[ He utilized the same rationale while on the road, on one of the many roads of conquest, if he's being honest, but they are not on one, they are relatively safe, relatively secure. Now, he likes his little creature comforts as much as Hythlodaeus did back in the day, when Emet-Selch hadn't understood but had supported his lengthy bathing endeavors and desire to go eat at places that grew their food rather than creating it. ]
What?
[ The question jars him so badly he pauses in his careful study of the curl, the itch in his hands to reach out and twirl it around his finger idly. Of course. He just uses soap. Maddening. More maddening- he thinks this is how his ex-wife felt, sitting him down and explaining the use of every single bottle. This, for skin, this for hair, this for nails, a dozen little maintenance needs, all for the perception of others. He understood once explained of course - no different than the different materials and trims to present a perception to the masses, to those they engaged with daily.
Viktor does not have the same needs, and Emet-Selch does not either, but for better or worse he's gotten used to the little comforts. ]
At risk of derailing if you are attempting an actual bath in its full completion, there are other items we use besides - [ Viktor leans, adjusts, and clasp the bottle like he thinks Emet-Selch will abscond with it. ] - soap.
As to the matter of your letters - if you struggle so, we can add that to our morning instruction. 'Tis no different than any other skillset or ability; practice is key.
[ That's not the point, he's willfully ignoring the point with each thud of the bottle against his chest, plucking it away when it's finally offered but frowning at the green bottle being kept from him. ]
Because you are insatiably curious about even the most inconsequential facts of someone's life. [ The observation is not delivered as condemnation or criticism, there is warm, low admiration as he holds the bottle, leaned back against the water-warmed stone to look at Viktor properly where he's settled. ] Because you care about these little inconsequential moments more than any person on this shard or the next. But she is long since passed on, reborn, with a new name, a new life, and the likelihood of our paths ever crossing in any meaningful way is negligible.
[ The wine bottle is settled on the lip and he reaches outward to try and grasp the bottle, but does not fight if Viktor does not allow him it. ]
no subject
What?
[ The question jars him so badly he pauses in his careful study of the curl, the itch in his hands to reach out and twirl it around his finger idly. Of course. He just uses soap. Maddening. More maddening- he thinks this is how his ex-wife felt, sitting him down and explaining the use of every single bottle. This, for skin, this for hair, this for nails, a dozen little maintenance needs, all for the perception of others. He understood once explained of course - no different than the different materials and trims to present a perception to the masses, to those they engaged with daily.
Viktor does not have the same needs, and Emet-Selch does not either, but for better or worse he's gotten used to the little comforts. ]
At risk of derailing if you are attempting an actual bath in its full completion, there are other items we use besides - [ Viktor leans, adjusts, and clasp the bottle like he thinks Emet-Selch will abscond with it. ] - soap.
As to the matter of your letters - if you struggle so, we can add that to our morning instruction. 'Tis no different than any other skillset or ability; practice is key.
[ That's not the point, he's willfully ignoring the point with each thud of the bottle against his chest, plucking it away when it's finally offered but frowning at the green bottle being kept from him. ]
Because you are insatiably curious about even the most inconsequential facts of someone's life. [ The observation is not delivered as condemnation or criticism, there is warm, low admiration as he holds the bottle, leaned back against the water-warmed stone to look at Viktor properly where he's settled. ] Because you care about these little inconsequential moments more than any person on this shard or the next. But she is long since passed on, reborn, with a new name, a new life, and the likelihood of our paths ever crossing in any meaningful way is negligible.
[ The wine bottle is settled on the lip and he reaches outward to try and grasp the bottle, but does not fight if Viktor does not allow him it. ]