[There's a knock at your door, Set! And a letter slipped underneath, written on nice paper. There's an added vibrant red kiss mark to the corner of it, along with sweeping cursive letters:]
[And around 10pm, if Set opens his door, there is a lady with brown hair standing in a glossy red dress and gloves. Hey there, god boy. "She" smiles, with a perfect, flighty voice.]
[ It delights him, to see someone else thrilling in the game. Identities worn as masks, ruses within ruses to haunt the minds and hearts of others, hunger untethered and straining towards information, power, clout, prestige, and all the other trappings of a vibrant life.
Set's ready by ten, dressed up in an outfit that he would never wear, but Hierax would โ that Set has worn in another form, for a masked ball in another life. It's made mostly of material that mimics bent metals, artfully arranged across skin with a little half-jacket over it and low, bohemian pants boasting a replication print of the Great Wave across the bottoms. Laced sandals with a heel, and his hair braided โ far longer than it usually is, trailing behind him with gold laced through it.
He grins, upon opening the door to spot Madam Poisson. While he can toy with his appearance via shapeshifting, there is something about someone ( he thinks of as ) human changing their entire appearance with raw skill, talent. Or maybe it's just a Cosmetic filter, for all he knows. He'd like to think more highly of Sampo's ability, both because it'd be safer to, and more fun. ]
Oh. I did not wear my breasts tonight, will that be appropriate for your "soiree"?
[ the THINGS that come out of his mouth sometimes ]
[Sampo blinks, a little surprised by such a blatant ask, before breaking into a little amused titter behind a gloved hand.]
No, no, that's alright. If it was lady-only, I would've let you know. [He can't help himself, reaching out to gently pat over the broad shoulders, twirl the end of the braid in his hand before letting go.] You're a handsome fella, bust or not. I didn't even know you had that option. You got me curious for the next time.
so was gonna hit you up about this earlier but then surprise it was time to get to work
but anyways, once we get back, I'm thinking you and me should start a training regiment for any of the outsiders worth that kind of attention. already met a guy that's interested in training with both of us (I namedropped you in the conversation too), and sure there's more.
this group's a lot happier to fight! so let's really put them through it, yeah? would be lame for them to go fight kaiju and then just got smeared when it gets hard
Our teams back in that other place sure could learn from these guys! I guess it is easier for modern mortals to fight enemies that are not like them, the xenophobic wretches that they are.
I would enjoy collaborating with you on this, Tezcatlipoca. Ensuring our comrades are the best that they can be in the face of a deadly foe is our duty as gods, after all. I think that what rewards we receive from LILITH [ the ac points ] could be pooled for this purpose, as well? What do you think?
Honestly, I miss the Coliseum. Maybe establishing a variation would be fun!
no kidding. like if things are too one-sided, I might have to go join the kaiju! (kidding, they don't seem that fun to fight alongside from what I've heard/read)
but a coliseum sounds fun. they got those training things back at the base, but that ain't the real shit. hell, you can't even properly fight! got zapped for trying haha
[ because he DESERVED IT ]
but if we pinky promised with LILITH to not let anyone ACTUALLY die maybe they'd be more down for it. like if someone isn't actually threatened in their training what's the point. don't learn anything about being in a real life or death situation if all your practice was in your head
either that or we start an underground fight club. that wouldn't actually work for the same reasons but. sounds fun right?
Edited 2024-08-14 19:56 (UTC)
@goddess of death (a week after they're back to Neo Tokyo)
I would like to talk with you in person. Would it be possible for us to meet? I am currently at a flower shop, the location should be accessible through your implants. If this is inconvenient, please let me know of a time and place that would work for you.
I will make it possible. Give me two hours, and let me know if your location changes in that time.
[ The reply from him is succinct, because he needs to get himself together. The time allotted is for him to use, to haul himself on an injured leg to the place where Ereshkigal wants to meet. No matter their disagreement, it seems he's not hesitant to speak with her further.
Hopefully, she stays at the flower shop, as he'll trail in within an hour and a half. Limping a little, dressed in a comfortable burgundy cardigan and high-waisted khaki pants โ a little university-professor-esque, with large sunglasses over his eyes. Hair in a low, twisted bun. He stands in the doorway, hands crammed into his pockets and scowls slightly before he relaxes into a more solemn expression. A formal stance. ]
[ Upon entering the flower store, it becomes evident Ereshkigal isn't shopping here โ not when she's wearing a black and red overall with flower patterns, a big floppy sun hat and garden gloves. Mind you, she will never be seen looking unfashionable! So the attire is fashioned to somewhat resemble her usual dress, just a lot more flowery and practical for this purpose.
She smiles brightly when he announces himself and turns around. The name on her worker ID reads "Ninkigal." Probably her civilian identity. ]
I'm glad you decided to come. [Her smile falters some though as she looks down at his leg.] But I would have found you, had I known of this.
[ Is it her or does he look... Stiff? Formal? Obviously she is forcing herself to smile because a responsible goddess shouldn't be depressed for more than a few days, but did the recent events affect him that much? Or... ]
... I'm not going to attack you, you know? [A pause.] Nor am I going to speak of her.
[ That would just block everything if she did. And she's hopeful - perhaps - that he isn't as bad as Tezca and Silco. Quetzalcoatl believed so. ]
[ Silco is only this unhinged on particular occasions. The rapid attempts at contacting him make him wonder first if Silco is in trouble ( there is no Sebastian to guard him now; no Zenith to imbue him; no fledgling divinity within, changing him ), and second, if this pertains to her.
He calls back, and lets his line ring. It'll ring forever if it needs to. ]
Silco. Talk to me, [ he mutters, urging it into existence. ]
[ there will be an extravagant invitation waiting in front of set's door. decorated in what appears to be artificial flowers, and beyond that is a wax-sealed envelope that awaits. the colors are striking with black, reds, and golds. when opened, it will reveal the following contents: ]
Sir Red,
With war, naturally, also comes celebration. While we have absolutely nothing to truly commemorate, but another day in which we keep our lives hanging by a thread, I figure it an apt time to send you an invitation. I doubt you have much else to do, but brood and speak philosophically. You can leave all of that at home for the night. I have considered since I first laid eyes on you that... you are incredibly difficult, and so as an open-hearted, open-minded crown prince of the empire, it only seemed appropriate that I reach out my hand in a moment where your spirits may be low. Let us not drag this out, and do not play coy. I will see you there.
You have been summoned to the first annual royal gala, which will take place at the Ruby Room on the 10th day of September, the year 2078. Please come dressed appropriately, and do not forget a mask. While not required, depending on your dancing abilities, it is highly suggested.
[ A few hours following Callisto's invitation reaching Set, a single, neon-bright Post-it Note will be slapped crookedly to his door. Certainly, Set knows etiquette enough to RSVP properly ( even when not asked to RSVP! ), but elects to respond to such an articulate and bold demand that he attend the man's party as this: ]
[ A wrapped package can be found at Set's door after the Christmas Party. Unwrapping it reveals a framed picture of Quetzalcoatl. Ereshkigal used the implants to have it printed from her memories, so this particular shot of Quetzalcoatl is in the Underworld.
There is a message with the gift, written on a Christmas postcard: ]
[ Pointedly, it does not come on Wednesday bc he doesn't fucking care. But a courier comes at a very inconvenient time (like 2 am) for most people to deliver a wooden box. It's long, and shaped something like a longer, board-game shaped box.
When eventually opens it, it's a physical copy of "the game", but all of the figures/setting has been customized to reflect Kenos in full, along with faction members, abilities retitled, etc. It's a custom, stone board, and each piece is a gem that represents each bearer piece. Most are fairly accurate, although the ones that he doesn't know about are clearly wrong if Set knew them. There are also wildcard pieces for Anubis and Jinx with a new mechanic that offer cooperation between their specific pieces.
It's unsigned but like. As if Set couldn't tell who it's from. :) ]
[ Set will find a package waiting for him on Christmas day thatโs modestly wrapped, but with two unique touches before the gift is even revealed. For one, the tag is a unique amalgam of culturesโโTo Setโ is in hieroglyphics, while โFrom Tezcatlipocaโ is in the pictographs of the Aztecs. Second, and honestly part of the gift, is a letter. Thatโs written in the common parlance of this world, since the effort for the hieroglyphics was for his name alone. ]
Set,
Iโll be honest with you, this holiday isnโt one for me at all. Itโs one that pisses me off more than anything, because itโs a one that belongs to the conquerors that managed to wipe out the Aztecs. But I try and not linger on the past too much. Whatโs done is done and this future is one where they lost, so it is what it is, right? So, I donโt take it too personally. Hate the religious shit, but ignore that, and this is something for giving gifts between friends and family.
So, how long do you think itโs been since we met? Time gets weird for us in general, but especially with multiple worlds at our backs now. Thatโs the thing about it, though. It hardly matters, since so far as the universe is concerned, we were destined to meet. I canโt imagine itโs what you thought would be ideal, since you met my brother and loved him first. I feel like I should say Iโm sorry for that, because it was kind of a shit deal for you from the start. It was our destinies that were intertwined, and that means we couldnโt both be in your heart, one way or another.
I wasnโt sure what to make of how you immediately called me your brother at first, since thatโs something that doesnโt have as much meaning for our pantheon, fractured and recursive as it is. But nowadays, Iโll be selfishly glad that I ended up there.
Wherever our paths take us, Iโm sure thatโs something that will always be reflected in our souls. Youโll always find family in me, and these are only small tokens of that truth.
Your brother, Tezcatlipoca
[ And finally, the gift. Itโs a small, cute, but familiar purse, and inside it is a fine necklace of gold and greenstone. Itโs Aztec materials, but itโs made in a style that Set would prefer. Itโs an expensive gift, and clearly one that Tezcatlipoca would have had to save up for, considering, but itโs delivered earnestly and humbly in the little bag. ]
(On Christmas day, Set will receive a gift from Tsurumaru! It's a simple wrapped box with an origami paper crane on top to give him an idea of who sent it.
[ On Christmas morning, Set received a beautifully wrapped package, and that alone is an obvious indication of who itโs from. But tucked in the bow is a card as well. ]
Esteemed Nb Set,
With the arrival of this joyous season, I take the opportunity to extend to you my heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas, brimming with peace and felicity. May the spirit of the holidays bring warmth to your heart and contentment to your home. It is also my most sincere hope that the bonds of our friendship may continue to flourish in the year to come, renewed in trust and affection.
With the highest regard, Sebastian Michaelis
[ Inside the box are two gifts. One is probably a joke, but the other is an elaborate and difficult puzzle box. Itโs enrichment for Set, obviously! He knows him so well already. Inside isโฆ yet another game, actually! But of course this one is โrealโ in the sense that itโs an artefact that Sebastian had conjured from memory. ]
[ between the eve of christmas and the early morning hours, there will be a package delivered at the front of set's door. there will be a elegantly wrapped gift, similar in color scheme to the invitations he sent once upon a time, in the box will be a variety of items, each one holding no relation to the other.
inside will be a blind box for what looks to be some sort of baby in a costume (not me too shy to link an actual sonny angel or kewpie mayo dupe), a book on war, and a nice lump of coal. the letter itself will read: ]
Sir Red,
Considering your stance on childrearing, I figure it only appropriate to gift you something similar in nature. As I have no such working experience, this will be the closest you can receive. As for the coal, I heard this is what "naughty" individuals receive on such a day. Since you appear to be the sort of entity who is perfectly resourceful... surely you will find some use for it.
- Callisto Regulus
[ who knows if it's actually coal, or if it's just something close enough. ]
[Liliasโs gifts arrive later than is traditional, owing to an ill-timed winter coldโbut after her recovery, she chooses to deliver her holiday presents in person. Tucked into a gift bag stuffed with colourful paper are a pair of fleece-lined leather gloves and a pair of thick, warm-looking socks, striped in festive white and red. Threads of gold appear to be woven in bands around the socks at various points.
A small card is tucked into the bag, bearing a note in a firm, elegant hand:]
Set,
I hope you have managed to stay warm during the holidays. To assist in your war against the cold, Iโve found you some cozy things. Some amount of hand-crafting is traditional when giving winter gifts where I am from, so I have spelled the socks to stay warm, clean, and dry. Just donโt go wading through any ponds in them.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
breaks in your inbox with love
๐๐ ๐ถ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐พ๐๐๐
๐ต๐ ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ ๐ท๐ ๐ฃ๐ข ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐
[And around 10pm, if Set opens his door, there is a lady with brown hair standing in a glossy red dress and gloves. Hey there, god boy. "She" smiles, with a perfect, flighty voice.]
Are you ready?
FINALLY GETS TO THIS HI
Set's ready by ten, dressed up in an outfit that he would never wear, but Hierax would โ that Set has worn in another form, for a masked ball in another life. It's made mostly of material that mimics bent metals, artfully arranged across skin with a little half-jacket over it and low, bohemian pants boasting a replication print of the Great Wave across the bottoms. Laced sandals with a heel, and his hair braided โ far longer than it usually is, trailing behind him with gold laced through it.
He grins, upon opening the door to spot Madam Poisson. While he can toy with his appearance via shapeshifting, there is something about someone ( he thinks of as ) human changing their entire appearance with raw skill, talent. Or maybe it's just a Cosmetic filter, for all he knows. He'd like to think more highly of Sampo's ability, both because it'd be safer to, and more fun. ]
Oh. I did not wear my breasts tonight, will that be appropriate for your "soiree"?
[ the THINGS that come out of his mouth sometimes ]
no subject
[Sampo blinks, a little surprised by such a blatant ask, before breaking into a little amused titter behind a gloved hand.]
No, no, that's alright. If it was lady-only, I would've let you know. [He can't help himself, reaching out to gently pat over the broad shoulders, twirl the end of the braid in his hand before letting go.] You're a handsome fella, bust or not. I didn't even know you had that option. You got me curious for the next time.
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let's say this is on the plane ride
but anyways, once we get back, I'm thinking you and me should start a training regiment for any of the outsiders worth that kind of attention. already met a guy that's interested in training with both of us (I namedropped you in the conversation too), and sure there's more.
this group's a lot happier to fight! so let's really put them through it, yeah? would be lame for them to go fight kaiju and then just got smeared when it gets hard
no subject
I would enjoy collaborating with you on this, Tezcatlipoca. Ensuring our comrades are the best that they can be in the face of a deadly foe is our duty as gods, after all. I think that what rewards we receive from LILITH [ the ac points ] could be pooled for this purpose, as well? What do you think?
Honestly, I miss the Coliseum. Maybe establishing a variation would be fun!
no subject
but a coliseum sounds fun. they got those training things back at the base, but that ain't the real shit. hell, you can't even properly fight! got zapped for trying haha
[ because he DESERVED IT ]
but if we pinky promised with LILITH to not let anyone ACTUALLY die maybe they'd be more down for it. like if someone isn't actually threatened in their training what's the point. don't learn anything about being in a real life or death situation if all your practice was in your head
either that or we start an underground fight club. that wouldn't actually work for the same reasons but. sounds fun right?
@goddess of death (a week after they're back to Neo Tokyo)
I would like to talk with you in person. Would it be possible for us to meet? I am currently at a flower shop, the location should be accessible through your implants. If this is inconvenient, please let me know of a time and place that would work for you.
no subject
[ The reply from him is succinct, because he needs to get himself together. The time allotted is for him to use, to haul himself on an injured leg to the place where Ereshkigal wants to meet. No matter their disagreement, it seems he's not hesitant to speak with her further.
Hopefully, she stays at the flower shop, as he'll trail in within an hour and a half. Limping a little, dressed in a comfortable burgundy cardigan and high-waisted khaki pants โ a little university-professor-esque, with large sunglasses over his eyes. Hair in a low, twisted bun. He stands in the doorway, hands crammed into his pockets and scowls slightly before he relaxes into a more solemn expression. A formal stance. ]
โ what part would you like to talk about?
no subject
She smiles brightly when he announces himself and turns around. The name on her worker ID reads "Ninkigal." Probably her civilian identity. ]
I'm glad you decided to come. [Her smile falters some though as she looks down at his leg.] But I would have found you, had I known of this.
[ Is it her or does he look... Stiff? Formal? Obviously she is forcing herself to smile because a responsible goddess shouldn't be depressed for more than a few days, but did the recent events affect him that much? Or... ]
... I'm not going to attack you, you know? [A pause.] Nor am I going to speak of her.
[ That would just block everything if she did. And she's hopeful - perhaps - that he isn't as bad as Tezca and Silco. Quetzalcoatl believed so. ]
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AA MAYBE WE CAN ๐ THIS ONE NOW
early september
Each one rings once, twice โ disconnects.
Then again.
A long pause.
Again.
Man what the fuck is going on with the stinky guy? Silco is generally not this frantic, as Set well knows. Except around one subject alone. ]
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He calls back, and lets his line ring. It'll ring forever if it needs to. ]
Silco. Talk to me, [ he mutters, urging it into existence. ]
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1/2
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delivery - invitation.
With war, naturally, also comes celebration. While we have absolutely nothing to truly commemorate, but another day in which we keep our lives hanging by a thread, I figure it an apt time to send you an invitation. I doubt you have much else to do, but brood and speak philosophically. You can leave all of that at home for the night.
I have considered since I first laid eyes on you that... you are incredibly difficult, and so as an open-hearted, open-minded crown prince of the empire, it only seemed appropriate that I reach out my hand in a moment where your spirits may be low.
Let us not drag this out, and do not play coy. I will see you there.
- Callisto Regulus
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FOR ME,
PRETTY BOY
escapes poor abbie's post
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25th December
There is a message with the gift, written on a Christmas postcard: ]
Set,
Merry Christmas
-- Ereshkigal, Goddess of Death and Queen of Kรปr
delivered sometime this week :)
When eventually opens it, it's a physical copy of "the game", but all of the figures/setting has been customized to reflect Kenos in full, along with faction members, abilities retitled, etc. It's a custom, stone board, and each piece is a gem that represents each bearer piece. Most are fairly accurate, although the ones that he doesn't know about are clearly wrong if Set knew them. There are also wildcard pieces for Anubis and Jinx with a new mechanic that offer cooperation between their specific pieces.
It's unsigned but like. As if Set couldn't tell who it's from. :) ]
christmas day
Set,
Iโll be honest with you, this holiday isnโt one for me at all. Itโs one that pisses me off more than anything, because itโs a one that belongs to the conquerors that managed to wipe out the Aztecs. But I try and not linger on the past too much. Whatโs done is done and this future is one where they lost, so it is what it is, right? So, I donโt take it too personally. Hate the religious shit, but ignore that, and this is something for giving gifts between friends and family.
So, how long do you think itโs been since we met? Time gets weird for us in general, but especially with multiple worlds at our backs now. Thatโs the thing about it, though. It hardly matters, since so far as the universe is concerned, we were destined to meet. I canโt imagine itโs what you thought would be ideal, since you met my brother and loved him first. I feel like I should say Iโm sorry for that, because it was kind of a shit deal for you from the start. It was our destinies that were intertwined, and that means we couldnโt both be in your heart, one way or another.
I wasnโt sure what to make of how you immediately called me your brother at first, since thatโs something that doesnโt have as much meaning for our pantheon, fractured and recursive as it is. But nowadays, Iโll be selfishly glad that I ended up there.
Wherever our paths take us, Iโm sure thatโs something that will always be reflected in our souls. Youโll always find family in me, and these are only small tokens of that truth.
Your brother,
Tezcatlipoca
[ And finally, the gift. Itโs a small, cute, but familiar purse, and inside it is a fine necklace of gold and greenstone. Itโs Aztec materials, but itโs made in a style that Set would prefer. Itโs an expensive gift, and clearly one that Tezcatlipoca would have had to save up for, considering, but itโs delivered earnestly and humbly in the little bag. ]
DELIVERY 12/25
Inside the box, he will find:
- A box of crystal jelly candy. The outside is a delicate sugar crystal shell with a soft jelly candy center.
- A set of hanafuda cards because it's a game for old people)
12/25
Esteemed Nb Set,
With the arrival of this joyous season, I take the opportunity to extend to you my heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas, brimming with peace and felicity. May the spirit of the holidays bring warmth to your heart and contentment to your home. It is also my most sincere hope that the bonds of our friendship may continue to flourish in the year to come, renewed in trust and affection.
With the highest regard,
Sebastian Michaelis
[ Inside the box are two gifts. One is probably a joke, but the other is an elaborate and difficult puzzle box. Itโs enrichment for Set, obviously! He knows him so well already. Inside isโฆ yet another game, actually! But of course this one is โrealโ in the sense that itโs an artefact that Sebastian had conjured from memory. ]
backdated to 12/24.
inside will be a blind box for what looks to be some sort of baby in a costume (not me too shy to link an actual sonny angel or kewpie mayo dupe), a book on war, and a nice lump of coal. the letter itself will read: ]
Sir Red,
Considering your stance on childrearing, I figure it only appropriate to gift you something similar in nature. As I have no such working experience, this will be the closest you can receive. As for the coal, I heard this is what "naughty" individuals receive on such a day. Since you appear to be the sort of entity who is perfectly resourceful... surely you will find some use for it.
- Callisto Regulus
[ who knows if it's actually coal, or if it's just something close enough. ]
01/01
A small card is tucked into the bag, bearing a note in a firm, elegant hand:]
Set,
I hope you have managed to stay warm during the holidays. To assist in your war against the cold, Iโve found you some cozy things. Some amount of hand-crafting is traditional when giving winter gifts where I am from, so I have spelled the socks to stay warm, clean, and dry. Just donโt go wading through any ponds in them.
Best wishes,
Lilias
@BAD DADDY
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Hello, Silco! What is the uppening!
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@BAD DADDY