4, 26, and 44 for Arianna and Emet!
Send me a ship and a number (closed)
Thank you for the ask!! The first question especially will be having ShB spoilers so don’t read if you haven’t at least finished the Shadowbringers quest.
4. First impression of each other? Was it love at first sight?
Arianna’s first impression of Emet was Abject Concern, but such is her default state. Despite her curiosity of him, she didn’t have the wherewithal to properly approach him, and most of their interactions were mediated by the other scions or by the Exarch. For the most part, she merely observed when he chose to deign the scions with his presence. He at least made her interested enough to not constantly retreat to daydreams around him.
The colour of her soul was strangely familiar to Emet, though very obviously nothing more than a coincidence. He found her overly skittish, and was strangely annoyed she refused to speak aloud. Since there was no point in actively speaking to her, however, he for the most part left her alone. He would grow curious seeing her constantly with some sort of book in hand, and occasionally writing in it; simply because he wondered what on earth a shade could have to write about, of course.
Their first proper interaction is after Emet-Selch saves Y’shtola; Arianna gives him a handwritten note detailing her gratitude. This is an unexpected reaction, and it prompts the Ascian to finally seek her out for a one-on-one conversation. Whilst initially wary of his presence, Arianna found it strangely familiar in a way she was unable to put a finger on. Even vaguely comforting, when he didn’t take it upon himself to provoke a reaction out of her. Alone, they were able to converse -- or write -- with little judgement from others or outside stressors.
If we’re talking their unsundered selves -- they were introduced through their mutual friend, Hythlodaeus. Hyth was much closer to Hades than Persephone at the time, being best friends with him. He had a Hunch that Hades might at the very least like Persephone, if not lowkey trying to play matchmaker. Hades was quite shocked by Persephone’s manner of speaking -- since she wrote in the air as opposed to talking verbally. He was also quite taken to the colour of her soul.
Persephone found Hades charming despite his eccentricities, or perhaps because of them. They frequently partnered at the Akadaemia for projects or assignments aside from meeting outside of their studies, which resulted in their relationship growing stronger. Eventually, Persephone would choose to speak aloud around him, and they would take off one another’s masks.
Love at first sight? Questionable. Their amaurotine selves were quite attracted to one another. Sundered!Ari definitely feels a pull toward Emet/Hades and they feel more comfortable around each other than they probably ever should.
26. How do their friends feel about their relationship? Their families?
Arianna’s friends for the most part trust her judgement. Or try to. While they may not especially like Emet, and some are more vocal about it than others, they try to be optimistic about it. At least he’s helpful on occasion. And at the very least it seems he’s not off trying to cause another rejoining, for the moment.
Her parents may possibly find Emet tolerable, if only because he seems to be able to be amicable if he wants to. Doubtless they would never disclose his true nature as an Ascian or anything of the sort. So long as he behaved himself, they would likely be favourable toward the relationship, especially seeing how animated it makes Arianna.
Emet: I don’t have any friends :/
Though talking Amaurot times, Hythlodaeus is exceptionally smug about the whole thing.
44. Are they comfortable with each other? Anything they have to have their privacy for?
Quite comfortable. Being alone together is the one time either is able to simply relax and not have to be much concerned about whatever ails them. Though they can provide emotional comfort to the other if need be, they prefer to ignore sore subjects and enjoy one another’s company. If there’s one thing Arianna feels she needs privacy for, it’s typically her writing, though she becomes more comfortable with showing and sharing them with Emet over time.
