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[ 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.
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 β 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.
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.
I hardly know your capabilities, only that they will pale compared to mine!
[ even as he sends the text, he's already hunting caleb down to meet up with him <3
the moment he finds caleb, he continues conversing aloud and pockets his syntrofos: ]
Hey! What did you even do, before Karteria?
[ even as he sends the text, he's already hunting caleb down to meet up with him <3
the moment he finds caleb, he continues conversing aloud and pockets his syntrofos: ]
Hey! What did you even do, before Karteria?
We explore the Deepspace Tunnel. It's a wormhole. One that's brought a lot of trouble to my planet.
[ sorry, set. he doesn't really believe in the existence of gods, so HE'S JUST GOING TO TAKE THAT AS AN EPITHET. ]
No wonder why they chose you. A god of war sounds like someone Patho-Gen desperately needs. [ which may or may not end up being a bad thing. for who though? only time can tell. ] Should we head out now, General? [ he motions towards the bridge. ]
[ sorry, set. he doesn't really believe in the existence of gods, so HE'S JUST GOING TO TAKE THAT AS AN EPITHET. ]
No wonder why they chose you. A god of war sounds like someone Patho-Gen desperately needs. [ which may or may not end up being a bad thing. for who though? only time can tell. ] Should we head out now, General? [ he motions towards the bridge. ]
What manner of trouble does it bring?
[ he trots alongside caleb, eyes bright and curious. unknown to him is the LACK OF FAITH the heathen beside him harbors. tsk, for shame! what matters is that they have a mission β to catalog some of the problems facing the bridge's architecture and foundation, for future missions. ]
Perhaps. War is a vast domain, after all; certainly, the military and battle is part of it, but so is philosophy, diplomacy, foreign policy, defense and preparedness... These are all positions I take.
[ he trots alongside caleb, eyes bright and curious. unknown to him is the LACK OF FAITH the heathen beside him harbors. tsk, for shame! what matters is that they have a mission β to catalog some of the problems facing the bridge's architecture and foundation, for future missions. ]
Perhaps. War is a vast domain, after all; certainly, the military and battle is part of it, but so is philosophy, diplomacy, foreign policy, defense and preparedness... These are all positions I take.
Monsters. [ to put it simply. ] They appeared with the Deepspace Tunnel and proceeded to attack my planet. We've been combating them ever since. [ so, you see, his world has enough problems as it stands. he has no interest in shouldering another one. ]
Are you going to put those skills to good use here?
[ so far, the bridge's foundation is proving to be rather sturdy. it's a little overgrown with vegetation and there are some rubble here and there, but it isn't difficult terrain to traverse across and, as far as he can see, not particularly dangerous. ]
Are you going to put those skills to good use here?
[ so far, the bridge's foundation is proving to be rather sturdy. it's a little overgrown with vegetation and there are some rubble here and there, but it isn't difficult terrain to traverse across and, as far as he can see, not particularly dangerous. ]
( 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. )
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. )
Edited 2025-06-24 00:06 (UTC)
[ Honestly, Takasugi reminded him of a small animal β 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 β 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 β 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 ) ]
The depths hidden behind his taunting words and effervescence were enticing, though β 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 β 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.
( 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)
If you dare to be familiar, by all means. Do it with all your heart, at least. Anything less and I will take offense.
[ Takasugi's a manipulator, but something about him stirs every mean, conniving bone in Set's body. Maybe it's that competitive urge? It's what encourages him to lean in, lengthening his neck as he scents delicately at the space where he'd slipped his teeth into the other redhead's flesh β and Takasugi might experience a little spark of something. In such close proximity, and with that imprint simmering between them, it's obvious that Set feels deeply smug.
The parchment tapped upon his chest breaks the overpowering fixation, and Set takes a step back and to the side to permit Takasugi into his room. It looks the same as it did when he'd first entered β devoid of personal belongings or touches, as if Set had only just moved in, or was not connected to the space whatsoever.
( And he's not. Wandering soul that he is. )]
Did you have fun with it? Or will this be a technical document I could have obtained from Father Talbott, instead?
[ he teases, all teeth and blooming, red flowers in the dim lighting of his room; a crimson threat that purposefully shuts the door behind them and smiles just as syrup-slow ]
[ Takasugi's a manipulator, but something about him stirs every mean, conniving bone in Set's body. Maybe it's that competitive urge? It's what encourages him to lean in, lengthening his neck as he scents delicately at the space where he'd slipped his teeth into the other redhead's flesh β and Takasugi might experience a little spark of something. In such close proximity, and with that imprint simmering between them, it's obvious that Set feels deeply smug.
The parchment tapped upon his chest breaks the overpowering fixation, and Set takes a step back and to the side to permit Takasugi into his room. It looks the same as it did when he'd first entered β devoid of personal belongings or touches, as if Set had only just moved in, or was not connected to the space whatsoever.
( And he's not. Wandering soul that he is. )]
Did you have fun with it? Or will this be a technical document I could have obtained from Father Talbott, instead?
[ he teases, all teeth and blooming, red flowers in the dim lighting of his room; a crimson threat that purposefully shuts the door behind them and smiles just as syrup-slow ]
( he feels the spark, the way it spreads across his neck and all the way to his fingertips like wildfire. his eyes flutter for a moment, showing pain, as if he's about to grimace and flatten his long ears out for the closeness. but takasugi envisions himself rigid and holds still, recalling all those times he let another deity talk dirt instead of flowers his way. there's no room for mistakes or showing weakness here, as much as this strange link makes him want to react.
the smile on his face flickers only briefly, strained.
he's testing his luck here, but when wasn't he? he was meant for greatness, so he might as well push it.
... Is that so? Then, I suppose I'll make myself at home.
( takasugi strolls in, every step of his heavy sandals in this empty room creating an echo so intense for him right now that it feels like he might as well be walking through a cave. cheeky as ever, he takes a seat upon an abandoned chair, crossing his legs. it's easy to see that it isn't lived in. was the valentia too measly of a home for someone so exalted? well, whatever. )
It's been a while since I bothered with something so conservative. My own militia was a bit more unorthodox, always ready to party no matter where we were. Eventually, I lost my title as general because of a few things here and there. Well. Let's just say the higher-ups didn't quite get my more forward-thinking approach.
( laid out flat on the nearby table, it looks like so. i did my best. )
the smile on his face flickers only briefly, strained.
he's testing his luck here, but when wasn't he? he was meant for greatness, so he might as well push it.
... Is that so? Then, I suppose I'll make myself at home.
( takasugi strolls in, every step of his heavy sandals in this empty room creating an echo so intense for him right now that it feels like he might as well be walking through a cave. cheeky as ever, he takes a seat upon an abandoned chair, crossing his legs. it's easy to see that it isn't lived in. was the valentia too measly of a home for someone so exalted? well, whatever. )
It's been a while since I bothered with something so conservative. My own militia was a bit more unorthodox, always ready to party no matter where we were. Eventually, I lost my title as general because of a few things here and there. Well. Let's just say the higher-ups didn't quite get my more forward-thinking approach.
( laid out flat on the nearby table, it looks like so. i did my best. )
[ Could anyone blame him, for being such a deadly-mad amalgamation of aspects that sometimes it appears as though he is all animal instinct, as violent as a storm? He stands a strange, fey things at the best of times β clearly possessed of emotion and sentiment that can be influenced and affected as if he were human, yet simultaneously graced with logic that is beyond mortality.
He waits by the door, purposefully testing the waters by blockading the exit with his own body. Takasugi takes a seat with purpose, and that seems enough to draw the god in. He crosses the room to lean over the table and review the contract, it's so cute abbey ]
Your legislation is far different than how I commanded my soldiers. "Subject to the oversight of the public" has to go. These individuals are already viewed similarly to us and the lower classes β useful to exploit, but outstaying their former need. I will not see them under the will of people who already see them as valueless. They are still members of the government, in partnership with me.
[ He declares it boldly, proudly even. Not a scrap of hesitance in laying claim to something unwanted. He wants them. He will take obvious pride and delight in them, raise them, educate them. Drive them to madness, probably. ]
We should throw them a party, though. The style you used to have with your own β or do you not miss the experience? I like forward-thinking, after all. Innovation is best.
He waits by the door, purposefully testing the waters by blockading the exit with his own body. Takasugi takes a seat with purpose, and that seems enough to draw the god in. He crosses the room to lean over the table and review the contract, it's so cute abbey ]
Your legislation is far different than how I commanded my soldiers. "Subject to the oversight of the public" has to go. These individuals are already viewed similarly to us and the lower classes β useful to exploit, but outstaying their former need. I will not see them under the will of people who already see them as valueless. They are still members of the government, in partnership with me.
[ He declares it boldly, proudly even. Not a scrap of hesitance in laying claim to something unwanted. He wants them. He will take obvious pride and delight in them, raise them, educate them. Drive them to madness, probably. ]
We should throw them a party, though. The style you used to have with your own β or do you not miss the experience? I like forward-thinking, after all. Innovation is best.
Then feel free to strike it out, of course. It won't be my militia. But as much as catering to those with "higher positions" in society is undesirable for the common folk, it's also an inevitability to be taken seriously, isn't it? Not that I would ever comply myself. They would need a full-on revolution, not just a militia.
( the second question gets a smirk out of him. )
A party like my Kiheitai used to have? Now we're talking. But it wasn't anything divine, that's for sure. Just a lot of drinks and plenty of company. Good times all around, where anyone, regardless of their status, was allowed to join in the festivities. The noise would get so out of hand that they often got told to head for another tavern, but I was hardly ever there.
( the second question gets a smirk out of him. )
A party like my Kiheitai used to have? Now we're talking. But it wasn't anything divine, that's for sure. Just a lot of drinks and plenty of company. Good times all around, where anyone, regardless of their status, was allowed to join in the festivities. The noise would get so out of hand that they often got told to head for another tavern, but I was hardly ever there.
Speaking of revolution. What is the message being sown among Karteria's lower ranks to stir them toward malcontent? If there is a way to better it, I am not uninterested in seeding that field.
[ Set calls it like it is, because he is not an idiot; he knows there is a class war brewing, and right now, it's behind a banner he isn't thrilled with. With his eyes narrowing and smile growing mean, he reaches for a pen in order to scratch out the bit he doesn't like. The audacity of a god is notable, in the way that he simply works to mold the conversation and its outcome to whatever suits him. Still, his attention is sharp upon what Takasugi says, how he says it. He remains standing at the side of his little table, pen pressed to his full lower lip in thought. ]
I think the style of revelry your Kiheitai partook in could be good, for the Karterians. They are so repressed, I fear it has stifled their ability to grow and flourish. [ A pause. ] Though, a commander who does not dwell among his people... not ever? What better things did you have to do, that you did not strengthen your bond that way?
[ Set calls it like it is, because he is not an idiot; he knows there is a class war brewing, and right now, it's behind a banner he isn't thrilled with. With his eyes narrowing and smile growing mean, he reaches for a pen in order to scratch out the bit he doesn't like. The audacity of a god is notable, in the way that he simply works to mold the conversation and its outcome to whatever suits him. Still, his attention is sharp upon what Takasugi says, how he says it. He remains standing at the side of his little table, pen pressed to his full lower lip in thought. ]
I think the style of revelry your Kiheitai partook in could be good, for the Karterians. They are so repressed, I fear it has stifled their ability to grow and flourish. [ A pause. ] Though, a commander who does not dwell among his people... not ever? What better things did you have to do, that you did not strengthen your bond that way?
It wasn't my choice to make. Even a prodigy like myself had someone's backwards rules to answer to.
( he says it plainly. with little emotion. )
A couple morons beneath me got in over their heads, and then I found myself dismissed. Which is exactly why I made that little suggestion, you know, considering where the Augmented fall. You can't make everyone fall in line. The spontaneity keeps things interesting.
( all this flattery concerning his kiheitai. but that's what this god wishes to establish, isn't it? a militia that looks beyond class differences, and something more, if their goal is what he suspects it is.
but let it be similar. it'll make things easier, if he finds himself less in the center and more on the opposite side of the river down the line. )
( he says it plainly. with little emotion. )
A couple morons beneath me got in over their heads, and then I found myself dismissed. Which is exactly why I made that little suggestion, you know, considering where the Augmented fall. You can't make everyone fall in line. The spontaneity keeps things interesting.
( all this flattery concerning his kiheitai. but that's what this god wishes to establish, isn't it? a militia that looks beyond class differences, and something more, if their goal is what he suspects it is.
but let it be similar. it'll make things easier, if he finds himself less in the center and more on the opposite side of the river down the line. )
O Set!
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?
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?
[ Consider him UTTERLY beseeched. Eleanor is, as ever, the most charming woman β 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 β I have moved, you should come see my abode and the view from it!
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 β 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.
(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.
It is not? I had my hopes up to meet you in combat, if you were threatening me.
[ he is sulking now ]
I have not really heard the tales of your home, to date. I have noticed you are uncomfortable [ lonely, so lonely ] about focus being on your neck. At first, I thought it was because all living things have a primal urge to defend their most vulnerable of places, but now I have realized it is something else.
Our squid companion is doing well. I am attempting to teach it manners, as well as inviting it to join my militia!
I am currently on a roof in Sophia. Aodh stays with me - a bit like a roommate, except we do not really pay for it? At all? Do you like your place? I want to see it, too!
[ he is sulking now ]
I have not really heard the tales of your home, to date. I have noticed you are uncomfortable [ lonely, so lonely ] about focus being on your neck. At first, I thought it was because all living things have a primal urge to defend their most vulnerable of places, but now I have realized it is something else.
Our squid companion is doing well. I am attempting to teach it manners, as well as inviting it to join my militia!
I am currently on a roof in Sophia. Aodh stays with me - a bit like a roommate, except we do not really pay for it? At all? Do you like your place? I want to see it, too!
Well, we could fight without the threat, if that's okay with you? Combat is something that I'm newish at, so honestly, I could use good practice.
Though I am sorry for the assumption there about the Techrot. Honestly, I forget who I tell some things to, since one of the downsides of Phenomenal Psychic Powers is that conversations can blend together. I think there's only so much my brain can handle, or at least that's my theory.
So, tell you what. My place, yours, or shall I regale you with the story over chat like this? I'm okay with any of the above, but a roof on Sophia sounds like an excellent place to pop open a bottle of wine.
Though I am sorry for the assumption there about the Techrot. Honestly, I forget who I tell some things to, since one of the downsides of Phenomenal Psychic Powers is that conversations can blend together. I think there's only so much my brain can handle, or at least that's my theory.
So, tell you what. My place, yours, or shall I regale you with the story over chat like this? I'm okay with any of the above, but a roof on Sophia sounds like an excellent place to pop open a bottle of wine.
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