expiationlogs | closed log

Who: Emet-Selch, Hythlodaeus, and Yuja (plus self-invited guests)
Where: The woods/cave etc
What: They're going on a quest to build a house
Warnings: None besides spoilers for canon

Emet-Selch doesn't expect it to be so easy to request a new dwelling, but simple enquiries reveal that the workers are more than happy to get it done should he provide the raw materials. Now, he knows building a house is not a simple task, so there is the niggling suspicion that some kind of magic will be involved. However, it's none of his business so long as it's done and done right. He leaves his request to the builders - a home with three bedrooms, as many bathrooms, and the usual amenities - then departs with a list in hand of what they need for it.

Hythlodaeus, he informs of their new quest in person since they live together. The Warrior of Light, he leaves a message using his charm:

I have a quest for you. Meet me at the edge of the forest. Dress comfortably.

Emet-Selch will be waiting.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"If your methods hadn't meant the destruction of all I knew then maybe I would have allied with you." She shoots back, tail lashing behind her. "But fine, we can just continue whatever this is."

She's clearly irritated as she finishes off her sandwich. She doesn't want to go hunting now, she'd prefer to return to her camp at this point.

He stares at the last bite of his sandwich, jaw tight. It always has to end like this, doesn't it? But he doesn't want her to go this time. It feels like he'll always be watching their back as they walk away from him and he's tired of it.

As she's standing to leave, he speaks up.

"...Wait, please. I-- I apologise."

He has to drag the words out of himself by force. They stick in his throat. He swallows but the passage is not made any easier. He can't even look at her.

"I can't-- I can't forsake my duty to my people," he continues, working through clenched teeth. "You know why I can't, don't you? However, that doesn't mean I don't wish to befriend you. That's why I invited you in the first place."

Yuja nearly stumbles over herself in surprise as he forces out the apology. Even her chocobo seems taken aback. She looks back over at him, eye wide behind her bangs.

“Come again?”.

"Don't make me repeat it," he says snappishly, briefly sounding a little more like his usual self. He forces himself to look up. He's grimacing. "I invited you here to spend time with you, hero. I sent Hythlodaeus away to the beach on purpose."

If she wasn't shocked by the apology and the fact that he was trying to befriend her, she might have switched to teasing him about it. Instead, she blinks at him as her tail twitches somewhat agitatedly behind her. Why must this man be so confusing?

"Oh."

"'Oh'? Is that all you have to say?"

It comes out sharper than he intends. He bites his lip and looks back down.

"I did not always see eye to eye with Azem either," he mutters. "And yet we remained friends. Why can our relationship not be the same?"

She frowns at that.

"I'm not Azem, as you've so often liked to remind me." She points out. "We might have your similarities, but I've lived my own life."

She pauses before continuing, "That doesn't mean I don't want to try to be your friend, but if you're just looking at me as if I'm them then..." It's a little awkward for her, now isn't it?

"I know that," he snaps. This time the sharpness is intended. He knows she's not the same but he still struggles to accept it. "I wasn't trying to suggest that we replicate my and Azem's fraught friendship. How am I supposed to come to know you if I don't spend time with you? The Emet-Selch you're familiar with - I've yet to experience any of his trials. I don't know you, hero. Do I not deserve a chance to try?"

Well, at least they're on the same page.

She's quiet for a moment, thinking over how best to respond. "Very well. I suppose I can't argue that." She pauses, "However, I think I'm rather exhausted right now."

She's hit her limit of Emet-Selch interaction for the day.

"...Alright."

He's disappointed. Angry at himself. Somewhat angry at her for not being who he wants her to be. He wonders if he should just stop trying to reach out - would she prefer that?

"Thank you for your help so far, I suppose."

She's not always that great at picking up on other people's emotions, but she's sure being told she's done for the day can't leave him feeling well.

"Tomorrow we can continue if you want, I'm just suddenly very tired." Which isn't a lie, dealing with his mood swings and trying to figure out what he's thinking is exhausting for her.

"I would appreciate any help you're willing to give."

The words are carefully neutral. He does want her to come back. He doesn't know how Elidibus is willing to forgive her or even accept their end, but he's admittedly jealous of how close she and the Emissary seem to be.

"I shall be here again tomorrow."

She gives a short nod. "I'll see you again tomorrow."

With that, she takes her chocobo's reins and starts back to her camp. A long soak in some hot water and then a nap is needed after this.

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