Elle ヾ(￣0￣ )

I like to think the form The Emperor takes is someone who is a close figure to Tav.

My lore for her is that they live in Baldur's Gate together, going on adventures, helping out the sick and needy, and doing what they can in their community.

They don't define it as lovers but more as sharing a deeper bond with affection. They got matching tattoos of a rose on the left side of their neck to commemorate it. (let's be fr that's lovers in today's era aight)

After some adventure went wrong, he got killed in a fight.

While in the middle of grieving, Tav was abducted by the Nautiloid. So, imagine to her surprise someone dear to her past coming to visit her in her dreams - but also someone different, someone mysterious.

And throughout the game, I like to think it's also her journey of self-acceptance that people lost are truly lost. Even if she likes to think he is still with her truly, he isn't anymore. Her newfound friends a much-welcome reprieve from dealing with losing someone important to her.

(she sleeps with The Emperor in the feigned form tho --- coping mechanism)