I need some context. Er, to give it. There's this type of old candy given around this time of year in America, and it's... divisive, to say the least. I wanna see what an old being like you thinks.
[ Also, so he doesn't have to sit for too long to talk about tentacle dicks. ]
[ Antique? He didn't mean it like that, but it was so funny to hear it described like that he actually laughed. ]
No, it's like -- it's old fashioned stuff. The recipe never changed, so compared to modern day fancy candy with new flavors and such, people don't really like it. Or some do. It's polarizing. I got some and don't like sweets to begin with, but, maybe your palate isn't spoiled by high fructose corn syrup like my 2020-ish American one is.
Ah, I see. I am old, and thus I must be predisposed to liking old-fashioned things? Well, we shall soon find out. Let's see it, then, this old-fashioned candy of yours.
[He was a little disappointed that it is just an old recipe, rather than a rare and carefully curated treat of antiquity, but that was no reason to turn down a gift.]
[Emet-Selch examined his empty palm the candies in his hand, a mildly inquisitive expression on his face.]
They are rather simple-looking aren't they. That is not necessarily a bad thing, of course. I found that some of the confections popular in Amaurot became a bit over-complicated at times. While they looked quite stunning, they really weren't designed to fit well in one's mouth...
[He took one candy corn delicately between his fingers and popped it in his mouth.]
It does not taste of corn... But yes, it is pleasant. There is a certain beauty in its simplicity. Though I daresay it would be a mistake to eat too many in one sitting.
It's a mistake to consume too much of anything in one sitting.
[ Huh. Well, as long as he likes it. Hal goes to empty the little bag in whatever small dish he can find, assuming it's the one he's supposed to use. There's some chewy things and little wrapped chocolates among the candy corn. ]
Aren't you an emperor? Don't you have a cozy life?
[ He was being playful in a slightly judging way, the tone he used reserved for people he had gotten more comfortable with; maybe not wise, since previously Emet-Selch hadn't responded well to it. ]
Not particularly cozy, no. Garlemald is a cold, hard nation, and her people are much the same. And really, I have spent far lass of my life as an emperor than otherwise.
[His relaxed smirk showed no sign of offense this time. He was growing rather used to Hal's playful little jabs by now.]
[ Hmm. The math checks out. Not that he knew much more detail than that - other than he was essentially a fractured, body-less spirit that lived many lives. ]
That's fair.
[ He stood there awkwardly, not sure how to go about this. Should he sit close? keep his distance? What's the social protocol for "I turned into a tentacle monster and took your energy and left you a husk"? ]
Uhm... so I think I have to give you some Chroma back, then.
[Emet-Selch leaned over, settling against Hal's side. There, that was more like it.]
I have been feeling a desire to relax in comfort lately... Though what you usually see me in was not my full Imperial Regalia, by any means. I was always covered in full armor, and had to bear the most dreadfully cumbersome helm.
[Of course, that had been his own fault, seeing as he was the one who designed the aesthetic...]
I... thought you were going to ask to have sex. This is nice. I'm not complaining! But I expected... that...
[ Weirdly soft. Should he hold his hand? Probably, since that was what he did for most folks to give them a little boost. He took a delicate hand in his own. ]
Oh. Well, I would hate to disappoint, but I fear I am rather tired this evening. I am simply not feeling equal to the task, at least not in any decent sort of way.
[Also, he was no longer entirely sure he could trust Hal. True, it had likely been entirely the result of an off lunar effect, but there was always that sliver of possibility...]
It's okay, I'm here, I've got time for you. Whatever you want to do. I'm your little Chroma battery, to make up for it.
[ He was kind of relieved; Hal didn't want any weird Pavlovian responses going on, like what he had developed when he'd visited Angela's home... or Ardyn's home... He crosses those thresholds and was engaging in some adult play shortly thereafter. ]
Is this your apology? Hm... very well, I accept. I am quite content to say here, just like this for a while. Perhaps you could tell me some amusing tale or another while we sit.
[Or if Hal did not have any interesting tales, at least he would provide Emet-Selch with some soothing white noise as he basked in the warmth of Chroma.]
... I mean, I don't know what you'd find amusing I could tell you about things that I've experienced? I've been held hostage before. I've been on the run from government authorities.
[ That said: ]
I'm sorry. It's not that I didn't exactly know what would happen, it's more that I didn't care. You weren't the only one I drank from during that time.
I see. Well, that does seem to be the usual sort of weakness that runs rampant among in mankind. I do hope you can learn from this.
[He stretched, reaching his arms above his head, then settled one around Hal's shoulders, leaning against him once more.]
Now, as to those stories... [They did not sound particularly amusing, but there could be something there he could tease out.] What had you done to get bring such attention to yourself?
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So, you come bearing gifts, I hear. I am most eager to learn what you have in store for me.
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[ Also, so he doesn't have to sit for too long to talk about tentacle dicks. ]
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[Hal did seem to be back to his usual self, so it was probably trustworthy... Though even if it was poisoned, it would matter little.]
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No, it's like -- it's old fashioned stuff. The recipe never changed, so compared to modern day fancy candy with new flavors and such, people don't really like it. Or some do. It's polarizing. I got some and don't like sweets to begin with, but, maybe your palate isn't spoiled by high fructose corn syrup like my 2020-ish American one is.
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[He was a little disappointed that it is just an old recipe, rather than a rare and carefully curated treat of antiquity, but that was no reason to turn down a gift.]
/handover
I have more, but...
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his empty palmthe candies in his hand, a mildly inquisitive expression on his face.]They are rather simple-looking aren't they. That is not necessarily a bad thing, of course. I found that some of the confections popular in Amaurot became a bit over-complicated at times. While they looked quite stunning, they really weren't designed to fit well in one's mouth...
[He took one candy corn delicately between his fingers and popped it in his mouth.]
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[ Hal fidgeted with the little plastic (or some similar construction) in his hands. ]
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It does not taste of corn... But yes, it is pleasant. There is a certain beauty in its simplicity. Though I daresay it would be a mistake to eat too many in one sitting.
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[ Huh. Well, as long as he likes it. Hal goes to empty the little bag in whatever small dish he can find, assuming it's the one he's supposed to use. There's some chewy things and little wrapped chocolates among the candy corn. ]
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That is quite true. I have watched excess be the downfall of many a man.
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[ He was being playful in a slightly judging way, the tone he used reserved for people he had gotten more comfortable with; maybe not wise, since previously Emet-Selch hadn't responded well to it. ]
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[His relaxed smirk showed no sign of offense this time. He was growing rather used to Hal's playful little jabs by now.]
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That's fair.
[ He stood there awkwardly, not sure how to go about this. Should he sit close? keep his distance? What's the social protocol for "I turned into a tentacle monster and took your energy and left you a husk"? ]
Uhm... so I think I have to give you some Chroma back, then.
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[He patted the cushion next to him.]
"Sit with me."
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I don't think I've seen you in anything other than your usual regalia.
[ Was this a porno set hint... already in the robe, ready to take his Chroma back. ]
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I have been feeling a desire to relax in comfort lately... Though what you usually see me in was not my full Imperial Regalia, by any means. I was always covered in full armor, and had to bear the most dreadfully cumbersome helm.
[Of course, that had been his own fault, seeing as he was the one who designed the aesthetic...]
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I think you'd look nice if you wore more modern... clothes. A nice vest. You have broad shoulders and an elegant body.
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[Emet-Selch rested his chin atop Hal's head]
Ah, this is rather a balm to the senses.
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[ Weirdly soft. Should he hold his hand? Probably, since that was what he did for most folks to give them a little boost. He took a delicate hand in his own. ]
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[Also, he was no longer entirely sure he could trust Hal. True, it had likely been entirely the result of an off lunar effect, but there was always that sliver of possibility...]
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[ He was kind of relieved; Hal didn't want any weird Pavlovian responses going on, like what he had developed when he'd visited Angela's home... or Ardyn's home... He crosses those thresholds and was engaging in some adult play shortly thereafter. ]
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[Or if Hal did not have any interesting tales, at least he would provide Emet-Selch with some soothing white noise as he basked in the warmth of Chroma.]
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[ That said: ]
I'm sorry. It's not that I didn't exactly know what would happen, it's more that I didn't care. You weren't the only one I drank from during that time.
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[He stretched, reaching his arms above his head, then settled one around Hal's shoulders, leaning against him once more.]
Now, as to those stories... [They did not sound particularly amusing, but there could be something there he could tease out.] What had you done to get bring such attention to yourself?
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