Closed for @consecrations

[aetherialshackles]

While Erich always felt a few steps behind compared to his connationals, his aether as thin as paper, he started to count his weak nature as a blessing. The man had been forced to leave the Pandaemonium with the rest of his colleagues after putting most of the residents in a forced stasis and…. Well, he was one of the few people that was now allowed to help.

His lack of Aether made it safe-ish for him to travel between different shelters where people were trying to survive, either transporting supplies or news, and most of the creatures roaming the city seemed scarcely interested in him, when they could detect his presence at all. Little magicks, little powers, and lots of things to carry around, that was his life now.

Not that he could complain, quite the contrary, at least he could be useful…

 

Life wasn’t easy, not when his aetherial shackles, the only ‘weapon’ Erichthonios possessed, were pretty much useless against the monsters and when he had to see their little bastions of civilization fall one by one as people lost controls of their demons and they manifested in large rooms full of people. The only consolation? He knew death wasn’t the end, it was merely one of the many steps in the cycle of reincarnation- those who fell were eventually going to return to the star and to a more peaceful world… right?

 

It didn’t matter as he pressed on, his faith in the convocation members total as he awaited their intervention. Erich’s father, Lahabrea, already told him about this ‘Dynamis’ thing, even if he was incredibly vague about it, and he caught wind of a ‘possible solution’, so it was just a matter of holding the fort until things were better, right?

 

The warder let out a sigh and, after trying to help as he could in the small hideout, moved to a more isolated area to take a deep breath. That was his assigned spot for the night and, well, he didn’t feel like spending his time cramped in a limited space with countless other people. Now he just needed to wait for orders for the day after and… rest.

 

Hopefully there weren't going to be more bad news for the rest of the night.

Comments

[consecrations]

"-- Hard at work as always, I see."

Without warning, his voice hums against the isolating silence as he sneaks upon his dear friend - which is perhaps cruel given these times. He had given no warning that he would be in the area nor his intent to visit; it was easy enough to discern Erich's locaction through the networks of information the Convocation keeps, and he can't help but find pleasure in being a pleasant surprise in the dark night Erichthonios has surely been facing. Ever collected in the way his body bends slightly forward to peer towards the Warder as he pulls up beside him, hands neatly tucked behind his back, his red mask obscures all but the curl of his lips - an icon to their society.

And yet it's overly familiar how the Seat of Elidibus comes to drop himself to Erichthonios' level to rest at his side. No matter how meticulously he ensures to not wrinkle his pristine robes, nor how carefully he tugs his mask away from his face - the fact that his face is revealed at all lends to the casual manner in which he settles. A friendly air from one so high in rank, but Erichthonios deserves that and more. He is Elidibus'... no, Themis' dearest... friend. Yes.

Perhaps that's why there's a complicated feeling that tightens in his chest as his shoulders try to relax, but he's disciplined enough to not let it show on his face. As long as Elidibus continues to face forward and not look Erichthonios' way, there's no doubt he can keep that mask together.

"Matters seem quite diligently taken care of here. Just as considerately as you've cared for your past charges... any man would be right to be jealous of those under your care," he chuckles to himself - making sure it sounds like a joke. (It is a joke, right?) "Erichthonios." Punctuates his name, as if to make up for his lack of proper greeting - the name rolls sweetly off his tongue.

He still doesn't look Erich's way.

"How have you been faring?" It has been a short while since they've seen each other, and he is truly interested in his friend's affairs... it's prudent to start there, he thinks.

[aetherialshackles]

"Themis, my friend!"

The familiar voice is like a ray of sunshine in the middle of otherwise desperate and dark days. Despite his exhaustion, Erich finds himself smiling and looking in Elidibus's direction as the other approaches, wondering how long had it been since their last meeting. Erichthonios's position wasn't high enough to ask directly about the members of the convocation and with everything going on around the Star... free time was a luxury few could afford, meeting with his dearest 'friend' without a valid reason felt too selfish.

"Says the one who works himself too much for his own good..."

The way Elidibus carries himself and his immaculate appearence make him far too self conscious of how dirty and wrinked his robes are or how long he had been forced to walk around without a proper shower, but at least seeing the mask being lowered reassures his nerves a little. He will never get used to covering his face, it's simply not a reality in the Pandaemonium and the warder will always believe it's a crime to hide beautiful people like Themis behind an emotionless cover, he is quite eager to meet his beloved friend's beautiful blue eyes.

Yet Elidibus seems to refuse to look in his direction...

"Oh. Well, we're all doing our part, my friend. I'm certain non one is protecting the star better than you- I mean than the convocation itself. We are the lucky ones to have people like you taking care of us." He's sincere in his adoration. While he may not have full trust in his father and people he barely met like Hades, Erichthonios would put his life in Elidibus's hands.

He's starting to register that something is off, his friend was never shy to look in his direction, but it's hardly alarming him for the moment.

"I've been faring... well enough, considering the situation. I'm glad to be useful and I have faith we, as a civilization, will overcome this trial. My feet have seen better days, I will concede so much, but I cannot complain. What about you? If I have to be honest, I truly missed your company."

[consecrations]

It's not intentional - he had meant to remain steady, calm - but Elidibus laughs.

He can't help it. Erichthonios' enthusiasm is ever infectious, and he thinks he needed this more than he realized. Crouched amidst the surrounding darkness, listening to the Warder's eager explanations... it takes him back to a far simpler time, their first meeting. Because fighting beasts and abominations in hell's dungeons is far easier than all of this, but Erich's grin is no less warm. And so Themis finally turns his way - eyes thin, smile breaking against his cheeks to that irresistible magnetic force.

"... How I've missed you too, my dear Erichthonios. But please, there needn't be such praise between us." (Says the man singing Erich's accomplishments just moments before. They've got that in common, at least.) "I'm only performing my duty, just as you are. It's the resilience our people show that leaves me awestruck each day... I do what I must, to ensure I meet their expectations. Everyone's expectations."

He cannot fail this, he reminds himself internally. He came here with a purpose... but even Elidibus is finding it difficult, with Erichthonios smiling at him so.

At the very least, he gets comfortable where they rest; pulls his knees up closer to his chest, resting an arm atop so he can lay his cheek against it, peering at his friend from the side. It's the most relaxed he's been in... weeks? Months? Never showing such lack of posture in front of his Convocation brethren -- only Erichthonios. Maybe with the circumstances he feels he owes it to his friend to allow that comfort between them. The question turned back towards him seems to complicate Elidibus' expression however; his lips purse slightly and his eyes darken; he seems bitter when the words finally pass his lips.

"... I've been forcefully relieved of my duties."

His shoulders heave with an aggrieved sigh.

"... For the next couple of days. Should the others see my face in the council room, they've universally agreed to shoo me from my seat. And I must... respect their decision, for the time being."

... So, it's one of those 'take your unused vacation time or else' threats. And had things been normal, this wouldn't be so out of the ordinary - Igeyorhm's usual chiding of his habitual overworking was not something new. But it's easy to see it doesn't sit well with him (and there's more to it, surely, but he'll open up with time). For now, you could almost think the emissary was offended to take time off. And why wouldn't he? Everyone's working so hard, and here he is... What is he doing, exactly? Running to Erichthonios for company? Comfort? Gods only know.

[aetherialshackles]

He can't help but smile when he hears Elidibus's laugh, it's one of his favorite sounds in the world.

The world may be in ashes and monsters may lurk behind every corner, but his friend's presence is so incredibly reassuring... all that's missing is some good tea, perhaps a few fresh fruits to share, and he'll be able to pretend nothing changed. Not to mention he doesn't want what could be one of their last meetings, should and of the monster decide to attack Erich, to be a depressing one. When Elidibus turns in his direction and he's finally allowed to meet his beautiful blue eyes, the world does suddenly feel like a less cruel place.

"Perhaps, my dear Themis, but that doens't change how... awesome you are in my eyes." he mumbles, placing both hand on his hips and stepping forward. "And, yes, our people are incredible, not giving up even in a time like this, but that doesn't take anything away from you. On the expectations part, though... you already met mine, if it can be of any consolation. You're a pretty amazing friend and I can't ask for more."

He could, yes, but this was no time or place to be open about his feelings. This even assuming for a moment there was a chance for someone like Themis to have interest in a man like him- which wasn't probably the case. He was at least content with being a somewhat close friend to the other and having a small chance to reassure the Emissary with the little he had.

"Speaking of our friendship, I did keep a few things around for me and you, just in case we got to meet. I'm afraid I don't have a lot of fresh food, but I was gifted some dry dates and a refreshing herbal tea, if you have time we could pretend everything is fine for a moment and have a break!" He stood up, reaching the large duffel bag where most of his personal belongings were. Now that people didn't trust their own magicks any longer, food was scarce, but he was more than eager to share with the other man. "I wish I had some baked goods, I even miss the cafeteria's food from work, but..."

He turned around, smiling widely in Elidibus's direction with two small packets between his hands... only to feel like something was off. It was in his friend's posture and expression, even if he couldn't quite pinpoint the problem until the other opened his mouth.

"What?" He... why? Needless to say, he was quick at Elidibus's side, kneeling to the ground to be at his eye level. "Are you okay?" His first and only worry despite everything. When his friend completed his sentence, Erich took a deep breath of relief. "I see, a forced vacation, mh? A bit surprising, perhaps, but at the same time I cannot blame the rest of the council for asking you to take a break."

He hesitantly reached forward, trying to place one hand against the other man's shoulder. Erich could tell Elidibus was upset and even if physical contact was frowned upon outside the Pandaemonium, at least from the little he knew by traveling across Amaurot... well, when he was sad, Hesperos always offered him a gentle touch.

"Perhaps they don't want you to burn out... I wish I could help, but all I can offer is my free time."

[consecrations]

"... You're right." They were right, too, in sending him away. Elidibus understands this, even if he detests it. "I know much will be asked of me in the coming days, and that I should be in peak condition. But watching them all work so hard, I..."

His voice is low, near whisper in its hiss. But he doesn't shy away from the physical contact, allowing that warmth to burn into his shoulder, reminding him what he's fighting for. A deep exhale releases the tension that had built, and he tries to center himself; lifting his head from the cradle of his arms, he leans towards that hand upon him, just enough so that his weight presses faintly against it and his hair might brush against Erichthonios' sleeve.

Erich is trying so hard for him, and this really will be their last...

... he should make sure they have no regrets.

"Ah... forgive me. For the time we have spent longing to meet, here I am brooding upon you." His lips crack slightly into a smile; Erichthonios truly knows how to lift the mood. "We shouldn't take for granted such an occasion in these times. Dates and tea, you said? Perhaps that's precisely the sort of break I need. To have something brewed by your hands... I'd be quite delighted. I can't recall the last time I was so spoiled."

He wants to cherish what little time is left between them.

[aetherialshackles]

There was something wrong and Erichthonios could tell so much just by listening to his friend's words and looking at his posture. Much will be asked from him soon, huh? Perhaps the convocation is about to attempt a risky manouver and they'll all have to be put on the front line- the thought alone makes him sick, Erichthonios would pay anything to be able to protect Elidibus, but he knew he was no more than a delivery man in the middle of this crisis.

"Hey..." He tried to sound as reassuring as possible as he forced a smile on his face. "It's okay. No one will hold against you a couple of days of relaxation. Everyone is working hard, that's true, but... since I met you, you've been working so hard, always, you deserve a breather."

What almost took Erich's breath away, though, was the way the other leaned against his hand, the soft white hair brushing against his skin and making him crave for more closeness. No, they were friends and he wasn't going to ruin a good friendship over his stupid feelings. Right? He still couldn't help himself from turning his hand upside down and cupping his friend's cheek with it. A stupid move, perhaps, but at least a short lived one since he was quick enough to reconnect his brain and slowly pull his hand back.

"For what it's worth, I'm very proud of you. And I'm glad you're taking a bit of time for yourself."

The smile was still painted on his face as he stood up, cracking his back and stretching just slightly.

"There's no need to apologize, what are friends for if not shoulders to lean on when things are difficult? I know this will sound selfish, but I'm just happy to see you. And- yes, tea will be. It's time to get you a little spoiled, then. I will go fetch some water and then prepare you the tea." He commented, sliding a small box full of dates near his friend. Perhaps they weren't the best, but at the same time he had to share the little he had. Erich used them as energy boosters during the day and... well, he didn't mind to share.

"Is everyone taking a break? I don't want to ask too many questions you may not answer but... we can at least make small talks, right? You can just avoid to answer anything you don't want to."

[consecrations]

The hand upon his cheek is a surprise, to say the least - not that he doesn't think they're close enough for such contact. But in a society of such modesty, the status quo of being masked before others... and the layer of his role as Elidibus, for no matter how he cherishes his people he knows his position stands him apart from them. He has gathered hands with others, the touch of a shoulder - an affectionate hand on his back or atop his head from some of his elders in the Convocation. But this gesture is entirely intimate, and his eyes widen to the touch that flies away as quickly as it's placed; there's a silence in him as he parses that, watches his friend's retreating form as he goes on about the tea. And Elidibus only continues to watch him, attention rapt upon Erichthonios.

He wants to respond - to thank him, to welcome that cherishing touch - but it feels... inappropriate, given the situation. So he only smiles, earnest and bright - soothing the heaviness in his heart.

His mind is more than made up. This is why he's doing all this, dear Erichthonios -- to protect you.

"No - the others are working harder than ever. Thus you can see my conundrum in sitting back."

He reaches for the dates offered to him, plucking one from the box and savoring the bite as if they were the sweetest candy. His eyes never leave Erich.

"... Say, once this trial has passed, is there something you long to do? A wish to fulfill?" There's a boldness to the change in topic, a purr in his words as if some sort of flame has been lit in him. His steady gaze upon Erichthonios is relentless in admiration. "Prior to this you've spent most your life in Pandaemonium, yes? Surely there is something you'd like to see... something you've never experienced?"

He wants to know it - what Erich would wish for from the bottom of his heart.

[aetherialshackles]

To be completely fair, Erichthonios surprised himself with that touch, at least he could reassure himself it had not been too much thanks to the other man’s smile. Oh, such a beautiful, bright sight, it was something that gave Erich a reason to be, it didn’t even matter if he had to keep that for himself. There were so many things he’d like to tell Elidibus, but Erich knew very well how every little whisper of his heart had no reason to be there.

If he only knew that it was mutual, that they were each other’s pillar in such a moment of crisis…

“Well, I don’t know why they put you on forced leave, but Iknow it’s important not to burn out at work, perhaps they were just trying to protect you?” Oh, if only he knew… “And your presence here? Between us common citizens? It’s only going to give us hope and keep us motivated, I guarantee you, so it’s… you’re not wasting your time, I promise”

It was a shame he only had so much to offer in terms of drinks, even the tea was going to be a bit bland since he only had so many leaves left, but everyone had to make do with the little they had, right?

"Oh?" That question did light some hope in him, if Elidibus was talking about the future.. perhaps some progress had been made after all, right? Ah! "Well, it's true I only left the Pandaemonium for a couple of study trips in Elpis before this, which probably explains hy I'm not exactly fitting well between the Amaurotines-" No mask, an indecent 'lucky belt' around his hips, that was more individualism that the average citizen could tolerate. "That being said I'd love to take a vacation! The Pandaemonium is in complete stasis for now so we'll have no hurry to get back to it and... yes! I'd like to see the world."

Needless to say, he had a bright smile on his face just bringing it up. Now the difficult part to admit...

"If I can be completely honest, thought, I'd love to see it in the company of dear friends, so... uhm... pardon me if I'm overstepping but I'd like to travel with you or Azem's familiar, after all you two are my personal heroes! Oh, and if I had to pick a specific place? The ocean, I can't wrap my head around a body of water that doesn't seem to end. What else, I'd like to try lots of exotic and weird foods! I grew up basically eating from the Pandaemonium's cafeteria, there are so many things I never tried!"

In truth, he only cared so much about the familiar, even if Erich respected it deeply... what he really wanted was to spend more time with the man who captured his heart, no matter if he knew he had no right to ask for so much.

"What about you, my dear friend? What would you like to do after this mess?"

[consecrations]

The animation on Erichthonios' face is enamoring, and Elidibus can't help but smile along with his friend's wishes - they're all things the Warder deserves, oh how he'd grant him everything if he could. And should everything go to plan, some of it he can - to return the world to the way it should be so that his friend might experience it...

But is that enough? To only grant half of his beloved companion's hopes?

"Hmmm..." Elidibus seems thoughtful as he takes a moment to ponder the question turned back at him; though the answer is simple in his mind. "For me... whatever it is, so long as I can be a part of the people whom I love -- that is enough."

He doesn't elaborate.

"... It's a wonderful wish - that dream of yours. My eyes could scarcely believe it when I first bore witness to the sea; it's truly a magnificence you can't pin to words alone. Such memories should be made with people you care about." One hand raises to finish the bite of the date he'd been savouring; the other comes up to follow, curling beneath his chin - conspiring something behind closed eyes. "If that is what you desire... I cannot fail to respond to it."

He'd love to see it, too -- the look upon Erichthonios' face when first laying eyes upon the ocean.

"Why wait?" He folds his now free hands atop his bent knees, cocking his head to the side thoughtfully. "Even after all this is over, there will be no end to the work we must do to return things to how they once were. And if I were to be frank, sitting still is an unpleasant sensation for me. Surely amidst the chaos, the tide still rolls in -- and should it be a concern of the dangers in getting there, protecting the two of us is well within my power." Another pause to ponder. "As for your role here... I can send word to Lahabrea to find a temporary cover for your position. For how hard you've been working, you too are deserving of a break. The world will not cease to be in the two days our trip would take."

And given how guilty each of the Convocation members looked when they made that choice, he's sure whatever Elidibus would ask of them, they would grant it - even stealing Erichthonios from his post.

"And at the end of this... invite our dear friend, as well. I'm sure Azem would be delighted to have them see more of the world." His gaze locks back on Erich, secure and confident and ever so pleased with himself. It's the first selfish thing he's done in... a long time. To want to see this with his friend. "Well? Would you accept my invitation to whisk you away to the sea?"

[aetherialshackles]

Why shouldn't he be excited just talking about the future with the person he adores the most? If Elidibus is taking a break it means they are closer to fixing this mess, right? Otherwise, burnout or not, who'd let one of the convocation members take a leave? And his friend is talking about future plans, too, that's a good sign, right? He reached for his metallic mug, the ony one he could carry around while moving most of the day, and filled it with warm tea for his friend.

"I'm certain whoever you will choose to spend time with will be delighted to be at your side, there's plenty of people who look fondly in your direction." A smile as he moved back and placed the warm drink in front of the other. Yes, they didn't have any proper table, not in what was basically a city in ruins, but at least they could have the little things.

"Oooh?" And listening to the other's words almost allows him to see it, the ocean. It's scary to imagine water so deep the bottom cannot be seen, yes, but at the same time he'd love to see it with Elidibus. "Well, I'm not trying to force you to come, but you and Azem's familiar are certainly two people I care about-" he couldn't bring himself to admit he mostly wanted to go with the other man and, despite being grateful, he cared only so much about the familiar. "My biggest desire is to see those I care about to be happy, which includes you, so you don't necessarily have to come to see the ocean with me."

A pause, then.

"What?" He blinked, the first alarm bells starting to ring in his head. Elidibus may be on a break, a forced one, but he's not... and considering how bound to duty the other had been the entire time they have been friends, something feels off there. "I do suppose you have a point, we will have plenty of work once we're done fixing this situation But are you sure we can afford to take a leave?" He wasn't really important in the greater scheme of things, Erichthonios mostly traveled as a peculiar and stealthy delivery boy, but Elidibus? Something was off, he wasn't the kind of person who'd take other people away from their duties unless, at least not in Erich's opinion, and things were starting to worry him. "My friend, are you sure this is a good idea?"

Finding someone else who could hop aroun and do his work wasn't going to be difficult, but Erich couldn't shake his fears, not now. He took a seat on the floor, crossing his legs and leaning a bit closer to the other man, studying his expression. Something in the choice of words of Elidibus made him feel... uneasy, but he couldn't exactly pinpoint what was wrong. Somewhere, somehow, though... he felt like the other needed this more than he did.

The warm cup was abandoned there as he reached for his friend's hand, trying to offer the most reassuring smile. Somehow, part of him was screaming to him that this was important for Elidibus and there was no way he was going to say no.

"Let's do it, then! A quick vacation, just the two of us! You're right, the world won't fall apart if I take a few days off and I'm certain the convocation members have their reasons if they gave you a few free days so- count me in! What should I pack?" not that he had much beside his messy clothes and few items already in his dufflebag but it was good to know if he needed to find more things. "I..." No, no need to express his worries now, not the real ones. "I should admit something to you. I never had a chance to learn how to swim so I apologize in advance if I'll not join you in any big sea adventure."

Hopefully, with a bit of time, Elidibus was going to grow comfortable enough to let him know what was truly worrying him.

[consecrations]

Elidibus listens patiently, though the glimmer of conspiracy in his eyes never fades as he lets Erich rationalize his way through it. Of course his friend isn't wrong - this is quite unlike anything Elidibus has ever done. But what else is he to do, banished as he is from his seat? He could flutter between settlements, helping where he could - but if the others knew he only spent these few days working, he's sure even their regrets would be insurmountable. And more importantly...

... he thinks this is important to do. For Erichthonios, before the end.

So he lets his hand be clutched, and laughs brightly as his friend finally gives in - nodding all the way.

"Worry not too much on material possessions. Rations to carry us through the days would be the most important to bring... there's always a magic spell to sweep the sand from your robes, and I always have plenty aether to share." His hand shuffle slightly in Erichthonios' grip - not to part, but to intertwine their fingers better. A soft, intimate gesture of closeness. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve to shorten the journey, as well - so I'm confident I have us back to the capital before a second moon can rise. My allotted two day break I'm giving to you -- well, I must also admit I'd love to see your reaction when you see it. I'm fond of the ocean, as I am also fond of you."

Another laugh. Erich's hand is warm. So warm. So much so that he can put aside the hot tea for now in favor of tugging it up a little closer... back towards the cheek that his friend had so boldly held just moments before. Themis leans against those held fingers, making sure his soft smile is as irresistibly convincing as possible.

"And... I'm confident, this is the correct course. Don't worry, Erichthonios. Even speaking as Elidibus, there is nothing else I should rather be doing now. No one I need attend but you. Be my star for the next two days, won't you?"

At least, like this... he thinks he can break the news to him.

[aetherialshackles]

He couldn't get rid of the feeling that something was wrong, but he didn't want to force the other to tell him what if he wasn't ready. As unworthy of Elidibus he was, he could at least be as good as a friend as he could- perhaps the other needed to unwind from something that happened? Was that the reason the others pushed him away for the time being? The man bit his lower lips and kept a smile planted on his face.

"Well, my dearest friend, I have to worry about material possessions. Imagine if we were already at our destination and I had to ask you for the toothbrush because I forgot mine."

A small attempt at a joke, followed by a friendly wink, as he tried to push away his own feelings of uneasiness. Erich didn't even found himself blushing when the other brought his hand back to his cheek, his brain rationalizing everything under the 'he needs someone right now' umbrella and not focusing too much on how intimate the gesture was. Erich closed his eyes for a couple of second before finally nodding.

"I will happily go wherever you want us to go, my dearest friend." he whispered, slowly turning his hand to cup the other's cheek once more. "And I will do anything you ask me... but once you're done, do you think you'll be able to tell me what worries you? If not, I will understand- two days, just for us. Let's take them."

It felt wrong to be compared to something as beautiful as a star, if anything Elidibus was the bright one between the two of them, but he didn't feel like opposing the other in any way.

"Will you wait for me one moment while i lt the others know something came up and tomorrow's deliveries will have to be covered by someone else? I will be all yours after that..."

[consecrations]

Ah, nothing escapes his friend - Elidibus can't say he's surprised, Erich has always been intuitive to his feelings. And especially with the strange nature of Elidibus' appearance, what else could he do but worry? His smile stays steady on his face, unwavering through those pleas - he is blessed with a calm demeanor, even when his heart feels heavy. And in the end he nods, pressing his cheek further against that warm touch.

"... There will be plenty of time to talk on our journey. I promise. I won't leave anything unsaid."

He asks so much of Erichthonios here -- of course he can't refuse his request.

He finally lets his hand slip away from the hold they share, though his fingers linger a little longer than they should dragging across the skin of Erich's hand as they part; reaching for the tea so graciously offered to him, he gathers it close to bring to his lips and savour some of its heat before it becomes lukewarm in the face of affections between friends. He seems content now that Erichthonios had agreed, nodding once along with him.

"Of course - take what time you need to prepare. I'll send word to Lahabrea in the meantime so the gap shall be swiftly covered."

He wonders if Lahabrea expected Elidibus to run to his son's side at these times... ah, it's too late to ponder the implications. Shaking off the thought, he trades it for admiring Erich past the lip of his mug, playful grin across his lips.

"I'll try not to get too lonely in your absence."

Joking, of course. (He thinks.)

[aetherialshackles]

Would it be okay to admit Erich paid more attention to Elidibus than anyone else? Probably not, so the man kept it for himself while trying to return the calm smile- somehow now he knew the other had been sent away for a reason and he was ready to drop his little duty in the city is it could help.

"... Okay. take all the time you need, ust know that if you need a friend- I'm here, okay?"

Did he lose someone close, perhaps? Did something happen to Elidibus's coworkers? No, he wasn't going to guess randomly until the other was ready to share what was distressing him. He was, however, going to mourn the loss of the other man's touch when Elidibus took his hands away. Okay, preparing a bag with his few belongings and then rushing back to his friend, got it.

"I will try to be as quick as possible, okay? And no matter what, whatever you're going through I will do everything I can to help, I promise."

He was quickly back on his feet, patting his robe with both hands to get rid of at least some of the dust. He was going to smile as much as possible and do whatever was needed to support his friend- again, his role wasn't that important anyway.

"As if... go meet some of the locals if you get bored, mh? I will be right here when you're done!"

----

It didn't take Erichthonios too long to warn the locals about his absence and gather the little he needed for the trip. A brush, some toothpaste, one would almost think he was packing to spend a single night out, not a proper trip. It didn't matter, though, because he didn't have much to begin with and his priority was to be with Elidibus anyway.

If the world wasn't ending and if he wasn't so worried about his most beloved friend, he would have been much happier to have an excuse to spend some time alone with Elidibus. Now? He just wanted to be useful.

Perhaps, when this was all over, Erichthonios was going to be bold enough to actually confess his feelings to the other and they were going to have a proper vacation... but for now he was on duty.

"Here I am! With snacks and a few amenities. I should probably inform you I have no idea where the ocean is, my geographical knowledge is quite limited and I rarely put my nose out of my facility... but I'm ready to go! I trust you, my friend!"

[consecrations]

-- It seems over the time Erichthonios took to return, Elidibus hasn't left their posted spot. Aside from the fact that he's standing now, hand captured softly against his chin while he seems deep in thought, it wouldn't be hard to think that he's done little of anything in his absence. That thoughtfully drawn expression is punctuated with faint surprise, pulled from his thoughts at his friend's approach -- how quickly he turns on his boots, all gentle smiles once again. Whatever thing he had been pondering forgotten in the face of his friend. He looks a little more composed now, too, as if the time was enough to gather himself.

"Ah, back to my side so swiftly --" he laughs brightly, shaking his head to brush away the Warder's concerns. "It's no problem. I am familiar enough with the lands near to Amaurot, and some beyond - I'll focus on guiding, and you can keep an eye out for any threats, if that is agreeable? And on that note, I've secured our transportation."

Themis is confident when he steps forward, reaching for Erichthonios' hand; shamelessly bold in how he takes it within his own, to tug him along to follow him. It's not far at all; a few feet, just past the crumbling wall of a building that had lined the perimeter of their hiding place, towards a road that was once well travelled. And just as promised, there is something waiting there; Themis is beaming as he guides his friend over, only releasing his hand once they're close.

"Come to think... I haven't had the chance to introduce you, have I? To my familiar, Arion."

And so stands a horse -- pegasus, really, with wings painted like the dusk and a metallic shine to its coat; the details so carefully crafted as if it were an artist's masterwork, a statue fit for a throne room. Yet it is no statue - its hooves paw at the ground when Themis raises both his hands to cup its muzzle, pressing his forehead near to its face. A beloved beast woven of his own magic. Although creation magic has brought a great fear amongst his people as of late, the seat of Elidibus' confidence seems to know no bounds; he's summoned the creature all the same, and confident his grasp in magic is competent enough to control it. By the way he turns his gaze back to Erichthonios, you can tell he's nothing but proud of his work - a particularly earnest emotion from the usually humble man.

"Given your background, I figured you'd have no complaint adding one beast to our party; I thought it might be more efficient if we ride together."

On a saddle that... looks like it was built for one. But Themis is small in stature, so it's fine, right?

[aetherialshackles]

He still tried to be quick. Needless to say, Erichthonios was more than worried about his beloved friend, this despite the wide smile on his face as he approached once more. He offered a goofy, exaggerated bow, almost tipping his bag open, and closed his eyes for a second, trying to steal a genuine smile from the other.

"How could I not be swift in front of the promise of a wonderful trip to the beach, my friend?" See? He could also pretend everything was fine. The world wasn't burning around them and Elidibus's sudden vacation was far from suspicious. "That's good, I... I think I've seen a map. Once." he mumbled, scratching the back of his head. "And let's go, then! I will be your eyes and you will be the shining knight!" At least he was good at keeping an eye out for unexpected dangers, spending his life in the Pandaemonium trained him well in spotting anything amiss.

And his heart skipped a beat when Elidibus grabs his hand. Like earlier, he still found himself fascinated by such a gentle touch, oh how he wished he had the permission to touch the other whenever he wanted- but this was probably some kind of special occasion and the other needed that physical contact for emotional support or something. Yes, it made sense and-

"Oh?" He tilted his head, raising an eyebrow at the sight of Arion. Wow. "It's... beautiful." it was all he managed to say initially, completely enamoured with was basically a manifestation of Elidibus's aether. Dangerous, tremendously dangerous, but still splendid in his eyes- "I... I have no words. Of course such a splendid creature belongs to you!"

A grin, then, as he shook his head. "Absolutely not, I love to meet new creatures. But..." He squinted in its direction. "Elidibus, my dearest friend, that's only a single seat mount." He wasn't... they weren't- While Elidibus probably didn't care about sharing a seat with him, Erichthonios knew he was going to be flustered for the entire ride.

"Okay, wait here, I still have my access to a standard issued bokocho, I can try to go and see if I can request it."

Part of him just wanted to be stopped, to be told they were going to ride together, the rest just felt heat rise to his cheeks just at the idea.

[consecrations]

"... Hold, Erichthonios."

Breaking from how he takes silent pleasure in the Warder's review of his creation - there's a playfulness in his smile despite the demand in his tone; had this been anyone else, you'd think he would have the airs of command from his role. But this is Erichthonios, and when they are alone like this there is no need for such a position; just enough strength that his friend would know he's serious, despite the sparkle in his eyes. (And he's intuitive, so he can easily guess where the concern comes from - but there's no room for that. Not today.)

"How, exactly, do you think I might protect you should we be separated by different mounts?" His hand traces the ripples of metal upon the creature's neck, running down to the saddle where he tugs at the dressings, as if to perfect the work he holds such pride in. "I am confident in my abilities to keep us safe, but understand that the situation could change at any moment... thus, do you think it efficient for us to be on separate beasts?"

It seems Elidibus has already made up his mind; even amidst their conversation, he's already moving to climb atop his steed. Despite his smaller stature he expertly finds foothold in the stirrups and hoists himself - as he's done surely countless times before with how comfortably he comes to rest in the saddle, righting himself. But then he scoots a little bit forward, balancing a bit precariously towards the front, before he angles his body just slightly towards Erichthonios. His hands collect neatly against the reigns, not yet picking them up as his attention glues itself back to his company.

A sort of 'I'm not taking no for an answer' look.

"Rather, I think this is the best course to ensure you stay close at all times. Unless you have another concern?"

He's already made enough room on the saddle that Erichthonios should fit... if they get cozy, anyway there's no other way about it. Slightly his brow rises, as if offering a challenge to rebuke him. Seeming to have no concern whatsoever about the closeness such a position will force... so long as it's Erichthonios, it's fine.