make no mistake, i don't do anything for free.

[rottings]

[ the arms of the chair don't warm under his hands, even though he's been in the throne room's antechamber for some time. more time than he would be allowed to if he were seen, anyway, but being unobtrusive is easy.

when she comes in, accompanied or not, hades is sprawling in the high-backed seat with at least a dozen rooks roosting around him. wassup.

(at least they aren't molting?) ]

Comments

[salting]

[ enter anna. two knights, the personal detail, follow, but it's she that opens the door. several crows squawk in surprise, or offense, and anna cries. steps back, hand to her chest and her knights rush to find... birds. it's not them anna speaks to, though. ]

I told you: you must keep the creatures out!

[rottings]

Ah. [ hades's smile remains tranquil. ]

They have remained here. Is that unsatisfactory?

[ one of the birds picks at the fur over his shoulders. he doesn't seem to care. ]

[salting]

It, certainly, is!

[ the knights edge out. the lady nádasdy and her weird friend are... weird. ]

[rottings]

[ guys, come on, he knows y'all are just just jealous of his furpants. ]

Then they shall be for the remainders, only.

[salting]

They shall be for outside!

[ wow, anna, you got some balls to be fussing at a god. ]

[rottings]

Remainders, outside?

[ tbf hades kind of deserves the fussing. ]

Then they shall be fed upon.

[salting]

And so we often are. Now, lead them out, my lord!

[rottings]

[ hades sighs as if this is difficult. with a pointed finger, the ravens follow and caw their way noisily outside. ]

They did not leave... behind. Hmph.

Do you oppose the birds?

[salting]

Within my walls. [ ... ] Thank you, my lord.

[rottings]

Ah, keeping no residents.

[ hades tilts his head, slow and deliberate. ]

Do you supply yourself to this?

[salting]

I supply you. Is this not enough?

[rottings]

It is not for me to request supplies, for I do not journey.

[salting]

Does my lord have not needs?

[rottings]

None which require the fulfillment provided by sustenance.

Do you have the purpose to lead me onward?

[salting]

How should I know leading a god?

[rottings]

Hmph.

[ he smiles, and gets to his feet in a single fluid motion. ]

Then lead, and try.

[salting]

[ beat. ]

You lead yourself.

[rottings]

As I have done. But it would be of interest to me if you would attempt it.

[salting]

What interest?

[ if you want to watch her fall on her face... no. ]

[rottings]

What interest?

[ he parrots her without mockery. ]

Perhaps it is mine, but it might be of interest to you.

[salting]

[ considers. then, after a looong moment: ]

Very well. But I know not what I will be doing.

[rottings]

[ hades stands. he doesn't motion for her to follow, but he does wait for her at the entrance to the chamber before he speaks. ]

There's always a last time.

[salting]

You must explain.

[rottings]

As there is a first, there is an ending. You must have your own beginning, and so, an ending.

[salting]

[ I'VE COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN WHAT THE HELL IS BEING DISCUSSED. ]

You speak nonsense again.

[rottings]

[ I CAN'T REALLY REMEMBER EITHER IT'S OKAY. ]

Hmph. As you've said.

[salting]

[ a huffy, little sigh and anna continues out the room. she has work to do, ok. being a noblewoman is a lot of work!! ok, it's the politician thing that is a lot of work. anna doesn't see the difference, though. ]

[rottings]

[ so, following like a creep. he won't interrupt while she works, to be fair, and sits in a window where one is available.

countdown to when the ravens start hanging around again... ]

[salting]

[ and anna screeches, lmao. ]

My lord!