[His chiding has her laughing, if only because she has to own it. He's not wrong, you see, and it isn't uncommon for Dunesfolk to have, er, hoarding tendencies.]
I'll do my best not to hoard simply for the sake of it.
[She does have quite a large house, considering it's only herself, Henry, and her new dog that live in it. But! It's a nice reminder to have.]
...What should they do?
[He's asking for her opinion which didn't go over all that well the last time she did as much, but she's learned from the last time how to watch her phrasing.]
It's difficult, to be put in such a situation. One cannot simply stop what they've started...it would leave a power vacuum to be filled that could cause even more chaos.
[If they're still talking about politics, that is. Looking at you Nanamo-!]
I suppose one would, if they are lucky enough to have them, lean on their trusted advisers or people they can confide in, to share the brunt of the emotional burden.
[Opinions always have the risk of hitting him the wrong way, and triggering a bit of unwarranted spite and sharpness. But for now, at least, Emet-Selch is only curious for her perspective, as though this were some sort of hypothetical problem to solve between them, rather than anything personal.
(Of course it's personal.)]
You're quite right about that, I believe... if competent candidates for leadership roles were easy to come by, there would be far less pressure on those few dutiful souls to remain at their task past all point of health or reason. To abandon something important, with nothing to replace it--
[He cuts himself off, sighing heavily.]
Ideally, there would be confidants to share one's pain. But what if there weren't? No one else who believed, or understood, or was simply capable- how does one manage on their own?
[What if one was disinclined towards accepting emotional assistance regardless.
It'd be difficult, I'll admit. I would hate to be in such a position...
[She can't help but cast her gaze back down to what's left of her muffin.]
A person like that becomes a scorned savior, do they not? An individual doing their best to do right by their people, even if the others around them seem to not understand their point of view or actions. It makes me think a bit of a well-intentioned parent having their children partake in tasks they may hate in the moment but come to appreciate later on down the line, realizing their parents actions were done out of love.
[She hums a bit to herself, doing her best to try and come up with a solution. Frankly? She doesn't have one - all she has is suggestions.]
I suppose all one can do in such a position is not close themselves off from their people's concerns and worries. To stay connected, remain grounded and, above all, try to see the perspective from the other side. Perhaps open dialogue of some sort, if possible? It truly is an unfortunate position to be stuck in...
[Muffin break. Give her a moment to chew, making those cheeks of hers puff out again.]
I know I would do poorly if it were me, I'll tell you as much. To be alone and to have no one to believe in you...I know what that's like. No one should have to face such troubles alone but for those who do I can only imagine the strength and resolve it takes. They've my utmost respect.
[And Emet-Selch is quiet for a time, though he doesn't seem to be upset at Tataru's commentary. At least, not in an angry sense, and he distractedly picks at what's left of his muffin without eating it, just breaking off small pieces and leaving them on the plate.]
There's no real solution, is there? Only tragic realities.
[Though he'd never stopped looking tired, the Ascian seems ever more so. He didn't expect to find any kind of answer from Tataru- and really, even if she'd suggested a solution, he would've just scorned it. Just the thought of opening a dialogue- well, that entirely depended on who he was opening a dialogue with. His people were no longer present to speak to, and mortals...
There was nothing worth talking to there.
(Nevermind that he was discussing this with a mortal.)]
People... do tend towards the childish, more often than not. Petulant, short-sighted, incapable of understanding the harm they cause. And sometimes... they overwhelm their parents, will never be given the opportunity to learn better.
[Realizing he's been tearing what's left of his poor muffin apart, he stops, dropping a few crumbs and withdrawing his hand.]
'Tis unfortunate when one shares one's perspective, only to have it come to naught regardless. Where violence becomes the only answer.
I wish I could say that isn't the case...but you're not wrong. Words only have so much weight behind them before they require being backed up by action, whether said actions are violent or not.
[If there was a solution it's one she hadn't found yet, nor is her ego big enough that she thinks she knows what's right when it comes to such a delicate, difficult situation. She was a schemer and problem solver, sure, but she was no diplomat or politician. Such hypotheticals were best left to those like Alphinaud to address.
Still...the state of his muffin doesn't go unnoticed. Clearly this conversation is causing him a bit of stress. That hadn't been her intention. Perhaps she can shift things into a more positive topic.]
Speaking of perspectives and thoughts, have you given much thought as to what I could craft for you?
[She hadn't forgotten and the offer is still, quite clearly, on the table.]
[And the only actions that mattered, the only ones that lingered, were the violent sort. But he doesn't say as much, the continued way he withdraws providing enough of a response.
Had he made a mistake, not using violence against those heroes when he'd first encountered them? In a practical sense... yes. They were undoubtedly weaker then. It wasn't that he regretted giving them a chance, trying to understand and be understood- but in terms of pure effect, it had been the wrong choice. Words had not been enough.
The question draws a blink, expression briefly confused as the new topic sinks in. As he tries to think on whether he'd actually decided on something.]
--I could use another coat, I suppose. A longer one. I don't have any particular style in mind... whatever you think would suit would be acceptable.
[And if he didn't like the result, he just wouldn't use it.]
[There's a sudden glint behind her eyes that's reflected as she takes stock of the man sitting across from her. Already it's obvious that the gears inside her head are turning, ideas filling her head as to what would suit him. Clearly she's excited by the thought, her little hands clapping together.]
Ah...I've full authority then? Ohh...that gives me much to work with, indeed! Any particular colors you're fond of? I know the coat I see you wear is mostly reds, golds and black. Are those colors that are your favourite or have you other shades you prefer?
[That's the sort of glint that would make anyone nervous, and Emet-Selch briefly wondered what he'd given himself over to....
He eats a crumb of his torn-apart muffin before replying. It would surely be fine.]
In this field you're certainly the expert, so I'll leave it to your judgement. But in terms of clothing, yes, those would be my preferred colors. It's hard to go wrong with black as a base, isn't it?
[Amaurotine robes, Ascian robes, his current clothing....]
[Aside from subjecting himself to Tataru's detailed measurement taking it would be fine. She does have impeccable taste, after all. He may or may not have seen the edgelord outfit she'd made their mutual friend before they ended up in the First...if there's anything Tataru knows her hand around it's black fabric.]
You're not wrong at all. Black is a standard, certainly. It suits you well. Some might say it can be gloomy but I think it highlights your pale complexion and golden eye color quite well. I'll have to take your measurements at some point but we can do that later! Ohh...it'll be fun to make you something, Emet-Selch.
[Someone's excited...clearly. Can you blame her though? Tataru's got a thing for showing off leggies when it comes to fashion and Lalafell are sorely lacking in that particular department. Her Garlean friend however is not. The taller he is the more area she has to work with and the more fabric can drape and billow.]
It'll be a fantastic coat, I promise you that. Are you still willing to help source me materials?
[They had looked appropriately edgy on their sudden appearance upon the First....]
I'm relieved you think it suits. My measurements are yours for the taking.
[It's true, he has several lalafells worth of leggies for her to work with. The excitement at the prospect of... making him a thing is slightly amusing though. But if she wanted to, and he would benefit- he had no reason to turn her down.]
And of course. As soon as you've decided on what you need, 'tis little trouble to provide.
It's hard not to be excited though, at least in her opinion. Getting to make new garments for someone she never had before was a thrilling challenge, their frame a blank canvas if you will. Finishing off her muffin she wipes her mouth politely before putting away her dishes, keen to not leave a mess behind.]
It's settled then. I'll make you something extremely dashing. I've quite a few ideas...ohhh maybe I'll make them all. We'll see!
[She claps her hands together, eyes sparkling with determination.]
I'll let you know what I need soon. For now though I won't take up any more of your time. Enjoy the muffins, okay?
no subject
I'll do my best not to hoard simply for the sake of it.
[She does have quite a large house, considering it's only herself, Henry, and her new dog that live in it. But! It's a nice reminder to have.]
...What should they do?
[He's asking for her opinion which didn't go over all that well the last time she did as much, but she's learned from the last time how to watch her phrasing.]
It's difficult, to be put in such a situation. One cannot simply stop what they've started...it would leave a power vacuum to be filled that could cause even more chaos.
[If they're still talking about politics, that is. Looking at you Nanamo-!]
I suppose one would, if they are lucky enough to have them, lean on their trusted advisers or people they can confide in, to share the brunt of the emotional burden.
no subject
(Of course it's personal.)]
You're quite right about that, I believe... if competent candidates for leadership roles were easy to come by, there would be far less pressure on those few dutiful souls to remain at their task past all point of health or reason. To abandon something important, with nothing to replace it--
[He cuts himself off, sighing heavily.]
Ideally, there would be confidants to share one's pain. But what if there weren't? No one else who believed, or understood, or was simply capable- how does one manage on their own?
[What if one was disinclined towards accepting emotional assistance regardless.
Solve his problems for him, Tataru.]
no subject
[She can't help but cast her gaze back down to what's left of her muffin.]
A person like that becomes a scorned savior, do they not? An individual doing their best to do right by their people, even if the others around them seem to not understand their point of view or actions. It makes me think a bit of a well-intentioned parent having their children partake in tasks they may hate in the moment but come to appreciate later on down the line, realizing their parents actions were done out of love.
[She hums a bit to herself, doing her best to try and come up with a solution. Frankly? She doesn't have one - all she has is suggestions.]
I suppose all one can do in such a position is not close themselves off from their people's concerns and worries. To stay connected, remain grounded and, above all, try to see the perspective from the other side. Perhaps open dialogue of some sort, if possible? It truly is an unfortunate position to be stuck in...
[Muffin break. Give her a moment to chew, making those cheeks of hers puff out again.]
I know I would do poorly if it were me, I'll tell you as much. To be alone and to have no one to believe in you...I know what that's like. No one should have to face such troubles alone but for those who do I can only imagine the strength and resolve it takes. They've my utmost respect.
no subject
There's no real solution, is there? Only tragic realities.
[Though he'd never stopped looking tired, the Ascian seems ever more so. He didn't expect to find any kind of answer from Tataru- and really, even if she'd suggested a solution, he would've just scorned it. Just the thought of opening a dialogue- well, that entirely depended on who he was opening a dialogue with. His people were no longer present to speak to, and mortals...
There was nothing worth talking to there.
(Nevermind that he was discussing this with a mortal.)]
People... do tend towards the childish, more often than not. Petulant, short-sighted, incapable of understanding the harm they cause. And sometimes... they overwhelm their parents, will never be given the opportunity to learn better.
[Realizing he's been tearing what's left of his poor muffin apart, he stops, dropping a few crumbs and withdrawing his hand.]
'Tis unfortunate when one shares one's perspective, only to have it come to naught regardless. Where violence becomes the only answer.
no subject
[If there was a solution it's one she hadn't found yet, nor is her ego big enough that she thinks she knows what's right when it comes to such a delicate, difficult situation. She was a schemer and problem solver, sure, but she was no diplomat or politician. Such hypotheticals were best left to those like Alphinaud to address.
Still...the state of his muffin doesn't go unnoticed. Clearly this conversation is causing him a bit of stress. That hadn't been her intention. Perhaps she can shift things into a more positive topic.]
Speaking of perspectives and thoughts, have you given much thought as to what I could craft for you?
[She hadn't forgotten and the offer is still, quite clearly, on the table.]
no subject
Had he made a mistake, not using violence against those heroes when he'd first encountered them? In a practical sense... yes. They were undoubtedly weaker then. It wasn't that he regretted giving them a chance, trying to understand and be understood- but in terms of pure effect, it had been the wrong choice. Words had not been enough.
The question draws a blink, expression briefly confused as the new topic sinks in. As he tries to think on whether he'd actually decided on something.]
--I could use another coat, I suppose. A longer one. I don't have any particular style in mind... whatever you think would suit would be acceptable.
[And if he didn't like the result, he just wouldn't use it.]
no subject
Ah...I've full authority then? Ohh...that gives me much to work with, indeed! Any particular colors you're fond of? I know the coat I see you wear is mostly reds, golds and black. Are those colors that are your favourite or have you other shades you prefer?
no subject
He eats a crumb of his torn-apart muffin before replying. It would surely be fine.]
In this field you're certainly the expert, so I'll leave it to your judgement. But in terms of clothing, yes, those would be my preferred colors. It's hard to go wrong with black as a base, isn't it?
[Amaurotine robes, Ascian robes, his current clothing....]
no subject
You're not wrong at all. Black is a standard, certainly. It suits you well. Some might say it can be gloomy but I think it highlights your pale complexion and golden eye color quite well. I'll have to take your measurements at some point but we can do that later! Ohh...it'll be fun to make you something, Emet-Selch.
[Someone's excited...clearly. Can you blame her though? Tataru's got a thing for showing off leggies when it comes to fashion and Lalafell are sorely lacking in that particular department. Her Garlean friend however is not. The taller he is the more area she has to work with and the more fabric can drape and billow.]
It'll be a fantastic coat, I promise you that. Are you still willing to help source me materials?
no subject
I'm relieved you think it suits. My measurements are yours for the taking.
[It's true, he has several lalafells worth of leggies for her to work with. The excitement at the prospect of... making him a thing is slightly amusing though. But if she wanted to, and he would benefit- he had no reason to turn her down.]
And of course. As soon as you've decided on what you need, 'tis little trouble to provide.
no subject
It's hard not to be excited though, at least in her opinion. Getting to make new garments for someone she never had before was a thrilling challenge, their frame a blank canvas if you will. Finishing off her muffin she wipes her mouth politely before putting away her dishes, keen to not leave a mess behind.]
It's settled then. I'll make you something extremely dashing. I've quite a few ideas...ohhh maybe I'll make them all. We'll see!
[She claps her hands together, eyes sparkling with determination.]
I'll let you know what I need soon. For now though I won't take up any more of your time. Enjoy the muffins, okay?