[Melqal smiles softly at the fond memories of them in each other's company, and the strife they would cause among the palace subjects of their time. they truly were a pair when left to their own devices, and it's true, no one would ever question Melqal or give him censure for shirking his duties in favour of escaping with Morax for a moment. now that he thinks about it, perhaps they should have. the both of them truly were terrible, sometimes. but really, is there a meal out there that would truly satisfy him more when Morax laid out in bed is the best meal of all?

when the topic settles back onto Dohalim, Melqal ponders on it for a moment, letting out a long breath]

Willing... May be a strong word. He has appearances he needs to keep up in order to avoid bringing attention to this. [he gestures between the both of them] His words, not mine. Though, I don't think it's that he does not want to conversate with you, I think... Hm, I'm not sure I can put my finger on it.

[there's a subtle fear there, Melqal thinks, but of what, he can only assume. perhaps in Dohalim's loneliness, he'd become fearful of building personal relationships again? has it got something to do with what happened in his own past? Melqal won't lie and say he's not curious at all, but he's also worried that if he pushes the subject, Dohalim will just shut the both of them out completely. perhaps they should approach this delicately]

Perhaps small talk will open him up. He is a connoisseur of the arts, and of history... Maybe that might resonate with him.