With G'raha contracted to Hermes now, it's a gamble on if Hermes will be alone when Hythlodaeus visits now. Thankfully soul sight tells him at a glance who is or isn't there- without even having to enter the room. Today he's going to visit Hermes, but when he checks, the man isn't there. Which is fine- because the miqo'te is, and Hythlodaeus needs to talk to him anyway.
A pleasant talk with no subtle threats or otherwise involved... probably. Knocking on the door, he fixes a smile upon his face before G'raha answers.
Hermes has told G'raha to make himself at home, and so he has--and that includes answering the door for guests. He knows they are likely not there for him, and Hermes is out, so he should let them know as much. Perhaps offer to let Hermes know someone stopped by.
When he opens the door, to his surprise, it is Hythlodaeus. Ah, perhaps that shouldn't be so surprising, though?
"Ah, hello!" G'raha's greeting is cheery and friendly. "If you're here for Hermes, I am afraid he's out. He should be back soon, I'm certain he wouldn't mind you waiting inside if you'd like."
Hythlodaeus always seems to know; it must be some ability he has, though G'raha has not known the man well enough to have an opportunity to ask. Perhaps next time--or on this visit, if they are afforded an opportunity to discuss.
He's going to offer refreshments, which is actually possible now that G'raha has stocked the kitchen with actual food, but Hythlodaeus clearly has an agenda today. At the mention of the contract, G'raha's face warms slightly, but of course Hermes' friend would want to discuss such a thing. So he nods.
"Of course. I assure you, I have no ulterior motives for this." Not that the outlines of the contract for a Submissive would afford anything like that.
Ah... That. Of course it would come up sooner or later. No, his thoughts on Fandaniel are not pleasant. Far from it, honestly, and who could blame him? Hermes himself seems so unlike the man he would become that it is hard to reconcile they are the same person.
"I cannot say I condone anything he did." So many people would die because of him, and though G'raha understands the loneliness, the despair... he can't say he'd ever go down that path.
"No... the man was mad, I cannot imagine you would agree with his views." He waves it off- G'raha seems to know where this is going, so he perhaps doesn't need to reveal that Hermes is Fandaniel. Not if G'raha already knows.
"Then you know who Hermes is, and who he will become. Good." It spares them the dramatics. "Then you may also know what I am going to ask you."
He pauses, before continuing. "Hermes must never know what his future self has done. He must never know what truly befell our star. He already knows of Emet-Selch's plight, of my fate, and it has broken him enough."
He regards G'raha with a smile, but there's a dangerous edge to it that doesn't often come to light. Despite this, his tone is cheerful as he continues. "You understand what may happen if you let it slip, yes?"
Yes, G'raha has a feeling he knows what he is about to be asked. And it is something he fully agrees and has no problem complying with, but it is a lot of pressure to not accidentally spill anything. G'raha is... well, he has never been good at acting. But it's fine! He simply needs to avoid anything that might cause such a conversation.
A little nervously, he wipes his hands on his pants. Hythlodaeus is. He's a bit different than the previous times they had spoken. There is a hint of danger underneath that pleasantly soft voice.
"Of course. I will never mention it. I would not want to cause any undue problems." They have put those to rest in his world, and here, they do not matter. This Hermes is not that Fandaniel; there is no need to mention it.
"Excellent! Full glad am I to hear that you understand." The dangerous side to him vanishes immediately, like someone flipped a switch. Well, there's no need to be threatening if G'raha understands, right?
"I care very deeply for Hermes, as I'm sure you're aware. I am only doing what I can to look after him. He is too sensitive to hear of the true horrors that await him."
Flopping down on the couch, Hythlodaeus pats the seat beside him. "Come, sit. Tell me, have you made any friends yet? Besides myself and Hermes, of course!"
Oh, goodness. G'raha feels as though he's just survived a dangerous encounter. He had not expected such a switch to be flipped from a pleasant man like Hythlodaeus, and perhaps that makes it all the more nerve-wracking. Yes, G'raha understands the protectiveness... but truly, he would not want to slip up and mention anything, even without the vague threats!
When Hythlodaeus pats the space next to him, he briefly hesitates, but does end up stepping forward, sitting down perhaps a bit more stiffly than Hythlodaeus had done.
"Er... No, I- I am afraid I've been rather lacking in that department." G'raha has met a few people, but none have been as overtly friendly as Hythlodaeus and, in a way, Hermes.
Ah. Does this mean Hythlodaeus considers him a friend? Is that a relief?
"You must get yourself out there more! Or- well, I suppose you don't have to, you already have a Dominant and that is all you really need. Still, the more the merrier as they say..."
He shrugs easily, patting G'raha on the shoulder.
"No matter, I'm sure with your charming features people will want to befriend you. I certainly find them irresistible!" He gives G'raha a wide smile.
"Say, would you happen to know if Hermes keeps any wine around? I sometimes bring him some, I don't think we finished the last bottle I brought... let's see."
He gets up to start rummaging in the cupboards, before extracting the bottle of half-drunk wine. "Aha! We should toast to you and Hermes becoming a pair."
Getting himself out there? It sounds easier said than done. Hythlodaeus seems so at ease about it too, far different from the tone of warning he'd spoken with just moments ago. G'raha is still uncertain of whether or not he should relax.
And there is the compliment, too. Face slightly warm, G'raha's tail sways and his hands rest on his knees. "Well, if you find them irresistible, then perhaps I have naught to worry about." He attempts some lighthearted banter, though there's still the slight awkwardness in his shoulders.
Oh-
"Goodness, I apologize. I have been a terrible host, haven't I?" He stands as soon as Hythlodaeus does, though G'raha is not nearly quick enough to find the wine the man speaks of.
He doesn't think he's seen Hermes drinking any of it... perhaps he's a social drinker? G'raha would consider himself such, but he has not had much of a reason to be social quite yet. He feels much more at home in the cozy taverns of his own world than he does the strange bars of this one.
"Worry not, my friend. Let's see..." He finds two glasses in another cupboard and brings them over to where G'raha sits, handing over one glass and pouring him a generous amount of wine. Then he fills his own glass, setting the wine bottle back down and lifting his glass.
"Well, then! A toast to you and Hermes, and may your time together be pleasant." He makes it sound like they're married or something... but either way he clinks his glass against G'raha's and takes a sip.
"Delightful... do you drink often, G'raha?" He won't judge either way- he likes to enjoy himself with or without alcohol, though it can be more fun with it on occasion!
Ah. That's... quite a lot of wine. G'raha is not a heavy drinker, never has been, but he finds that these days--with his younger body, and one that has been asleep for a good while beside--he is less accustomed to his limits. But! He's also not one to back down, and so he meets the toast, albeit a bit uncertainly. What an odd situation.
"I am sure our time will be most pleasant." At least, he hopes so. This feels oddly like a wedding toast.
Swirling the liquid around in the glass, he takes a sip; wine is far easier to drink than some of the tavern fare he's had before. "I don't drink all that often, unless among friends. And I suppose that would be the sort of situation we're in, yes?" At least, he hopes so.
"Of course, of course! I am much the same way. Though I will drink alone, I much prefer to do it in good company."
He takes another sip and lowers his glass with a smile.
"You should come out to drink with Hermes and I some time. 'Tis always a fun adventure! I would warn that Emet-Selch may come, but he prefers to be boring and nap, so you likely won't have to worry about that at least."
It's probably already obvious that Hythlodaeus is the driving force behind a lot of Hermes' nights out- he knows that Hermes can't say no to him, and he takes full advantage. Only in the name of having fun of course!
Oh. The invitation is unexpected, and brushes away some of the lingering uncertainty. G'raha perks up a bit; he would quite like to go out with friends--are they friends? Yes, he thinks so--and rather misses the pleasure of group company. He gives a slight laugh, only a little nervous, at the mention of Emet-Selch.
"I could not picture Emet-Selch in a rowdy tavern." He takes another sip of the wine, letting the warmth creep down his throat. It's pleasant, though he does know the effects of drinking too much, unfortunately.
"I would rather like to go with the two of you. It does seem like it would be fun, and... much better than going alone." Especially here, when an inexperienced young man (such as G'raha) is likely to find himself ingesting something of questionable substance without much thought.
"Then it is settled! I will let Hermes know as soon as possible. 'Tis always good fun, even if we don't drink to excess."
Sometimes it's just the experience of being with friends and having fun that draws him in- drinking can make things more fun, but only if the night is already off to a good start.
"We must find you a suitable outfit, of course... the taverns- or rather, nightclubs- in the Up are often quite... sophisticated? Patrons are expected to at least look presentable. Not that your current clothing isn't just fine to me, but I admit I have no sense of fashion. It is to be expected, my people did not dress individually, after all."
The times G'raha had spent at the tavern with the rest of the Scions--or at least a handful of them, depending--were quite enjoyable. The thought makes him a bit homesick, so he takes another sip, letting the slight burn of the wine push away unpleasant thoughts.
"Ah, an outfit?" He glances down at himself. True, what he's wearing is rather plain. He is not one particularly into fashion, nor does Hermes seem to be. Taverns in Eorzea are not particularly picky, either. "I'm afraid I haven't any idea the sort of things people here wear."
Another glance at Hythlodaeus turns into a longer, more pondering look. "You say you have no sense of fashion, but you look quite fashionable to me!"
He does remember the shades, though, and the brief glimpse of those long gone. It is true that they'd been dressed similarly. Or rather, exactly the same.
"Ah, Emet-Selch has taken it upon himself to dress me. I certainly wouldn't wish to embarrass him, as his Submissive and lover- and it makes him happy, so I allow it."
He shrugs easily, sipping at his own glass. "Though now that I know what Emet-Selch would pick out, I suppose I could assist you in finding something... ah, but I think the colours are important, and I haven't a clue what would best bring out the wonderful red of your hair and eyes."
He smiles apologetically. "I could always ask him, I suppose. Unless you have any ideas?"
Emet-Selch dresses him? For some reason, the idea strikes G'raha as amusing, though he supposes it shouldn't be. As much as he dislike the man Emet-Selch had been in the past, he was well-known in history books for being an elegantly imposing man. Perhaps a bit too much fur for G'raha's liking, but.
"I would not mind if you asked him, though I do not believe he'd jump at the chance to help you find something presentable for me." Or he'd simply outright refuse. That seems like something Emet-Selch would do.
A moment of pondering, followed by another sip. There's the pleasant warmth to the wine that G'raha remembers from the taverns at home. "I haven't the slightest idea of the fashion customs here yet. Everything seems a bit... impractical."
"You would be surprised at what I can persuade him to do when I put my mind to it."
And now that he's said that, he rather thinks it would be a fun challenge for himself. "You're right about the fashion here, though. I would honestly have been happy enough in my robes, but alas- they make me stand out in a place such as this. And that doesn't sit well with me."
He's so used to blending in with the crowd that it makes him uncomfortable to stick out any.
"I suppose we must alter any clothing we find for you in order to accommodate your tail, but that can quite easily be done with magic." So the real challenge is finding the clothing to begin with.
Hythlodaeus does seem to be adept at handling Emet-Selch, and anyone permanently contracted to him must at least enjoy his company--and be company Emet-Selch enjoys in return. Perhaps it's the pleasantness (ignoring that intimidating aura from earlier) that meshes well with Emet-Selch's... personality.
There is the matter of his tail, though. G'raha perks up a bit about it being easily fixed, as he has been struggling with the thing himself. "I'm not particularly fashionable, as such, but I would be amenable to finding some new clothes. And altering them. I'd been cutting holes before, but it really isn't as convenient as it sounds."
Meaning, fitting his tail in and then taking it back out is a pain. For now, he's been wearing basic, plain clothing, as Hermes seems to prefer. The wine is making it a bit easier to relax, and G'raha is enjoying himself. Conversations with friends are so pleasant.
"I can imagine... would a button not be a simple solution? That way you could fasten it above your tail, and simply undo it to free it from the hole."
He sets down his wine glass for a moment, and beckons for G'raha to let him see his tail.
"If you'll allow me one moment..."
He waves his hand, and his idea takes form. Now there's a fastener above the hole G'raha made for his tail.
"There. Why not try this for a while? If it works as intended, we can do it for your other clothing as well." He picks up his glass again with an easy smile.
That is quite convenient; G'raha will never not be impressed with the speed and ease at which things take form for the Ancients. He looks positively delighted.
"Thank you so very much." G'raha would like to turn around and look at it, though that is quite impossible at the present time. When he undresses, perhaps. "I'm certain this will make things a lot easier."
And it will. Any sort of fastening, so that he does not have to precariously slide his tail in and out of a crude hole he's cut. And wearing it low just... does not work very well.
"I do hope so! Though the tail is delightful, I cannot imagine it is practical."
He idly reaches out as if to touch it, but then pauses with his hand partially outstretched- he clearly almost forgot himself, and touched without permission. Pulling his hand back, he gives G'raha an apologetic smile.
"My apologies... it simply looks so soft, I forgot myself."
Well, at least he remembered before he actually started petting him. But he's rather hoping G'raha will say that it's fine to do so.
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timeasmymeasure
action- after contracting hermes
Date: 2022-06-17 01:52 am (UTC)A pleasant talk with no subtle threats or otherwise involved... probably. Knocking on the door, he fixes a smile upon his face before G'raha answers.
Re: action- after contracting hermes
Date: 2022-06-20 11:01 pm (UTC)When he opens the door, to his surprise, it is Hythlodaeus. Ah, perhaps that shouldn't be so surprising, though?
"Ah, hello!" G'raha's greeting is cheery and friendly. "If you're here for Hermes, I am afraid he's out. He should be back soon, I'm certain he wouldn't mind you waiting inside if you'd like."
The company would be welcome, anyhow.
no subject
Date: 2022-06-21 03:20 am (UTC)He looks around briefly before turning his gaze upon G'raha. "But now that we're here... there is a matter of import I would discuss with you."
He shuts the door and studies G'raha for a moment. "It concerns Hermes- and your contract."
no subject
Date: 2022-06-25 07:15 pm (UTC)He's going to offer refreshments, which is actually possible now that G'raha has stocked the kitchen with actual food, but Hythlodaeus clearly has an agenda today. At the mention of the contract, G'raha's face warms slightly, but of course Hermes' friend would want to discuss such a thing. So he nods.
"Of course. I assure you, I have no ulterior motives for this." Not that the outlines of the contract for a Submissive would afford anything like that.
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Date: 2022-06-25 07:23 pm (UTC)He pauses, trying to get an idea of where to start with what he needs to tell G'raha.
"Alas, you know things that can never come to Hermes' attention. And that is why we must have this conversation."
Still smiling, he continues. "What are your thoughts on Fandaniel?" He can't imagine they're pleasant, but nor would he blame G'raha for that.
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Date: 2022-06-28 04:38 am (UTC)"I cannot say I condone anything he did." So many people would die because of him, and though G'raha understands the loneliness, the despair... he can't say he'd ever go down that path.
no subject
Date: 2022-06-29 12:10 am (UTC)"Then you know who Hermes is, and who he will become. Good." It spares them the dramatics. "Then you may also know what I am going to ask you."
He pauses, before continuing. "Hermes must never know what his future self has done. He must never know what truly befell our star. He already knows of Emet-Selch's plight, of my fate, and it has broken him enough."
He regards G'raha with a smile, but there's a dangerous edge to it that doesn't often come to light. Despite this, his tone is cheerful as he continues. "You understand what may happen if you let it slip, yes?"
no subject
Date: 2022-07-03 08:50 pm (UTC)A little nervously, he wipes his hands on his pants. Hythlodaeus is. He's a bit different than the previous times they had spoken. There is a hint of danger underneath that pleasantly soft voice.
"Of course. I will never mention it. I would not want to cause any undue problems." They have put those to rest in his world, and here, they do not matter. This Hermes is not that Fandaniel; there is no need to mention it.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-03 09:04 pm (UTC)"I care very deeply for Hermes, as I'm sure you're aware. I am only doing what I can to look after him. He is too sensitive to hear of the true horrors that await him."
Flopping down on the couch, Hythlodaeus pats the seat beside him. "Come, sit. Tell me, have you made any friends yet? Besides myself and Hermes, of course!"
Yes, he considers G'raha a friend already.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-10 09:43 pm (UTC)When Hythlodaeus pats the space next to him, he briefly hesitates, but does end up stepping forward, sitting down perhaps a bit more stiffly than Hythlodaeus had done.
"Er... No, I- I am afraid I've been rather lacking in that department." G'raha has met a few people, but none have been as overtly friendly as Hythlodaeus and, in a way, Hermes.
Ah. Does this mean Hythlodaeus considers him a friend? Is that a relief?
no subject
Date: 2022-07-11 04:46 am (UTC)He shrugs easily, patting G'raha on the shoulder.
"No matter, I'm sure with your charming features people will want to befriend you. I certainly find them irresistible!" He gives G'raha a wide smile.
"Say, would you happen to know if Hermes keeps any wine around? I sometimes bring him some, I don't think we finished the last bottle I brought... let's see."
He gets up to start rummaging in the cupboards, before extracting the bottle of half-drunk wine. "Aha! We should toast to you and Hermes becoming a pair."
no subject
Date: 2022-07-16 07:09 am (UTC)And there is the compliment, too. Face slightly warm, G'raha's tail sways and his hands rest on his knees. "Well, if you find them irresistible, then perhaps I have naught to worry about." He attempts some lighthearted banter, though there's still the slight awkwardness in his shoulders.
Oh-
"Goodness, I apologize. I have been a terrible host, haven't I?" He stands as soon as Hythlodaeus does, though G'raha is not nearly quick enough to find the wine the man speaks of.
He doesn't think he's seen Hermes drinking any of it... perhaps he's a social drinker? G'raha would consider himself such, but he has not had much of a reason to be social quite yet. He feels much more at home in the cozy taverns of his own world than he does the strange bars of this one.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-17 05:30 am (UTC)"Well, then! A toast to you and Hermes, and may your time together be pleasant." He makes it sound like they're married or something... but either way he clinks his glass against G'raha's and takes a sip.
"Delightful... do you drink often, G'raha?" He won't judge either way- he likes to enjoy himself with or without alcohol, though it can be more fun with it on occasion!
no subject
Date: 2022-07-22 05:26 am (UTC)"I am sure our time will be most pleasant." At least, he hopes so. This feels oddly like a wedding toast.
Swirling the liquid around in the glass, he takes a sip; wine is far easier to drink than some of the tavern fare he's had before. "I don't drink all that often, unless among friends. And I suppose that would be the sort of situation we're in, yes?" At least, he hopes so.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-23 03:40 am (UTC)He takes another sip and lowers his glass with a smile.
"You should come out to drink with Hermes and I some time. 'Tis always a fun adventure! I would warn that Emet-Selch may come, but he prefers to be boring and nap, so you likely won't have to worry about that at least."
It's probably already obvious that Hythlodaeus is the driving force behind a lot of Hermes' nights out- he knows that Hermes can't say no to him, and he takes full advantage. Only in the name of having fun of course!
no subject
Date: 2022-07-23 09:11 pm (UTC)"I could not picture Emet-Selch in a rowdy tavern." He takes another sip of the wine, letting the warmth creep down his throat. It's pleasant, though he does know the effects of drinking too much, unfortunately.
"I would rather like to go with the two of you. It does seem like it would be fun, and... much better than going alone." Especially here, when an inexperienced young man (such as G'raha) is likely to find himself ingesting something of questionable substance without much thought.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-26 06:43 am (UTC)Sometimes it's just the experience of being with friends and having fun that draws him in- drinking can make things more fun, but only if the night is already off to a good start.
"We must find you a suitable outfit, of course... the taverns- or rather, nightclubs- in the Up are often quite... sophisticated? Patrons are expected to at least look presentable. Not that your current clothing isn't just fine to me, but I admit I have no sense of fashion. It is to be expected, my people did not dress individually, after all."
no subject
Date: 2022-07-28 05:50 am (UTC)"Ah, an outfit?" He glances down at himself. True, what he's wearing is rather plain. He is not one particularly into fashion, nor does Hermes seem to be. Taverns in Eorzea are not particularly picky, either. "I'm afraid I haven't any idea the sort of things people here wear."
Another glance at Hythlodaeus turns into a longer, more pondering look. "You say you have no sense of fashion, but you look quite fashionable to me!"
He does remember the shades, though, and the brief glimpse of those long gone. It is true that they'd been dressed similarly. Or rather, exactly the same.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-28 02:21 pm (UTC)He shrugs easily, sipping at his own glass. "Though now that I know what Emet-Selch would pick out, I suppose I could assist you in finding something... ah, but I think the colours are important, and I haven't a clue what would best bring out the wonderful red of your hair and eyes."
He smiles apologetically. "I could always ask him, I suppose. Unless you have any ideas?"
no subject
Date: 2022-07-29 09:24 am (UTC)"I would not mind if you asked him, though I do not believe he'd jump at the chance to help you find something presentable for me." Or he'd simply outright refuse. That seems like something Emet-Selch would do.
A moment of pondering, followed by another sip. There's the pleasant warmth to the wine that G'raha remembers from the taverns at home. "I haven't the slightest idea of the fashion customs here yet. Everything seems a bit... impractical."
no subject
Date: 2022-07-30 08:53 pm (UTC)And now that he's said that, he rather thinks it would be a fun challenge for himself. "You're right about the fashion here, though. I would honestly have been happy enough in my robes, but alas- they make me stand out in a place such as this. And that doesn't sit well with me."
He's so used to blending in with the crowd that it makes him uncomfortable to stick out any.
"I suppose we must alter any clothing we find for you in order to accommodate your tail, but that can quite easily be done with magic." So the real challenge is finding the clothing to begin with.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-30 09:27 pm (UTC)There is the matter of his tail, though. G'raha perks up a bit about it being easily fixed, as he has been struggling with the thing himself. "I'm not particularly fashionable, as such, but I would be amenable to finding some new clothes. And altering them. I'd been cutting holes before, but it really isn't as convenient as it sounds."
Meaning, fitting his tail in and then taking it back out is a pain. For now, he's been wearing basic, plain clothing, as Hermes seems to prefer. The wine is making it a bit easier to relax, and G'raha is enjoying himself. Conversations with friends are so pleasant.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-30 09:38 pm (UTC)He sets down his wine glass for a moment, and beckons for G'raha to let him see his tail.
"If you'll allow me one moment..."
He waves his hand, and his idea takes form. Now there's a fastener above the hole G'raha made for his tail.
"There. Why not try this for a while? If it works as intended, we can do it for your other clothing as well." He picks up his glass again with an easy smile.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-31 06:06 am (UTC)"Thank you so very much." G'raha would like to turn around and look at it, though that is quite impossible at the present time. When he undresses, perhaps. "I'm certain this will make things a lot easier."
And it will. Any sort of fastening, so that he does not have to precariously slide his tail in and out of a crude hole he's cut. And wearing it low just... does not work very well.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-31 06:18 am (UTC)He idly reaches out as if to touch it, but then pauses with his hand partially outstretched- he clearly almost forgot himself, and touched without permission. Pulling his hand back, he gives G'raha an apologetic smile.
"My apologies... it simply looks so soft, I forgot myself."
Well, at least he remembered before he actually started petting him. But he's rather hoping G'raha will say that it's fine to do so.
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