i put socks on my feet

[rottings]

[ hades himself isn't much one for social pleasantries, but he there's great importance to dinners like these, and watching their interactions really is fascinating. the meal is already winding down, but the poet who's been declaiming for the better part of an hour is still going strong.

hades is mostly ignoring him and picking at his food, humming occasional acknowledgement to when people talk to him, as head of the house. most of the slaves waiting on them are positioned around the perimeter of the room, while hades has left mitsunari largely to his own devices. ]

Comments

[outforblood]

[he doesn't raise his head when hades speaks, working to control himself and not flat out press his head to the ground in gratitude. it's difficult. he never, ever imagined he'd have so much as a decent memory of his former life returned to him, much less his sword.]

To serve you as you see fit. [mitsunari takes a slightly shaky breath and seems to calm down.] You spoke of those who needed to be cut down for their slights. If this is something you require, I will act. And if not ... then I will not.

[rottings]

These requirements—are unspoken, as of yet. [ he doesn't reach for more food, but he does prop himself up on an elbow to get a better look at mitsunari. ]

You will know of these slights.

[outforblood]

[he's a bit calmer now, but he still doesn't look up or stand. slowly, mitsunari sets the sword on his knees, fingers wrapped tightly around the sheathe.]

The actions of those who would seek to undermine you and your authority. [after a moment - ] And that of your family.

[rottings]

In terms of family, I have no concerns. [ they can handle themselves, as far as hades is concerned. ]

And of my authority?

[outforblood]

[mitsunari nods, willing to leave them to their own defense. his grip on the sheathe loosens very slightly, then tightens again at the question.]

It is absolute. Those who deny it will pay with their lives. Those who doubt it will learn otherwise.

[rottings]

Is... that so. [ hades makes a soft noise in his throat (hm) and returns his attention to the food. without looking at mitsunari, he adds, ] Eat.

[outforblood]

[approval or not, he's certain of his own statements. at the command mitsunari moves back to his seat, almost unwilling to set down the sword to eat but after a moment he does, leaning it against his side.

he doesn't eat much, but he does eat, without question, hesitation, or qualm.]

[rottings]

[ hades himself only eats a little more—a few olives, half a piece of bread. he spends most of his time watching mitsunari instead. when he stops eating, hades gets to his feet, moving slowly and deliberately. he looks at mitsunari, waiting. ]

[outforblood]

[the moment hades stands, mitsunari finishes up and follows suit. he grips the sword by the sheathe, close to the hilt and in his left hand, an automatic action born from years of doing so.

if he's at all tired or off-kilter from anything that's happened so far, he doesn't show it. his gaze is level, and he watches hades expectantly and respectfully.]

[rottings]

[ hades tilts his head at mitsunari for a moment, smile widening marginally. the other slaves and servants, if they're feeling uncertain or confused about the events, make no sign of it.

he doesn't actually say anything, but he only breaks eye contact to turn and walk out of the dining room and back toward the archives. ]