[Ah... there it is. It's Levity who's taken unawares by the admission. He gives Alexander another careful look before settling into a soft smile.]
But you do care, do you not? If not for me... then for Hythlodaeus.
[The name and the fact that he was close with Alexander are the only things he really knows, and maybe it's a poor hand to play with. But like he said, Levity is curious.]
Ah, and thus you have struck the core of why I have not told you earlier.
You are Hythlodaeus and he is you. However, I will not discount the order in which your memories will return to you could change the intensity of certain thoughts. I have taken a single memory and it was impactful enough. I cannot even fathom starting from where most do without their memories.
And thus, I will not burden you with expectations. You are under no obligation to be my friend though that does not mean I do not want for it. But I would rather let it come naturally and grow as normal friendships do. You will have to deal with all else the Production has to offer.
[Levity - Hythlodaeus? - listens attentively, taking what Alexander says in--but for some reason the admission of the man's desire to be friends makes him smile.]
I do not. And... I cannot wait to get to know you all over again, my new old friend.
[He laughs, bright and happy, and maybe it just reminds Alexander what it was like to have his friend by his side.]
Ah, speaking of which... Five made me an offer that he would be there for me when I take memories. Would you not grant me your company as well? Five warned me that it can indeed be a rather shocking experience, which is why it is important to have people you trust by your side. And I feel that it would be all the better to have someone who could give context to my memories - pave the way for them, so to speak.
Five really is very kind. I wish he could recognize it more.
Truly, I do not know much, if anything at all. Only my name, that I was someone special, and out of everyone here I was closest with you. Cosmo is another friend, but not as close - at least, as I understood it.
He does. He is simply shy. Well, and a bit frustrated no one takes his threats seriously anymore. As if we ever did.
[He taps his chin.]
At least they have not delved too much into your past. I would rather you would have learned on your own or been able to set the stage myself. But we'll have to make do with what's given.
Would you like to know more about yourself and our people?
He did threaten to cut off my fingers if I touched him!
[Levity perks up at the offer, though.]
I would, yes! And I do think it would be wise to set the stage, as you have said. I could see how memories taken out of context could turn out shocking. I am only too lucky that you are all here already...
[Levity laughs, feeling curiously warm inside. Of course, he hasn't forgotten that he doesn't know Alexander yet, but at the same time he can't deny he hasn't been experiencing some very peculiar, very distant homesickness and loneliness. Being welcomed, having a place and people to belong with... It feels nice.]
I shall greet you properly soon, just you wait.
[And because he doesn't much care for holding himself back, he gathers Alexander into a hug.]
no subject
no subject
But you do care, do you not? If not for me... then for Hythlodaeus.
[The name and the fact that he was close with Alexander are the only things he really knows, and maybe it's a poor hand to play with. But like he said, Levity is curious.]
no subject
You are Hythlodaeus and he is you. However, I will not discount the order in which your memories will return to you could change the intensity of certain thoughts. I have taken a single memory and it was impactful enough. I cannot even fathom starting from where most do without their memories.
And thus, I will not burden you with expectations. You are under no obligation to be my friend though that does not mean I do not want for it. But I would rather let it come naturally and grow as normal friendships do. You will have to deal with all else the Production has to offer.
Do you have any concerns with this approach?
DIGS THIS TAG OUT FROM INBOX OOF
I do not. And... I cannot wait to get to know you all over again, my new old friend.
[He laughs, bright and happy, and maybe it just reminds Alexander what it was like to have his friend by his side.]
Ah, speaking of which... Five made me an offer that he would be there for me when I take memories. Would you not grant me your company as well? Five warned me that it can indeed be a rather shocking experience, which is why it is important to have people you trust by your side. And I feel that it would be all the better to have someone who could give context to my memories - pave the way for them, so to speak.
no subject
Did he now? How kind of him. And if you want me there I would not say no. Just don't take more than a few at once.
I can provide context where I feel it necessary though what have others told you already?
no subject
Truly, I do not know much, if anything at all. Only my name, that I was someone special, and out of everyone here I was closest with you. Cosmo is another friend, but not as close - at least, as I understood it.
[Oh.]
Lily called me an Ancient.
no subject
[He taps his chin.]
At least they have not delved too much into your past. I would rather you would have learned on your own or been able to set the stage myself. But we'll have to make do with what's given.
Would you like to know more about yourself and our people?
no subject
[Levity perks up at the offer, though.]
I would, yes! And I do think it would be wise to set the stage, as you have said. I could see how memories taken out of context could turn out shocking. I am only too lucky that you are all here already...
no subject
[Is he jesting? Who knows? He makes a 'humming' sound at the lucky comment.]
Then if you have no activities planning for when you are dreaming, I will meet you then.
no subject
[He nods gratefully at the suggestion...]
Ah, I would love that--
[...before his eyes widen as though he's remembered something.]
By the heavens, Hope! My apologies, Alexander, I must take my first memory without any true prior knowledge.
no subject
No. The most egregious ask he has ever made of my hand was to put jewelry on it.
[He simply shrugs.]
Then do as you desire. I am not here to dictate how you regain your memories. Though I wish you luck all the same.
no subject
I would ask you to tell me of our world afterwards, though, before I take any more memories. 'Tis simply for an experiment we are conducting.
no subject
Should I leave you to finish this game, or do you need another kiss beforehand?
no subject
no subject
no subject
Should I be?
no subject
no subject
no subject
He cups his face with both hands lingering for a moment. And then he tilts his head down and kisses his forehead.]
Welcome back, my friend. I have missed you dearly.
no subject
I shall greet you properly soon, just you wait.
[And because he doesn't much care for holding himself back, he gathers Alexander into a hug.]
no subject
Who knows what you will receive first. As I said, I'd rather you were not burdened with expectations. I am patient after all.
no subject
I do not think of it as a burden at all! If aught, I am positively looking forward to it. 'Tis like a homecoming, is it not?
1/2
no subject
And I will not keep you any longer. Do enjoy the rest of the game.