way of our last battle'?" His form did intrigue her. Fighting with him did as well as there wouldn't truly be a risk involved this time. No fighting for her life. No fighting for ideals. Just trying to improve or learn things from one another. No words to interpret, only actions. It was truly ideal for getting a read on him and she figured the idea would excite him.

"I'd like that a lot. I haven't gotten many opportunities to venture far beyond Eorzea and I would love to do so. I'm not sure if I can impress you but, I have found some rather beautiful spot and helped to create some." A few had sprung into mind, but she'd have to give them more thought later. Mostly because she hadn't thought further than 'azem travel date'. She would have a plan, of course, but that would be devised later. "Mmm, fine, mostly. I have scars now but I think I'm back to normal. Just…" She trailed off and shrugged. It was difficult to explain as she wasn't sure what she was feeling.

“Very well.” Themis nodded, and resolved to bring it up when he had the chance to bring it up to his–former–colleague. The change of their dynamic now that he had dissolved the Convocation officially made him nervous, but he didn’t think Emet-Selch, whom he believed still wished to use his Convocation title, would refuse to answer such a question regardless. “I will mention it only to Emet-Selch, and not to Amon.”

He smiled crookedly. “Mm…yes, I believe I was aware of that. Other than perhaps miqo'te and some ‘beast tribes’, I believe monogamy is the norm, yes? Understandable overall; your lifespans are much more limited, so it makes sense in most cases to focus only on one partner. I am pleased to know Amon holds no animosity towards me. That will certainly make things easier.”

His brows arched then and he listened to her questions, then smiled and put chin in hand. “I would be very happy to spar with you, Amara. It would in fact please me greatly to fight you in such a manner rather than in the way of our last battle.” He wondered if perhaps he could spar with her in his true transformation, the one lost and now remembered. Ah, well perhaps he would save that for once he was certain her full strength had returned. It wouldn’t do to fight with her like that and thoroughly trounce her. So he would wait on that, and just spar with her with spear alone, or perhaps his sword and shield.

“As for your second question….I would be delighted. To travel with you would bring me great pleasure indeed….though to take you on an adventure in return…..” He tilted his head. “Ah….I believe I could come up with something, take you to a place I know you have never seen here on the Source.” There were surely some places she had yet to explore, and perhaps after traveling with her for a bit he would get an idea for what sort of place she might enjoy seeing most. “So how is your recovery coming along again?” His smile was eager, expression bright. To spar and to travel with her, he could think of nothing better.

[bladeshowers]

"I'd prefer you do it. As you mentioned, Emet-Selch and I tend to squabble when we're around one another. A form of affection at this point, I'm sure, but it would be better to have answers. Just…please do not mention it to Amon himself. He's very…touchy about Hermes." A brief, pained, expression appeared on her face. Amara also casually opted to not mention the several ways she had fanned the flames of that. That information was better for him to not be made aware of.

Flushing, Amara rubbed the back of her neck and gave an awkward shrug. "It's not the most common or accepted thing in Eorzea but the Scions aren't one to judge. At least given I know of a triad in our less commonly known members." Aenor and the brothers. Dear Twelve she never wanted to hear that woman lust over her adventures with them again. "I'm glad to hear you're open to exploring things if it progresses in the manner." She wanted it to. "He has no grudge against you about things from what he's told me." Which would definitely help the friendship angle.

Amara turned herself more fully to face him. "I have two questions for you now. The first being will you spar with me sometime when I can? Just to…test things out? For me and you, given the situation." Him being himself again and her being on the mend. "The other was I wanted to know if you'd be interested in accompanying me on a little adventure. And maybe in return, you could take me on one?"

“Mmm….” Themis tilted his head. “I’m afraid souls isn’t really my area of knowledge. Emet-Selch would probably be the one to bring this up to. I can mention it to him the next time we speak unless you would rather do it. All I know is this is atypical from what I remember of other sundered Convoncation members.” He could bring Emet-Selch here, for though they were no longer connected by Zodiark, that didn’t mean there weren’t other methods of contacting one another, especially when they knew one another’s aether so well after 12 millennia. But he also knew that Amon hated Emet-Selch. Even when he had been playing at obedience, he had bristled around the other man and no amount of acting could disguise that level of animosity. Better to not even offer when he didn’t know when Amon might return.

His lip quirked up in a smile then. “I did sort of assume that’s where this was going, given your suggestion.” He smiled more. “Given how long we lived, polyamory was quite common in our society. Like stars in orbit around one another, though of course not everyone in the relationship was necessarily with one another. So to answer your question, I am fine with sharing and I am pleased that Amon is open to it. While I can promise nothing, I have been drawn to you since before I could remember you, so I am eager to explore what can blossom between us and if this leads to even a friendship with Amon, I would be open to that as well.”

[bladeshowers]

Amara shifted a little and coughed. Yeah the implication was quite strong. At least that sort of led into the thing she wanted to discuss with him. As much as she'd rather 'go with the flow' in romantic circumstances…they really couldn't. Not with her attachment to Amon already being there. The question was how to bring it up in a natural way. Did it have to be? No, but she didn't want it to be more awkward then it was already going to be.

"Not much can be done about it now other than…if you have any ideas as Elidibus?" She wasn't aware of how deeply the ascians research and understanding into souls went. Particularly sundered ones. She was open to anything if it came to helping Amon since he was traumatized by his mortal life and likely the lingering memories from Hermes. "It'll keep you busy if nothing else," she joked, before jumping at the opportunity to talk about what she wanted to from the beginning.

"Amon noticed you and I were… drawn to one another. He said it was fine if we wanted to explore said interest. Only with you though, obviously, but I wanted to discuss it with you since I'm not quite sure where your head is or how you feel about 'sharing'." Though she wasn't even sure if he had a genuine romantic interest or if it was more of a platonic thing.

He smiled, eyes squinting up slightly. “Well, that’s why I’m considering it, though the implications of that….” If she wasn’t trying to strongly hint at a desire for him to enter into a relationship with her alongside Amon, then he was badly misreading the situation and he wanted to approach it cautiously so he didn’t unduly make a fool of himself.

He did not slightly as he continued, listening. “Considering his strong rejection of Hermes, that may well be why it is this bad. As I said; normally the personalities would blend, or in some cases the former would take over the latter’s personality, but Fandaniel never allowed that blending….perhaps it was a ‘red flag’ we should have paid more attention to….but hindsight and all that.” He smiled again. “I admit I look forward to the duty. I’ve gotten used to playing the Warrior of Light, and now I can do so legitimately, so to speak.”

He nodded to her then. “Yes? What would you like to discuss?”

[bladeshowers]

"You don't have to. I just, er," she trailed off as she was unsure how to explain her thought processes. There wasn't an explanation that satisfied her. All she knew was it was a romantic sort of whimsy that she had gone down but it wasn't like he nor Amon really had anything else to go off of. Nor anyone else living that they were particularly attached to. "It just seems like the best idea. We're…attached to one another. In a way. Maybe not in the usual way those things go but…" Amara trailed off and shifted.

Wait, he did mean proposal like suggestion and not…? Right? Right?

Yeah she was just going to move on.

One leg crossed over the other as she turned her body slightly to look at him. "I suspected as much. I just didn't realize that his identity issues were as bad as this." So much so that it was breaking him, in a manner of speaking. "Right now he's taking care of me. As for when I'm fully healed… That's a big ask, but admittedly, also part of why I asked you to help me. Being who I am and contending with keeping him in line will keep me busy."

Amara smiled at him in return. "I believe so as well. For now you've proven yourself and I have no doubt you'll continue to do so." Not that it surprised her at all. "I believe so. They know I have a weakness for him. You do not." Which would be a boon going forward for everyone involved. Falling silent, Amara gazed at him, merely taking in his calmness and beauty before opting to potentially break the peace.

"If you don't mind Themis, there's something I'd like to discuss with you, if you don't mind."

“Oh?” Themis tilted his head, then blinked a couple of times before his brows rose, his lips parted slightly and a blush rose to his own cheeks. “Ah…..well….I…hm.” He smiled crookedly. “To say I’m flattered is quite the understatement. I will have to give your proposal due consideration.” He seemed flustered, but receptive.

This information about Hermes and Amon’s reaction to it, and considered it as he followed after her to sit adjacent to her. “If you can get Amon to accept Hermes as a part of himself, you will have done what could be called nothing less than a miracle.” He murmured. “And the same if you can keep him on anything of a leash. Even when he played at obedience, he was oft as difficult to keep track of as Emet-Selch was.”

He smiled. “Though as to your duties as Warrior of Light, I am of course willing as I’ve said….but I believe your friends will come around to it. They worry for you with him, but they seem to have warmed to me. Perhaps it will be my inclusion in this all that will allay their fears further.” It was a relief that they seemed willing to accept him considering the harm he had done.

[bladeshowers]

To his credit, Themis accidentally had caused her to blush. "I admit to having a fleeting childish fantasy of you and Amon taking mine. I thought better than to say the thought out loud but…" She trailed off and fought the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose. The Warrior of Light was only admitting to it because he'd asked. Otherwise she would have taken that to her grave. "Yes, Emet-Selch had mentioned it to me." While she'd been in Elpis, funnily enough.

The brunette nodded her head. "Yes. It was odd. It only happened once or twice in the time that he had a heel turn." Sometimes his eyes appeared to flicker more green than gray but.. She'd just assumed it had been Amon's doing at the time. Asahi hadn't originally had gray eyes. That was something Amon had done. "I asked him - Hermes - to stay and that was what triggered Amon and I's explosive argument in Sharlayan." Amara admitted after some debate with herself. "He took it as me preferring Hermes when in reality it was… scientific curiosity and wanting Amon to come to terms with his past life versus hating himself."

Sure, Hermes and her had a moment together, but he wasn't Amon. Or Themis. Or Hades. Or Thancred. Or Hythlo. Or any other person she'd had a romantic interest in. He lacked the edge. Amara nodded and moved into the living room to settle on one of the couches. "In piece is being generous in some cases. Azys Lla is around and some of the labs. I never did a deep dive. It was mostly chasing after Garleans, fixing their messes, or what he and the other Allagans left behind and was causing chaos." The Warring Triad and the few labs she'd fought through…

"I'll try to keep him in line, but you know how he is." She made a pained smile and shook her head. A moment later, she sighed. "That's also part of why I asked you to assist me in Warrior of Light duties. My…relationship with him has no doubt harmed my relationship with literally everyone else."

He arched a brow at her, looking a touch amused. “I wonder if Emet-Selch ever mentioned this to you, but in case he didn’t….the names of the seats of the Convocation came from the first holders of those seats. I was the second Elidibus, and prior to my nomination to the role, I had a very close relationship with my predecessor. So if you hadn’t suggested I take it as my middle name, I would definitely have taken it for my last. As it stands….I will wait to come across something more suiting. Unless your suggestion meant you had an idea?”

He fell quiet then as she spoke about Hermes, and then his brows shot up. “Manifested? Took over? As his own separate personality, you mean? I….” He blinked a couple of times. “In my admittedly spotty recollection, normally the personalities of past and sundered self would blend. In…Amon’s case there would be hints of Hermes, but mostly he was his own self with little to remind of his past self. For Hermes to manifest fully….this is new.” He frowned in thought. “…I may need to consult….Hades on this.” He grimaced. “If he’ll let me call him Hades.”

He shook his head slightly, and then gestured deeper into the house. “It just occurred to me that we could be sitting while talking, if you’d like. So Amon’s labs are mostly in one piece? I suppose that’s the wonders of Allag. Emet-S–Hades really did build things to last back in the earlier eras before he got tired of it and let the workmanship slip somewhat…although…..well in any event, as long as Amon has no intentions of doing any star-ending business, the rest is your concern more than mine.”

[bladeshowers]

"In case you come across a surname you like," she replied smoothly. Yeah they weren't really dating or anything for her to suggest he take up hers. Amon could since they'd been seeing one another for a bit and she doubted they would ever really break up. Their relationship wasn't conventional. Nothing about either of them was and the same could be said for Elidibus. He should find his own path regardless of what she wanted.

"Hermes was the exact opposite of Amon in many ways, but they had similiar curiosities. Much of what ended up plaguing Hermes because of his use of Kairos plagued Amon. So he's bitter." Which was a bit of an understatement. Ah. That reminded her. "Hermes manifested and took over. Somehow." Maybe Elidibus could help him? Not Hermes but… Amon and Hermes co-existing or accepting one another. "Mostly he's concentrating on helping me and protecting me."

With Themis' speculation out in the open, Amara gave another nod. "We did talk about it. Most of Amon's labs are…relatively in tact. I also did try to tell him not to do anything too dangerous or harmful. Most of his time will likely be cleaning and fixing everything. I…er… Well. The Garleans and I have done thorough explorations." Which was definitely downplaying things considerably, but he didn't need all the details.

“A….middle name?” Themis tilted his head. “Oh….yes, that will suit well enough as well.” He smiled, and was he perhaps amused by her suggestion? “Themis Elidibus….something. Yes….yes this is fine.” His expression turned a tad more sardonic concerning Fandaniel, but only until she was answering his questions regarding his mental well-being. He nodded seriously and crossed his arms thoughtfully.

“I know little and less of his mortal life, other than he clung to it harder than any other Ascian.” He murmured. “Though my memories are….vague, I cannot recall any other awoken shard reacting quite as violently as he did when his life as Hermes was restored to him.” He frowned faintly. “So you don’t think he’s coping….a wonder he left the house at all then.” He closed his eyes, tilting his head as his brow furrowed in thought.

“You have certainly set before yourself a difficult task, both to give him that reason to live and to deal with the fact that you are his main reason. He will need something else.” He opened an eye to look at her and smiled crookedly. “This is only speculation of course, but given how he acted as an Ascian, I consider it highly likely that he will desire to reclaim at least something of what he had as a mortal man. He loved technology and genetics, so that may be the best direction to steer him….in a direction a tad more beneficial to the star than the culture he came from was intended to be.”

[bladeshowers]

"I agree," Amara murmured softly. Though the Ascians had done irreparable damage to the source, the shards, and peoples lives she… cared for them. Things would rectify themselves eventually. Their retribution could be aiding in the repair for a lifetime or longer. It was… fitting. "Perhaps a middle name or an epithet?" She suggested, trying to pretend like she wasn't at all interested in any surname he might take on. Definitely not. No. No odd fantasies of him and Amon taking on hers. Definitely not. That would be putting the chocobo before the cart. Amara was definitely not the type of woman to have that kind of delusion. Nope. Not at all.

The woman cleared her throat in a way to mentally kick herself and her gaze returned to Themis rather than the spot on her wall she'd suddenly found absolutely fascinating. "Ah. I'm sure he'll be brimming with joy and sarcasm." Amara was fairly sure Amon was intent on going back to his researcher ways… With hopefully considerably less body mutation. "You are right though." Amon had been a bad choice but… He had caused everything to be 'fixed' too. She had a lot of mixed emotions and feelings over it. She opted to ignore them most of the time.

"He has his moments." She paused as she tried to assess it in her head. "Right now he's trying to find a reason to live. The main one right now is me, which I think is causing…friction, between us." Which was putting it lightly. "I've flooded a lot of positive emotions and feelings into his existence and it's caused a lot of lapsing of cognitive dissonance he'd had before and well…" Amara trailed off uncertainly. "He hovers." Amara didn't mind it currently. She just imagined it would grate on them both over time if he…

"I think he's afraid of something happening to me again." She wasn't quite sure if it was because of what happened now or in a past life. Both maybe? "Which is a long winded version to say I'm not sure he even is coping."

“Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” He echoed softly in agreement, nodding. Though not for the same altruistic purposes, he had certainly played the heroic role enough times to relate to the burden. He smiled crookedly, perhaps thinking on those times, what of them he might remember now that he was himself wholly again.

“As much as I am certain there are many who would see myself and Emet-Selch punished in some way for our countless wrongdoings….it is better to let them simply believe the threat of the Ascians vanished with the Final Days.” He tucked his arms behind his back, and smiled. “Which does slide neatly into the new topic. Officially speaking, the Convocation is well and truly dead. While I have not told Emet-Selch to give up his title, I made him aware of this decision and he has agreed to it. To wit, I am technically no longer Elidibus. You may call me by it, but…..it carries no weight save with those already familiar with it. It is just a name, and I am just….myself. I will answer to it just as I will Themis.” He gave a thoughtful hum. “Perhaps it could become my….surname? Yes, I think I would rather like that.”

He looked aside briefly. “Though that doesn’t really answer your question.” He looked back at her, wholly serious now. “I deliberately chose a moment I knew Fandaniel wasn’t here so I could talk to you without his bristling and sniping, but if I may, I would wait until his return so I can officially tell him he no longer need keep his title of office.” He smiled crookedly. “In matter of fact, I insist he not use it ever again. The Convocation is gone, but he betrayed our purpose on every level and does not deserve to keep the title. Less personally, I am concerned with how he is adjusting….a man so set on restarting the Final Days is one to have certain concerns regarding and after this long I was hoping you could offer insights into how you feel he is coping….”

[bladeshowers]

"Heavy is the head that wears the crown," Amara remarked with the slightest of shrugs. It had been that way for awhile and she doubted that would change anytime soon. So long as she didn't have to deal with a creature of despair again that could throw metaphorical planets at her, she was fine. Regardless, she surmised none of this had to do with why he was actually visiting. All of this could have easily been conveyed in a letter or over linkpearl. So she was casually waiting for him to move past the small talk and onto whatever it was that did bring him here.

"I'm glad. You're good company and I, admittedly, have limited patience anymore when it comes to the people and their problems." It might have been her ego coming into play, but she was a bit beyond petty squabbles and fetching things. Elidibus… He would have more patience and charisma for such things. "Look forward to being treated like a normal person by anyone who doesn't know who you are. Which I assume we are unlikely to share with the rest of the world?" The brunette tilted her head as she was unsure about that. What his idea of how to handle his identity was to be handled.

"I don't mind. I deal with the same thing, only, it's my day-to-day. Something is probably wrong upstairs." She took a breath. "So, why are you here Elidibus? Or, Themis." She didn't know which he wanted to be called. Or she had and forgotten it in all the fuss post-Endsinger.

“Such is the life of a hero, I suppose.” Elidibus mused and looked at his arms as if checking for any scars on himself before focusing back on her and smiling cheerily. “Much as that must put a lot of pressure on you, I am nonetheless glad that you were able to achieve the star’s salvation.” He nodded then, expression still bright and eager for a few moments longer before he moderated his expression.

“I am quite content in this age. Unlike Emet-Selch, I was….never truly here.” He tilted his head, becoming wholly serious. “I was a primal vessel, a memory of a young man who called himself Elidibus. I lost my identity a long time ago, and have only now regained it. I am born anew. Emet-Selch is tired, he has been alive all these centuries. He is truly ancient….but in my own eyes, I am still only a couple hundred years old. I have a lot of living yet to do.” He huffed a soft laugh and closed his eyes with a smile. “That being in mind, I apologize if my emotions seem a bit manic. I’m unaccustomed to feeling this intensely after so long of everything being muted. I’m still readjusting to it.”

[bladeshowers]

Royalty Sentences, Vol. 3

(Sentences for royal muses. Adjust phrasing where needed)

"What, no dancing? Tonight's for dancing!"

"You're not what I expected."

"People should know when they are conquered."

"We must maintain the status quo."

"I cannot afford spare time."

"If they lie to me, they don't respect me. If they don't respect me, then how can they ever love me?"

"How would someone like her know someone like you?"

"I will not be spoken to this way!"

"I don't care to be a man of the people, but I do try to be a man for the people."

"Paranoia must go with the job. You're starting to sound just like your predecessor."

"I'm trying very hard to understand why it is you insist on defying me."

"You have no respect for tradition."

"Do you find it hard to do your duty?"

"I don't believe we've been formally introduced?"

"If you think about it, this is quite the honour!"

"I knew it was a great mistake for a man like me to fall in love."

"I'm a little uncomfortable with that kind of publicity."

"Don't you ever dispute me in public, do you understand?"

"I've dreamt about this moment for so many years..."

"How will the world speak my name in years to come?"

"I will win the crowd. I will give them something they have never seen before."

"You have to keep up appearances."

"Well, I thought I knew everyone at my ball, but it appears not!"

"I have no intention of stepping down."

"In society, one must learn to conform."

"I owe allegiance to no man but whom I choose."

"I don't see how us dancing would create a scene."

[bladeshowers]

"I don't think they could bribe the elite to stay here without it," Amara remarked with a hint of wry amusement. The man was quick to focus on her though and she gave a shrug. "Physically, I'm fine, albeit more tired than usual. I also gained several scars." Mentally? She was still working on it. Amara didn't consider herself particularly weak in that regard but her journey had been long. Nearly losing everything was hard to wrap her mind around at times. There was also her fight with Fandaniel she still sometimes felt poorly about. The sign that the 'good' she had learned from the Scions hadn't sunk in.

"I'm glad that everything turned out alright. Deep down, I wasn't sure that it would. Most of my faith just came from the fact I was an Azem shard." Also a lot of disassociation. The weight of everything was heavy. Either way, she was sure that Hythlodaeus would have fun with Haurchefant in Ishgard. Emet would be doing his job which would keep him busy and at least content even if he wanted to reincarnate or sleep. "What about you? Still content to stay and help me?"

He blinked, then smiled. “Thank you.” He stepped in, glancing around before focusing on her. “It’s so much cooler in here. Ul'dah really does know how to build their homes. How refreshing.” He smiled then. “How are your injuries healing up? Any lingering pain? Weakness?” He was of course unknowing of the conversation she was worried about having. “For news; Hythlodaeus has gone with Haruchefant to Ishgard. Emet-Selch has chosen to concern himself with the Aetherial Sea, ensuring all is going as it should be with the sudden influx of thousands of unsundered souls from Zodiark. Your Scion friends have been taking this time to relax and assist those still troubled by the….blasphemies. All in all, so much of Etheirys remained untouched by the Final Days, so I believe the star will heal from the damage quickly.”