text. [backdated to the 20th]

[forgarlemald]

I had hoped to be able to keep to myself for some time longer, but recent events have made that decidedly more difficult, and I hope none mind that I haven't introduced myself before now.

My name is Gaius, and recently I've found myself in possession of a house larger than one single man needs to own. Beyond the fact that I have no earthly idea how to furnish it, I also certainly do not need all four of the bedrooms when neither my children nor any of my men are here to fill them.

Any looking for a nicer place to stay are more than welcome to one.


[made private from Era Ra]
And I would also like to request ideas on what to gift a young woman who quite likes fashion, as in this place I'm unable to find what I would normally give to either her or her chocobo.

Comments

un: honorshound; likewise privated

[judging_you]

I was not aware there were others here familiar with chocobos. Much less that any were present.

private

[forgarlemald]

Aye, there is at least one here that I know of. And in fact I've known the beast for quite some time prior to being brought here.

That you are familiar with them as well is a surprise, however. Are you also from Eorzea? Or do you hail from elsewhere?

private

[judging_you]

No. My home is long gone. But while she yet stood, she was called Landis, though I would not expect the name to hold any meaning here.

private

[forgarlemald]

[Oh. Oh well then. It's a good thing this conversation is only over text right now, because that... That has his full, undivided attention.]

You may be surprised to find it in fact holds a fair bit of meaning.

You say Landis has fallen?

[Text]

[pinkxeno]

Why don't you invite your friends to live with you?

[forgarlemald]

[Well first off, that requires having friends, and second-]

I'm afraid that the only person who may qualify as such already lives with others.

She wanted a second yard. She did not want the home that came with it.

[pinkxeno]

[ that's so sad... ]

Well, you can always ask on the network if other people want to live with you. it's a quick and easy way of making friends!

[text; private]

[scourgingstars]

hello! i fear i can't help much when it comes to having an abundance of space, but judging by the mention of a chocobo i suspect i might just know which young woman you mean. perhaps something in the realm of matching accessories for the pair of them might be a nice idea?

[text; private]

[forgarlemald]

'Tis certainly a better idea than any I would have come up with. And with how fond she is of that bird, I agree it may be a good way to approach this.

You are a friend of Era's, then?

[text; private]

[scourgingstars]

i am less sure what might suit them both specifically, but it may be a good starting point if little else.

i am indeed, she's been a dear friend of mine for some time now. my name is ardyn lucis caelum, it's a pleasure to meet you.

Private: Text

[runs_on_batteries]

I know this girl with the chocobo you're talking about. More importantly, I know who her very best friend is. You've met Era. You know how much she loves spoiling her friends, right?

If you really want to do something really thoughtful and meaningful to Era, you should send her best friend Pyra something nice and say it's from Era.

Private: Text

[forgarlemald]

Given that she has so thoughtfully gifted me an entire house without warning, yes. Yes, I'm quite aware.

[Exasperation doesn't carry over text right?? Right.]

But you say that her best friend is someone called Pyra?

Re: Private: Text

[runs_on_batteries]

Is she starting a harem over there?

I'd be careful if I were you. She threw a fit when I accidentally dropped some cookies she gifted me. Don't break a window!

Anyway, yes. They're practically sisters.

Text; UN: Crow

[justcawse]

How ironic. I came across someone who was looking for a fancy home. [And he was messing with her.] Didn't catch her name though.

Text;

[forgarlemald]

A shame, that. I would have happily offered up a room.

'Tis hardly what I would call fancy, but it is certainly large.

[justcawse]

How did you manage to snag a big place like that? I've been here for a few months and probably couldn't afford something like that.

[Too bad it wasn't just money... Real money that was.]

[Text: Private]

[kingkingcxiii]

[Well, if that doesn't scream "Era would do this!" Regis doesn't know what would.

It does his heart good to know she is feeling better.]

Greetings Gaius,

I'm afraid I won't be much help to you with the housing situation as my own home is rather emptier than I would like these days, but I would be honored to help you with your second. Can you tell me what it is you would usually gift dear Era and her troublesome little friend? I've been here some time and I may be able to help you find some approximation of your usual gifts.

[He's had some of the native craftsmen do work on rather specific gifts in the past. Perhaps one of them will be able to help?]

[Text: Private]

[forgarlemald]

Usually? A new blade, or perhaps new sets of armor for her and the bird both. Something practical that she can put to use while she travels and fights.

[Look, he never said he was good at gifts. And given that he can't seem to locate a smith anywhere within this blasted city, well.]

But I am pleased to meet another friend of hers. Might I know your name?

[Text: Private]

[kingkingcxiii]

Oh, pardon me. My name is Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII. Please, just call me Regis.

I can see why you are having difficulty finding your usual gifts. There are not a lot of weapon makers in the city, but considering there was an attack on the city once, I do like the idea of getting some kind of armor created for her and the chocobo. We may not be able to do metal, but the native craftsmen have started working with new materials to make clothing for us off-worlders. Actual leather may not be available, but I suspect we may be able to find someone who can work with a leather-like material. IF Era has stronger armor that arrived with her, then she can use that, but if not we could see about getting something made for her as well as the chocobo. It would likely cost a bit, but I would be happy to help out.

[Text: Private]

[ancientflower]

Are you from Gaia too? Is she? I'm unsure how to help you, I'm not very good with fashion but I was surprised about the chocobos!

[Text: Private]

[forgarlemald]

Ah, I'm afraid not. I'm unfamiliar with Gaia, unless the land lies somewhere upon Hydaelyn. I myself hail from Garlemald, and Era from Eorzea.

Though if you are familiar with chocobos, perhaps you could provide some help there? With how she adores that creature, any gift for him is just as well a gift to her.

[ancientflower]

Oh hm, well I don't know any of those places. And the only thing I know chocobo's like are Gysahl Greens!

[action; a day or so after house acquisition]

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[For all that Emet-Selch has known of Gaius' arrival from very nearly the moment he'd arrived (how could he not, when souls from the Source stand out all the more here, and he's known Gaius' for so long?), neither does he immediately make plans to have their paths cross. He might be able to tell that Gaius has arrived without any other imput, but Solus would not have - the façade is slimmer, here, with so many people knowing both his more customary name and his nature, but still. He may as well at least make some attempt to act as Gaius will expect.

Thus, he waits.

It's only after Era has asked his assistance in creating an image of Gaius' adopted children that he does otherwise, and even then he still waits until a day has passed, in order that Gaius might have had time to begin to settle into the house in question. And while he has to admit that it's tempting to simply bide his time in the yard that now rests adjacent to Gaius' until such time as his presence might be noticed, in the end, the matter is settled instead by Hythlo, who has decided that Gaius' newly acquired house is also his to explore.

(Which, it should be noted Emet-Selch has no problems with. But neither should Hythlo stay indefinitely, either.)

Which is to say, that quite out of the blue, there's a knock on Gaius' door.]

[forgarlemald]

[Not that Gaius himself overly minded the company. Strange as it was, getting used to the fact that, not only did Carbuncle seem to invite itself over to his new home without so much as a care or a warning, but so did Peki and the odd little chick that Era had called Hythlo, there was something to be said for the distraction from thoughts and emotions he would otherwise drown in. A little bit of company to break the all consuming silence of the home, as the beasts made themselves more than at home the moment he wasn't looking.]

[Little Hythlo especially was quite an endearing little houseguest, he found. The amaro chick, Era had called the creature, was altogether too curious in the way of all young children, getting into this and that with Gaius always close behind. It's almost a disappointment when he does hear the knock at the door, though he finds relief falls more readily from his voice as he reaches down to scoop up the little bird, shushing him quietly as he takes him back across the house.]

Up you come then, little one. That must be your mother, finally come to save me from you.

[Though when he answers the door...]

[It's the strangest sensation, wanting to both straighten to attention, and to reach for a weapon that isn't currently there. But it's second nature, standing straight backed, head held high, in the presence of this man, that he's served for a lifetime.]

[Solus zos Galvus, alive. Alive and far younger than when Gaius had seen him last, but there isn't a person in Garlemald who wouldn't know that face regardless. Gaius would know that face anywhere, and though his mind races, alarm and confusion overwhelming all else-]

Your... Your Radiance.

[Era had told him that his emperor was here.]

[Era had told him that Solus wasn't quite the same man as Gaius remembers him, in a way that implied more than vision of youth he wore now.]

[Era had said quite a bit more than that, without truly saying it. And he thought himself prepared for it, the inevitable time when he could finally bring himself to seek the man out, or the man found him. And as he stands there, holding the now squirming Hythlo as he gapes wide eyed at the man before him...]

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[He is not, quite, the man Gaius remembers, it's true. In some ways he has never entirely been the man Gaius remembers. He had been Solus, yes, and is not yet so far removed from the role that he cannot yet step back into it, and yet... much of it had been that. A role, a part to be played, and though it had held truth enough it had not been the whole truth. But those are considerations he doesn't mean to share. Though he knows well enough that there are more than a few people present in the city who know who - and what - he truly is, it's all but simplicity itself to step sidewise just that little bit into the role of Solus once again.

(He may not be wearing anything quite like the clothes he might have once worn. But that can perhaps be excused given how long he's been in Havenwell, and between the fact that the overall aesthetic is similar and the way he holds himself, it's still all to easy to read him as the Emperor he once was.)]

Gaius.

[There's a brief nod to go with that singular word, acknowledgment and understanding and perhaps the barest hint of a suggestion that Gaius need not stand quite so much at attention. Not if it is something that might be uncomfortable, or inconvenient, and given Hythlo's struggles, he rather suspects it might be both.

Thus it is to Hythlo that he addresses his next comment.]

And yes, you're terribly excited to see me, I know. But surely you might at least manage to not inconvenience Gaius too much?

[Whether he means with the struggling or the visiting is... less clear. But he's willing enough to clarify, once Gaius manages to get over his surprise at the sight of him, no matter how long it should happen to take.]