[There is a reason indeed. Emet-Selch is cared for. Immensely, unquestionably, absolutely. Therefore, he has a mind to spare his feelings- rather than asking him to dredge up details on something that must have been extremely painful emotionally as well as physically.
Yet Thancred has misunderstood his question. His own fault, he's more than certain. To illuminate:]
Because I wish to know of three quarrels in particular. Emet-Selch is but one. All three came to blows with Himeka... from what I was told during our brief chat on the moon. Yet we could not speak for long enough for me to ask why.
[A faint pause. And his grip tightens around his mug.]
So, presuming you have been with her for long enough to have witnessed the result- I would like to ask if you know.
[And there it is. Confirmation that he has absolutely no idea, at all, of the Rejoinings, save for a feeling (unexplained, of course) of Zodiark's power increasing. Nor does he know of... anything, actually, since the Sundering- save for what he has gleaned from watching Himeka from the Underworld himself.
There's a gap, essentially- between the Sundering and his true death. More like a chasm.
Ah. But he is asked a question. His eyes raise from the mug, and meet Thancred's. There were concerns about altering Eithery's outcome by dispensing information which might have things done differently, yes. But...
Well.]
An excellent question. And it is one I do not know either!
[A faint smile- a glint of amusement in his eyes follows, yet he does not laugh. No doubt this one is feeling vaguely toyed with. So he sets himself to explaining.]
When she reached journey's end and could not proceed any further, I and Emet-Selch were called. We provided a means of which she could reach the Metia- and some encouragement besides for her to bring you and your comrades back. As half-faded souls of the dead, you see, we could not hope to stand against what the Metia had become. Therefore, we thought it prudent to say our goodbyes and return to our journey. ...Unfortunately, I was brought here shortly afterward.
[A light tapping of his fingers on the mug.]
One of your number, a young girl, I believe- was quite vexed! and vocal about her expectations not being met. Far be it any business of mine, but one of these days, I imagine her face may very well stick like that. She should be warned, for it would be a pity.
[But. His smile fades, his fun had, and instead, his eyes meet Thancred's in gentle seriousness.]
I cannot tell you if your efforts were successful. I can only tell you what I believe. That the hopes of all souls of Eitherys, living and dead, are with you, your faction, and Himeka. And while I regrettably know little of you- I know Himeka [Hemera.] is not the sort to disappoint. I believe in her- I trust in her, and I know she will be successful.
no subject
Yet Thancred has misunderstood his question. His own fault, he's more than certain. To illuminate:]
Because I wish to know of three quarrels in particular. Emet-Selch is but one. All three came to blows with Himeka... from what I was told during our brief chat on the moon. Yet we could not speak for long enough for me to ask why.
[A faint pause. And his grip tightens around his mug.]
So, presuming you have been with her for long enough to have witnessed the result- I would like to ask if you know.
[And there it is. Confirmation that he has absolutely no idea, at all, of the Rejoinings, save for a feeling (unexplained, of course) of Zodiark's power increasing. Nor does he know of... anything, actually, since the Sundering- save for what he has gleaned from watching Himeka from the Underworld himself.
There's a gap, essentially- between the Sundering and his true death. More like a chasm.
Ah. But he is asked a question. His eyes raise from the mug, and meet Thancred's. There were concerns about altering Eithery's outcome by dispensing information which might have things done differently, yes. But...
Well.]
An excellent question. And it is one I do not know either!
[A faint smile- a glint of amusement in his eyes follows, yet he does not laugh. No doubt this one is feeling vaguely toyed with. So he sets himself to explaining.]
When she reached journey's end and could not proceed any further, I and Emet-Selch were called. We provided a means of which she could reach the Metia- and some encouragement besides for her to bring you and your comrades back. As half-faded souls of the dead, you see, we could not hope to stand against what the Metia had become. Therefore, we thought it prudent to say our goodbyes and return to our journey. ...Unfortunately, I was brought here shortly afterward.
[A light tapping of his fingers on the mug.]
One of your number, a young girl, I believe- was quite vexed! and vocal about her expectations not being met. Far be it any business of mine, but one of these days, I imagine her face may very well stick like that. She should be warned, for it would be a pity.
[But. His smile fades, his fun had, and instead, his eyes meet Thancred's in gentle seriousness.]
I cannot tell you if your efforts were successful. I can only tell you what I believe. That the hopes of all souls of Eitherys, living and dead, are with you, your faction, and Himeka. And while I regrettably know little of you- I know Himeka [Hemera.] is not the sort to disappoint. I believe in her- I trust in her, and I know she will be successful.
... And as she trusts in you, so shall I.