[Folkmore IC Inbox][un: hythlodaeus]

[modestpurpose]

hythlodaeus

This is Hythlodaeus! It looks like you missed me, so leave me a message.

Comments

[modestpurpose]

I won't say I'm not concerned as someone who has grown fond of you, but you're right. I'll do what I can to help.

What makes you think these urges of yours have something to do with your condition?

[scienceofthearcane]

I based it on what I already know of the Void, both for its ability to magically mutate living organisms and its ability to affect organic tissue, which is why my hand is showing changes regardless of what body I am using. What I have been calling magic is not actually magic at all. Instead, it's a by-product made when the Void consumes more of my aether.

[modestpurpose]

You're going to have to forgive me, Viktor, but I'm not entirely understanding where you're going with this.

[scienceofthearcane]

I don't think I'm going anywhere. Mostly I think I just wanted to be able to talk through my thoughts without someone becoming further upset by it when I did.

[modestpurpose]

Ah, I understand.

Go ahead. I'm listening. Or reading, as the case may be.

[scienceofthearcane]

I've never had a violent nature before but I will admit to feeling a sort of detached calm when I am using violence now. I can't tell where my mind ends and the Void's influence begins on this. I think that the hex core is now so attuned to me personally that while it's consuming parts of me, it is using the organic material of anyone that is close to it. It already consumed my research assistant, Sky Young, but the worst part of that was it used her organic material to finish rebuilding my leg.

[modestpurpose]

Interesting...
The creation magic used by my people operates on a similar concept, so I think I understand.

As for the effect it's having on your mind... my recommendation would be to stop using the power it's giving you. I'm sure you're already aware of that.

[scienceofthearcane]

Yes I have thought of that. However without using it, there is next to nothing that I can do to have any effect on the Trial-made hazards. This becomes problematic when there is someone else who is being hurt by them, and the only means I have of helping them is by using the power that it grants me. It's a matter of Damned if I do and Damned if I don't.

[modestpurpose]

I don't know about that.
To me it seems more as if you are certainly damned if you do, but you can make the choice to not.

Would they want you to damn yourself to help them?

[scienceofthearcane]

Possibly they would not. But it's more a matter of whether I would be able to live with that on my conscience.

[modestpurpose]

Have you talked about this with anyone else but me?

[scienceofthearcane]

...No. It would upset others, but I thought it wouldn't upset you.

[modestpurpose]

Viktor, you should tell them.

[scienceofthearcane]

What could I tell them? That I feel afraid of what the Void is doing to me? What good would knowing that I feel afraid of what is happening to me do? I don't know how to stop it, and even if I stopped using what power the process is granting me I will still eventually be consumed anyway.

[modestpurpose]

Let me put it another way.

If Jayce were the one going through this, would you want to know?

[scienceofthearcane]

All else being equal, yes I would. But something you have to understand is that Jayce has been protective to the point of smothering. I worry that if I do tell him what I feel when I see the Void's hold over my mind and body increasing, it will cause him needless levels of stress. I would much rather he have as little stress as possible.

[modestpurpose]

Ah, I see.
In that case, you can trust me to keep the matter to myself. However, if you feel yourself slipping further, I urge you to tell someone about it. Even if that someone is me. I will do what I can.

[Backdated] The Prancing Pony

[recreator]

[When Hythlodaeus arrives at The Prancing Pony, the waitstaff will usher him to a private table. It's nothing special, truly, and yet it seems chosen with intent. The atmosphere in this corner is as light-hearted and whimsical as the rest of the pub, but it's just the teensiest bit quieter, just the smallest amount removed from the hustle and bustle, and practically perfect for peoplewatching.]

[Emet-Selch won't keep him waiting, either. Such was never his wont.]

[If Hythlodaeus was expecting a spectacle, there is no sign of one yet. Still, Emet-Selch looks put-together (if understated) in his dark coat and slacks, and he seems to be in an agreeable enough mood whilst he takes a seat opposite him, the dark feathers extending from his shoulders fluffing once to shrug off the winter chill before vanishing altogether.]

I do hope you brought an appetite.

[An off-handed remark, at odds with the way his bright eyes focus on Hythlodaeus - relaxed, but determined.]

[modestpurpose]

[Emet-Selch hardly ever does anything without some thought put into it and as he arrives at the Prancing Pony and is led over to a private table, Hythlodaeus is entirely sure that now is no different. He slides into his seat with a smile, noting how the other man is dressed (very typically for him, he thinks, and he would have expected nothing else). Hythlodaeus, for his part, tends to prefer lighter colours but has not gone out his way as far as whimsy is concerned.]

Naturally.

[Amongst other things... A burning curiosity for one, and no small amount of peculiar anxiety bubbling in the pit of his stomach. There's something about this that feels a little different from any other time they have sat down for a meal together.

He feels as if he's anticipating something.

But, as ever, Hythlodaeus keeps his appearance a jovial one and makes himself comfortable.]

This is a very good spot. I must commend you on your choice. [He does so love to people-watch.] And I am rather fond of the place. Are you familiar with the menu?

[recreator]

[Well, Hythlodaeus isn't wrong. This time would be somewhat different, though whether to enjoy the meal as usual or simply announce his purpose is another matter entirely.]

[In the end, Emet-Selch decides to allow Hythlodaeus to set the pace. After all, he'll be needing his friend's participation sooner rather than later anyway. He allows his arms to rest upon the table, taking but a moment to absorb their surroundings before his attention returns to his companion - and the menu, he supposes.]

Only sparingly. Thus, if you've recommendations to make, I would hear them.

The last time I entered this place was when I decided to make a tour of the land. See all there was to see. The atmosphere hasn't changed much, though I daresay the crowd has grown considerably.

[modestpurpose]

They have a wonderful variety of vegetarian dishes that I've become partial to.

[Though Hythlodaeus is not necessarily opposed to eating meat as a rule he has found that, for the most part, he doesn't need to and that the options to avoid it very much suit his pallate.]

And you did choose to come at a popular hour. Not that I'm complaining, mind you... I'm enjoying the view.

[Which view he means is entirely up to interpretation as he tilts his head slightly to look over to Emet-Selch while the words leave his mouth. He picks up a menu to look over it.]

As for drinks... I think I'll start with something non-alcoholic. The strawberry lemonade is delightful.

[recreator]

Do they now? That's quite unusual - and promising. As convenient as the shops are in Epiphany, they are not precisely known for their fresh produce. Rather, much of the offerings are battered and fried in oil, or served over a hot cooktop.

[Emet-Selch scans the menu, or at least pretends to. Many of the dishes are familiar to him, if not in name, than in description. Yet even if he's beginning to feel a bit peckish, he isn't here for the food, and doesn't plan to lose himself to indecision.]

Perhaps a vegetable quiche. Or the roasted eggplant and tomato pasta.

[Another glance in Hythlodaeus's direction. His thoughts are ordered, and he thinks (he feels) that he could tackle this conversation at any time. However, it may perhaps be kinder to wait, so that neither of them will have to suffer a potential bout of indigestion. Not that he's worried, particularly. Whatever the answer, he can endure. He's far too old, far too tired, to even consider walking away from this like a dejected puppy with his tail tucked between his legs.]

[He must have fallen silent too long, so he adds:]

Lemonade you said? Sounds a bit sour if you ask me. Or do you prefer it when seemingly opposing flavors are tossed together in unexpected ways?

text | march 10th

[astralera]

Hi Hythlodaeus,

Do you have any time to spare today? I've something for you.

[modestpurpose]

Fine choices either way. Why don't you have one and I'll have the other?

[The implication being that they can share, and see which one of them each prefers for the next time they might be here to make an order. Hythlodaeus suggests it as easily as he might ask someone about the weather then sets his menu down as if that decision has been made.

The next comment does make him laugh, however.]

'T is a philosophy I like to apply to life as much as food, as well you know. [The lemonade itself is not particularly sour thanks to the sweetness of the strawberries, but he does not think that the lemonade itself was actually the centre of his friend's point.]

Sometimes, 't is worth trying something one might not expect they will enjoy. [He smiles wryly.] Such ventures often yield unexpected surprises.

[modestpurpose]

For you, my dear, I always have time to spare!

Where shall I meet you?