network: @dramamamba

[prozaic]

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.

Comments

[prozaic]

... 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--]

[linkmakers]

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

Was that all you needed, dears?

[prozaic]

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.]

[metagame]

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.

[linkmakers]

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.]

[prozaic]

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.

[metagame]

[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!

[prozaic]

[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.

[metagame]

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!

[prozaic]

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.]

[metagame]

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.

[prozaic]

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.]

[metagame]

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.

[prozaic]

[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.]

[metagame]

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.

[prozaic]

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?

[metagame]

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.

[prozaic]

[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.

[metagame]

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.

[prozaic]

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.]

[metagame]

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.]

[prozaic]

[He's going to invite Shalem to something-- he can tell. Atem isn't slick.

Now... does he play along, or does he make his excuses?]

What do you have in mind?

[metagame]

[Sometimes the best move is to be open about your intentions.]

You mostly eat meat, right? There's a place I've been meaning to try.

[He went snooping around Carnation District a while back.

And, well, everyone really, really likes to eat in their little ragtag group... So it seems like a safe and easy afternoon for the both of them.]