Carrick remembered Samandriel's words when Hermes referred to him as his Sun. the angel had told him that he was the boy's light. Carrick was not used to being thought of as a light for anyone.
He looked in wonder at the light surrounding Hermes' fingers. He had not seen the boy use Fae light before. Slowly he reached up and took both of Hermes' hands in his, sitting up so that he could face the boy properly.
"You have no reason to hate yourself, eremenos," he said, his voice quiet but intense. "And there is no curse in you. You're selfless, loving - you only have to look at how quickly Elsa became devoted to you for that." Carrick's ancient eyes held a sadness that he could not put into words. "But I, of all people, understand what it is to be different from those around you. My entire culture is gone, and I know I could live another thousand years and never meet anyone else who remembers the world that shaped me."
He stroked Hermes' cheek. "The gods gave you to me, Hermes Maiason. and I thank them for it every night."
Any other man might have blanched at Hermes' next words, but Carrick understood death in a way that few others ever did. "All mortals owe a death," he said softly. "But I swear to you in Persephone's name; no matter ho your end comes, through age or disease or any other means, I will give you peace. Thanatos will come for you as softly as a kiss."