[Her response comes as a small surprise, and the Ascian is silent for a time, considering. His fingers rap idly on a nearby desk as he thinks.]

I know it doesn't look it, but I am trying. [He closes his eyes for a moment; gods, his head hurt. He'd probably overextended himself with all the teleporting.] When you've lived as long as I, there's certain patterns that are... difficult to change.

[Emet-Selch looks up at her again, cautiously, and waves a hand in her general direction.]

What would you suggest instead? I'll at least consider any idea at this point.