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network: @dramamamba

Arcanas, Personas, and elements. All quite interesting, isn't it? According to the forecast app, I am a Hanged Man, though such a term means nothing to me, outside of it seeming quite ominous.

What I am truly most interested in are the magical elements given to us. I did speak to our dear RA about such things, but it seems Braphine didn't gift her with much knowledge, merely that these were a potential power within each of us. However, I do find it a little odd that there was "potential" for ice-element magic within me, given who and what I am.

[Anyone who has seen Shalem in action would know that he just... flops over like a dead fish in the cold. Or tries very, very hard not to. It's as if Shalem is just forever doomed to fucking himself up, no matter what Arts he uses.]

I have half a mind to ask Braphine herself for more information, perhaps even attempt to plead her into fixing this as it's become a problem. However, I'm well aware that the key to summoning her lies in a connection with other people. Consider this a request from assistance from your local serpent.

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[He wouldn't want his soul altered either, frankly! He's already in danger of having it shackled forever to the Crimson Troupe and its god. He chews his lower lip a little in anxiety but moves towards her throne anyway.

He really feels awkward standing here in front of her, but at least it's not as terrible as standing in the Wine God's presence.]

[Humming cheerfully to herself, she gives her scepter a fancy twirl and proceeds to just

bonk him very lightly on the head with it.]

There!

[She looks so proud of herself!

However, nothing actually feels different.]

[He gets bonked, and his tail stretches out behind him like a cat's, before flopping back down onto the floor. Then he looks up at her, like... um...

He looks down at his hands, then his tail, then his feet. Nope, nothing odd.]

If I may be more impudent... What happened? [Aside from the bonk.]

You can't sense it?

[He cannot.]

I have bequeathed upon you a blessing! Should you truly, honestly exemplify the traits of another soul - another arcana - my blessing will help use it to reshape your Persona accordingly.

Essentially, your arcana will change! But only to one that is still suitable for your natural personality. And only once, so let us hope that your personality is not entirely frigid in nature.

... Oh. [He gives a little blink, but honestly? Honestly!! He'll take it, even if he has to adjust his personality a little.

... Actually that might be a bit difficult but still! Shalem gives a deep bow in gratitude.]

You have my fervent thanks-- I will make use of this gift to the best of my ability. [If he can ever unlock it, anyway--]

Let it not be said that your goddess isn't generous!

Was that all you needed, dears?

Edited 2024-09-26 05:09 (UTC)

No, not for myself. [But he looks at Atem, waiting. He's well aware he was quite rude in using Atem... so it's only fair that the man gets to do something too.]

Thank you for your generosity, O Holy Goddess, Lady of Connections.

[He kneels and places his head and hands low, forehead touching the ground.]

Forgive my lack of offerings and infrequent ablutions... But in truth, I need or want nothing. Your kindness to my friend Shalem is more than enough.

Hah! The others could stand to learn a thing or two from you.

[She beams at Atem for his politeness!]

Well then, if that's all you needed, I'm afraid I must take my leave. Things are busy, busy, busy, and there is much to be done here, there, and, almost literally, everywhere!

Toodles~!

[Was she in a bit of a rush?

Well, at any rate, the air returns to the normal, dusty atmosphere that is the quiet temple, and the woman once standing before them is nowhere to be seen.]

I-- Ah. [Well, he's gone.

Still, Shalem bows towards the throne and space she just vacated, and gives Atem a nod.]

Thank you for assisting me.

[He rises to his feet and smiles. Genuine.]

There's no need for thanks, Shalem. I'm your friend, and friends help each other.

[With Braphine gone, it's like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. He bounces on his feet.]

I even got to play a new game!

[Friend... hah. Yeah. He's going to ignore that for a moment, and simply smile like he didn't just have a troubling mental reaction to that declaration.]

It was fun, wasn't it? We should do it again some day.

Yes!! You should show me the games from your world, too!

[Even if they're the same as some of the ones he knows from back home.]

And I can show you a few of my favorites... Have you ever heard of Senet? Or knucklebones!

I've heard of neither... but I'm told I can become quite good at poker or blackjack if I set my mind to it. [Because he has hell of a pokerface.]

Eh? Really...

[He hums in thought, hand to the back of his neck to rub where he was once tense.]

I wouldn't mind playing either... This may surprise you, I don't particularly like to gamble. So if we play poker or blacjack it'd have to be without stakes.

I have no interest in stakes, in any case. If I were to play any game, I would just prefer it to be casual.

[Now he crouches to organize the cards and tuck them back into their box.]

Good to know! If we had to have them for whatever reason, it should be something like... who gets the last pudding or serving of Yoon's hot pot?

[Horus' Eye, he persevered and it's finally time to leave the temple. He steps ahead before turning on his heels to gesture for Shalem.]

Games are meant to be fun.

[Well, Shalem will never join a social gathering so they'll never have to deal with him being a liar... Or a cheater, if that last serving is more meat or an egg.]

Of course they are. We did have fun, yes? [And he pointedly looks at Atem as he says so. He saw how stiff you were, monsieur.]

Yes.

[He says it so earnestly.

Right, he should explain... His gaze turns forward.]

... I apologize about earlier. It wasn't anything you did. Back home I was... a mediator between the divine and humanity.

[A beat, two.]

To be honest, I wasn't very good at it. Not like my father... I tried so hard to be like him. To uphold Ma'at-- to uphold order, and serve the Gods and my people.

Ah. I see. [So he's an important figure for their religion. That... makes quite a lot of sense, actually.]

You were following the rules, according to what you knew back in your home. Were you not?

I was.

[He continues to speak as they walk down the steps together.]

Since coming here... I've been lax in my duties.

[His heart twists at admitting it.]

That's why I apologized to Braphine for my lack of ablutions and offerings. I'm supposed to cleanse and pray daily. But that takes a good portion of my day, and I wanted... I want everyone to think I'm like them. That I'm not a Pharaoh.

It's so selfish of me.

Edited 2024-09-27 06:36 (UTC)

[He doesn't know what a pharaoh is-- he can only assume it's one thing or another, a high status in his home with much power, but just as much-- or even more-- restrictions and guidelines to be followed.]

I cannot say anything about your circumstances at home, but...

I believe this place is the best to simply be yourself. [What a hypocrite, when he refuses to be himself, forever suppressing who he is and what he wants.] We haven't any expectations.

That's true.

[He laughs.]

And it's the same for everyone.

Remember back when we saved Soujuurou and Izou said we're all bunch of weirdos? I've thought about it for a while... He's right. No matter our circumstances or the skeletons in our closet... We can be ourselves here.

Yes, exactly. So, don't be worried at all.

[Does he feel guilty that he is encouraging something that he himself cannot and will never do in his life? Yes, of course.]

Hmm...

[He glances at Shalem from the corner of his eyes. They might be friends, but it's certainly not his place to comment. Shalem can have that for now.]

Do you have any plans after this?

[Actions speaker louder than words-- he'll simply show Shalem it's okay.]

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