[When Ishikirimaru arrives, the masked god stands from where they'd been sitting beside the fire, gesturing for the much taller individual to join them.]
I'm so glad to hear from you. Please, let's talk.
[The voice is soft and effeminate, with the clear tones of gentle earnestness.]
Of course. There was little chance for it before, was there?
[Piety gets a deeper bow than Patience did earlier, and he'll join them without hesitation, though his pace isn't any quicker than usual to actually get there.]
But I should ask first if there's anything you would like to say, before I simply begin questioning you.
[they can have the chance to speak first, he's not going to start an interrogation or anything here.]
It's fairly standard by our traditions at home, but I was uncertain if those would carry over here... I did hope that the intent, at least, would be sufficient. [He nods slightly, satisfied, though he also adds:] If you have particular preferences, I will of course keep them in mind.
[For a few moments, he seems to be considering something else, organizing what he might want to ask-- finally, he seems to settle on it.]
Starting at the beginning is as good a place as any: why me? I suppose I can guess at why for myself, but I would still like to hear your answer.
I suppose I thought...you strike me as the sort of person to listen. I know that compared to most of the others, my offerings aren't particularly glamorous.
[There's a quiet little hum, there, as he folds his hands in his lap.]
You were not wrong in that assessment. I'm less concerned with what one has to offer me than I am with the sort of person they might be.
[They can promise whatever they want; if a god were corrupt at the core, they wouldn't be one he'd want to support, though of course he might want to try to change that.]
With that in mind, I would also like to know your motivations.
I'm glad to hear that. It's important to me, as well, and I think that you do deserve to know why I want to win and why this contest has become necessary.
[Where their hands are folded, the fingers tense together.]
I don't think that any of the others are completely unfit to be put into a position of supreme power over the rest of us, but I do have doubts that most of them can act with a clear sense of duty toward the people. I feel as if for many of them, our responsibilities have taken a backseat to more personal expectations, desires, or vendettas.
[The mask lifts upward, staring at Ishi as if the eyes behind it could translate the importance of the words spoken.]
What I want is peace and compromise. I want us to work together, and do so as best as we can for the world that we've been entrusted with. Unfortunately...as things are, I've been unable to make my voice heard by my peers. The only way now that I can gain that respect is to win.
[For several moments, he is silent while he considers that, head slightly lowered in contemplation... finally, though, Ishi lifts his head and gives them a warm, pleased smile.]
If that is so... then I feel as if we'll work together well. I may be a blade at my core, but I too have always desired nothing more than peace.
[And a sense of duty toward their people is all he can truly ask of a deity. As far as Ishikirimaru is concerned, this was not an incorrect choice at all; whether it was the best choice remains to be seen, but he is at least relieved to know this much.]
If it must be won, then I believe I will be able to aid you in that, if you will tell me what you would have of me.
That may be difficult, but then I expect you know as much already-- particularly if you think your fellows are likely to use underhanded means, themselves.
[Not that he's opposed to honesty. It's the best way to do things, even if not the most effective, and he wouldn't call himself the cheating sort.
...well, not that every one of his methods has been above board either, but he doesn't particularly find them dishonest.
He tilts his head curiously, then, as he asks-]
Can you tell me if there are others you were able to reach out to, as well?
[how much of a disadvantage is his god actually at, if any.]
Yes, fortunately, though I'm not allowed to tell you who--you'll know where our standing us come Monday, and it's up to each individual to decide if they wish to stay with who they chose or who they'll confide in.
[They give a soft sigh, an almost self-deprecating laugh.]
For awhile, it seemed as if you would be my only follower, and I would have been happy enough even to have one. It looks like I got lucky right at the last.
I am glad to know that it isn't only the two of us, then. Perhaps that will increase with time.
[His smile warms a little further, there, and he shifts his right hand to rest at the hilt of the large sword at his side.]
For now, though-- regardless of your numbers, you will have at least one blade at your service, should you have use for it.
[All else aside, even if he has had so few actual masters-- a sword is a sword. If he is to be pulled away from his former one to serve another, then at least he will serve one he feels he agrees with again.]
I do still intend to speak with the others, if given the chance, but... even if I find I agree with any of them as well, they will not be the one I first chose.
[It'll take more effort to get him to defect than simply having similar views.]
I hope it'll never come to that, but...I do thank you. I won't take your allegiance for granted, you have my word.
[There seems to be an almost nervous, youthful hesitance in their status as a master or an owner of an individual, but Piety conducts themselves with poise nonetheless.]
Ah...don't worry, I won't do anything to stop you from holding council with anyone else or making your own decisions. I think it's important that everyone comes to understand one another.
I cannot say that I disagree, on either point. I would much prefer it if you never truly needed to use me.
[And as for getting an understanding, he's curious as to just what sorts of deities the others are; he'll take Piety's earlier opinion of most of them into account, but evaluate them for himself where he can.
Speaking of evaluating, though, that bit of hesitance doesn't go unnoticed either. Ishi pauses for a moment himself before he asks, tone a little more gentle-]
If I may... just how long have you had this divinity of yours?
[They handle themselves well, but he is a grandpa and he has to ask anyway.]
Not terribly long. Time is a bit harder to fathom now that I'm in this position, but I still feel just as young as I was when I was home.
[Piety laughs bashfully.]
If I sound a little unsure of myself, I do apologize. I have experience being in the position of a leader of the people, but this is still all a little overwhelming.
[Ishi shakes his head at that, giving them a more reassuring smile this time.]
Please, don't apologize for that. I have been a divine sword for practically as long as I can remember; I imagine adjusting to such a position would be... well. As difficult as adjusting to becoming human, at the very least.
[He has some understanding of finding oneself in an overwhelming position, after having suddenly gained a body and emotions before.]
Different situations, of course, but-- should you ever need an ear, I will try to assist you with that as well. I may not have been human myself for terribly long, but I did have worshippers of my own for quite some time.
[Little Piety perks up, their masked countenance seeming a bit less morose.]
Though I'm in a position of godhood, I don't feel at all that I'm above advice from others. I'm hoping that through this experience, I'll learn the best ways to express myself with confidence! I know I probably won't be able to get through to everyone, but I want to put my best foot forward.
I think you're doing quite well at that so far. For someone with less experience, you certainly carry yourself properly.
[He may be repressing the urge to pat them on the head as they perk up, tbh. They're so earnest that it's difficult not to think of someone else when he looks at them-- small but eager to grow into a role where he could do some good.
But perhaps he's just thinking back too fondly on the past.]
[they really are and it's the WORST, i'm gonna die!!]
I believe you will, so long as you approach them with good intent and honesty. Some may not take to it, but... there are always bound to be a few in any given group.
[He would like to believe they could all be on the same side, but he also knows humans, and that making them certain promises will sometimes go further than it should.]
I'll try not to let myself get discouraged by that. I do know there's no pleasing everyone. The difference in people...that's why I care so much for them.
[There's a fondness in their voice as they look down at their hands, the tension relaxing between the twined fingers.]
And why I believe in them, too, even if their opinions are ultimately so varied and sometimes hard to understand.
Then I will pray that they continue to surprise us both here, in the best of ways.
[Ishi's smile is soft, head slightly bowed; with such small numbers to begin with, something like that may well be necessary for a chance of achieving their goals. They'll all just have to do what they can.]
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WEEK 0
I'm so glad to hear from you. Please, let's talk.
[The voice is soft and effeminate, with the clear tones of gentle earnestness.]
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[Piety gets a deeper bow than Patience did earlier, and he'll join them without hesitation, though his pace isn't any quicker than usual to actually get there.]
But I should ask first if there's anything you would like to say, before I simply begin questioning you.
[they can have the chance to speak first, he's not going to start an interrogation or anything here.]
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[They nod their head as the two of them have found their seats, small hands outstretched and open.]
But anything you'd like to know, I'm happy to answer.
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[For a few moments, he seems to be considering something else, organizing what he might want to ask-- finally, he seems to settle on it.]
Starting at the beginning is as good a place as any: why me? I suppose I can guess at why for myself, but I would still like to hear your answer.
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I suppose I thought...you strike me as the sort of person to listen. I know that compared to most of the others, my offerings aren't particularly glamorous.
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[There's a quiet little hum, there, as he folds his hands in his lap.]
You were not wrong in that assessment. I'm less concerned with what one has to offer me than I am with the sort of person they might be.
[They can promise whatever they want; if a god were corrupt at the core, they wouldn't be one he'd want to support, though of course he might want to try to change that.]
With that in mind, I would also like to know your motivations.
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I'm glad to hear that. It's important to me, as well, and I think that you do deserve to know why I want to win and why this contest has become necessary.
[Where their hands are folded, the fingers tense together.]
I don't think that any of the others are completely unfit to be put into a position of supreme power over the rest of us, but I do have doubts that most of them can act with a clear sense of duty toward the people. I feel as if for many of them, our responsibilities have taken a backseat to more personal expectations, desires, or vendettas.
[The mask lifts upward, staring at Ishi as if the eyes behind it could translate the importance of the words spoken.]
What I want is peace and compromise. I want us to work together, and do so as best as we can for the world that we've been entrusted with. Unfortunately...as things are, I've been unable to make my voice heard by my peers. The only way now that I can gain that respect is to win.
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If that is so... then I feel as if we'll work together well. I may be a blade at my core, but I too have always desired nothing more than peace.
[And a sense of duty toward their people is all he can truly ask of a deity. As far as Ishikirimaru is concerned, this was not an incorrect choice at all; whether it was the best choice remains to be seen, but he is at least relieved to know this much.]
If it must be won, then I believe I will be able to aid you in that, if you will tell me what you would have of me.
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[Relief is evident in the small god's features, and they place a hand over their heart.]
I was so worried when this whole thing started that I wouldn't get through to anyone. But talking to you, I already feel so much more confident.
[There's a pause. They turn their head toward the fireplace for a moment, then back to Ishi again.]
No matter what, I want to win this game through honest means.
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[Not that he's opposed to honesty. It's the best way to do things, even if not the most effective, and he wouldn't call himself the cheating sort.
...well, not that every one of his methods has been above board either, but he doesn't particularly find them dishonest.
He tilts his head curiously, then, as he asks-]
Can you tell me if there are others you were able to reach out to, as well?
[how much of a disadvantage is his god actually at, if any.]
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[They give a soft sigh, an almost self-deprecating laugh.]
For awhile, it seemed as if you would be my only follower, and I would have been happy enough even to have one. It looks like I got lucky right at the last.
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[His smile warms a little further, there, and he shifts his right hand to rest at the hilt of the large sword at his side.]
For now, though-- regardless of your numbers, you will have at least one blade at your service, should you have use for it.
[All else aside, even if he has had so few actual masters-- a sword is a sword. If he is to be pulled away from his former one to serve another, then at least he will serve one he feels he agrees with again.]
I do still intend to speak with the others, if given the chance, but... even if I find I agree with any of them as well, they will not be the one I first chose.
[It'll take more effort to get him to defect than simply having similar views.]
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[There seems to be an almost nervous, youthful hesitance in their status as a master or an owner of an individual, but Piety conducts themselves with poise nonetheless.]
Ah...don't worry, I won't do anything to stop you from holding council with anyone else or making your own decisions. I think it's important that everyone comes to understand one another.
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[And as for getting an understanding, he's curious as to just what sorts of deities the others are; he'll take Piety's earlier opinion of most of them into account, but evaluate them for himself where he can.
Speaking of evaluating, though, that bit of hesitance doesn't go unnoticed either. Ishi pauses for a moment himself before he asks, tone a little more gentle-]
If I may... just how long have you had this divinity of yours?
[They handle themselves well, but he is a grandpa and he has to ask anyway.]
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[Piety laughs bashfully.]
If I sound a little unsure of myself, I do apologize. I have experience being in the position of a leader of the people, but this is still all a little overwhelming.
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Please, don't apologize for that. I have been a divine sword for practically as long as I can remember; I imagine adjusting to such a position would be... well. As difficult as adjusting to becoming human, at the very least.
[He has some understanding of finding oneself in an overwhelming position, after having suddenly gained a body and emotions before.]
Different situations, of course, but-- should you ever need an ear, I will try to assist you with that as well. I may not have been human myself for terribly long, but I did have worshippers of my own for quite some time.
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[Little Piety perks up, their masked countenance seeming a bit less morose.]
Though I'm in a position of godhood, I don't feel at all that I'm above advice from others. I'm hoping that through this experience, I'll learn the best ways to express myself with confidence! I know I probably won't be able to get through to everyone, but I want to put my best foot forward.
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[He may be repressing the urge to pat them on the head as they perk up, tbh. They're so earnest that it's difficult not to think of someone else when he looks at them-- small but eager to grow into a role where he could do some good.
But perhaps he's just thinking back too fondly on the past.]
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[They're off to a good start, these two.]
I hope that I can follow through with that impression when I approach others in the weeks to come.
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I believe you will, so long as you approach them with good intent and honesty. Some may not take to it, but... there are always bound to be a few in any given group.
[He would like to believe they could all be on the same side, but he also knows humans, and that making them certain promises will sometimes go further than it should.]
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[There's a fondness in their voice as they look down at their hands, the tension relaxing between the twined fingers.]
And why I believe in them, too, even if their opinions are ultimately so varied and sometimes hard to understand.
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[That comes with a slight but still decisive little nod.]
...it's a part of why I have always enjoyed watching over them, as well. Seeing how different they are, and how they grow and change.
[His tone's maybe a bit wistful, there. It's something he sort of misses.]
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[Here, Piety is clearly getting excited, passion rising in their voice.]
No matter what happens, they never fail to do something unexpected. It's always, always made me feel so...hopeful.
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[Ishi's smile is soft, head slightly bowed; with such small numbers to begin with, something like that may well be necessary for a chance of achieving their goals. They'll all just have to do what they can.]
They already seem like an interesting group.
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[Piety takes a moment of quiet contemplation before posing another question.]
Will you do me the pleasure of letting me enjoy your company often?
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