Essek, equally out of habit, goes to steeple his fingers in front of him as he normally would beneath his cloak, but only half completes the motion. He isn't wearing it, and he feels very exposed. There's a grateful nod as Percy essentially excuses his social clumsiness, which is kind of him. But the cost is clear in the melancholy turn of his lips, and Essek--gods, this is why he's never even had friends until very recently. This is so difficult. He hadn't expected to genuinely care about Percival as much as he does.
"That is unlikely," he demures with a tight grimace, an attempt at humor. "I have always been a solitary creature. Still, it is reassuring to know that we are of the same mind."
Despite his words, part of him wants to touch Percy and seek a momentary connection, just something light and fleeting, a brush against his arm. He's done it before. But he doesn't have the resolve for it in the moment, so he remains still, hands pressed together in front of him.
"The time we have spent together has led me to believe that we likely share many of the same ideas. I have enjoyed it a great deal, and I would hate for any lack of communication to lead to resentment in the future. Of all the men I could have been sentenced to marry and shipped off to for the sake of an alliance, I am grateful that it was you. I feel...hopeful for a future here."
"I have as well," he says after a moment. "Enjoyed spending time with you, I mean. And I am grateful you don't find me particularly tyrannical."
He offers a smile then, something almost shy as he considers the drow wizard. It's likely good for him to be reminded that Essek is here as part of a sentence, basically, and not just a treaty. Percy still isn't wholly certain what he's done, but clearly it was serious enough for exile to be the most kind solution.
But it's good to hear that he has some sense of a future rather than a drawn-out decline.
"I know the circumstances around this aren't ideal, but we've both set out to make the best of it, I think, and I don't intend to give up on that."
Putting Essek up for a seat on the council had been both an exercise in his ultimate dominion and also democracy. It is his right to create new council seats, but the rest of the council has a say in who might fill them. If there were any intense objections, or if Essek had been unable to make a good case for his nomination, it might have fallen apart. But it didn't. And the fact that Essek is invested in his position gives Percy hope, too. Perhaps this isn't a love match, but they can at least build something good together.
Percy realizes he's gotten rather introspective and he offers Essek an apologetic look.
"Was there anything else you wished to iron out before we travel to Emon? I'm all ears, if there's anything I can do to put you at ease."
There will be no way to lessen the impact of Essek's presence - there simply aren't a lot of drow living openly anywhere in Tal'Dorei, never mind in the capital. There is a lot of mystery and dark rumors surrounding their civilization in the Underdark, some of which are entirely true.
"If anything, you have been the very opposite of tyrannical," Essek assures, though amusement leaks through in the subtle shift of his voice. That Percy might consider even for a moment that his behavior could meet that definition is honestly funny. He returns Percy's shy smile with one of his own.
He doesn't mind the quiet that follows in the next few moments, giving them both a little space to think. It's one of the things he appreciates most about Percy, actually. There's no inane chatter just for the sake of filling the air. When they're together, even when they're conversing, silence isn't strained. It's just part of existing in the same space.
"There are a few more pieces," Essek murmurs when Percy asks. His steepled fingers rise to press against his chin as he talks, looking up at the towering book cases rather than at Percival. He isn't avoiding his gaze, but just trying to keep his thoughts in order. "Our public presentation is one of them. Not only what we will wear and how that will coordinate, but how we intend to...exhibit ourselves, and our marriage, to others. How we talk about one another, talk to one another, body language, and so forth. We'll need to show solidarity. A united front."
He does look at his husband then, a spark of curiosity mixed with a cool shrewdness in the bright violet of his eyes, as though he's trying to pick the pieces of him apart the way he knows others will in less than a week's time.
"Personally, I believe an effort toward at least the appearance of newlywedded bliss would not go amiss. If we seem invested in one another, it will inspire confidence in our union, and therefore in this alliance. I also believe it will solidify my presence here much more quickly if my husband is known to genuinely enjoy my company."
Percy is grateful for the comfortable silences. He'd been a quiet child and that had carried into adulthood, prone to observation. And he appreciates the Essek is not afraid of the quiet. His gaze flicks up and Percy watches the wizard, a small smile appearing as Essek steeples his fingers. It's a gesture he's seen before, and he finds it rather charming.
The considerations he brings up are things that have crossed Percival's mind in passing, but there has not been a moment that would truly test them until now. Their public appearances had been few, though he thinks Essek's first one in Dawnfather's square was quite a success. This trip to Emon is building on that. He's quite aware of the power of appearance.
He's calm and still under Essek's scrutiny, and his suggestion brings another smile to Percival's face. It's actually a relief that his husband is politically savvy. This is not a position Percy ever thought he'd be in given that he'd been third in line for the title.
"I agree, but I think..." He trails off, considering what exactly he wants to say. "I think it's best if we do it our way."
Newlywedded bliss was all well and good, but Percy doesn't want it to seem like a performance. They are fond of each other, aren't they? And he is happy to build on that to set a more convincing scene. But he doesn't want to wander too far out of character for either of them.
"I don't want it to seem forced. I do enjoy your company, Essek Thelyss," he says. Percival steps closer and gently catches one of Essek's hands. He holds the other man's gaze as he brushes the barest kiss to Essek's knuckles, the picture of grace and civility. He stands straight again, holding the wizard's hand a bit longer than he needs to before finally letting go and giving his husband some space.
"But we are of the same mind on this, I think. I'll follow your lead as far as you want to take it."
He thinks it's important that a level of control remain with Essek. He was the one forced into an entirely new life. Percy doesn't want to sweep past any boundaries that Essek would rather keep.
Essek is grateful for the darkness of his laboratory for many reasons. One is that it helps to hide the way his cheeks have turned the color of a well shined plum as heat rises to his face. His husband only has a human's eyes, which means limited vision even with Essek's magelights illuminating the room. He draws the hand Percival had so gallantly kissed back to himself, and hardly realizes that he's cradling it to his chest.
"Yes, we are in agreement once again." Thankfully his voice remains steady, at least. "It is not my intent to do anything out of character. I...do not think it will be difficult to act convincingly fond of you, Percival."
That is certainly the clearest statement he's made about his personal feelings regarding their relationship, and instantly he feels nervous about it, even though Percy has just expressed a similar sentiment. But he has so little experience in being close to other people, and though he can look at their relationship objectively through a political lens and see it clearly, navigating the bond itself is so much more fraught. This matters to him, and not just because it concerns his future livelihood. Percival matters to him in a much more intimate way, similar to his friends. It's wonderful, but also confusing and nerve-wracking. He doesn't want to fuck this up the way he had with the Mighty Nein--with Caleb, particularly. He can't afford to.
The resolve he feels is powerful. He hopes it will be enough.
"Do you have any questions for me?" he wonders, at least partially to change the subject. "I may be new to this continent, but I am experienced in politics, which tends to be a somewhat universal language."
"We all received some education in political maneuvering. This title wasn't exactly my birthright, but it's mine now and I have endeavored to ensure that Whitestone will never be so isolated again."
Percy looks down for a moment, brows drawn together. He wonders--no. There is no point in looking backwards.
"It has been my continuing goal to ensure solid ties with the Republic. Things are good and I should like to keep them that way. But I also will not have anyone trying to take advantage of our resources. You know what we mine here, and you of all people know its worth."
Whitestone is isolated in terms of geography, though no longer so isolated politically. But it is known for its major export, the stone for which the city is named. Magic users from Xhorhas to Marquet seek it out, never mind the uses for the less magically inclined.
"That is part of our mission. To strengthen the ties we have, both economically and politically. I am not sure that I have any questions to pose, only... a hope that you will lend your expertise in this matter wherever you feel it relevant."
Essek's experience is a boon that Percival could not have anticipated, and he wants to believe that his new spouse is truly as dedicated to his new position as he seems to be. He is aware that the trust he is showing Essek could put him in a precarious position. But the only way to test it is to give it, and... Essek hasn't let the side down yet. Percival doesn't believe that he will, regardless of the concerns of others.
Essek understands, deeply, the trust that Percy is placing in him. He has every intention of proving worthy of it, and not only for his own sake.
It is still strange to think about the way the Mighty Nein altered him inexorably in less than a year when he had lived more than a century of his life as a stagnant, selfish being. Now that his heart has been opened, he finds it impossible to close again. That, he reasons, must be how Percival has gotten in. How all of Whitestone has, really. Essek feels a sense of duty to these people in a way that he rarely ever had to his own. It's a responsibility that derives not from the promise of self-advancement, but the simple desire to help, to improve the world around him after he spent so long disregarding the catastrophic consequences of his own actions.
He's glad for it. He doesn't think Percival would have liked the man he was before. Even aside from his treason and its effects, the Shadowhand was not a good person. But Essek, Essek as he is now, has the potential to be, or at least to do good with the time he has. And in life as in dunamancy, time and potential are the cornerstones from which everything is built.
"You can be assured that I will do just that," he says, and the way his smile reaches his eyes is almost soft. "Not only do I have a vested interest in our success, but I intend to make the value of my knowledge and experience very clear."
Essek reaches between them for Percival's nearest hand to clasp it with his, squeezing gently. A united front. "I am confident that together, we will have little to worry about. Truly, a smarter match could not have been arranged."
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"That is unlikely," he demures with a tight grimace, an attempt at humor. "I have always been a solitary creature. Still, it is reassuring to know that we are of the same mind."
Despite his words, part of him wants to touch Percy and seek a momentary connection, just something light and fleeting, a brush against his arm. He's done it before. But he doesn't have the resolve for it in the moment, so he remains still, hands pressed together in front of him.
"The time we have spent together has led me to believe that we likely share many of the same ideas. I have enjoyed it a great deal, and I would hate for any lack of communication to lead to resentment in the future. Of all the men I could have been sentenced to marry and shipped off to for the sake of an alliance, I am grateful that it was you. I feel...hopeful for a future here."
no subject
He offers a smile then, something almost shy as he considers the drow wizard. It's likely good for him to be reminded that Essek is here as part of a sentence, basically, and not just a treaty. Percy still isn't wholly certain what he's done, but clearly it was serious enough for exile to be the most kind solution.
But it's good to hear that he has some sense of a future rather than a drawn-out decline.
"I know the circumstances around this aren't ideal, but we've both set out to make the best of it, I think, and I don't intend to give up on that."
Putting Essek up for a seat on the council had been both an exercise in his ultimate dominion and also democracy. It is his right to create new council seats, but the rest of the council has a say in who might fill them. If there were any intense objections, or if Essek had been unable to make a good case for his nomination, it might have fallen apart. But it didn't. And the fact that Essek is invested in his position gives Percy hope, too. Perhaps this isn't a love match, but they can at least build something good together.
Percy realizes he's gotten rather introspective and he offers Essek an apologetic look.
"Was there anything else you wished to iron out before we travel to Emon? I'm all ears, if there's anything I can do to put you at ease."
There will be no way to lessen the impact of Essek's presence - there simply aren't a lot of drow living openly anywhere in Tal'Dorei, never mind in the capital. There is a lot of mystery and dark rumors surrounding their civilization in the Underdark, some of which are entirely true.
no subject
He doesn't mind the quiet that follows in the next few moments, giving them both a little space to think. It's one of the things he appreciates most about Percy, actually. There's no inane chatter just for the sake of filling the air. When they're together, even when they're conversing, silence isn't strained. It's just part of existing in the same space.
"There are a few more pieces," Essek murmurs when Percy asks. His steepled fingers rise to press against his chin as he talks, looking up at the towering book cases rather than at Percival. He isn't avoiding his gaze, but just trying to keep his thoughts in order. "Our public presentation is one of them. Not only what we will wear and how that will coordinate, but how we intend to...exhibit ourselves, and our marriage, to others. How we talk about one another, talk to one another, body language, and so forth. We'll need to show solidarity. A united front."
He does look at his husband then, a spark of curiosity mixed with a cool shrewdness in the bright violet of his eyes, as though he's trying to pick the pieces of him apart the way he knows others will in less than a week's time.
"Personally, I believe an effort toward at least the appearance of newlywedded bliss would not go amiss. If we seem invested in one another, it will inspire confidence in our union, and therefore in this alliance. I also believe it will solidify my presence here much more quickly if my husband is known to genuinely enjoy my company."
no subject
The considerations he brings up are things that have crossed Percival's mind in passing, but there has not been a moment that would truly test them until now. Their public appearances had been few, though he thinks Essek's first one in Dawnfather's square was quite a success. This trip to Emon is building on that. He's quite aware of the power of appearance.
He's calm and still under Essek's scrutiny, and his suggestion brings another smile to Percival's face. It's actually a relief that his husband is politically savvy. This is not a position Percy ever thought he'd be in given that he'd been third in line for the title.
"I agree, but I think..." He trails off, considering what exactly he wants to say. "I think it's best if we do it our way."
Newlywedded bliss was all well and good, but Percy doesn't want it to seem like a performance. They are fond of each other, aren't they? And he is happy to build on that to set a more convincing scene. But he doesn't want to wander too far out of character for either of them.
"I don't want it to seem forced. I do enjoy your company, Essek Thelyss," he says. Percival steps closer and gently catches one of Essek's hands. He holds the other man's gaze as he brushes the barest kiss to Essek's knuckles, the picture of grace and civility. He stands straight again, holding the wizard's hand a bit longer than he needs to before finally letting go and giving his husband some space.
"But we are of the same mind on this, I think. I'll follow your lead as far as you want to take it."
He thinks it's important that a level of control remain with Essek. He was the one forced into an entirely new life. Percy doesn't want to sweep past any boundaries that Essek would rather keep.
no subject
"Yes, we are in agreement once again." Thankfully his voice remains steady, at least. "It is not my intent to do anything out of character. I...do not think it will be difficult to act convincingly fond of you, Percival."
That is certainly the clearest statement he's made about his personal feelings regarding their relationship, and instantly he feels nervous about it, even though Percy has just expressed a similar sentiment. But he has so little experience in being close to other people, and though he can look at their relationship objectively through a political lens and see it clearly, navigating the bond itself is so much more fraught. This matters to him, and not just because it concerns his future livelihood. Percival matters to him in a much more intimate way, similar to his friends. It's wonderful, but also confusing and nerve-wracking. He doesn't want to fuck this up the way he had with the Mighty Nein--with Caleb, particularly. He can't afford to.
The resolve he feels is powerful. He hopes it will be enough.
"Do you have any questions for me?" he wonders, at least partially to change the subject. "I may be new to this continent, but I am experienced in politics, which tends to be a somewhat universal language."
no subject
Percy looks down for a moment, brows drawn together. He wonders--no. There is no point in looking backwards.
"It has been my continuing goal to ensure solid ties with the Republic. Things are good and I should like to keep them that way. But I also will not have anyone trying to take advantage of our resources. You know what we mine here, and you of all people know its worth."
Whitestone is isolated in terms of geography, though no longer so isolated politically. But it is known for its major export, the stone for which the city is named. Magic users from Xhorhas to Marquet seek it out, never mind the uses for the less magically inclined.
"That is part of our mission. To strengthen the ties we have, both economically and politically. I am not sure that I have any questions to pose, only... a hope that you will lend your expertise in this matter wherever you feel it relevant."
Essek's experience is a boon that Percival could not have anticipated, and he wants to believe that his new spouse is truly as dedicated to his new position as he seems to be. He is aware that the trust he is showing Essek could put him in a precarious position. But the only way to test it is to give it, and... Essek hasn't let the side down yet. Percival doesn't believe that he will, regardless of the concerns of others.
no subject
It is still strange to think about the way the Mighty Nein altered him inexorably in less than a year when he had lived more than a century of his life as a stagnant, selfish being. Now that his heart has been opened, he finds it impossible to close again. That, he reasons, must be how Percival has gotten in. How all of Whitestone has, really. Essek feels a sense of duty to these people in a way that he rarely ever had to his own. It's a responsibility that derives not from the promise of self-advancement, but the simple desire to help, to improve the world around him after he spent so long disregarding the catastrophic consequences of his own actions.
He's glad for it. He doesn't think Percival would have liked the man he was before. Even aside from his treason and its effects, the Shadowhand was not a good person. But Essek, Essek as he is now, has the potential to be, or at least to do good with the time he has. And in life as in dunamancy, time and potential are the cornerstones from which everything is built.
"You can be assured that I will do just that," he says, and the way his smile reaches his eyes is almost soft. "Not only do I have a vested interest in our success, but I intend to make the value of my knowledge and experience very clear."
Essek reaches between them for Percival's nearest hand to clasp it with his, squeezing gently. A united front. "I am confident that together, we will have little to worry about. Truly, a smarter match could not have been arranged."