He does speak from experience. A particular one among a thousand, thousand, experiences, but--
Emet-Selch openly balks for a moment, mouth slightly agape as if he has never been asked such a question before, and then lets out a loud, embarrassed and highly uncomfortable huff. He might never get used to the blunt and painfully earnest way Byleth simply speaks his mind, asks whatever he wishes in whatever way he pleases.
But at last he relents. (Byleth did just tell him about his father, after all...)
"Oh, fine. I suppose I can tell you, since one of them so delights in sharing stories of our bygone days when he thinks I am not around to notice."
He'll require food for the telling, though, and so it is that he finally transfers a reasonable amount of the refreshments onto his own plate, leaving more than enough for Byleth. He might also notice that Emet-Selch doesn't touch anything overly sweet and saccharine, seeming to favor more savory dishes, and those of a more natural composition: meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and the like.
"You won't mind if I change their names," he starts. "In light of the rules set forth by the fae. Indeed, it's much as you have said. One need not be related by blood to have a profound impact upon the life of another. Long, long ago, when I had yet to grow into my robes properly, I was accosted by a boy named Risus. In those days I had little interest in companionship (being far more interested in books and honing my magical ability), but Risus persisted. In truth, this was the first time I had met someone whose soul sight surpassed mine. Initially, I was vexed. Being a natural gift, there was no way I could rise to meet him in this area. But gradually, and with no small amount of needling, Risus found in me an (unwilling) co-conspirator for his mischief, and I my very first friend. Though he may seem a frivolous sort, Risus is a singularly selfless individual who remains in the wings, offering support to others so they might reach their full potential - even to his own detriment."
Emet-Selch pauses briefly now and again, his table manner considerable. You won't catch him speaking with his mouth full, that much is for certain, although it seems (perhaps surprisingly) as if the otherwise dour man has a knack for storytelling.
"We met Aurora some time after. A pupil of the Traveler, and one with an insatiable desire for adventure. Hardly a surprise that Aurora and Risus became fast friends, and I dragged along in their wake. Aurora was alike the sibling I never had, hotheaded and compassionate, never taking "no" for an answer if a problem could be resolved and the world left a little brighter for it. The sort of rival one admires rather than detests."
"The three of us became inseparable. And it is because of them and their meddling that I was offered a seat on the Convocation, and thereby found my life's purpose."
no subject
Emet-Selch openly balks for a moment, mouth slightly agape as if he has never been asked such a question before, and then lets out a loud, embarrassed and highly uncomfortable huff. He might never get used to the blunt and painfully earnest way Byleth simply speaks his mind, asks whatever he wishes in whatever way he pleases.
But at last he relents.
(Byleth did just tell him about his father, after all...)
"Oh, fine. I suppose I can tell you, since one of them so delights in sharing stories of our bygone days when he thinks I am not around to notice."
He'll require food for the telling, though, and so it is that he finally transfers a reasonable amount of the refreshments onto his own plate, leaving more than enough for Byleth. He might also notice that Emet-Selch doesn't touch anything overly sweet and saccharine, seeming to favor more savory dishes, and those of a more natural composition: meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and the like.
"You won't mind if I change their names," he starts. "In light of the rules set forth by the fae. Indeed, it's much as you have said. One need not be related by blood to have a profound impact upon the life of another. Long, long ago, when I had yet to grow into my robes properly, I was accosted by a boy named Risus. In those days I had little interest in companionship (being far more interested in books and honing my magical ability), but Risus persisted. In truth, this was the first time I had met someone whose soul sight surpassed mine. Initially, I was vexed. Being a natural gift, there was no way I could rise to meet him in this area. But gradually, and with no small amount of needling, Risus found in me an (unwilling) co-conspirator for his mischief, and I my very first friend. Though he may seem a frivolous sort, Risus is a singularly selfless individual who remains in the wings, offering support to others so they might reach their full potential - even to his own detriment."
Emet-Selch pauses briefly now and again, his table manner considerable. You won't catch him speaking with his mouth full, that much is for certain, although it seems (perhaps surprisingly) as if the otherwise dour man has a knack for storytelling.
"We met Aurora some time after. A pupil of the Traveler, and one with an insatiable desire for adventure. Hardly a surprise that Aurora and Risus became fast friends, and I dragged along in their wake. Aurora was alike the sibling I never had, hotheaded and compassionate, never taking "no" for an answer if a problem could be resolved and the world left a little brighter for it. The sort of rival one admires rather than detests."
"The three of us became inseparable. And it is because of them and their meddling that I was offered a seat on the Convocation, and thereby found my life's purpose."