[Luke doesn't jump—not as such—but freezes in place, spinning himself to the direction of the voice. It's more of a surprise that there's a body to go with it.
Inclining his head in what he hopes is interpreted as a respectful gesture (Patience hadn't wanted to stand on ceremony, but what if this god did?), he fumbles with his hands for a minute, settling on keeping them straight at his sides.]
Good afternoon to you, too. It's nice to meet you... [In person? In the flesh?? Face to face???] ...outside of a dream.
[When Piety reaches out, Luke almost reflexively responds, letting them take his hands in theirs. The physicality of it, the touch—even with everything he'd seen, the people he'd talked to, and having read all the rules—somehow, this made it seem real, in a way it hadn't before.
He shakes his head at the apology, a smile flickering on his face.]
Don't worry about it. And of course you can talk to me. Any time.
I'm so glad to hear that. And if you ever want to talk to me about anything, or need someone to confide in, please feel free to visit me. I'm usually just in the study.
[Piety squeezes Luke's hands gently before letting them go, folding them over their middle.]
I'm so happy that you chose to support me--I want to make sure that I don't let you down.
[Luke nods easily in assent as Piety speaks, rolling their words over in his head, considering if he did have any questions. Did everyone get a visitation? There hadn't been so many of them, so it was possible.
Did Guy?
Would he tell him?
Piety letting go of his hands jerks him back to reality, and he shakes his head.]
Isn't it the other way around? I should be hoping I don't let you down, right?
Let's say, we can hope on not letting each other down.
[Piety laughs kindly.]
I'd like to think of this more as a friendship than a business partnership...but, of course, it's ultimately up to you to decide how much you wish to trust me.
I'm glad you think so, too. A friendship is one of the most precious bonds of all.
[Maybe someday, when there's not a mask between them, they'll get to know each other in a way that doesn't feel so cagey.]
Yes, there's plenty. I'll make sure to keep it restocked, and you should be able to find a few bound notebooks that will be perfect for a journal. If you need a place to keep it safe, let me know and I'll keep it in my room for you.
[He nods easily, smiling at their response.] I couldn't agree more.
[He brightens up even more at the news of notebooks, honestly cheered at the thought of having another one of his touchstones available.] That would be great! It wouldn't bother you too much?
No, not at all. Actually, I think it's great that you carry a journal, and I'd be honored to keep yours safe from prying eyes.
[Piety laughs softly, cheered, and steeples their hands together in front of their masked lips.]
I'm sure you'll have it full of all manner of thoughts and insights before long at all! I know this situation is a little confusing and stressful, but I can bet you'll have the chance to fill its pages with meaningful new experiences. That's my hope, at least.
Oh, uh... th-thanks! [Piety had added themselves on to a list of people countable on one hand who thought his journalkeeping was "great". Nonetheless, Luke can't help but flush with a touch of happiness at the comments.]
I think it'll help me a little, if I keep it up here. And you're right—especially with everything that's happening, I think I'll definitely have plenty to write about.
[He just had to get past that first entry. Maybe writing that out would help, too.]
[But Piety's voice sounds particularly glad at Luke's reaction, flustered or otherwise.]
Just make sure that if anything troubles you, you do more than just write it down. I know you at least have Guy to talk to, but if you need anyone else to listen to you, I'm always here.
You know Guy? [It's a dumb question—of course they do. Piety is a god, one of the gods that had brought them here in the first place. He pulls a face, and waves his hand.] Sorry... that was stupid.
[For a moment, he seems as if he'll thank her, and move on. Instead, he rocks on his feet for a minute, seemingly nervous.]
Actually, I do have something. I can't... really ask Guy about it. But maybe you'd know.
[As he mentions his best friend, he looks over his shoulder guiltily, as if he might suddenly be walking by.]
[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.]
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Inclining his head in what he hopes is interpreted as a respectful gesture (Patience hadn't wanted to stand on ceremony, but what if this god did?), he fumbles with his hands for a minute, settling on keeping them straight at his sides.]
Good afternoon to you, too. It's nice to meet you... [In person? In the flesh?? Face to face???] ...outside of a dream.
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[Approaching closer, Piety holds out their hands as if to grasp Luke's in their own. They're small and delicate.]
I'm very glad to meet you in person, as well. I've been wanting to talk with you--is that alright?
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He shakes his head at the apology, a smile flickering on his face.]
Don't worry about it. And of course you can talk to me. Any time.
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[Piety squeezes Luke's hands gently before letting them go, folding them over their middle.]
I'm so happy that you chose to support me--I want to make sure that I don't let you down.
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Did Guy?
Would he tell him?
Piety letting go of his hands jerks him back to reality, and he shakes his head.]
Isn't it the other way around? I should be hoping I don't let you down, right?
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[Piety laughs kindly.]
I'd like to think of this more as a friendship than a business partnership...but, of course, it's ultimately up to you to decide how much you wish to trust me.
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You said you'd be in the study—does your study have... paper, and stuff?
This is kind of a weird request, but would it be okay if I kept a journal in there?
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[Maybe someday, when there's not a mask between them, they'll get to know each other in a way that doesn't feel so cagey.]
Yes, there's plenty. I'll make sure to keep it restocked, and you should be able to find a few bound notebooks that will be perfect for a journal. If you need a place to keep it safe, let me know and I'll keep it in my room for you.
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[He brightens up even more at the news of notebooks, honestly cheered at the thought of having another one of his touchstones available.] That would be great! It wouldn't bother you too much?
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[Piety laughs softly, cheered, and steeples their hands together in front of their masked lips.]
I'm sure you'll have it full of all manner of thoughts and insights before long at all! I know this situation is a little confusing and stressful, but I can bet you'll have the chance to fill its pages with meaningful new experiences. That's my hope, at least.
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I think it'll help me a little, if I keep it up here. And you're right—especially with everything that's happening, I think I'll definitely have plenty to write about.
[He just had to get past that first entry. Maybe writing that out would help, too.]
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[But Piety's voice sounds particularly glad at Luke's reaction, flustered or otherwise.]
Just make sure that if anything troubles you, you do more than just write it down. I know you at least have Guy to talk to, but if you need anyone else to listen to you, I'm always here.
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[For a moment, he seems as if he'll thank her, and move on. Instead, he rocks on his feet for a minute, seemingly nervous.]
Actually, I do have something. I can't... really ask Guy about it. But maybe you'd know.
[As he mentions his best friend, he looks over his shoulder guiltily, as if he might suddenly be walking by.]
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[It's hard to imagine their expression, but Piety's voice becomes sympathetic.]
What is it?
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[There's a considerable pause as he musters himself.]
Am I dead?
[When it finally comes out, it's quiet, almost a whisper, a plea for an answer.
When the game ended, where did he go back to?]
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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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