[ Elidibus would know how to handle the situation with the other fragments of their friends. Not the Elidbus of the last few centuries - he would be just as lost as the fragments, Emet-Selch thinks. But the Elidibus of eld, the one who Emet-Selch trusted for countless lifetimes with his and others' lives, unhesitating. He would not sit at the dinner table, morose over stew. ]

I promise, I will live without anyone to lord my superior intellect over. [ Dry as Thanalan's deserts. Emet-Selch takes the offer of kindness for what it is, though, letting Viktor grasp his hand, not even saying anything when Viktor puts his hand in his hair despite using it to rip hunks of bread off. Irritatingly, he just finds himself horrifically fond of Viktor, perhaps especially so in that moment. ] Is your intent to summon them to assist us in our hunt for her? Those...versions of your soul you do not wish to subsume.

[ He tries, to the best of his ability, not to put any expectation or weight into the question. It is in fact raw curiosity - while they would not be whole, they would be similar enough, would be possessed of the power and ability to try and take action that others would not be able to. How many of those shards yet live is the question. How many would follow if they knew the truth about Emet-Selch is the other. ]

I assure you, I am perfectly adept at keeping my head above water. [ Mostly. Even if it doesn't feel like it sometimes. Emet-Selch idly drags his thumb back and forth over Viktor's knuckles, going back to his stew with single-minded determination before it cools to an unpleasant, coagulated state. Against his ankle, Viktor's own rests, as warm and reassuring as the rest of him, even when Emet-Selch doesn't deserve it. ] When would you wish to make this attempt?