[He's still not used to genuine, earnest thoughtfulness, without the expectation of reward, and he blinks, the smallest bit off-guard. Both from the nature of the gift itself as well as Tataru's clear pleasure in his reception of it.
But Emet-Selch didn't think that Tataru was trying specifically to curry his favor, or that it was a gift intended to manipulate (it was habit to assume ulterior motives, and while he knew Tataru to be resourceful and not without a touch of ruthless pragmatism, this didn't strike him to be that manner of token). It didn't feel like pity or charity either, just- something that had occurred to her to provide him because she could.
Still a touch subdued (it was how positive things registered to him, with a side of melancholy), he nods to her.]
Then in return, I shall endeavor to make the most use of it as the chill arrives. If it's anything like last year, there will be plenty of opportunity.
no subject
[He's still not used to genuine, earnest thoughtfulness, without the expectation of reward, and he blinks, the smallest bit off-guard. Both from the nature of the gift itself as well as Tataru's clear pleasure in his reception of it.
But Emet-Selch didn't think that Tataru was trying specifically to curry his favor, or that it was a gift intended to manipulate (it was habit to assume ulterior motives, and while he knew Tataru to be resourceful and not without a touch of ruthless pragmatism, this didn't strike him to be that manner of token). It didn't feel like pity or charity either, just- something that had occurred to her to provide him because she could.
Still a touch subdued (it was how positive things registered to him, with a side of melancholy), he nods to her.]
Then in return, I shall endeavor to make the most use of it as the chill arrives. If it's anything like last year, there will be plenty of opportunity.