[Another figure- the chief of the bureau of the architect, by all accounts- appears between them. And he is surprised! So intent was his focus upon both instances of Emet-Selch, the third man's soul barely was a blip on his radar until now.
And that Hythlodaeus refutes the information provided is plain. Themis' eyes move toward the younger of the two Emet-Selchs though- taking in his expression. The pain in his eyes, the slump of his shoulders- the way that even so resolute a soul threatens- just for a moment- to waver.
It all but confirms it.
There is truth in what the elder says. It is plain- writ upon the face of his younger half. Both halves bear the same tale. Nothing is contradictory- and despite the fact that time has certainly appeared to change the sadness, the vulnerability of the younger into the elder's scorn, all tallies.
So. He closes his eyes, willing away the personal details that Hythlodaeus has questioned. That he wants to question very much, not least at the fate of his friend. The mention of Venat as a detractor is something new to him as well- and something that yes, he would like to question.
Yet displaying horror or disbelief would not help. Nor would asking questions. For they are an indulgence not to be his. As his eyes open again, he speaks only as his Seat would have him speak.]
... And yet, those that survived would be in accord. As there is breath in our bodies, our duty does not end.
[He moves his gaze to the elder. Both to give the younger a moment to recollect himself, and to listen.
...His voice is morose. For he knows that what he would ask is a painful thing.]
Like any of us of the Convocation, I think you still hold your duty close to your heart. And from my knowledge of you- Emet-Selch, I know that it guides you- in all things.
...So, I would have you detail it. For the benefit of all present.
no subject
And that Hythlodaeus refutes the information provided is plain. Themis' eyes move toward the younger of the two Emet-Selchs though- taking in his expression. The pain in his eyes, the slump of his shoulders- the way that even so resolute a soul threatens- just for a moment- to waver.
It all but confirms it.
There is truth in what the elder says. It is plain- writ upon the face of his younger half. Both halves bear the same tale. Nothing is contradictory- and despite the fact that time has certainly appeared to change the sadness, the vulnerability of the younger into the elder's scorn, all tallies.
So.
He closes his eyes, willing away the personal details that Hythlodaeus has questioned. That he wants to question very much, not least at the fate of his friend. The mention of Venat as a detractor is something new to him as well- and something that yes, he would like to question.
Yet displaying horror or disbelief would not help. Nor would asking questions. For they are an indulgence not to be his. As his eyes open again, he speaks only as his Seat would have him speak.]
...
And yet, those that survived would be in accord. As there is breath in our bodies, our duty does not end.
[He moves his gaze to the elder. Both to give the younger a moment to recollect himself, and to listen.
...His voice is morose. For he knows that what he would ask is a painful thing.]
Like any of us of the Convocation, I think you still hold your duty close to your heart. And from my knowledge of you- Emet-Selch, I know that it guides you- in all things.
...So, I would have you detail it. For the benefit of all present.