[It was an ambiguous answer, one that didn't necessarily guarantee an alive return. Even he could read between those lines.
In a way, he didn't really have anything to lose. So what if he faced death here, in the competition? The physical pain of dying was one he was already used to. Maybe that familiarity could be useful.]
Piety, what can I do to really help you? I guess... I just want to know what my best role is, here.
[Getting the sense that they haven't exactly comforted him, Piety stays in place, delicate hands grasped against his arms as if their true expressions beneath the mask will reach him in other ways.]
All I want...is to convince everyone that I want a fair and safe competition, where all participants can decide honestly who is most responsible and ready for this responsibility.
[Piety shakes their head.]
I have a plan to allow all of the gods to work together on equal footing, but I don't have the voice to unite them...and I'm worried I don't even have the voice to unite enough of you to make this a reality. Will you help be my voice, Luke?
[Luke doesn't move to shake Piety off—on the contrary, it was strangely comforting, despite the despair. They meant well, and it was somehow nice to know someone like Piety did.
When they start to explain their plan, their goal, Luke lifts his chin, watching the mask. Slowly, he begins to nod along. If they were being honest, and not hiding their goals, then...]
I will. I think you have the right idea.
[Carefully, he puts a hand on top of theirs.]
But if I'm going to help, I think... I need little more information. Do you think you can tell me more about what we're fighting for? The... [What was it?] responsibility you mentioned?
[Piety's arms lose a bit of tension at Luke's words, and they let out a sigh.]
Yes, of course. I'll tell you everything that I can. Allow me to explain. As we are, our ranks have been plagued by conflict. Conflict of interest and conflict of vision. Powers bowl over powers as one god crosses over the influence of the other, and so our new world has been inconstant and barren.
[They lower their mask, as if ashamed to have any part of it.]
Each god you speak with, if you choose to hold council with them, will speak about the world that they want in regards to the ideals that represent their station. But what I want, the power of authority, is not for the control but for the platform, so I can delegate each of them in a way that they're able to thrive without causing anymore harm.
What I'm seeking is a balanced world, where each of us has an equal share, and my purpose would be as a mediator between them.
[He listens attentively, watching their body language and mask as best he can, hanging on the words, rolling them over in his head.
It made sense. And all they wanted was a more of a voice. Considering their current standings in the "game", that made sense. And without causing harm... it was the best he could have hoped for.]
I think I get it a little better, and I definitely still want to help. [He scratches a cheek, suddenly cognizant of a missing piece he's been mentally trying to place.] Where does Patience fit into all of the conflict?
Yes. But it's a new world, still growing and learning. I think in time, there will be more of us, formed out of the changing environment...but I hope, by then, we will have learned compromise.
[He nods again, marveling quietly at the idea of a world, growing, and more gods forming from those changes. It was like Patience had said—the gods were the embodiment of feelings, their names reflecting each one.
...Speaking of which...]
I actually have a... well... it's a question, but... [He pauses, rocking back on his heels, expression twisting into something closer to hopelessness than despair.]
[Piety pauses, and then begins to laugh, but it's a gentle and heartfelt, lacking in mean spirit.]
I'm surprised...you didn't know, but you still ended up picking me. It feels like divine intervention, somehow.
[Whatever that means. Anyway, Piety composes themself.]
It can mean a few different things depending on who you ask. For many, the word is affiliated heavily with religion: unshakable faith in your beliefs. But, for me, it's just about the quality of believing in anything at all.
[...Piety's voice grows soft, reminiscent.]
I believe in people, and it's a belief that's kept me strong through some very difficult times. Before I came here, I believed in my friends most of all.
It was more like a... feeling. [That Piety was the way to go? He can't explain it. But when they reached out, in that sudden necessity, he'd certainly felt as though they matched best.]
But, maybe I was feeling your belief. Because that's my belief, too. In people. In my friends.
[It sounded a little embarrassing, saying it out loud to someone else—but Piety had just done the same, and any embarrassment was easily overridden by the relief of the shared values.]
[There was something about the whole gesture that made Luke's heart flutter, a blush rising in his cheeks. Cautious, he should try and be cautious—but didn't they deserve trust until proven otherwise? Just like any other person? He'd chosen them, after all. And somehow, they were so...
alike? No, it was probably too self-centered to compare yourself to a god, wasn't it?]
I... Me too. [Something catches in his throat as he tries to swallow, his voice constricting.] I'd give anything to see them all again. I'm so lucky to have a chance to see Guy again, but the others...
[He trails off, his head dropping—then jerks back up, eyes full of determination.]
Okay. I don't know how much help I can be, but I'll do whatever I can.
Yes, I think that would be a good idea--but be careful. I can't give you any details about who else is your ally, but you know, at least, that you have a friend here you can trust. Admittedly, I'm sure most of the individuals here won't put a target onto you simply with the knowledge of your alignment, but...I don't want to risk losing you.
[Piety's arms go around themelf, squeezing the sleeves of their robes.]
As we are, it may be easier said than done to find who you're looking for.
[It was just a numbers game—that's what everyone kept saying—so that's why Piety was talking like he was so irreplaceable.
But still...
...there was something about their genuine delivery that really made him believe that the god would mourn his loss beyond the falling followers number.
Maybe that was what piety really meant.]
I'll try and keep my cover as much as I can. I guess you can't really tell me a good place to start...
I'm afraid that I can't. All I can suggest is that you trust your instincts. Even if someone may be lying, it could just be to protect themselves or the gods they believe in. As long as the ones you confide in are kind of heart and good of intention, you'll be on the right track.
[Piety takes a slow, steadying breath.]
I hate to admit that while alliances will be forming between all of you and all of you and all of us, god will inevitably approach god to broker deals and alliances of our own. Many of us stand together, but circumstances are still uncertain and may change.
Not exactly. The rules that we set in place restricts us from having any active participation in the outcome of this competition. We do have the final say on certain things, but nothing progresses without the decisions that all of you make. Although it seems that we're in a power of superiority, the truth is that everything that happens is completely in your hands.
Yes...I'm sorry, but I'm afraid now that you're here, sitting out isn't an option. To do so would only hurt us all.
[Still, Piety tries to sound as encouraging as possible.]
But I believe that if we hold strong, we can get through this with as little harm as possible. We just need to appeal to everyone's better natures. There's goodness...kindness in every heart.
[Was every god like Piety? Unlikely. since every god was an embodiment, everyone probably had their own methods... or whatever.
Could this even be called a method? So far, there hadn't been any catches. Just unerring... kindness. And the belief of kindness in others.
It was at least a cause he could rally to, and definitely a standard he could bear. Crossing his arms, Luke gives a resolute nod—if Piety could appeal to him, then he could appeal to others on Piety's behalf.]
I want to think so, too. Let's work from there, and figure something out.
[Easy to say, harder to execute. But wasn't everything?]
If I want to--If I need to talk to you again, can I just... [the idea is obvious, but a little silly to say out loud.] ...pray? [it wasn't something he'd done more than once or twice.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Piety's shoulders sag, and they step forward to put their hands gently on Luke's arms. The sympathy in their voice is undeniable, now.]
That must have been so hard for you to have been holding in.
[They sigh, shaking their head.]
No matter what the truth is, I'll make sure you'll be able to make it home to all of your friends.
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[It was an ambiguous answer, one that didn't necessarily guarantee an alive return. Even he could read between those lines.
In a way, he didn't really have anything to lose. So what if he faced death here, in the competition? The physical pain of dying was one he was already used to. Maybe that familiarity could be useful.]
Piety, what can I do to really help you? I guess... I just want to know what my best role is, here.
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All I want...is to convince everyone that I want a fair and safe competition, where all participants can decide honestly who is most responsible and ready for this responsibility.
[Piety shakes their head.]
I have a plan to allow all of the gods to work together on equal footing, but I don't have the voice to unite them...and I'm worried I don't even have the voice to unite enough of you to make this a reality. Will you help be my voice, Luke?
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When they start to explain their plan, their goal, Luke lifts his chin, watching the mask. Slowly, he begins to nod along. If they were being honest, and not hiding their goals, then...]
I will. I think you have the right idea.
[Carefully, he puts a hand on top of theirs.]
But if I'm going to help, I think... I need little more information. Do you think you can tell me more about what we're fighting for? The... [What was it?] responsibility you mentioned?
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Yes, of course. I'll tell you everything that I can. Allow me to explain. As we are, our ranks have been plagued by conflict. Conflict of interest and conflict of vision. Powers bowl over powers as one god crosses over the influence of the other, and so our new world has been inconstant and barren.
[They lower their mask, as if ashamed to have any part of it.]
Each god you speak with, if you choose to hold council with them, will speak about the world that they want in regards to the ideals that represent their station. But what I want, the power of authority, is not for the control but for the platform, so I can delegate each of them in a way that they're able to thrive without causing anymore harm.
What I'm seeking is a balanced world, where each of us has an equal share, and my purpose would be as a mediator between them.
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It made sense. And all they wanted was a more of a voice. Considering their current standings in the "game", that made sense. And without causing harm... it was the best he could have hoped for.]
I think I get it a little better, and I definitely still want to help. [He scratches a cheek, suddenly cognizant of a missing piece he's been mentally trying to place.] Where does Patience fit into all of the conflict?
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Patience...
[They pause.]
I don't know too much about her. Frankly, amidst the arguing and the fighting, she was always just sort of watching, keeping to herself.
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So it's just the twelve of you? You, the other deities in the contest, and Patience?
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...Speaking of which...]
I actually have a... well... it's a question, but... [He pauses, rocking back on his heels, expression twisting into something closer to hopelessness than despair.]
...What does "Piety" mean?
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I'm surprised...you didn't know, but you still ended up picking me. It feels like divine intervention, somehow.
[Whatever that means. Anyway, Piety composes themself.]
It can mean a few different things depending on who you ask. For many, the word is affiliated heavily with religion: unshakable faith in your beliefs. But, for me, it's just about the quality of believing in anything at all.
[...Piety's voice grows soft, reminiscent.]
I believe in people, and it's a belief that's kept me strong through some very difficult times. Before I came here, I believed in my friends most of all.
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But, maybe I was feeling your belief. Because that's my belief, too. In people. In my friends.
[It sounded a little embarrassing, saying it out loud to someone else—but Piety had just done the same, and any embarrassment was easily overridden by the relief of the shared values.]
Are your friends outside of the temple?
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[Piety puts a hand over their heart, a picture of sweet serenity.]
I had to leave them back home. I miss them more than anything.
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alike? No, it was probably too self-centered to compare yourself to a god, wasn't it?]
I... Me too. [Something catches in his throat as he tries to swallow, his voice constricting.] I'd give anything to see them all again. I'm so lucky to have a chance to see Guy again, but the others...
[He trails off, his head dropping—then jerks back up, eyes full of determination.]
Okay. I don't know how much help I can be, but I'll do whatever I can.
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[And as long as he wins, he'll make sure that Luke gets to see his friends again. He deserves at least that much, for all he's suffered.]
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[Belief in their power... in mediation, in friendship, in no bloodshed. Would it be enough?
For now, they'd have to make do.]
Should I try and find your other followers, too?
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[Piety's arms go around themelf, squeezing the sleeves of their robes.]
As we are, it may be easier said than done to find who you're looking for.
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[It was just a numbers game—that's what everyone kept saying—so that's why Piety was talking like he was so irreplaceable.
But still...
...there was something about their genuine delivery that really made him believe that the god would mourn his loss beyond the falling followers number.
Maybe that was what piety really meant.]
I'll try and keep my cover as much as I can. I guess you can't really tell me a good place to start...
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[Piety takes a slow, steadying breath.]
I hate to admit that while alliances will be forming between all of you and all of you and all of us, god will inevitably approach god to broker deals and alliances of our own. Many of us stand together, but circumstances are still uncertain and may change.
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What happens then? I guess the gods make the final call on things, right? So right now, we really don't know what'll happen even a week from now.
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[Something to think about. They held the strings, to some degree, huh...?]
But even so, we all have to play, right?
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[Still, Piety tries to sound as encouraging as possible.]
But I believe that if we hold strong, we can get through this with as little harm as possible. We just need to appeal to everyone's better natures. There's goodness...kindness in every heart.
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Could this even be called a method? So far, there hadn't been any catches. Just unerring... kindness. And the belief of kindness in others.
It was at least a cause he could rally to, and definitely a standard he could bear. Crossing his arms, Luke gives a resolute nod—if Piety could appeal to him, then he could appeal to others on Piety's behalf.]
I want to think so, too. Let's work from there, and figure something out.
[Easy to say, harder to execute. But wasn't everything?]
If I want to--If I need to talk to you again, can I just... [the idea is obvious, but a little silly to say out loud.] ...pray? [it wasn't something he'd done more than once or twice.]
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[Piety puts their hands over their heart.]
It doesn't matter how you do it...just call for me from the heart, and I'll be there.
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