[Mostly Closed] How much are you prepared to bet on it?

[recreator]

WHO: Byleth and Emet-Selch
WHAT: Following a challenge made in haste on the town "mingle", Emet-Selch now has a score to settle. He has been granted one month in which to prove he's capable of making someone crack a smile or laugh. Unfortunately for him, that someone is Byleth.
WHERE: In Town
WHEN: December (All Month)
WARNINGS: None anticipated, but will update as required.


Emet-Selch had been overconfident in thinking his little "bet" would be swiftly put to rest.

Causing Elidibus or Hythlodaeus to smile would have been a simple feat indeed. Even now all it would require is a well-timed punchline to have his dearest friend in absolute stitches. However, things hadn't proceeded quite according to plan, and he's left to scoff at the terms he's agreed to.

'Well, it could be far worse,' he reasons as he feeds another branch into the makeshift fire pit at the border of his yard. Flames crackle tentatively from the center of a ring of stones, agreeable yet not fully established. A few scorch marks smudged across the bare earth indicate previous failed attempts that he will later insist he knows nothing at all about.

Emet-Selch draws his coat around himself as he waits, scowling at the few snowflakes that dare to fall around him. They don't have an appointment, no, yet he has seen Byleth visiting with Elidibus often enough in recent days that he imagines the man will be taking his leave of him at some point this morning to visit his other acquaintances, or else to gather more ingredients for his cooking. Better to intercept him sooner rather than later, lest this ordeal drag on for the entire month.

Surely he can find some way to encourage Byleth to smile before then? After all, at least he's seen glimpses of moments in which Byleth has shown deeper emotion beyond his usual stoic mien, even if, more often than not, whatever the man is feeling or thinking sits just beneath a calm outer surface. Like a lake made of glass.

Byleth is also a tactician, or so he claims. He'll surely expect him to make a decisive move from the outset, and no doubt tamp down on his emotions even further. Emet-Selch has a few ideas, but one thing is for certain: however he chooses to go about this, he must take a genuine approach. Byleth is far too observant to be fooled by false motives.

"Would that this matter could have waited until spring," he grumbles to himself, lifting his head as he catches a glimpse of movement upon the neighboring doorstep. He rises slowly, the two long horns protruding from his brow and the unearthly glow of his eyes more than apparent against the otherwise gray backdrop.

Puffing out a cloud of steam, Emet-Selch lifts a hand and beckons with a half-hearted "come hither" motion. Do spare him a merry chase. It's still far too early for that.

Comments

[recreator]

"Which is all well and good - if you hadn't thought very much about it. I was beginning to wonder if you might be harboring feelings of guilt or pity or some other misguided notion," he continues with a vague wave of his hand. "That you aren't saves you an earful and me a long-winded lecture."

He pauses to add another log onto the fire, affording Byleth a modicum of courtesy, though the way his ears fairly wilt doesn't escape his eyes either.

"Whether the memories are yours or not, the knowing won't be easy. Doubly so in this case when you are surrounded by people who closely resemble those from your visions. I've seen its like before. Some embrace it, whilst others are forever disturbed by the discovery. That you've companions to help you through the process, and that you possess the common sense to pace yourself, will work in your favor."

A glance in the other man's direction; inscrutible.

"Though I'm also beginning to think you and Themis would be remarkable rivals. I wonder which of you completes more tasks within a given day? It's as if the concept of a vacation is a mystery to you both."

"That said, I don't see why it would go unappreciated. From what I've heard and seen, there are plenty of individuals here with a curiosity about one field or another. Doubtless there are just as many who would be thrilled to instruct others in those very same subjects."

[perfectteatime]

He would posit there is some guilt there, but he also wants to save himself a lecture so he'll keep that to himself.

"Thank you." It is said ambiguously. For throwing another log on the fire? For caring enough to threaten a lecture to begin with? Both, probably. The empathy, too.

"If I didn't know any better I'd say you care about me." He teases, a lilt entering his voice to diffuse his own uncertainty. The comment about Themis almost earns the man a smile, but an amused huff will have to do.

"In that other life, we went to spar quite often. Perhaps when it warms up, I'll resume that routine." This said in complete earnest. "Vacations are fine but... well I suppose I just prefer having things to do. I don't like to just sit and ruminate after all."

"Hmm. Something to consider. It would certainly fill my time nicely. I bet you would make a good teacher as well." This is something he already has a feeling about. Emet is a good teacher from what he knows, albeit... difficult to please.

[recreator]

"Oh? Making rather bold assumptions now, are we?" he intones, eyes narrowed. Within the question there is a clear warning. It is perhaps a little too soon to be teasing Emet-Selch about such things when he has yet to decide how he feels about all of this himself. Though if Byleth wishes to put his hand in the lion's maw, the location should now be obvious.

Scowling, Emet-Selch crosses his arms over his chest, staring into the fire.

"I am not without empathy, if that is what you mean. In the same way a reader feels for a character on a page. I was once a bestower of memories, you see. A process which was far from enjoyable at the best of times and excruciating to behold at the worst of them. However it may seem to you, you and I are little more than acquaintances. Do not mistake common courtesy for favor."

But though his mien is stern, mayhap Byleth already knows better. Perhaps his newfound knowledge has shown him that Emet-Selch is a much kinder man than he would prefer to be portayed as. Even so, 'tis clear he has no intention of revealing so much vulnerability. Not without a fight, at least.

And just like that, the topic shifts back to Elidibus. "I expect he would indulge you. He always was one who enjoyed testing his mettle against those he admires."

His brow remains slightly furrowed, but at least he doesn't seem truly angry. "And as for my teaching qualifications, I've no doubt you'll be changing your tune within a month or two. Provided you last that long."

Of course Emet-Selch has the capacity to be a good teacher - for the right kind of student. His standards are quite high, though, and thus... he can count the number of individuals he has personally taught on one hand (give or take a few fingers).

[perfectteatime]

The tail does lower a bit. They are not to the friendly teasing phase yet, and he need not rush it, if they ever even get there.

"Of course." Byleth allows himself to be drawn elsewhere by the conversation. He won't push his luck again today. He can tell he isn't in any real trouble, and he wants to keep it that way.

"He would, yes. Never have I met a more enjoyable opponent to cross blades with. Not only is he endlessly skilled, but the joy he takes in it is refreshing." He's hard pressed to find someone who doesn't treat training or swordplay like a grim ordeal.

"Please. Give me some credit, won't you? I am confident in my ability to be an attentive and productive pupil. That aside, I know all the teaching pet-peeves to avoid now." And does he ever. The Blue Lions certainly didn't make his job easier, and that's not even counting those who joined his class later. "I can take whatever you throw at me."

Honestly, he's sincere in that. He can't imagine anything that compares to the many trials of his life coming in the form of a class.

[recreator]

"Yes, that sounds exactly like him." And Emet-Selch of all people would know. Well, it sounds like him when he isn't in the midst of his duties to be more precise. Or tickling the ivories, as it were.

But someone here sounds resolute. A commendable trait - in a pupil.

"Then you won't mind it if we start with an exam," he says, raising his eyebrows in obvious challenge. "You'll have until then to prepare, of course, and you may ask the others whatever you wish to in the meantime. The evaluation itself will be closed book, however."

Which may sound harsh, but it's actually more of a point of reference. No reason to bore the man with fast facts he already knows. 'Twill make it more interesting for himself as well.

"Though fortunately for you, I wasn't planning to 'throw' anything. I intend to instruct you in our culture, not magical combat."

He makes a rolling gesture with his wrist.

"Also. I am giving you some credit. Elsewise I would not be here."

[perfectteatime]

Ahh, Byleth is familiar with the competency level test. He has no qualms there, understanding the purpose of it innately. He's done it himself in his own teaching, after all.

"Of course. I shall endeavor to assure mt knowledge is refreshed." He doesn't care to impress much in this regard. More important, it is imperative that he does give a realistic cross-section of his learning level. The effectiveness of the proceeding lessons depend on honesty. Not that he's ever really been one for useless peacocking.

Still, he would be lying if he said there wasn't just the slightest hint of desire to be praised for his ability.

"Well, if you ever desire to spar, I am happy to do that as well. But yes, let us focus on the task at hand first." As curious as he is to behold a sorcerer of eld and all.

"That is true. You are not- you do not strike me as one to prevaricate about the bush."

[recreator]

Emet-Selch rolls his eyes at the slip, fixing Byleth with an exasperated expression.

"Yes, well, I would encourage you to discard any preconceived notions about what I am and what I am not lest you continue to operate under false assumptions."

Not that all of what the professor had blurted out to him was a lie. In fact, the overwhelming majority of it had been factual, much of it so intimate and personal that it would not have come up in casual conversation. But neither does Emet-Selch seem particularly eager to confirm or deny this information without due cause.

"I'll allow you a week. That should be a more than reasonable span of time, wouldn't you agree? And while I find it difficult to imagine that any of you lot could keep Themis on his toes for long, if he took the time to spar with you often, then he must consider you a worthy opponent."

Look, even Emet-Selch may fall into the trap of preconceived notions. But on the bright side, if someone were to challenge him and actually make him break a sweat, he'd be more than amenable to taking them on as a sparring partner.

Emet-Selch has said all that he intended when he flagged Byleth over, and yet... he is still uncertain how to go about making this man crack (a smile) in a way that will satisfy his own ego.

"Well, unless you've anything else you wish to say to me, I suggest you go and warm yourself and then hop to it."

[perfectteatime]

"Of course. That much was rather self-evident though." Emet rarely minces words.

"That is entirely fair. More than enough time for me to brush up." He agrees, but snorts softly at the comment about keeping up with Themis. He's right, but Byleth won't give him that quite yet. "You could test me yourself if you pleased."

It's an invitation and a challenge all at once.

"I will do just that. Rest assured you will find me well prepared." He seems completely confident in that much. There is much to be said, but none of it in the here or now. No, instead he gives Emet a polite farewell and turns to stride off toward his home. Rather- Obsidian's home, inevitably.

Fin

[recreator]

And yet he gets the distinct impression that this is going to be a process. Realistically, he knows one cannot simply unremember something they've so recently gained, yet Emet-Selch is who he is, and if he chooses to remain slightly offended by it all, then that's within his right as well.

Still, the comment has Emet-Selch regarding him a little more sharply - in a manner that brings to mind a feline sizing up a mouse. Does he appear annoyed? Not really. Amused, maybe.

"I could," he confirms with an air of unshakeable self-assurance, yet ultimately allows the invitation (and challenge) to remain hanging there between them like unpicked fruit. Little does Byleth know (or perhaps he already does), but there will be plenty of testing taking place. Emet-Selch has never been one to let his own questions remain unanswered. And neither is he one to truly reveal his hand to another without making his own judgments as to their worth and worthiness.

"Prepare away, then. In the meantime I'll try and look forward to our next encounter."