[Emet-Selch swears he can hear his bones creak in protest and he's reminded, briefly, of the first time he ever witnessed his companion nock an arrow and draw a bowstring back, taut but trembling. "Quite useless" indeed! Useless enough to have him all but cursing under his breath, because though he does so appreciate the thought, this is actually becoming altogether uncomfortable. It's very nearly a relief when Hythlodaeus finally releases him, and he sits there reeling for a moment, slowly straightening up again as he rubs at his own shoulder.]
[But by then, Hythlodaeus has begun to speak quickly and with great animation, something Emet-Selch would hardly be able to interrupt even should he wish to try. Once again, it feels as if it has been an age since he last witnessed such a thing, the flurry of excitement, the way he barely pauses for breath as he paces about and gesticulates, the words cascading out with straightforward candidness which requires no filter and no evaluation for their choice. And so Emet-Selch is left to watch and listen, and at some point, about midway through, Hythlodaeus will no doubt notice the subtle smile that has crept onto Emet-Selch's face, the one which appears when he's both amused and well content, when he believes that no one else has taken notice. It permeates his very essence, good-humored and serene and quietly, discretely radiant.]
[But then he's being tested again, and again, with such force as to nearly pry him out of his seat.]
Don't be absurd, Hythlodaeus. It's hardly without flaw.
[A protest, and thank the star that his mask and cowl obscure the pink flush that has risen along his face and ears.]
And you needn't thank me. I was merely bored and so thought to revisit some old drafts I'd begun centuries ago. What reason would I have to develop a concept entirely from scratch purely to amuse you?
[What reason, indeed. And even though he'd continue to deny it, he's certainly just revealed his hand. He did create it on a whim - a very recent one. And yes, he did do it all for him with no one else in mind and no other goal (though naturally he'd still not stoop to construct anything poorly). Hythlodaeus has the right of it, and his denial's hardly strong enough to serve as a proper rebuttal. Although it just might, if Hythlodaeus should choose to test his strength out on him again.]
[Finally unnerved, Emet-Selch tugs at one vice-like forearm and makes a shooing motion with his other hand.]
Now, enough. I'm in the middle of a very pressing assignment, and you're making it impossible to breathe, much less concentrate!
no subject
[But by then, Hythlodaeus has begun to speak quickly and with great animation, something Emet-Selch would hardly be able to interrupt even should he wish to try. Once again, it feels as if it has been an age since he last witnessed such a thing, the flurry of excitement, the way he barely pauses for breath as he paces about and gesticulates, the words cascading out with straightforward candidness which requires no filter and no evaluation for their choice. And so Emet-Selch is left to watch and listen, and at some point, about midway through, Hythlodaeus will no doubt notice the subtle smile that has crept onto Emet-Selch's face, the one which appears when he's both amused and well content, when he believes that no one else has taken notice. It permeates his very essence, good-humored and serene and quietly, discretely radiant.]
[But then he's being tested again, and again, with such force as to nearly pry him out of his seat.]
Don't be absurd, Hythlodaeus. It's hardly without flaw.
[A protest, and thank the star that his mask and cowl obscure the pink flush that has risen along his face and ears.]
And you needn't thank me. I was merely bored and so thought to revisit some old drafts I'd begun centuries ago. What reason would I have to develop a concept entirely from scratch purely to amuse you?
[What reason, indeed. And even though he'd continue to deny it, he's certainly just revealed his hand. He did create it on a whim - a very recent one. And yes, he did do it all for him with no one else in mind and no other goal (though naturally he'd still not stoop to construct anything poorly). Hythlodaeus has the right of it, and his denial's hardly strong enough to serve as a proper rebuttal. Although it just might, if Hythlodaeus should choose to test his strength out on him again.]
[Finally unnerved, Emet-Selch tugs at one vice-like forearm and makes a shooing motion with his other hand.]
Now, enough. I'm in the middle of a very pressing assignment, and you're making it impossible to breathe, much less concentrate!
We can discuss this in far more depth later.