Ah, I live with a rather emotional teenager who sometimes acts out in retaliation against what he perceives to be slights. We talk to each other more casually like that as a joke. I'm sorry it made its way to you.
Although early on in our courtship, she did tell me to stand forth and prepare for my end. So it wouldn't be outside the realm of joking with her, either.
Well, regardless!!! It's just how we tease one another. We're from the same reality, so our relationship is more casual with each other than we are with anyone else. Again, I apologize.
Oh did she now? Well, I can't imagine even Azathoth could stand up to her might, if you truly angered her. So I suppose it isn't my place to stick my nose in and tell you how to court your lover! She will most certainly tell you herself, if you cross a line.
[It must be nice, to have a partner. He isn't sure that it's really appropriate to start talking about that now, though.]
Speaking of Azathoth, I do keep thinking about how brutally you killed that Skeksis not so long ago. Was it enjoyable for you?
Oh, I've seen firsthand how easily Venat could defeat me. Trust me, I'm under no delusions otherwise! It's a good thing we're on the same side.
As for your question... Not really, no. I enjoy engaging in fights against stronger and more intelligent foes that provide a challenge. In fact, when Venat and I defeated the Green Knight, that was my first ever battle. It put Azathoth and I to the test instantly. True trial by fire. That, I enjoyed a great deal.
When it comes to creatures like the Skeksis, especially in small numbers, I know the fight is unfairly skewed in my favor. I don't find it enjoyable at all.
I see, then you would have enjoyed it had the Skeksis been stronger and more intelligent. Perhaps I would have too, had I more of my magicks at hand. I can't be of much use with a bow and little else.
There was a time when Emet-Selch, Venat and I had to fight together to make our way to a friend who was being... stubborn. There was a creature in our way, the Lyssa. It employed ice magicks to disappear and attack from a random direction, and were it not for the tell-tale footprints left behind in the snow it might have been more difficult to destroy. I enjoyed that fight, yes. I am not a man who fights often, as I prefer to avoid conflict, but I think I understand what you mean by enjoying a good fight against a smart opponent.
Ah, that does sound like a fun fight! I'd much rather deal with something like that. I suppose, at the end of the day, that it isn't the violence of battle I enjoy - not at all. It's the mental exercise.
No, Venat was usually busy with other duties. But Emet-Selch and I were inseparable. So much so that if we were apart, others in the city would kindly point us to where the other was last seen- a pointless endeavour, of course, for we could both see one another's soul and find each other accordingly.
[He... is struck by just how much he misses Emet-Selch, suddenly. He's been good at keeping himself busy, but sometimes in quiet moments he feels the absence of his soulmate most keenly.]
Ah, he has the same ability that you do? Is it a common one amongst your people, or was it particular to just you two...?
[ It isn't the first time Emet-Selch has come up, and Maruki catalogues information like that. He's curious about them beyond just their powers, admittedly. ]
Soul sight was not uncommon amongst my peers. However, most could barely make out the dull hue of a soul from across a room, let alone perceive the delicate strands of aether that connect us all. But Emet-Selch could, his vision second only to my own. We met as children, and our exceptional sight brought us together. From then on, we were together all the time.
[He finds himself searching in vain for his dearest friend's soul once more. He still isn't used to it not being there.]
Knowing what little I do about Ancient lifespans, if you became friends as children then I can't imagine how hard it would be to be without someone you spent so long with.
What was he like?
[ There is a phenomenon Maruki is familiar with in Somnius: Dreamers will talk about those they left behind in terms of their relationship, not what they were like on their own. It's completely normal and natural, but Maruki will always want to know more. He will always ask. And it's a kindness he extends to friends clearly grieving their losses, again and again. ]
Emet-Selch was... prickly, I suppose. Stern. He put on airs that he was inconvenienced by my presence, but I knew better. He often sought me out of his own accord, with silly excuses about checking in on me to make sure I wasn't up to no good!
Deep down, he was kind. A sentimental man who loved his star, his people. He could not resist a heartfelt plea, a tactic I used to my own advantage many a time, I confess. And he was loyal... so very loyal.
After Hydaelyn sundered the star, he was one of three remaining souls who were unaffected. He worked tirelessly for 12000 years to try to bring back his home. His friends... me, as well. Some may consider what he'd done in the process unforgivable, but I cannot find it in myself to be appalled, not knowing his intentions.
[ Ah. Maruki has partially heard this story from the other side. It's so interesting to hear from someone with what sounds to be a completely opposite experience with Emet-Selch.
Maruki also feels no small amount of empathy in this case; Akechi Goro is, after all, his closest confidant, ally, and very nearly like family. Eren Jaeger is, after all, the best friend he's had in any reality. Seeing the good heart buried deep in a person many would consider irredeemable if they knew the truth of them is a long road to hoe. ]
He sounds like a person who was strong in his convictions above all else. No matter what anyone may think of the actions that resulted from that, a heart that's strong in its willpower and resolve is something to cherish.
The person I was closest to back in my reality isn't here either. Ultimately, I know that I should be grateful for that - he would hate being trapped in a false reality just as much as I do, and it's better that he's where he belongs. But that doesn't change the simple truth that we miss those who are most important to us.
Ah... It's going to sound strange, but he's one of the students at the school I worked at. He didn't come to me for counseling, but we made a deal to help one another, and he became a good friend.
[ Maruki never talks about him, not really. For a long while, it hurt too badly. Then it began to feel like testing fate. And there was always his paranoia that Akechi would find out, that it would damage their tenuous bond.
But the cat's been out of the bag ever since their memories were toyed with before the war, and Maruki has learned the value in sharing more of himself with those who truly care to get to know him. ]
His name is Kurusu.
[ Only Eren knows that. ]
He's a wonder, and I mean that quite literally. Bright enough to excel at his studies, entirely selfless and ready to help anyone in need. Braver than he gives himself credit for, I think. And completely comfortable in his own skin, self-assured in the way few people his age are. He has an irrepressible spirit and his own sense of justice that he pursues at all costs.
I didn't always agree with his actions, and he didn't always agree with mine, but it didn't matter. He was a guiding light.
I'm sure you would like him, if you met him. Everyone does.
Oh, he sounds wonderful. I am sure I would get along quite famously with him, aye!
He reminds me a little of someone I once knew. He held the seat of Azem after Venat, and he was one of my dearest friends. He was always ready to help others, and he complained about it much less than Emet-Selch did, too! And his own sense of justice... though it drove him to eventually abandon the Convocation in our darkest hour, it was only to find a solution that did not involve the losses we would endure otherwise.
[Azem had left, to find a solution that didn't involve sacrificing half of the population to a deity. And although he had ultimately failed in that regard, Hythlodaeus can't fault his determination and resolve in the face of such a crisis, and his willingness to even be shunned for his ideals. Even if Emet-Selch never did forgive him.]
[ Knowing what Maruki does about their reality, he can't imagine that person was successful in finding that solution, but to try at all is noble enough. ]
Oh! Yes, I did know Lehna-san - and I liked her a lot. We spoke about the existence of many others in her role, but never about that. How fascinating...
It's nice that you would be able to know a bit of your friend in someone else, isn't it?
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[Oh, but he knows you would, Maruki. And he wonders...]
Who has earned your ire, anyway?
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[At least he's mostly just amused by all of this, but...]
Why don't you speak to me that way? Or Venat? Oh, not that I suggest it. I don't think she'd enjoy it, and I would not be happy.
[You can talk to Hythlodaeus that way but absolutely not Venat. Not that she can't take care of herself, but he'd still be pissed off!]
1/3 god djsjsjfjdns
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[It must be nice, to have a partner. He isn't sure that it's really appropriate to start talking about that now, though.]
Speaking of Azathoth, I do keep thinking about how brutally you killed that Skeksis not so long ago. Was it enjoyable for you?
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As for your question... Not really, no. I enjoy engaging in fights against stronger and more intelligent foes that provide a challenge. In fact, when Venat and I defeated the Green Knight, that was my first ever battle. It put Azathoth and I to the test instantly. True trial by fire. That, I enjoyed a great deal.
When it comes to creatures like the Skeksis, especially in small numbers, I know the fight is unfairly skewed in my favor. I don't find it enjoyable at all.
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There was a time when Emet-Selch, Venat and I had to fight together to make our way to a friend who was being... stubborn. There was a creature in our way, the Lyssa. It employed ice magicks to disappear and attack from a random direction, and were it not for the tell-tale footprints left behind in the snow it might have been more difficult to destroy. I enjoyed that fight, yes. I am not a man who fights often, as I prefer to avoid conflict, but I think I understand what you mean by enjoying a good fight against a smart opponent.
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Did you travel often with Emet-Selch and Venat?
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[He... is struck by just how much he misses Emet-Selch, suddenly. He's been good at keeping himself busy, but sometimes in quiet moments he feels the absence of his soulmate most keenly.]
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[ It isn't the first time Emet-Selch has come up, and Maruki catalogues information like that. He's curious about them beyond just their powers, admittedly. ]
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[He finds himself searching in vain for his dearest friend's soul once more. He still isn't used to it not being there.]
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What was he like?
[ There is a phenomenon Maruki is familiar with in Somnius: Dreamers will talk about those they left behind in terms of their relationship, not what they were like on their own. It's completely normal and natural, but Maruki will always want to know more. He will always ask. And it's a kindness he extends to friends clearly grieving their losses, again and again. ]
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Deep down, he was kind. A sentimental man who loved his star, his people. He could not resist a heartfelt plea, a tactic I used to my own advantage many a time, I confess. And he was loyal... so very loyal.
After Hydaelyn sundered the star, he was one of three remaining souls who were unaffected. He worked tirelessly for 12000 years to try to bring back his home. His friends... me, as well. Some may consider what he'd done in the process unforgivable, but I cannot find it in myself to be appalled, not knowing his intentions.
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Maruki also feels no small amount of empathy in this case; Akechi Goro is, after all, his closest confidant, ally, and very nearly like family. Eren Jaeger is, after all, the best friend he's had in any reality. Seeing the good heart buried deep in a person many would consider irredeemable if they knew the truth of them is a long road to hoe. ]
He sounds like a person who was strong in his convictions above all else. No matter what anyone may think of the actions that resulted from that, a heart that's strong in its willpower and resolve is something to cherish.
The person I was closest to back in my reality isn't here either. Ultimately, I know that I should be grateful for that - he would hate being trapped in a false reality just as much as I do, and it's better that he's where he belongs. But that doesn't change the simple truth that we miss those who are most important to us.
I'm sorry that he isn't here with you.
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[He's curious, wanting to know more about Maruki and who he was back before he arrived here.]
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[ Maruki never talks about him, not really. For a long while, it hurt too badly. Then it began to feel like testing fate. And there was always his paranoia that Akechi would find out, that it would damage their tenuous bond.
But the cat's been out of the bag ever since their memories were toyed with before the war, and Maruki has learned the value in sharing more of himself with those who truly care to get to know him. ]
His name is Kurusu.
[ Only Eren knows that. ]
He's a wonder, and I mean that quite literally. Bright enough to excel at his studies, entirely selfless and ready to help anyone in need. Braver than he gives himself credit for, I think. And completely comfortable in his own skin, self-assured in the way few people his age are. He has an irrepressible spirit and his own sense of justice that he pursues at all costs.
I didn't always agree with his actions, and he didn't always agree with mine, but it didn't matter. He was a guiding light.
I'm sure you would like him, if you met him. Everyone does.
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He reminds me a little of someone I once knew. He held the seat of Azem after Venat, and he was one of my dearest friends. He was always ready to help others, and he complained about it much less than Emet-Selch did, too! And his own sense of justice... though it drove him to eventually abandon the Convocation in our darkest hour, it was only to find a solution that did not involve the losses we would endure otherwise.
[Azem had left, to find a solution that didn't involve sacrificing half of the population to a deity. And although he had ultimately failed in that regard, Hythlodaeus can't fault his determination and resolve in the face of such a crisis, and his willingness to even be shunned for his ideals. Even if Emet-Selch never did forgive him.]
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Can I ask what became of him?
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[Unfortunate that she had left before Hythlodaeus could get his soul sight back. It would have been a great comfort to see that amber hue once more.]
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It's nice that you would be able to know a bit of your friend in someone else, isn't it?
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