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[hythlodaeus]

[After waking up in a bed three times too small and experiencing an absolutely baffling exchange, Hythlodaeus finds himself in the company of a Tropius that manages to be taller than he is. Which is quite the feat at eight feet tall. He looks through his things and finds what is clearly a communicator. A face, obscured by a white mask and black hood comes onto the feed. His voice is alien to himself as he speaks; a rich mid-alto spoken slowly.]

Good... evening, everyone. [He both hopes that there is and is not an "everyone".] This is an effort, I suppose, to see if I am alone in this... simulation. Which, by the by, seems to have been given little oversight by my measure. Though on further examination, I doubt that an authentic experience was the goal.

[He's rambling, but he doesn't seem self-conscious about this.]

Well... There's only one direction to go, so I may as well start walking, hm?

[He shakes his head a little.]

Oh, my apologies. The oddity of this situation seems to have robbed me of my manners. My name is Hythlodaeus.

Comments

[amaure]

I will not make such a fall again, so that will not be necessary.

[The terror that fills his friend's heart goes unnoticed, something that might not otherwise if not or...the slew of reasons disconnecting them from one another.]

Nay, 'tis entirely random. It could be the next, could be a summer from now. There really is no telling.

[hythlodaeus]

[That earns an eyebrow raise, not that Hades can see it. But he does not wish to tarry too long in these feelings lest they reveal themselves of their own accord. Changing and focusing topics, then.]

... What, it wasn't an accident? How would you go about guarding against that?

[amaure]

[There's a strange look to his features, one of almost guilt, that Hythlodaeus can see, but it's gone in an instant. He shrugs, waving him on dismissively.]

It was an accident, after a fashion. My point is, what made such a fall possible was my ill-adjustment with this form at the time, and the limitations of my abilities. I was still adapting when such transpired, and I have since calibrated to this frail body.

So you need not worry. I am prepared to guard against any loss of balance, or other foolery, now that I am better acquainted with my true limitations.

[hythlodaeus]

[... What's that guilty look about, Hades? It's a shame your dear friend isn't less perceptive.]

What interesting wording you've chosen, and you know very well that I find it hard not to pry!

[He chuckles slightly as his eyes narrow.]

Or do you mean for me to go find out on my own?

[amaure]

[He has no problem lying to basically anyone else, but lying to Hythlodaeus actually makes him feel guilty...and it's hard to hide it.]

Sleuth all you wish, I have told you all the relevant information regarding it.

[Accusingly:] Do you not trust me?

[hythlodaeus]

[He laughs off the accusation.]

Ah, but relevance is in the eye of the beholder. You should know this well! In curating the information you have given me, you have already made judgments that are invisible to me.

[He grins.]

...So... Perhaps it was embarrassing? Were you inebriated? It seems that it has not been terribly long since you have last imbibed, either.

[amaure]

[Well, if Hythlodaeus was going to give him such an easy out...]

...Indeed, I have made a habit of drinking every so often, at times, such has lead to my detriment.

[He rubs at the back of his neck, gloved fingers running up the shaved part of his hair as he glances away.]

And I do suppose I wear such a fact plainly, if you can pick up that I had a few too many the night before.

[hythlodaeus]

I know what you look like when you are simply tired or overworked... And I know what you look like when you've had a bit too much.

[He smiles a little sadly. So much time had passed since... Had some poor part of him forgotten how thoroughly he knew the other? His next words inspire so many complex emotions in him. Ones that he cannot fully engage with here and now. A drinking habit was one thing, plenty of people in Amaurot enjoyed their wine with dinner or while sharing ideas. But a lonely man like his dear Hades... ]

[Also the easy out was a trap.]

Now that you understand your body's limits and since you assure me that you won't be falling like that again... Well, one man might say that it would make sense that you've quit your habit, but... you've admitted to a habit as recently as the night before...

[He chuckles.]

My path of thought leads me to wonder if you've sworn off stairs ere alcohol, then.

[amaure]

[Hythlodaeus he is going to strangle you when you get here, he swears to Zodiark!]

Neither! [He nearly squawks, his hands gesture with exasperation, so too does his expression follow.] As I explained I have since adjusted, that 'tis all I need! I am nary avoiding alcohol nor stairs!

Enough of this foolishness, make for Cherrygrove, find Estinien, and get yourself to Goldenrod! If you've aught else to ask me, do so quickly, for you try my patience!

[He says, as if he'd truly hang up on Hythlodaeus. Or, even if he did, he would likely answer if the other called him back...maybe even call him back himself.]

[hythlodaeus]

[Hythlodaeus laughs, full and unbridled at this.]

Of course. I've a hundred questions, but only one that nags me at this moment... How tall are you? In comparison to say... The average doorway in this place.

[amaure]

[His mourning and longing both must have painted Hythlodaeus in the most rosey tint there is, because he seems to have forgotten how irritating the man can be. Well, he didn't truly forget, but remembering, and being faced with it were two different beasts altogether.

The question, however, gives him pause. Right, Hythlodaeus should be close to twenty fulms in height, and he...decidedly is not. For a moment, he glances around his apartment, imagining a full-height Hythlodaeus trying to fit inside...before his gaze goes back to his friend.]

I am six fulms, four ilms. [He answers a little flatly.] As such, I fit in doorways fairly easily. What of you?

[hythlodaeus]

[He blows air out of his nose as he laughs.]

I'm not properly sure how tall I am, but I am the tallest person I have seen thus far... And I would fit in a doorway with a bit of trouble... but only if I also didn't have a head.

[amaure]

[Well, that's not nearly the height he had thought he might be, but that will still be...a problem. Hm.]

By my reckoning...that would put you nearly eight fulms high. By Zodiark, that will be troublesome.

[Hythlodaeus has always been a spindly sort, but eight fulms is eight fulms...perhaps he must needs look into getting a bigger place sooner than later...]

[hythlodaeus]

It already has been troublesome. I woke in a bed designed for a child with such an ache in my neck... And then I was hurried out of the building before I could properly stretch! I nearly took my own head off trying to go downstairs!

[He huffs. But he still finds it a bit funny, too...]

But why do you think it will be troublesome?

[amaure]

I have nary seen a single person nearing such height. I tower over most, and as such...there is scant accommodations for one of your lofty size.

[He looks back at his apartment again, grabbing the 'gear to show him the small, but quaint abode.]

I fear you may be cramped in my current dwellings.

[hythlodaeus]

Just do away with the furniture.

[As if was so simple...]

[amaure]

[That gets a stare.]













No.

[hythlodaeus]

Hmm... Are you sure? That style of bedding is bad for you, you know.

[A pause]

Sit up straight. Can you sit up straight?

[amaure]

[If his look could get any flatter...]

Call me once you have either reached Cherrygrove or Estinien. Well do I know he won't.

[Which is unfair and not really true, considering Estinien's done well to check in with him like he's asked, but he's feeling pretty fucking testy right now. So testy that he's...hanging up.]