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[ he highlights marazhai's choice of "evening" and gives it a β
emoji. evening it is! ]
I am perfectly adept at hand to hand combat.
If you would not mind, I can form weaponry for us. Though I do know there is a gym with blades, and the hunting lodge is equipped with rifles and shotguns β but, we would have to fight there. Some of these freaks that I do not respect have stolen nearly every loose weapon in the house.
Oh! Speaking of them. You are not human, thus you must have an entire culture and understanding of the world as your own. Have they tried explaining your own knowledge to you in that condescending way of theirs yet?
I am perfectly adept at hand to hand combat.
If you would not mind, I can form weaponry for us. Though I do know there is a gym with blades, and the hunting lodge is equipped with rifles and shotguns β but, we would have to fight there. Some of these freaks that I do not respect have stolen nearly every loose weapon in the house.
Oh! Speaking of them. You are not human, thus you must have an entire culture and understanding of the world as your own. Have they tried explaining your own knowledge to you in that condescending way of theirs yet?
I understand your point, but I also can't fault them. I would take any weaponry I'd find as well.
[ Now, granted, he thinks he should have it because he's the superior being, but. ]
Your weaponry or the gym with blades. Firearms have their use, but they're too quick for my taste. The intimate pain of being close to your fight is better.
[ Now, granted, he thinks he should have it because he's the superior being, but. ]
Your weaponry or the gym with blades. Firearms have their use, but they're too quick for my taste. The intimate pain of being close to your fight is better.
Edited 2024-11-23 17:28 (UTC)
[ But, ugh, again. He'd much rather talk about fighting, weaponry, and the decadence of pain... It's easy to sense the special haughty disdain in the answer to Set's question, even through text that seems to be haughty and disdainful by default. ]
Only when it comes to their use of the Warp. Magic, most of them seem to call it here. It is typical of the mon-keigh to toy with the forces that they think they can control, but these witches are especially arrogant. When reality unfurls and releases the horrors of Sha'iel, they will be reminded of their fragility, and I will tear a bloody concourse through every demon and witch in my way.
[ normal! ]
Otherwise, though. Our knowledge does not overlap.
Mon-keigh are prey and livestock to the Drukhari, god of war. It is only recently that I have deigned to listen to their prattling.
Only when it comes to their use of the Warp. Magic, most of them seem to call it here. It is typical of the mon-keigh to toy with the forces that they think they can control, but these witches are especially arrogant. When reality unfurls and releases the horrors of Sha'iel, they will be reminded of their fragility, and I will tear a bloody concourse through every demon and witch in my way.
[ normal! ]
Otherwise, though. Our knowledge does not overlap.
Mon-keigh are prey and livestock to the Drukhari, god of war. It is only recently that I have deigned to listen to their prattling.
[ Already, Homelander is pacing about his room, nodding emphatically as he reads Set's response. Of course, of course Set would get it. ]
of course i killed them. they knew they fucked up, they knew what they were doing. and i wanted my son back.
[ Well, killed one, paralyzed another, but still. ]
you're right.
[ He thinks of Aemond, briefly β of his dissatisfaction with Ryan in some ways, if that makes him a bad fatherβ but no, someone has to teach the boy to be strong. ]
it's not like he's going to figure out how to use his powers without me, anyway.
of course i killed them. they knew they fucked up, they knew what they were doing. and i wanted my son back.
[ Well, killed one, paralyzed another, but still. ]
you're right.
[ He thinks of Aemond, briefly β of his dissatisfaction with Ryan in some ways, if that makes him a bad fatherβ but no, someone has to teach the boy to be strong. ]
it's not like he's going to figure out how to use his powers without me, anyway.
"The intimate pain"? Who cares about that? Weapons are for killing. Who cares if it's fast or slow? A firearm is just as lovely as a knife, to me.
[ normal!
but, when every part of you is a lethal weapon, you don't really end up with a preference. whatever gets the task done in the best way is all he thinks of. not weird shit like causing the most pain ( not anymore, at least ) ( pain, to him, is better applied to the mind and emotions ). ]
My my! That is close to the crux of my own annoyance with them.
Mortals harness power, and forget that even if they spend their lifetime learning how to utilize it, their life still ends. Even what they pass on diminishes with time. Other mortals, in their arrogance, destroy important knowledge of how to work with that power. Or disagree and change things. Nothing remains pure in the hands of life that knows an end. That is why gods exist! So, you need not worry about Sha'iel's horrors emanating from me.
Just mine own!
Come seek me on the open grounds, Reaving Tempest. I am impossible to miss!
[ normal!
but, when every part of you is a lethal weapon, you don't really end up with a preference. whatever gets the task done in the best way is all he thinks of. not weird shit like causing the most pain ( not anymore, at least ) ( pain, to him, is better applied to the mind and emotions ). ]
My my! That is close to the crux of my own annoyance with them.
Mortals harness power, and forget that even if they spend their lifetime learning how to utilize it, their life still ends. Even what they pass on diminishes with time. Other mortals, in their arrogance, destroy important knowledge of how to work with that power. Or disagree and change things. Nothing remains pure in the hands of life that knows an end. That is why gods exist! So, you need not worry about Sha'iel's horrors emanating from me.
Just mine own!
Come seek me on the open grounds, Reaving Tempest. I am impossible to miss!
[ The majority of this message is more than Marazhai really expects, but it does help convince him that maybe this really was a god. Either that, or someone with the same stuffy arrogance of his Aeldari cousins. Itβs intriguing either way, and if itβs more the latter case? Itβll be an extra delight to tear into him. ]
I care, as do all Drukhari. But it is something better experienced than explained in the first place.
So, I will find you. I believe you will find that I am just as difficult to miss.
[ And, impatient thing that he is, he immediately sets out. ]
I care, as do all Drukhari. But it is something better experienced than explained in the first place.
So, I will find you. I believe you will find that I am just as difficult to miss.
[ And, impatient thing that he is, he immediately sets out. ]
Good. As fathers, it is our privilege to cherish our offspring. Protecting and guiding them is one of our innumerable responsibilities.
[ rog im so worried about the day they disagree, help ]
He is empowered as you are? How blessed.
Do you love him, Homelander?
[ rog im so worried about the day they disagree, help ]
He is empowered as you are? How blessed.
Do you love him, Homelander?
[ me too ............ ]
of course i love him.
[ Of course, twice in the span of just a few messages, for very different emphases. He stares at the words for a moment β of course I love him β the text staring back at him, solid and irrefutable and strange. ]
what kind of father would i be if i didn't?
of course i love him.
[ Of course, twice in the span of just a few messages, for very different emphases. He stares at the words for a moment β of course I love him β the text staring back at him, solid and irrefutable and strange. ]
what kind of father would i be if i didn't?
You would not be a father at all. Just a man claiming an honor that does not belong to him.
[ it's as much what set said to aemond; that any man who does not love his child has no right to call himself "father". even if that child is difficult, a father will still love them wholly. ]
Tell me about him? Your child.
[ it's as much what set said to aemond; that any man who does not love his child has no right to call himself "father". even if that child is difficult, a father will still love them wholly. ]
Tell me about him? Your child.
he's a good kid. just
i guess he's going through growing pains. he didn't know he had powers until we met.
he can't use any of them that well, yet. i think he's scared to.
but i know it's only a matter of time before he gets the hang of it. he'll get stronger.
but he's smart, even beyond that. gives himself homework, if you can believe it.
he likes normal kid stuff. legos, movies, stuff like that.
what about yours?
i guess he's going through growing pains. he didn't know he had powers until we met.
he can't use any of them that well, yet. i think he's scared to.
but i know it's only a matter of time before he gets the hang of it. he'll get stronger.
but he's smart, even beyond that. gives himself homework, if you can believe it.
he likes normal kid stuff. legos, movies, stuff like that.
what about yours?
Be patient with him, Homelander.
Strength can always be built up over time, but a good relationship with one's child can be destroyed in seconds.
[ no matter how harsh and firm set had been with anubis, he had never belittled or mocked his earnest efforts to make him proud. ]
Anubis is a gentle boy. His mother and I were able to raise him from the day he first entered the world.
I used to take him on chariot rides, to show him the lands we lived in and teach him of the weather. Sometimes, just to lull him to sleep when he was fussy or irritable. I am the god of war, so I taught him how to fight from a young age. He was strong enough to run the length of Egypt, and sweet upon helpless animals he could not bear to abandon in their time of need.
I only ever wanted him to become a gentle god, like his mother. Not like me.
Strength can always be built up over time, but a good relationship with one's child can be destroyed in seconds.
[ no matter how harsh and firm set had been with anubis, he had never belittled or mocked his earnest efforts to make him proud. ]
Anubis is a gentle boy. His mother and I were able to raise him from the day he first entered the world.
I used to take him on chariot rides, to show him the lands we lived in and teach him of the weather. Sometimes, just to lull him to sleep when he was fussy or irritable. I am the god of war, so I taught him how to fight from a young age. He was strong enough to run the length of Egypt, and sweet upon helpless animals he could not bear to abandon in their time of need.
I only ever wanted him to become a gentle god, like his mother. Not like me.
[ ah? ]
There was a variety of ways, dependent on what aspect of mine or which domain they wished to appeal to.
Worship helps strengthen any god, yes. In exchange for one's faith, we empower our proxies and adherents.
It is akin to any business transaction, but worship is an expectation. A god is made to be adored.
There was a variety of ways, dependent on what aspect of mine or which domain they wished to appeal to.
Worship helps strengthen any god, yes. In exchange for one's faith, we empower our proxies and adherents.
It is akin to any business transaction, but worship is an expectation. A god is made to be adored.
[ A knock at Setβs door alerts him to the presence of one Jonty Balfour, who offers him a very proper head nod in greeting once he answers.]
Set, my boy! Jolly good show in November, such an β¦ an exciting time! For all those involved. You certainly kept the old birds on their toes! This is for you.
[ He hands off a small box, with an expensive watch inside. Surprise β itβs actually a plot coin! Enjoy! ]
Set, my boy! Jolly good show in November, such an β¦ an exciting time! For all those involved. You certainly kept the old birds on their toes! This is for you.
[ He hands off a small box, with an expensive watch inside. Surprise β itβs actually a plot coin! Enjoy! ]
they've been gone for a long time
no one remembers how to worship them
or at least, none among my people do. that is something i would love to know
so i suppose i was thinking of them.
but i was also thinking about you
i talked to a woman who said her god doesn't want them to tell outsiders about their worship. that struck me as strange, i thought a god would want to reach as many people as possible.
no one remembers how to worship them
or at least, none among my people do. that is something i would love to know
so i suppose i was thinking of them.
but i was also thinking about you
i talked to a woman who said her god doesn't want them to tell outsiders about their worship. that struck me as strange, i thought a god would want to reach as many people as possible.
[ A part of him bristles at being told what to do, but the conversation moves on quickly enough β and the base of goodwill Set is operating on is enough for him to forget it.
And besides, there's one thing he really sticks on, in Set's message. From the moment he'd known he had a son, he'd wantedβ not to mold him in his image, but he'd operated under the assumption that Ryan would want everything he wants, everything he'd wanted as a child. ]
why wouldn't you want him to be like you?
you're powerful, you're smart, you're a good guy.
any father would be lucky to have a son like you.
And besides, there's one thing he really sticks on, in Set's message. From the moment he'd known he had a son, he'd wantedβ not to mold him in his image, but he'd operated under the assumption that Ryan would want everything he wants, everything he'd wanted as a child. ]
why wouldn't you want him to be like you?
you're powerful, you're smart, you're a good guy.
any father would be lucky to have a son like you.
[ sometime after christmas, wrapped in red and gold paper, tidily and well done as grace enlisted some of the staff to help her, a gift is delivered to set's door. inside the box is a leather case that unfolds into a backgammon set. ]
Set,
My late husband's terrible family owned a board game empire so I got you a board game from another company. Enjoy!
Thanks.
Happy Honda Days,
Grace
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Set,
My late husband's terrible family owned a board game empire so I got you a board game from another company. Enjoy!
Thanks.
Happy Honda Days,
Grace
( it's difficult to hide gifts from someone you share a suite with, especially when both of them frequently come and go from each others' rooms as they please β so shanks doesn't try, instead simply leaves the items he'd procured unwrapped on one of set's dressers or tables along with a letter in his wobbly cursive that only seems to get worse rather than better as set reads down the page. the vase, at least, shanks attached a bow to, and the earrings are cushioned in a red jewelry box, but the carnelian hippo figurine stands on its own without any decoration at all. most of his effort, it seems, went into writing the letter. )
[an attempted rendering of π©]
As I understand it, offerings of gifts are a customary way of honoring the gods of your land, though I admit I've little knowledge or interest in venerating any of them but you. Of course, I can't help but wonder: is this an act of worship or simply an expression of goodwill during this season they call Christmastime?
The vase, remarkably, resembles the construction of my ship, the Red Force. The water it holds, I'm told, is blessed from the Nile itself β I thought you might be missing home, as I am. I only wish I could give you more of it. (And if I've been hoodwinked by a sly merchant, I expect I'll never hear the end of it.)
Additionally, several of the books I've read mentioned the hippopotamus being sacred to you β it's only a small token, but one I hope you'll appreciate nonetheless. The earrings, likewise, reminded me of you β your hair, your eyes, the color of you in my mind's eye, even as I write this letter. Of us, truthfully: you, the vast Red Lands; and I, the product of a life at sea. Some might think it strange, this union of ours β and yet does the desert not eventually meet the waves? Does the kiss of seafoam not trail the furthest reach of your sands?
You told me before you don't want for much β still, I found myself in the market scarcely thinking of anyone but you. Perhaps it's silly to be writing this down, when I could just as easily tell you, but I imagine you'll be finding me soon enough.
Happy Christmas, as they say.
With love,
[a poor rendering of Shanks' jolly roger]
Edited (now with the correct letter) 2024-12-10 05:51 (UTC)
[ Two boxes are delivered β by Homelander himself β to Set's door on Christmas Eve. Both are wrapped in shiny red paper and tied with blue ribbon, though one box is noticeably larger β and heavier β than the other. It seems both silly and natural to get gifts for a god β on the one hand, what would a god possibly need, but on the other, worship is the way of things, isn't it?
When Set tears away the wrapping paper, he'll find:
When Set tears away the wrapping paper, he'll find:
β In the larger box, a sand table, made of white stone.There's also a card, in which has been written: ]
β In the smaller box, a vintage-style baseball and glove.
Set,
I know the table's a bit clunky, but I thought it might remind you of home. The ball and glove, they're for you and your son, whenever we end up making it back home. It's a bit of a tradition, where I'm from, for dads to play catch with their boys.
There are a lot of things I hate about this place, but meeting you isn't one of them. Friends are a rare thing. I think we both know that.
You know, maybe you do still exist in my world. Maybe we just haven't met yet. Wouldn't that be nice?
Happy holidays,
Homelander
( this isn't the first time they've kissed, nor even the second β and yet it still feels new, electric, a storm brewing at sea just at the edge of the horizon. dangerous to pursue, perhaps, but worth the risk of trying. he might be an emperor now, laden with the weight of a legacy not meant for him, burdened with responsibility he never asked for, but he hasn't quite lost his sense of adventure, his taste for recklessness and chaos. he hums softly against the warmth of set's mouth, content even with the tug of teeth at his lip β though he can't help but huff a laugh at set's assessment that he seems fine enough, when in fact he hasn't felt this kind of coiling need spur him on alone in a long, long time. )
Most drive themselves mad with desire for the touch of a woman. ( he's seen it in his own crew, the way too long at sea affects them like a sickness, the way they all list toward the railing as if they want to throw themselves overboard and swim to the nearest brothel at the sight of land. shanks has never had any interest in that sort of thing β least of all because he has no interest in women, most of all because he'd only ever allowed two people to touch him like that before he arrived here, before the halls of saltburnt gave him reasons enough to want.
he throws his head back into the pillows, rocking into set's grip encouragingly, the soft groan rising from his throat seeming to say yes, like that and you're insufferable in equal measure. it's a fond exasperation, of course; he wouldn't have it any other way. the crooked slant of his mouth is proof enough of that, the gentle weight of his hand dragging set back to his mouth leaving little room to interpret shanks' desire as anything other than genuine. )
I do rather prefer not swallowing sand when we kiss. ( and yet, despite his flippancy, there is something distinctly arousing about the sheer vastness of set's domain, the thought that coarse grains slipping through his fingers is no different from the smooth strands brushing against his chest. ) And this β ( lifting a lock of hair to his lips, only briefly ) β and this β ( before his fingers sweep across set's ribs to trail feather-light over bare skin and up the curve of set's spine. ) How else am I meant to make the desert shiver?
( of course he'd thought about it, after their rendezvous on the rooftop, after he'd left with the lingering taste of set on his tongue. of course he'd thought about what the rest of set might taste like, what he might sound like coming apart under shanks' touch. but there hasn't been time to consider it as anything more than a fleeting fancy, no room to seriously entertain such an encounter β until now, it seems. )
Most drive themselves mad with desire for the touch of a woman. ( he's seen it in his own crew, the way too long at sea affects them like a sickness, the way they all list toward the railing as if they want to throw themselves overboard and swim to the nearest brothel at the sight of land. shanks has never had any interest in that sort of thing β least of all because he has no interest in women, most of all because he'd only ever allowed two people to touch him like that before he arrived here, before the halls of saltburnt gave him reasons enough to want.
he throws his head back into the pillows, rocking into set's grip encouragingly, the soft groan rising from his throat seeming to say yes, like that and you're insufferable in equal measure. it's a fond exasperation, of course; he wouldn't have it any other way. the crooked slant of his mouth is proof enough of that, the gentle weight of his hand dragging set back to his mouth leaving little room to interpret shanks' desire as anything other than genuine. )
I do rather prefer not swallowing sand when we kiss. ( and yet, despite his flippancy, there is something distinctly arousing about the sheer vastness of set's domain, the thought that coarse grains slipping through his fingers is no different from the smooth strands brushing against his chest. ) And this β ( lifting a lock of hair to his lips, only briefly ) β and this β ( before his fingers sweep across set's ribs to trail feather-light over bare skin and up the curve of set's spine. ) How else am I meant to make the desert shiver?
( of course he'd thought about it, after their rendezvous on the rooftop, after he'd left with the lingering taste of set on his tongue. of course he'd thought about what the rest of set might taste like, what he might sound like coming apart under shanks' touch. but there hasn't been time to consider it as anything more than a fleeting fancy, no room to seriously entertain such an encounter β until now, it seems. )
( in the wee hours of the morning on christmas day, wally leaves a medium-sized package wrapped neatly in hieroglyphic paper outside of set's room. inside, set will find a handmade personalized team green ugly christmas sweater ornament and a view-master with several accompanying reels, along with a card that reads: )
( of course, unbeknownst to wally, who cannot read hieroglyphs: the wrapping paper actually contains the entirety of a hymn to hathor which expresses wishes of peace, beauty, and joy. oops! )
Set
Lord Set β
Not sure if the card is in poor taste or not but I thought it was funny, considering. Really hoping you have a sense of humor.
Anyway, you've probably never seen a View-Master before so let me explain: put one of the reels in the slot (V arrow facing up), look through the lenses, and you'll see a 3D photo. Pull the lever to change the image. They're all pictures of Egypt, I'm assuming from way after your time β but I thought you might like to see into the future, so to speak.
See, I can give you "visions," too.
Merry Christmas!
βWally
( of course, unbeknownst to wally, who cannot read hieroglyphs: the wrapping paper actually contains the entirety of a hymn to hathor which expresses wishes of peace, beauty, and joy. oops! )
Edited 2024-12-12 00:03 (UTC)
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