Intemperant

"A little bit."

Themis found it quite endearing, to be honest, the way Erichthonios lost himself in the gardens. True, they were a sight but such meticulous craft was to be expected from the researchers and students at The Words of Halmarut. Some of the flora was natural, but some of it -- like those extravagant and colorful petunias -- were a mere act of creation. Still, beautiful nonetheless.

Mismatched eyes follow Erichthonios's movements, perhaps a little too intently, and, for a moment, Themis lost himself in his own thoughts, mesmerized by the sight of the Warder in front of him. Nothing of actual importance was happening, nothing to be caught staring like that. And yet he did, because Erichthonios, to him, was a work of art.

But he couldn't say it now, could he? It was a good thing that Erichthonios couldn't read his mind. Oh gods, he was actually relieved that he couldn't!

"Not that it's a bad thing, mind you! It's just...nice to see...you know?" A gentle flush scattered across the Emissary's face, his steps now leading him further into the gardens: he seemed to know a nice spot to sit on, even if the truth was that Themis didn't want to notice his blush. Yes, look for a spot, distract yourself...

"Follow me. Let us sit somewhere. On that bench over there, perhaps?"

Erich appeared alarmingly calm. That soft smile remained on his features as he took in the sights and sounds of the garden. This outing was refreshing, the company he kept was… healing. Themis’ presence was a wash of calm in his typically stressful life. Duty would keep them apart often and the warden would often question when they would next meet. Even now, as soft lights danced around him he was in disbelief he was here, beside the emissary once again, all from a silly note.

Before him his companion gingerly lead their excursion, quickly outpacing Erich who remained slow with his steps. Half to simply relax, take things slow, and half to not outpace his visibly shorter company. An inaudible chuckle escapes him watching those fluffy white locks bounce in front of him. Cute.

There’s a sigh as Erich rests on the bench. As soon as he sat the rest the thundering in his chest became apparent, annoyingly so. At least when he was on the move it distracted him long enough but now he could not ignore that he was exhausted, he was excited. His anxieties visibly wore on his features in a subtle smile. Even now as he faces toward Themis he couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly. The man was practically blinding.

“Do you normally do this, then?” He leans upon the arm of the bench, tilting his head playfully as a crooked smile greets the other. “Walk the gardens at night?”

Themis found himself chuckling his embarrassment away, only stopping right after at the realization that he has been doing so quite frequently since meeting up with Erichthonios. Nothing was entertaining, he was just...nervous? He hadn't been nervous when he was summoned to become Emissary, why would he be now?

"In that case, no one will disturb us in the gardens." and hopefully that didn't sound too weird, or too straightforward. Themis was good with words, but right now he found a small vocabulary in his hands. Was it all Erichthonios's doing?

The sight of the gardens behind the library sufficed to relax his restless soul for a bit, the sweet scent of colorful flowers and peculiar "artistic" trees filled the area with beautiful scenarios. Lampposts were scattered around the area, illuminating every corner of the gardens, as well as floating gentle lights that looked like fireflies, oftentimes following a few visitors around as if to donate some atmosphere. Themis breathed in the pleasant air and exhaled loudly.

"This place does not feel real." which sounded bizarre coming from a soul living in the countryside.

There were some benches around, sitting underneath gigantic oaks. They weren't the only ones in the gardens, as the Emissary could already spot other faces. Perhaps they were also on dates.

"So," Themis began speaking, carefully walking down the few steps with his petite hands lifting the hems of his white robe. "I assume you don't come here often...?"

Lungs filled themselves with crisp air, thoroughly refreshed. A curious palm laid upward in hopes to catch the faux fireflies. “Agreed.” Erich spoke softly, the quiet of the night made his voice too clear for his liking. Even now their footsteps upon the gravel paths were strong upon the ears. Themis was correct, this garden was unreal. Perfectly manicured and unkempt, unnatural, like most of Amaurot; yet just like the city it was peaceful all the same.

“Elpis is diverse in of itself yet here the plant life is intentional, artful in a way, to better catch the eye during an excursion.” Now he was not stating the obvious just because, instead a genuine calmness remained in his tone, gaze making distinct note of their surroundings.

A soft exhale through the nose, he smiles warmly to the other. “Is it that obvious?” Yes, he was a fish out of water despite how collected he appeared. He was the image of calm although quite a few of those floating lights took solace upon those bright locks despite Erich remaining unaware of how he ‘lit up’, utterly decorated.

Themis's head turned, mismatched hues watching the Warder with a confused glare. Since when was the concept of time an issue? Then, he recalled that Erichthonios spent the days underneath Elpis, therefore the concept of time in that case was nonexistent, as well as the awareness of what was going on in the city.

"Well," the youth began speaking, marching right beside the other towards the library's garden. Oh, wrong way, Erichthonios! He gripped his sleeve and gave it a gentle tug. "First of all, it's this way to the gardens."

A gentle chuckle escaped him, stifled right behind slender fingers. He was surprised to discover that neither Erichthonios knew about the play; none of his colleagues seemed to be talking about it, then.

"All I know about the play is that it is...a little dramatic. Or so I have heard from Mitron and Loghrif. But it caused quite a stir, a positive one!" but perhaps it wasn't something he wanted to watch with Erichthonios. Themis heard there was a kissing scene...

The Emissary coughed softly in a way to clear his throat, imagining himself sitting through a kissing scene right next to Erichthonios...and his face immediately flushed warmly.

"P...Perhaps another day, then."

Erich was courteous of course to the directional correction, if not flustered. So much for looking cool, as if the emissaries presence wasn’t cracking at his collected facade by the moment. As they made their way it dawned on him how they must have stood out. Themis practically wore his status and the warden was well, just a simple guy in comparison. Yet here they were, two men who wouldn’t have even shared glances if not for their fated collaboration months prior.

“If you say so.”

A gentle smile finds home upon sharp features. Erichthonios would have been happy to oblige his companion with whatever he desired. It seemed for now however the warden longed for something a little more relaxing, a little more personal.

“As enjoyable watching actors would be I wish to rest my bones and perhaps… talk-” he faces forward, solely focused upon walking rather than to the man beside him.

“-and I have heard it is considered rude to do so during a performance.” there’s a snark in his tone-playful and light- as he observes the others reaction from his peripherals.

intempercnt:

Features brighten at the other’s playful, messy words. Such a ‘game’ did admittedly lead Erich here; tired bones lazily sitting in public at an ungodly hour. Though the evident grogginess was pushed aside to the amusing party before him.

“Wh-” That once faint smile faded, not of annoyance mind you, the warder merely fought for his bearings at the sudden question. “The night?” he repeats, gaze wavering, the concept of time ramming itself into his skull. Then he simply laughs, low and soft beneath his breath. “Bedtime for myself would have been 4 bells ago, Themis.” Erich’s smile goes crooked as he leans back in his seat, arms crossed, simply fixing his eyes to the emissary, endeared at the realization he did not think thoroughly about the details of this planned encounter.

“Pray, tell me, my friend…” Finally, Erichthonios rises to his full height before Themis.

“What have we planned this night?”

Now that Erichthonios stood up, the size difference was quite noticeable - the Emissary merely below the Warder’s chest - yet Themis didn’t seem to be bothered by it. Secretly, he found it quite...captivating, if you know what I mean. He had to tilt his head back just a little, enough to allow his mismatched hues to focus on Erichthonios’s vermillion eyes. If he had a tail, it would be wagging uncontrollably by now, the youth simply joyous to be sharing company with Erichthonios; anything to fuel the spark in his heart.

“Quite a few activities, actually.” well, two, actually...or one, the second was improvsed. “We could walk in the library’s garden and talk. I have been reading a few books that I cannot wait to share with y--someone!”

A small pause.

“Or...we could go to the theater. There is this one play that has been on everyone’s tongue lately. Have you heard of it?”

“The theatre? At this hour?” Wide-eyed Erich was taken aback yet quickly chuckled at the very notion. The man lead on, signaling Themis to walk beside him as he slowly began the trek toward the aforementioned garden.

“Must be quite a show to play so late. Unfortunately such things are beyond my avenue of knowledge… yet you appear beyond enthused.” He handn’t the slightest inkling how he hadn’t guessed someone of Themis status would be cultured. On any days off Erich could only recall sleeping in and lounging around so this was all a tad… foreign.

Looking down to the shorter company one would note how he appeared ready to burst at the seams. Beneath those oddly ephemeral and calm features Themis was ripe to relay countless bouts of knowledge to anyone ready to listen. Erich simply smirks, eyes soft; endeared.

@intempercnt

He didn't expect Erichthonios to arrive so early (well, in truth, he didn't expect Erichthonios to arrive at all) and it definitely caught him by surprise spotting his figure approach him. He quickly fumbled with the book he was holding and placed it back where he found it after nearly dropping it. He set himself in front of the shelf as not to allow Erichthonios what book he was reading (psst, one about dating!) and smiled softly upon seeing him.

The library at night was a magical place...or that was what he thought, at least: dim, tender lights illuminating the dark halls, the smell of books filling one's nostrils.

"Is that really Erichthonios?" Themis hummed, deep inside screaming with joy at the fact that the Warder accepted the invitation on the note, although he didn't sign it. "'Tis good to see you. What brings you here?" and he had to refrain from winking.

#salveticn #|| aetherchained ┇ ic ||#(thats 2hrs btw)

salveticn:

“The plan of getting you out of your own confinements for a chance to spend a single night with me?” and totally not because the Emissary wished to experience whatever spark he felt throughout that whole ordeal – of which he had no desire to bring up, unless Erichthonios needed to talk about it. Themis scratched his cheek with his index finger, hiding the fact that he caught himself blushing just slightly. “Perhaps it was my idea.”

But, hey! Erichthonios didn’t seem to mind the sudden escapade, meanwhile Themis still couldn’t believe the Warder accepted in the first place, despite knowing full well who was the sender. The thought touched his heart as he could feel that gentle spark warm up. It was best to fly low, however, and not rush everything.

“Ah, well. In that case…” Themis stood up and positioned himself in front of the Warder, his arms wrapped behind his back. “Erichthonios, would you like to spend the night with me?” wait, that sounded weird. “…Not all of it! Perhaps…a couple of hours…? When is bedtime for you, usually?”

Features brighten at the other’s playful, messy words. Such a ‘game’ did admittedly lead Erich here; tired bones lazily sitting in public at an ungodly hour. Though the evident grogginess was pushed aside to the amusing party before him.

“Wh-” That once faint smile faded, not of annoyance mind you, the warder merely fought for his bearings at the sudden question. “The night?” he repeats, gaze wavering, the concept of time ramming itself into his skull. Then he simply laughs, low and soft beneath his breath. “Bedtime for myself would have been 4 bells ago, Themis.” Erich’s smile goes crooked as he leans back in his seat, arms crossed, simply fixing his eyes to the emissary, endeared at the realization he did not think thoroughly about the details of this planned encounter.

“Pray, tell me, my friend…” Finally, Erichthonios rises to his full height before Themis.

“What have we planned this night?”

@intempercnt

He didn't expect Erichthonios to arrive so early (well, in truth, he didn't expect Erichthonios to arrive at all) and it definitely caught him by surprise spotting his figure approach him. He quickly fumbled with the book he was holding and placed it back where he found it after nearly dropping it. He set himself in front of the shelf as not to allow Erichthonios what book he was reading (psst, one about dating!) and smiled softly upon seeing him.

The library at night was a magical place...or that was what he thought, at least: dim, tender lights illuminating the dark halls, the smell of books filling one's nostrils.

"Is that really Erichthonios?" Themis hummed, deep inside screaming with joy at the fact that the Warder accepted the invitation on the note, although he didn't sign it. "'Tis good to see you. What brings you here?" and he had to refrain from winking.

#salveticn #|| aetherchained ┇ ic ||#(idk what happened with the formatting here. i havent rp'd on tumblr in so long idk how to fix this lmao)

salveticn:

Oh, caught empty-handed! And there he thought to surprise Erichthonios by being a little mysterious, but he assumed that nothing could escape from such a keen Warder! The Emissary stifled a chuckle, even bringing his slender digits to his lips.

“Not as reading companion, no – although it sounds like fun.” nothing, however, was mentioned about a reading session as a date in the book he was reading just a few moments ago, but he wasn’t discarding the idea. After all, he had a few interesting tomes about reptiles he wanted Erichthonios to see.

“But as company.” he mutters, finally taking a seat next to Erichthonios, that softened smirk never faltering from his lips. “The city turns magical at this time of night, so I thought you might want to enjoy it, always buried in that condamned place, never to see the sky. It’s a pity, you know?”

“Hm, forgive my insolence but I really must ask. How did you know that I was the sender of that-” and he points at the note between Erichthonios’s fingers. “-little note? Are my steps that easy to remember?”

“Ah, so that was your plan.” Erich shifts in his seat, angling toward Themis beside him. In silence he mulls on those words. It was true most of his days were in the dank halls of pandaemonium. Even now the lack of rattling chains echoing took some adjusting to. It would be this time his schedule was set for sleeping and cycling through the workdays so a library was an… interesting change of pace.

“‘Tis not all gloom, I do take pride of where I work after all.” he smiles softly, “yet a change of pace never hurt, especially after all that had transpired formerly.”

Yeah we were not gonna talk about that right now. The warden shifted the conversation near immediately.

“Frankly, yes.” he finally answers, “not many share such light footwork.” he teases, jabbing at the emissaries' stature with warmth in his tone. “However know none of my coworkers would play such games.”

@intempercnt

He didn't expect Erichthonios to arrive so early (well, in truth, he didn't expect Erichthonios to arrive at all) and it definitely caught him by surprise spotting his figure approach him. He quickly fumbled with the book he was holding and placed it back where he found it after nearly dropping it. He set himself in front of the shelf as not to allow Erichthonios what book he was reading (psst, one about dating!) and smiled softly upon seeing him.

The library at night was a magical place...or that was what he thought, at least: dim, tender lights illuminating the dark halls, the smell of books filling one's nostrils.

"Is that really Erichthonios?" Themis hummed, deep inside screaming with joy at the fact that the Warder accepted the invitation on the note, although he didn't sign it. "'Tis good to see you. What brings you here?" and he had to refrain from winking.

One could argue the library was less magical as it was relaxing. (At least, Erich would.) Said ambiance had almost lulled him fast asleep. It was only at the mention of his name did sore shoulders stiffen, core working to set the man upright from his slack position.

“Ah, Themis, there you are.” lips curl knowingly, proud that he knew exactly whom to expect. “You know full well what brings me here at this hour.” unearthed from black robes is the note from earlier held up high between Erich’s digits.

“Does the emissary long for a reading companion?” a jest as the man relaxes again, lowering his arm and shifting even more comfortably in his seat.

#i miss anticipating pandae already ;A;#|| lethe ┇ ooc ||

sobs at needing to update my blog stuff now

An unsigned mysterious note is slipped underneath Erichthonios's door. Whoever's the sender, by the time Erichthonios opens the door, they are gone as they quickly dissipated into a summoned portal. The note reads, in clear handwriting:

“…?” A flash of white glimmers in the corner of Erich’s weary eyes. Droplets falling from freshly washed hair as his tall form hunches over to lift the note. With his free hand he cracks the door open to see… nothing, as he’d assumed -the steps went oddly quiet near immediately- yet reading the words before him… he had his guess of their author.

‘ The library? ‘, Erich mouths inaudibly, brows furrowing to the curiosity settling in his chest. There the sense remained, nestling as it teases the man all day at work. Following him throughout copious tasks both dull and laborious. It shadows him right until the time came; after the hours of the day waned on his muscles and bones, when he wanted naught but sleep.

A beaten sigh breaks the eerie silence of the library. The wardens goes limp on one of the couches, dangerously close to embracing sleep and if not interrupted would soon proceed to full acceptance.

@salveticn

#salveticn #|| elusive missives┇ answered ||

no spoilers but if anyone asks no i havent been ok since beating pandae. anytime i think about erich i get teary eyed now. im just gonna miss this storyline in general

#|| Lethe ┇ ooc ||

salveticn:

“ maybe . ” not at all reassuring but , by the way his smirk never faltered , he looked quite like the soul who had the situation under control . his motto was : the food cooks faster the hotter is the flame … or something like that . this was the third microwave he bought in the last month …

ding !

“ maybe not ! ”

approaching the appliance , themis opened its door and was completely engulfed in a cloud of steam . it would be a miracle if the corn hadn’t magically evaporated … wait , no fire alarm ?! the corn was safe but it was probably dangerous to grab one : lava could be colder in comparison for what they knew ( it was an exaggeration , of course ) . the bowl floated onto the table and in front of erichthonios , revealing twelve corn cobs piping hot !

“ eat before they turn rock solid ! ”

Wholly taken aback Erich instinctively rose a palm, directing it to that cloud of steam before Themis. One could feel the aether contort, a sudden chill taking hold where he stood. Heart thundered in the poor mans chest, incessant even as panicked eyes watched the steam subside.

A sigh of relief as that defensively palm lowered, the chill subsiding. Good- he wasn’t exactly sure if he could pull of such a spell.

“...” The bowl breezing past him in such a comical manner that he simply opted to sit at the table, defeated and somewhat actually amused.

“I commend you for not setting the kitchen ablaze however...” looking to the surplus of corn on the table made his stomach churn, “Is this all not a bit much for just the two of us? Or is it one for me and eleven for you again today?” or more of their 10/90 of every meal.

salveticn:

two gentle pats on his cheek was everything themis gave erichthonios as the latter so awkwardly let him go , mismatched hues adoring the way he timidly looked away – so helpless , yet so charming in a way . looking at him made his heart swell and his soul sigh .

“ you are forgiven . now , look . ” he slapped the large bowl containing the twelve cobbed corns inside the microwave and turned it on … at an exaggeratedly high temperature , for ten seconds . the corn wasn’t going to be warm , but unnecessarily scorching ! and because the bowl was too large , it wasn’t even spinning …

… and yet themis looked so positively calm .

There was naught the warden could do but simply watch. Unsure of what was happening, well, at all. Themis was so sure in all his motions and intent that for a moment Erich could believe the other knew what he was doing.

“Will...will that not combust in there?” 10 seconds. Obscene temperatures. Whatever the other had planned did not spark any positive outcomes in that befuddled mind, neither for the health of Themis, who would consume said corn, or the machine.

salveticn:

as familiar hands rested upon his shoulders , the young emissary instinctively directed his attention to the source , brows quickly rising in confusion .

“ who do you take me for , erichthonios ? i was jesting ! ” about the pop - corn , he was . but apparently , by the way that smirk returned to grace his face , he was still determined to try the slightly bigger microwave . “ i know that cobbed corn doesn’t pop ! my thought was to have a snack using my new appliance … ” which was the very same microwave he owned prior , only slightly bigger .

“ now , if you would be so kind to let me go , we can give it a try . ”

Once concerned features went blank. Ears go red at the tips. “Ah.” He was joking... of course. Themis’ quips and playful nature had gone over his head... again. Those firm hands slide off petite shoulders, relinquishing their grasp. Timid eyes avert their gaze, pained to look at the other. “Uhm, my apologies. I didn’t understand I--”

Words fail him, shifting gears the man opts to clear his throat. “Ahem- Please, proceed.”

salveticn:

“ yes ! ” … really ? “ … i think . ” uncertain as he was , themis , in the ecstasy of owning a new appliance ( apparently better and slightly bigger than the last , but not different in matter of functions ) , forgot to check its manual . in the ecstasy of it all , he lost its box … or did it throw it away ? how unfortunate : it looked big enough to function as a temporary bin .

“ in any case , i suggest that we put it to work . it’s big enough to fit a large bowl of popcorn ! ” but the star hadn’t prepared the warder for the size of the bowl that could barely fit in the thing . it would be a miracle if it even spun ! … did themis really grab twelve packets of corn ?!

Downturned brows accompanied a pout. Erich did not know if he should trust the enthusiasm emanating from his companion. On one end it was very infectious, coalescing with his hungering curiousity. On the other it was much too good to be true. Marvelous inventions were crafted daily, of course, though Themis’ ability to use them proper, well...

“Wait- is that whole corn?”

Palms firmly plant themselves onto the emissary’s shoulders in attempts to stop him where he stood. “You cannot make popcorn in such a way-- You realize this. do you not?” Positively incredulous the warden could do nothing else but stare downward, incredulous to the comical sight of such a powerful figure wielding an absurd amount of cobbed corn. “You will make warm corn. Warm corn.”