I'll tell you when we are seated. It's a good thing though. I promise.
[ He gestures down to the kitchen where he already has a full meal prepared. It's actually quite an attractive spread. A warm loaf of honeyed bread, baked figs, braised chicken with olive stuffing and a fresh green salad. ]
I said I would cook for you sometime. So please, enjoy.
[This handsome spread is certainly a feast for the eyes. Lahabrea can scarcely believe that his son created all this. Not because he doubts the boy’s culinary talent, but simply because he’s gotten so good at it. The braised chicken smells delicious, enough to get an excited squawk from Pyralis who believes they’re invited to the meal as well.]
All good things who comes those who wait.
[ He mutters in an amused tone before washing his hands at the sink. By the time he joins Erichthonius at the table, his phoinix has already begun to peck at a few figs. The bird does not need to eat; it is simply inquisitive about the taste. Unfortunately, Pyralis does not have a chance to try the fig. Lahabrea sighs as he removes it from her beak.]
Behave yourself.
[He warns the bird before taking a bite of the fig. To his surprise, it’s quite good.]
I’m impressed, Erichthonius. I dare say you’re a good chef.
[Now that he successfully stopped Pyralis from trying to devour everything in sight, Lahabrea relaxes a bit and simply enjoys the food. However, that doesn’t stop the three headed phoinix from trying to peck at the bread. The bird is determined.]
[ Erich watches Pyralis peck at the food, and what's more... his father gives him a genuine compliment. He can't help the smile that takes over his face, unbidden. ]
Thank you. Angeal has taught me a great deal, but I have been working hard to develop this.
[ He won't linger on his victory too long though. Pushing a small plate forward on the table, full of bite-sized fruits and bits of bread, meat and cheese. ]
[The compliment came easily because the meal is quite delicious. It's evident that Lahabrea is grateful to Angeal for teaching Erichthonius the fundamentals, but everything the young man did was on his own initiative. That alone makes him proud of his son.]
Your efforts certainly paid off well. I’ve heard you’ve been spending much of your time at the bakery.
[ He mentions this before eating another roasted fig, this time with a slice of bread. Pyralis was going to fight over the bread, but Erichthonios cleverly intervened. The three-headed bird looks down at the small saucer, confused, before giving out a pleased chirp. She greedily shovels into the food, starting with the fruits and progressing to the meats. Lahabrea observes the phoinix for a while, apparently delighted by her antics, despite his semi-permanent glower. He ultimately switches his glance away from Pyralis and back onto Erichthonius, this time with a hint of curiosity in his eyes. ]
However, I feel there's more to this dinner than you merely wanting to show off your culinary skills.
[Joy in cooking? Didn’t Emet-Selch say something similar in the past? While Lahabrea views cooking as nothing more than just another chore, he does find himself gravitating to the arts as of lately. Those sketches he would make of new, bizarre mythic wonders soon became painstakingly illustrated paintings that he would keep scattered about. While cooking is an art in own right, he never seen much correlation between the two until now. Nevertheless, he’s jostled out of his thoughts with what Erichthonius says next.]
…You proposed to Themis?
[The shock in his words is evident since he almost never calls Elidibus by his given name. Both Pyralis and he stop eating, their gaze focused squarely on Erichthonius.]
You’re getting married?
[He’s speechless. As he should be, considering his darling son is about to get married.]
I-I see. [He takes a moment to clear his throat, doing his best to avoid Pyralis’ stare. The phoinix squawks angrily at him before quickly flying over to Erichthonius for so much needed cuddles. It flies right on top of Erichthonius’ head and starts nuzzling against the boy’s bright orange hair clearly overjoyed by the news. Lahabrea, on the other hand, cannot help but smile a little.]
Of course, it would be my honor to assist you with the ceremony.
[ It's admittedly very funny to see his father get flustered so. Erich allows an easy smile to spread again with the excuse of Pyralis cuddling him. He pets the bird happily, giving it a few kisses on its head. ]
I am. And I'm so glad you want to be involved...
I honestly couldn't think of someone who I would want there more than you.
[ He puffs up, digging in his robe for a picture that he holds out for his father to take. ]
I even made his ring with my own creation magic. No help. Just me. It's a small thing but... it was a lot of work to get it just perfect.
[It's not often that the Speaker of the Convocation is rendered speechless, but Erichthonius appears to be pulling off the impossible, much to Lahabrea's dismay. He stares at the picture for a long time, mentally appreciating the band that his son gave Themis. It's no surprise that Athena's tampering has left their dear son barely able to cast even the most basic spells. However, the fact that Erichthonius has made such strides during his time here demonstrates his unwavering strength.
It's enough to make the old man feel proud.]
It's quite a beautiful ring.
[He whispers as he takes the picture.]
It has a simple yet elegant design. Even though I've witnessed allegedly grander creations, I can tell this was made with love.
[Pyralis is content with this brief interaction between father and son. Enough that the phoinix begins to coo. Lahabrea can't stand that annoying bird sometimes. Sometimes it appears to be more of a pet than anything else. However, Lahabrea does not want to ruin the mood by chasing the bird away.]
[ Erich soaks in that praise like rays of warm sunshine. In that moment, it's evident just how much he still seeks his father's approval. Wants to be someone that Lahabrea can be proud of, even just a little bit. ]
Thank you. It was... made with everything I had.
I never thought anyone like Themis would ever even notice the likes of me, and I want to make sure that everything is as perfect as it can be. To show my gratitude.
[ Ahh but now he's getting mushy. ]
Ah- sorry. Please, don't let me stop you eating more, I don't want it to go cold.
[ As if the man couldn't reheat it with a snap of his fingers. ]
[The funny thing is, Lahabrea is already proud of him. While the grumpy old man is hesitant to say it, the adoring look in his eyes speaks volumes. Hephaistos always struggled to express his emotions, even now. However, it seems that the old man is ironically finding his voice.]
I trust Elidibus wears it with pride.
[He wouldn't be surprised to see Elidibus wearing the engagement ring during his next visit here.]
Even if it wasn't perfect, he would still wear it. [He replies with a faint smile.] Perfection means little to those who love you for who you are.
Therefore, there's no need for you to chase it so earnestly.
[They've both grown in their own ways. While Erichthonios' transformation is more visible in his eyes, Lahabrea admits that a part of himself has changed as well. Perhaps it has something to do with the time he spent in this simulation, or perhaps it has everything to do with the fact that Etheirys continues to thrive without him. Regardless, he no longer feels the need to cling to his previous lofty perceptions.]
Strive if you must. However, you do not have to be perfect in my eyes or anyone else's.
[He would've never said such a thing in the past. Something has changed.]
In any case, how should we plan this wedding? I have some ideas, but as father-of-the-would-be groom, you're entitled to this honor.
[ He can't articulate how much it means to hear that, but some tension is released from his body it seems. It will be a long road to undoing the damage done, but the fact that he's willing to try so earnestly.
he laughs at the question, glad for such intense enthusiasm for the event. ]
I would hear them gladly. Themis wants to invite nearly the whole population knowing him and I would not deny him that. That said, I do not wish for anything extravagant. I want it to feel... warm. Like home.
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[ He gestures down to the kitchen where he already has a full meal prepared. It's actually quite an attractive spread. A warm loaf of honeyed bread, baked figs, braised chicken with olive stuffing and a fresh green salad. ]
I said I would cook for you sometime. So please, enjoy.
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All good things who comes those who wait.
[ He mutters in an amused tone before washing his hands at the sink. By the time he joins Erichthonius at the table, his phoinix has already begun to peck at a few figs. The bird does not need to eat; it is simply inquisitive about the taste. Unfortunately, Pyralis does not have a chance to try the fig. Lahabrea sighs as he removes it from her beak.]
Behave yourself.
[He warns the bird before taking a bite of the fig. To his surprise, it’s quite good.]
I’m impressed, Erichthonius. I dare say you’re a good chef.
[Now that he successfully stopped Pyralis from trying to devour everything in sight, Lahabrea relaxes a bit and simply enjoys the food. However, that doesn’t stop the three headed phoinix from trying to peck at the bread. The bird is determined.]
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Thank you. Angeal has taught me a great deal, but I have been working hard to develop this.
[ He won't linger on his victory too long though. Pushing a small plate forward on the table, full of bite-sized fruits and bits of bread, meat and cheese. ]
Don't worry Pyralis. I didn't forget you. Dig in.
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Your efforts certainly paid off well. I’ve heard you’ve been spending much of your time at the bakery.
[ He mentions this before eating another roasted fig, this time with a slice of bread. Pyralis was going to fight over the bread, but Erichthonios cleverly intervened. The three-headed bird looks down at the small saucer, confused, before giving out a pleased chirp. She greedily shovels into the food, starting with the fruits and progressing to the meats. Lahabrea observes the phoinix for a while, apparently delighted by her antics, despite his semi-permanent glower. He ultimately switches his glance away from Pyralis and back onto Erichthonius, this time with a hint of curiosity in his eyes. ]
However, I feel there's more to this dinner than you merely wanting to show off your culinary skills.
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[ He clears his throat at the comment. Yes, he ought to get to business. ]
Yes... there is. I suppose I just ought to come out and say it-
Father. I proposed to Themis. He accepted. We're going to be wed. I... was hoping you would be involved with the wedding.
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…You proposed to Themis?
[The shock in his words is evident since he almost never calls Elidibus by his given name. Both Pyralis and he stop eating, their gaze focused squarely on Erichthonius.]
You’re getting married?
[He’s speechless. As he should be, considering his darling son is about to get married.]
I-I see. [He takes a moment to clear his throat, doing his best to avoid Pyralis’ stare. The phoinix squawks angrily at him before quickly flying over to Erichthonius for so much needed cuddles. It flies right on top of Erichthonius’ head and starts nuzzling against the boy’s bright orange hair clearly overjoyed by the news. Lahabrea, on the other hand, cannot help but smile a little.]
Of course, it would be my honor to assist you with the ceremony.
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I am. And I'm so glad you want to be involved...
I honestly couldn't think of someone who I would want there more than you.
[ He puffs up, digging in his robe for a picture that he holds out for his father to take. ]
I even made his ring with my own creation magic. No help. Just me. It's a small thing but... it was a lot of work to get it just perfect.
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It's enough to make the old man feel proud.]
It's quite a beautiful ring.
[He whispers as he takes the picture.]
It has a simple yet elegant design. Even though I've witnessed allegedly grander creations, I can tell this was made with love.
[Pyralis is content with this brief interaction between father and son. Enough that the phoinix begins to coo. Lahabrea can't stand that annoying bird sometimes. Sometimes it appears to be more of a pet than anything else. However, Lahabrea does not want to ruin the mood by chasing the bird away.]
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Thank you. It was... made with everything I had.
I never thought anyone like Themis would ever even notice the likes of me, and I want to make sure that everything is as perfect as it can be. To show my gratitude.
[ Ahh but now he's getting mushy. ]
Ah- sorry. Please, don't let me stop you eating more, I don't want it to go cold.
[ As if the man couldn't reheat it with a snap of his fingers. ]
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I trust Elidibus wears it with pride.
[He wouldn't be surprised to see Elidibus wearing the engagement ring during his next visit here.]
Even if it wasn't perfect, he would still wear it. [He replies with a faint smile.] Perfection means little to those who love you for who you are.
Therefore, there's no need for you to chase it so earnestly.
[A bit of advice for you, dear son.]
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[ It's surprising to hear that from his father, but he has grown. They both have. ]
Thank you... I guess it's just in my nature to give my everything.
I'll probably never produce perfection, but as long as I keep striving for it, I can at least get close someday.
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Strive if you must. However, you do not have to be perfect in my eyes or anyone else's.
[He would've never said such a thing in the past. Something has changed.]
In any case, how should we plan this wedding? I have some ideas, but as father-of-the-would-be groom, you're entitled to this honor.
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he laughs at the question, glad for such intense enthusiasm for the event. ]
I would hear them gladly. Themis wants to invite nearly the whole population knowing him and I would not deny him that. That said, I do not wish for anything extravagant. I want it to feel... warm. Like home.