[ caleb only agreed to play guide for the kelesis ho! mission after the velvet claw guild assured him that he could earn extra numis. it helped that he wasn't alone in this venture, especially once the bridge was discovered. not exactly a project he would have cared to start if he had found it on his own.
luckily for everyone, he didn't find it on his own, so bright and early the following morning of the initial discovery, he shoots set a text. ]
it's going to take a while before the bridge is rebuilt and safe enough for others to travel on but I might be able to go on ahead and check out what might be further down clear out some rubbles along the way.
[ They had begun to traipse around the Asphodel Fields in the month prior to the official exploration, so was it not a natural step to make use of their prior experience? Working alongside the Velvet Claw was a no-brainer. They would be a useful tool to align with, for as long as necessary. Making a little extra currency was — well, Set had never had to conceptualize money nor its use before.
Caleb must have use for it, though. His response is wholly sarcastic, because of course, it's not at all: ] Generous of you.
We did not make use of grand bridges where I hail from, but they are feats of common enough engineering to join lands across smaller tributaries. This one is astoundingly large. Cataloging the vulnerabilities of its supporting structure alone would be good information to sell off, if we can make it out that far.
( there's a soft sound of knuckles rapping against set's door.
because honestly, that conservation hadn't just been lip service.
in the midst of his personal matters, in feigning good health and in joining the rest in fielding expeditions far from their new "home", takasugi's been penning a set of guidelines the old-fashioned way.
and what's written is better served being delivered by hand, no matter what might happen in this bout of face-to-face negotiating. )
[ Honestly, Takasugi reminded him of a small animal — ferocious in attitude and wise to not go a second round with the beast that had put teeth to him.
The depths hidden behind his taunting words and effervescence were enticing, though — clearly, he was experienced. And despite their opposition(?) regarding humanity, he would be a failure of a war god if he did not make room for Takasugi's knowledge and expertise.
Throwing the door to his room in the Valentia open, he looks a full sight — hair voluminous with willow branches and pretty lotuses blooming along his shoulders. A far cry from a desert god. Still, his smile is all guile and animal-bright teeth: ] Takasugi. Come in. How might I receive you today?
[ to his lair......... until he moves ( to the woods probably lmao ) ]
Receive me? No need to be overly formal. After all, we're already a bit acquainted, you and I. Unless it's unfashionable to say that about a god of war?
( for as gorgeous as he is, being around set at this point feels like stepping into the jaws of a beast. it's an unseen pressure, and takasugi does everything in his power to still it. to clamp it down in his throat and let it dissipate, his posture as relaxed as his partly traditional attire may have him look.
the previous deity he interacted with felt different, so thickly cloying at times, always ready to invade any stray negative thought at a moment's notice, but not as strong-willed. he'd needed takasugi's expertise to get a leg up in anything, and takasugi's advice to figure out where to go with their plans, and takasugi can still hear the crack of his voice when he betrayed him.
so.
he taps set's chest lightly with the wrapped parchment in his hand, grinning. )
I'm here to follow through on my offer.
Edited (imagine not making a typo... in this economy...) 2025-06-24 16:49 (UTC)
[ Consider him UTTERLY beseeched. Eleanor is, as ever, the most charming woman — her eagerness causes his heart to flutter, the soft thrum of a connection that wants to be confirmed building like music inside of him. ]
Eleanor! Hello, Eleanor Nightingale! She of endless voice and compassion!
Is it really so strange to speak to a god, among all things that have happened to you? Both here, in Karteria, and before. So much has happened though — I have moved, you should come see my abode and the view from it!
Endless voice, yes, endless compassion... Mmm, well, there IS a limit but it's best for everyone if that limit isn't found, right? <3
(Disclaimer: While the heart is playfully threatening, it is not directed towards you in the slightest.)
But anyways. Yes, it's strange, but it's very exciting. Not to sound jaded, but my experiences back home means that there's a lot about Karteria that's very familiar. Even our giant squidly friend is a bit like when I would try and chat up the Techrot, though it's much more sociable, if not socialized. Talking to a god without the threat of smiting for impudence? Very novel!
I'd love to see your home, though. I've also moved into a little place with Konoha, but the view isn't much. It just fits us both well, which was a big ask.
That is correct. Yet even as a god, the knowledge I hold is the benefit of my longevity of perspective, rather than absolute omniscience. Not every answer I offer will satisfy your hunger.
[ he likes to warn mortals who seek him out for information, really. he's not the most friendly of gods towards humans, and as such, his answers can be skewed. ]
As I have come to observe, you care for one another because you weren't designed to be solitary creatures. At its core, that is the reason. How you use or abuse your capacity to care is entirely your choice, as to counterbalance your short lives, you were granted freedom of will.
[ that is fine. he is still his best bet. and he isn't looking for friendliness — those who are harsh are often the most truthful, too. ]
And yet your answers will be better than anything else I could get.
But I suppose I can see the point. Not designed to be solitary... but that is all I'm used to. I'm not a particularly trusting individual, you see. Some might call me opportunistic. And so I wonder — if we're designed to care for others, why does it hurt so much more than being alone?
[ on on hand, he doesn't want to ask this of mr. biting list but. on the other. he is the most qualified... ]
I'd like to propose a trade, of sorts.
I'll allow you to examine my weaponry, though I will insist that if you'd like for it to be disassembled in any way, you allow me to do so.
In exchange, I'd like to train with you, for lack of a better word. Our meeting has highlighted my deficiencies when it comes to being properly prepared for the variety of fights I can encounter... And I certainly got the impression that you wouldn't go easy on me, which is what I'd prefer.
You are are allowing me the access to study your amazing weapon AND ALSO are asking me to beat you senseless for the purpose of strengthening you for future combat!?
I do not see how this is an adequate trade, I am reaping all of the rewards and receiving all of the benefits.
Nevertheless, I accept.
My expectations are high for you, because you have a clever weapon that requires an adaptive mind to properly utilize. That means you fight with your head, not solely your strength of arm, and THAT means we will be working much, much harder to increase your tactical flexibility. You will not enjoy this at all! It will be wonderful!
[ ...He's wondering that too at the moment, but luckily his newfound fear of being caught completely unawares overrides anything else. ]
To be clear, I would rather it wasn't senseless. I'm honestly not sure how the healing process works for me anymore, since it seems like your bite marks are here to stay.
[ Yet another reason to use the glamor all the time. When he sees those, he just feels Tired. ]
But that aside, I'm perfectly serious, even so. I'm asking you to do this because I assumed you'd have high expectations. I want to be well-trained, not handled lightly. If you take sadistic pleasure from it, so be it, I suppose.
i have created a tent for you and your plants, sandling.
[ +1 blurry ass photo of their shared roof now completely encased within a large translucent tent. ]
to provide you with ample warmth whilst i am occasionally away, i have created a heater as well. it is fueled by the burning of coal, which i presume is the less offensive alternative to wood.
[ coal is also just the more efficient and sustainable option in general, but that deffo was not his first thought in choosing it. ]
OH WOW!! I was worried I might need to find a place to put them all for the cold season, but this is fantastic! We both will flourish throughout the winter this way, Aodh!
[ Unheard: Set's noises of absolute delight from the field where he's forcing his militia to run laps, their noses bright red and lungs hacking away as they're exposed to the bitter cold of the morning. Several of them elbow one another and point out their intrepid leader, muttering about whether or not he's just received a holiday gift from "someone special".
If he happens to show it off to the members, it's only because he's still diligently feeling out who might show interest in his dragon companion. Stupid. ]
I will be able to continue to keep Law's clinic stocked all winter, this way.
So, to be clear, I'm not saying that you have to go easy on me when we're training, but please try and crack my bones less?
The more I go to the clinic, the more they're going to be far too concerned about me... They're all sweet people, so I'd rather not have them fret over me.
Also, getting water *in* my bones when I shower feels awful, as I've just discovered.
[ help the way he's immediately interested AND insulted over this ]
Oh, my! If you are walking into the clinic on your own, I may not be pushing your limits enough.
Why are you going to them anyways, I am more than capable of mending your hurts. I have a fantastic bedside manner, you would be on your feet in no time.
Sometimes I have to immerse myself in water and it makes the original parts of my soul terribly unhappy — I am a desert, and my Natural Soul is made of water plants. When it comes to being at odds with the quirks of form, I do understand.
That's not the lesson you were supposed to take away, you brute!
[ is "brute" becoming something like a pet name? yeah ]
...But if you're being serious about being able to patch me up, I would take you up on that offer (bedside manner or no). I mean it when I say that I don't want them to worry after me. I went to visit after your bite, and completely reasonably, Miss Dorothea was very concerned about it.
So your bite doesn't ache anymore, no. It's something like a scar now, lest you get any ideas about making another mark. I've already noticed how you think like a Thiren at times.
You do have my sympathies about that contrast in you versus your Soul, though. I may not fully understand what you mean when you talk of being a god and a desert and all of that, but I at least have imagination enough to manage. Would a spritzing of water work, do you think? Believe it or not, I'm actually quite good with plants.
[ New Eridu might not actually celebrate Christmas anymore, but the day itself is still the fun, meaningful one! So, as sneakily as Mr. Claus himself, there will be a quite beautifully wrapped gift waiting at Set’s front door on the morning of December 25th.
Inside the box is something that Set has actually seen before, and he’s probably even tried to steal it before. It’s a good thing that Hugo has multiple, even though he’d definitely lied and said it was the only one. The elegant trick knife is one of Hugo’s own. The engineering of it and how smoothly it flips the blade is like a smaller scale version of the scythe that he’s been coveting, but it’s not just a toy. It’s razor sharp and deadly despite its pretty appearance. ]
✦ Happy Holidays, Set ✦ You know, you’re the case where I feel like you would almost be mad to get a gift at all, considering the usual reason for the season… But if it helps, there’s absolutely zero religious connection for the holidays in New Eridu. Thus. I remain a godless heathen under your tutelage~
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
@xyz, text—
luckily for everyone, he didn't find it on his own, so bright and early the following morning of the initial discovery, he shoots set a text. ]
it's going to take a while before the bridge is rebuilt and safe enough for others to travel on but I might be able to go on ahead and check out what might be further down clear out some rubbles along the way.
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Caleb must have use for it, though. His response is wholly sarcastic, because of course, it's not at all: ] Generous of you.
We did not make use of grand bridges where I hail from, but they are feats of common enough engineering to join lands across smaller tributaries. This one is astoundingly large. Cataloging the vulnerabilities of its supporting structure alone would be good information to sell off, if we can make it out that far.
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[ he may or may not be referring to the interference of that pesky natural soul of his, but pay it no mind. ]
you're free to join me.
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I also wish to do some additional mapping en route, for Gojo.
[ which is his way of saying he'll be happy to come along ]
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action
because honestly, that conservation hadn't just been lip service.
in the midst of his personal matters, in feigning good health and in joining the rest in fielding expeditions far from their new "home", takasugi's been penning a set of guidelines the old-fashioned way.
and what's written is better served being delivered by hand, no matter what might happen in this bout of face-to-face negotiating. )
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The depths hidden behind his taunting words and effervescence were enticing, though — clearly, he was experienced. And despite their opposition(?) regarding humanity, he would be a failure of a war god if he did not make room for Takasugi's knowledge and expertise.
Throwing the door to his room in the Valentia open, he looks a full sight — hair voluminous with willow branches and pretty lotuses blooming along his shoulders. A far cry from a desert god. Still, his smile is all guile and animal-bright teeth: ] Takasugi. Come in. How might I receive you today?
[ to his lair......... until he moves ( to the woods probably lmao ) ]
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( for as gorgeous as he is, being around set at this point feels like stepping into the jaws of a beast. it's an unseen pressure, and takasugi does everything in his power to still it. to clamp it down in his throat and let it dissipate, his posture as relaxed as his partly traditional attire may have him look.
the previous deity he interacted with felt different, so thickly cloying at times, always ready to invade any stray negative thought at a moment's notice, but not as strong-willed. he'd needed takasugi's expertise to get a leg up in anything, and takasugi's advice to figure out where to go with their plans, and takasugi can still hear the crack of his voice when he betrayed him.
so.
he taps set's chest lightly with the wrapped parchment in his hand, grinning. )
I'm here to follow through on my offer.
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@ salem
O god of deserts, of storms, of many other things that Eleanor did not read in her book when she was a little girl!
I beseech thee!
Well, less "beseech" and more "hello, I'm having a little laugh because talking to an actual, literal god means I cannot help it".
We haven't talked much since making a mutual friend with our dear squid. How have you been, my dear?
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Eleanor! Hello, Eleanor Nightingale! She of endless voice and compassion!
Is it really so strange to speak to a god, among all things that have happened to you? Both here, in Karteria, and before. So much has happened though — I have moved, you should come see my abode and the view from it!
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(Disclaimer: While the heart is playfully threatening, it is not directed towards you in the slightest.)
But anyways. Yes, it's strange, but it's very exciting. Not to sound jaded, but my experiences back home means that there's a lot about Karteria that's very familiar. Even our giant squidly friend is a bit like when I would try and chat up the Techrot, though it's much more sociable, if not socialized. Talking to a god without the threat of smiting for impudence? Very novel!
I'd love to see your home, though. I've also moved into a little place with Konoha, but the view isn't much. It just fits us both well, which was a big ask.
pen pals..... yappy pen pals
he's SO CUTE RAUFHHFHGHHGHH
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@walrus, text
So tell me, Lord Set, because I cannot see the reason — why are humans given the capacity to care for others?
SILVER 😭
[ he likes to warn mortals who seek him out for information, really. he's not the most friendly of gods towards humans, and as such, his answers can be skewed. ]
As I have come to observe, you care for one another because you weren't designed to be solitary creatures. At its core, that is the reason. How you use or abuse your capacity to care is entirely your choice, as to counterbalance your short lives, you were granted freedom of will.
he's doing so fine
And yet your answers will be better than anything else I could get.
But I suppose I can see the point. Not designed to be solitary... but that is all I'm used to. I'm not a particularly trusting individual, you see. Some might call me opportunistic. And so I wonder — if we're designed to care for others, why does it hurt so much more than being alone?
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@ mockingbird (heyyyy)
I'd like to propose a trade, of sorts.
I'll allow you to examine my weaponry, though I will insist that if you'd like for it to be disassembled in any way, you allow me to do so.
In exchange, I'd like to train with you, for lack of a better word. Our meeting has highlighted my deficiencies when it comes to being properly prepared for the variety of fights I can encounter... And I certainly got the impression that you wouldn't go easy on me, which is what I'd prefer.
@SET 1/?
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ok done
Nevertheless, I accept.
My expectations are high for you, because you have a clever weapon that requires an adaptive mind to properly utilize. That means you fight with your head, not solely your strength of arm, and THAT means we will be working much, much harder to increase your tactical flexibility. You will not enjoy this at all! It will be wonderful!
[ hugo why did you do this to yourself ]
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To be clear, I would rather it wasn't senseless. I'm honestly not sure how the healing process works for me anymore, since it seems like your bite marks are here to stay.
[ Yet another reason to use the glamor all the time. When he sees those, he just feels Tired. ]
But that aside, I'm perfectly serious, even so. I'm asking you to do this because I assumed you'd have high expectations. I want to be well-trained, not handled lightly. If you take sadistic pleasure from it, so be it, I suppose.
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1/2
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/3 actually
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i had to upload another icon for this one (1/2)
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@aodh
[ +1 blurry ass photo of their shared roof now completely encased within a large translucent tent. ]
to provide you with ample warmth whilst i am occasionally away, i have created a heater as well. it is fueled by the burning of coal, which i presume is the less offensive alternative to wood.
[ coal is also just the more efficient and sustainable option in general, but that deffo was not his first thought in choosing it. ]
@SET
[ Unheard: Set's noises of absolute delight from the field where he's forcing his militia to run laps, their noses bright red and lungs hacking away as they're exposed to the bitter cold of the morning. Several of them elbow one another and point out their intrepid leader, muttering about whether or not he's just received a holiday gift from "someone special".
If he happens to show it off to the members, it's only because he's still diligently feeling out who might show interest in his dragon companion. Stupid. ]
I will be able to continue to keep Law's clinic stocked all winter, this way.
Do you request anything in return?
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i need only your continued companionship.
tell me, have you pursued courtship before?
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@mockingbird (time for something stupider)
The more I go to the clinic, the more they're going to be far too concerned about me... They're all sweet people, so I'd rather not have them fret over me.
Also, getting water *in* my bones when I shower feels awful, as I've just discovered.
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Oh, my! If you are walking into the clinic on your own, I may not be pushing your limits enough.
Why are you going to them anyways, I am more than capable of mending your hurts. I have a fantastic bedside manner, you would be on your feet in no time.
Sometimes I have to immerse myself in water and it makes the original parts of my soul terribly unhappy — I am a desert, and my Natural Soul is made of water plants. When it comes to being at odds with the quirks of form, I do understand.
Does my bite ache, too?
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That's not the lesson you were supposed to take away, you brute!
[ is "brute" becoming something like a pet name? yeah ]
...But if you're being serious about being able to patch me up, I would take you up on that offer (bedside manner or no). I mean it when I say that I don't want them to worry after me. I went to visit after your bite, and completely reasonably, Miss Dorothea was very concerned about it.
So your bite doesn't ache anymore, no. It's something like a scar now, lest you get any ideas about making another mark. I've already noticed how you think like a Thiren at times.
You do have my sympathies about that contrast in you versus your Soul, though. I may not fully understand what you mean when you talk of being a god and a desert and all of that, but I at least have imagination enough to manage. Would a spritzing of water work, do you think? Believe it or not, I'm actually quite good with plants.
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a gift (dec 25)
Inside the box is something that Set has actually seen before, and he’s probably even tried to steal it before. It’s a good thing that Hugo has multiple, even though he’d definitely lied and said it was the only one. The elegant trick knife is one of Hugo’s own. The engineering of it and how smoothly it flips the blade is like a smaller scale version of the scythe that he’s been coveting, but it’s not just a toy. It’s razor sharp and deadly despite its pretty appearance. ]
✦ Happy Holidays, Set ✦
You know, you’re the case where I feel like you would almost be mad to get a gift at all, considering the usual reason for the season… But if it helps, there’s absolutely zero religious connection for the holidays in New Eridu. Thus.
I remain a godless heathen under your tutelage~