Hythlodaeus' expression softens, and he cups Emet's cheek before resting his head on his chest. "Full glad am I that you think so."
He has to be good at something, and if that something is healing his dear friend's heart, then he will gladly take it. All he wants is for Emet-Selch to be happy. He deserves it... he's lost so much, suffered for so long.
"After our nap, which I trust will be restful now that we aren't suffocating in a cloud of dust, we should decide on what to eat. And after that, perhaps you can show me what you would do to pass the time here?"
Emet mutters something unintelligible as he shifts his arm over Hythlodaeus' shoulders. It's unclear whether he agrees with such ideas or says something else entirely within the throws of fatigue. In either case, it only takes a few moments for him to nod off completely.
It's hours before he stirs again. When he wakes he finds a suspiciously empty bed and a blanket carefully laid over him. He sits up - muscles still stinging from days prior - and looks around the room. Where did Hythlodaeus wander off to?
He'll find Hythlodaeus in the garden, bow drawn as he aims at progressively farther targets. He's actually a skilled archer, better than he gives himself credit for; alas, he's surrounded by people who excel in most everything they do, and he will always feel somewhat inferior.
When he hears Emet-Selch approaching, he lowers his bow and turns to him with a smile. His cheeks are flushed from the cold, but he seems chipper. "Ah, there you are. I thought I'd let you sleep, since you seemed to be quite comfortable. How was your rest, pray tell?"
Emet takes a moment to look on in appreciation, and a faint smile forms on his face. What a simple pleasure it is to have someone he cherishes so much turn to him and smile. Suppose he should be grateful to be able to behold such a thing today, given he had nearly met his 'end' the previous day.
"Restful," Emet responds succinctly. "If I continue to have such profound sleep, I venture that I will feel completely rested one day." He takes the few steps to stand beside Hythlodaeus at the firing line and admires the distant targets with an 'Mmm' noise. "I see you've made quick work of the accommodations."
"I am glad to hear it." Smiling, he touches at Emet's hand with his own. "So I have. It seemed like a good use of my time."
It seems to occur to Hythlodaeus that he might have not seen Emet-Selch today too, because he's watching him with almost a quiet reverence. His fingers slowly link with Emet's, and he steps closer.
"Would you like to practice with me?" Not that Emet needs it... but Hythlodaeus assumes it's a fun thing they can do together.
"Practice," Emet asks, a curious quirk to his eyebrow. How long has it been since he's had the quaint pleasure of practicing his skills just for the sake of personal advancement?
He looks to the targets that are dotted across the greenery. Some are close while others are absurdly far away - all with an arrow or two stuck within a hairsbreadth of center. His tone seeps with discontent as he asks, "I hope you don't mean for me to strike these targets with your bow. I am no archer."
"Perhaps not my bow, no." He lets it vanish, and gestures to Emet-Selch.
"But I am sure that in the years, you have only improved. Can you still wield that great sword?" He chuckles. "Ah, 'twas as big as you were... I can't imagine holding such a weapon. There are also your magical abilities, if you would prefer those?"
"I can still wield such a sword. Although, this body has certain physical limitations that make it more cumbersome than it used to be." Ah, the wonders of a physically aging Garlean body. "I would rather avoid testing such limits unless necessary."
To that end, Emet reaches his hand out and calls forth a familiar staff.
He turns toward the shore and closes his eyes to concentrate. Moments such as this allowed him to think back to a time, long ago, when creating for creation's sake was such a beautiful thing.
Emet swings the staff toward the shore and the aether bursts forth to engulf the water. The lake begins violently twisting upward and outward, jutting out into all manners of sharp angles. Waves curl into giant waves and freeze into place before they can crash on the opposite end of the shore. In a manner of moments, the peaceful lake is transformed into an icy sculpture that resembles impossibly beautiful crystal.
It would melt in time, but for now, it's thick enough to walk on. So Emet gives his friend's hand - still clasped in his own - an attention-grabbing squeeze. "Shall we?" He tilts his head out toward the ice.
It never fails to take his breath away, watching Emet-Selch work his magic. He squeezes the hand in return, and steps towards the ice.
"I see you have not lost your touch." There's clear admiration in his voice, and as they walk he looks around them with awe. "Utterly beautiful, is it not?"
He's glad to think that Emet-Selch can still create such beautiful things. That time has not eroded that part of him. Hythlodaeus pauses partway into the sculptures and looks at their reflection in the crystalline ice. They fit so well, he thinks. Hand in hand, they look natural. Like they were always meant to be this way... heh, or maybe that's simply years of longing talking for him.
Emet follows along, gazing at his own work with a sense of satisfaction. It had only been an idea, but it seems to have manifested quite spectacularly. The light from the morning sun catches in the crystals and reflects all kinds of colors - it would certainly be a sight as the sun grew higher in the sky.
He follows Hythlodaeus' line of sight as he looks at their reflections in the crystal. 'Utterly beautiful'? Emet gives a sly smirk and takes the moment to lean in and share his own thoughts. "Utterly beautiful indeed." He says in a sultry tone, perhaps not talking about the crystals around them at all.
The conversation is continued nonchalantly. "Shall this suffice for your 'practice', or am I doomed to more?"
Chuckling, Hythlodaeus takes the sultry tone as a sign to turn and drape his arms over Emet-Selch's shoulders instead.
"Doomed? Not if you continue to flatter me." He leans in for a kiss, grinning. If he continues that way, they might very well have to go back to bed again. "Why, are you tired again so soon? Surely not..."
Emet gives a crooked smile of contentment at being fawned over.
"Of course not. It would be disparaging to think that I would tire after something so simple." Emet sounds faintly insulted at the mere suggestion that he give such a paltry showing.
He raises a single indignant finger, "And don't think me for a fool, Hythlodaeus. I am aware of whom I speak to. I am especially ill-fated if I continue to flatter you." Which he will continue to do so.
Smirking, he leans his forehead against Emet's. "Ill-fated? Is that what you call it? I can move away if you'd like... if it is such a terrible fate to be close to me."
And yet, he doesn't move. Not yet. "'Tis up to you, my friend. We can continue to practice here, or we can go somewhere warmer... or I suppose we can do neither, and simply admire the view. While several fulms apart, no less."
What a boring choice in comparison to watching Emet work his magic, or retiring to the lodge. But it is a choice, nonetheless.
Emet looks off and sighs dramatically. "I do value my personal space..." Although he says as such, he slips a hand around Hythlodaeus' waist at the same time. Is it teasing, or an admission that he is willing to give up something of value for Hythlodaeus? It's up to interpretation.
"Do you not wish to join in on 'practicing' your skills?" As hesitant as though he may be, Hythlodaeus is able to mold aether as well.
"Well..." He pauses. His reserves of aether aren't quite what Emet's are, nor can he create on the same scale. It feels a lot like his efforts would look silly in comparison to the wonder Emet-Selch just created. So he just smiles, sheepish. "Should I even attempt to create anything of this nature, I will surely be drained for days."
Still, he sighs before focusing his hands together behind Emet-Selch's back. Visualise the concept... and bring it into existence. When he pulls his hands back, he's holding an earring, a drop down opal that catches the light so similarly to the ice around them.
He doesn't want to say it, but there may come a time when he must leave whether he likes it or not. If nothing else, Emet-Selch may have this gift to remember him by- to remember the opalescent view surrounding them at this moment. He holds it up, smiling. "May I?"
"A gift? For me?" Emet's eyes widen a touch. It's not entirely what he was expecting, but it's a welcome gesture all the same.
The piece of jewelry itself shines brightly in the morning sun. Something about it...reminds him of Hythlodaeus. Perhaps it's the aether it was crafted from or the shine it has. He can't quite put a finger on it.
Emet reaches for his ear and pulls out the earring that is currently pinned there. It's as much of a non-verbal acceptance as he could give.
The kiss is warm in contrast to the bitter cold outside. He’s long since become used to the cold, but such warmth finds him wishing it would linger for a few moments longer.
“It’s a touch ostentatious,” Emet says noncommittally. Of course, he says as much while being someone who exudes flashiness by way of appearance. “But I could become accustomed to it.”
That's about as much as Hythlodaeus could hope for in terms of approval, so he leans back in. "I'm glad that it's to your taste, then."
With a chuckle, he kisses him again. It's hard for him not to feel amorous surrounded by such a spectacle, but despite what Emet-Selch may think he can control himself when needed, and so the kiss remains chaste. He likes the way the earring looks on him- it makes him happy to see Emet-Selch wearing something he made for a change.
Such a comment might have come off as disapproving to most, but Hythlodaeus has always had a strange sense of knowing how to see Emet's begrudging approval for what it is. It's why he's likely one of the few who understood how happy he was in Amaurot all those years ago. Maybe he's one of the few that could tell the subtle change over the past few days.
"Perhaps you can grace us with even more of your creations in the future," Emet says, in his own way of encouragement. "This world could do with more who understand the gift of creation." He begins to lead them on further through the ice spectacle.
He links arms with Emet-Selch as they walk, smiling at the encouraging words. "Perhaps I could try, yes..."
But for now, he'll be perfectly happy to let Emet-Selch do the bulk of creating. He always was more content that way.
"Though I may never be as good at manipulating aether as you, I can most certainly aspire to be... perhaps half as good." He chuckles. No, maybe half is too high still... Emet-Selch is the most powerful mage he knows, after all. Even half of his power is more than Hythlodaeus could ever hope to wield.
"Half?" Emet repeats. Never the epitome of self-confidence, Hythlodaeus always had a subtle way of depreciating his skills. If only he knew how valuable, unique, and strong they were in this world filled with inferior beings.
Emet moves along with his arm crooked as if some sort of formal escort Hythlodaeus. They reach a large arc of crystal within a short amount of time. It's a tunnel of ice that is thick enough to block out most light from the outside. Emet takes the staff still in hand and summons the other black mage skill that has yet to be 'practiced' - fire. He draws a trail of fire through the cavern with decorative blue flames. It provides enough light to find their way.
"Then perhaps you would enjoy using the skills of your station to observe the concepts in this place, instead?" The least he could ask is for Hythlodaeus to get to know this world... if he intends to stay here indefinitely.
The tunnel of ice with the flames lighting it near takes his breath away. Though the idea of inspecting the flora and fauna here is interesting, and distracts him somewhat.
"I could very well do that, yes." It seems like it would be enjoyable to get to know what life on the star is like. "I haven't seen nearly enough of the creatures here. Not up close, anyway. So, if you would do the honours of showing me..."
Because he doubts there's anything in this tunnel of ice right at this moment, at least.
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He has to be good at something, and if that something is healing his dear friend's heart, then he will gladly take it. All he wants is for Emet-Selch to be happy. He deserves it... he's lost so much, suffered for so long.
"After our nap, which I trust will be restful now that we aren't suffocating in a cloud of dust, we should decide on what to eat. And after that, perhaps you can show me what you would do to pass the time here?"
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It's hours before he stirs again. When he wakes he finds a suspiciously empty bed and a blanket carefully laid over him. He sits up - muscles still stinging from days prior - and looks around the room. Where did Hythlodaeus wander off to?
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When he hears Emet-Selch approaching, he lowers his bow and turns to him with a smile. His cheeks are flushed from the cold, but he seems chipper. "Ah, there you are. I thought I'd let you sleep, since you seemed to be quite comfortable. How was your rest, pray tell?"
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"Restful," Emet responds succinctly. "If I continue to have such profound sleep, I venture that I will feel completely rested one day." He takes the few steps to stand beside Hythlodaeus at the firing line and admires the distant targets with an 'Mmm' noise. "I see you've made quick work of the accommodations."
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It seems to occur to Hythlodaeus that he might have not seen Emet-Selch today too, because he's watching him with almost a quiet reverence. His fingers slowly link with Emet's, and he steps closer.
"Would you like to practice with me?" Not that Emet needs it... but Hythlodaeus assumes it's a fun thing they can do together.
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He looks to the targets that are dotted across the greenery. Some are close while others are absurdly far away - all with an arrow or two stuck within a hairsbreadth of center. His tone seeps with discontent as he asks, "I hope you don't mean for me to strike these targets with your bow. I am no archer."
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"But I am sure that in the years, you have only improved. Can you still wield that great sword?" He chuckles. "Ah, 'twas as big as you were... I can't imagine holding such a weapon. There are also your magical abilities, if you would prefer those?"
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To that end, Emet reaches his hand out and calls forth a familiar staff.
He turns toward the shore and closes his eyes to concentrate. Moments such as this allowed him to think back to a time, long ago, when creating for creation's sake was such a beautiful thing.
Emet swings the staff toward the shore and the aether bursts forth to engulf the water. The lake begins violently twisting upward and outward, jutting out into all manners of sharp angles. Waves curl into giant waves and freeze into place before they can crash on the opposite end of the shore. In a manner of moments, the peaceful lake is transformed into an icy sculpture that resembles impossibly beautiful crystal.
It would melt in time, but for now, it's thick enough to walk on. So Emet gives his friend's hand - still clasped in his own - an attention-grabbing squeeze. "Shall we?" He tilts his head out toward the ice.
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"I see you have not lost your touch." There's clear admiration in his voice, and as they walk he looks around them with awe. "Utterly beautiful, is it not?"
He's glad to think that Emet-Selch can still create such beautiful things. That time has not eroded that part of him. Hythlodaeus pauses partway into the sculptures and looks at their reflection in the crystalline ice. They fit so well, he thinks. Hand in hand, they look natural. Like they were always meant to be this way... heh, or maybe that's simply years of longing talking for him.
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He follows Hythlodaeus' line of sight as he looks at their reflections in the crystal. 'Utterly beautiful'? Emet gives a sly smirk and takes the moment to lean in and share his own thoughts. "Utterly beautiful indeed." He says in a sultry tone, perhaps not talking about the crystals around them at all.
The conversation is continued nonchalantly. "Shall this suffice for your 'practice', or am I doomed to more?"
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"Doomed? Not if you continue to flatter me." He leans in for a kiss, grinning. If he continues that way, they might very well have to go back to bed again. "Why, are you tired again so soon? Surely not..."
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"Of course not. It would be disparaging to think that I would tire after something so simple." Emet sounds faintly insulted at the mere suggestion that he give such a paltry showing.
He raises a single indignant finger, "And don't think me for a fool, Hythlodaeus. I am aware of whom I speak to. I am especially ill-fated if I continue to flatter you." Which he will continue to do so.
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And yet, he doesn't move. Not yet. "'Tis up to you, my friend. We can continue to practice here, or we can go somewhere warmer... or I suppose we can do neither, and simply admire the view. While several fulms apart, no less."
What a boring choice in comparison to watching Emet work his magic, or retiring to the lodge. But it is a choice, nonetheless.
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"Do you not wish to join in on 'practicing' your skills?" As hesitant as though he may be, Hythlodaeus is able to mold aether as well.
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Still, he sighs before focusing his hands together behind Emet-Selch's back. Visualise the concept... and bring it into existence. When he pulls his hands back, he's holding an earring, a drop down opal that catches the light so similarly to the ice around them.
He doesn't want to say it, but there may come a time when he must leave whether he likes it or not. If nothing else, Emet-Selch may have this gift to remember him by- to remember the opalescent view surrounding them at this moment. He holds it up, smiling. "May I?"
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The piece of jewelry itself shines brightly in the morning sun. Something about it...reminds him of Hythlodaeus. Perhaps it's the aether it was crafted from or the shine it has. He can't quite put a finger on it.
Emet reaches for his ear and pulls out the earring that is currently pinned there. It's as much of a non-verbal acceptance as he could give.
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"It suits you." A little piece of Hythlodaeus to call his own... not that he hasn't had the heart of the man himself for so many thousands of years.
"Do you like it?"
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“It’s a touch ostentatious,” Emet says noncommittally. Of course, he says as much while being someone who exudes flashiness by way of appearance. “But I could become accustomed to it.”
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With a chuckle, he kisses him again. It's hard for him not to feel amorous surrounded by such a spectacle, but despite what Emet-Selch may think he can control himself when needed, and so the kiss remains chaste. He likes the way the earring looks on him- it makes him happy to see Emet-Selch wearing something he made for a change.
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"Perhaps you can grace us with even more of your creations in the future," Emet says, in his own way of encouragement. "This world could do with more who understand the gift of creation." He begins to lead them on further through the ice spectacle.
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But for now, he'll be perfectly happy to let Emet-Selch do the bulk of creating. He always was more content that way.
"Though I may never be as good at manipulating aether as you, I can most certainly aspire to be... perhaps half as good." He chuckles. No, maybe half is too high still... Emet-Selch is the most powerful mage he knows, after all. Even half of his power is more than Hythlodaeus could ever hope to wield.
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Emet moves along with his arm crooked as if some sort of formal escort Hythlodaeus. They reach a large arc of crystal within a short amount of time. It's a tunnel of ice that is thick enough to block out most light from the outside. Emet takes the staff still in hand and summons the other black mage skill that has yet to be 'practiced' - fire. He draws a trail of fire through the cavern with decorative blue flames. It provides enough light to find their way.
"Then perhaps you would enjoy using the skills of your station to observe the concepts in this place, instead?" The least he could ask is for Hythlodaeus to get to know this world... if he intends to stay here indefinitely.
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"I could very well do that, yes." It seems like it would be enjoyable to get to know what life on the star is like. "I haven't seen nearly enough of the creatures here. Not up close, anyway. So, if you would do the honours of showing me..."
Because he doubts there's anything in this tunnel of ice right at this moment, at least.