Senecio adn Tide II

[Mirach]

Svarik's smile faded a little with that. "I'm sorry... I'm not sure if I will ever like any weapon. I can't really imagine forming much of a relationship to one. There's still this thing with the Bull... I'm still the last remaining Derhain, and there's a bit of his power in my blood. That's why the Thief could be defeated. He didn't have all of his power. And as long as I don't spill any blood, it should remain asleep inside me. I don't want it to wake. I don't suppose you know a way how to remove this power? Your water burns demons, but the Thief wasn't a demon. So if I have to defend myself, I would prefer a weapon that doesn't spill blood."

---

"So this is your tax filling chair?" Senecio pointed to the chair closer to the window. "And this you tax evasion chair?" he smirked, and sat down on the other chair across the table. He waited for Hans to sit down as well, but then he got serious. "You really need to know what Erdel overheard from Alpha. It's urgent because he wants to leave after the play today. He feels you've been avoiding him recently, and he worries that he has been too assertive recently. So he's going to leave and you don't have much time to do something about it. But I've got an idea, if you would accept a suggestion."

[VisAnastasis]

The smile Simbel returned to him, was, likewise, a little more fragile than previos one, as if Svarik's words had passed across a wound - but one that was healing up and did not hurt as much as it once used to.

" My dearest... you are... asking me if I know a way to kill something immaterial, that has no soul, only raw power to it. You are asking me for instructions on... how to kill me, you see. But... it's okay. Whom should I tell, if not you? You already know the method, anyway, "the creature whispered, with one of its softest, gentlest gazes tinged with just a bit of sadness, the one it often wore in the first days they met. " Dearest... You have already been using the method, all on your own, splendidly. The way to kill something like me is slow, but simple... all you have to do is starve it to death, " he gently reached for Svarik and pressed his hand lightly, not looking afraid, though - only worried. " It's not just mere blood - thief needed blood seeping with violence the most, and you denied it to him for ten years splendidly. You have done such good job starving it most of people won't even know it's there... but you are right, both of us do know, so I should have paid it more mind, even if surviving Long night was a priority. I apologise. I should have known you'd still be scared... If Thief were alive, I would be scared right there with you. But he is dead, so even if you killed someone, the imprint of Thief in you can't let someone that's alreadt dead and gone possess you. If I were to die... objects or people with my essence could still kill demons with my presence for a while until it faded - but they could not be possessed by me once I am gone from this world. If you became a serial killer, that would become a more serious cause of worry, because it can create something New, but meanings and symbolism are extremely important for Being matters, and I believe in your goodness. You can not have the same level of influence happen if one accidentally cuts someone while cutting vegetables, or with fierce intent to inflict violence - I am certain that over the years you spilt enough blood as healer and used sharp needle enough when sewing wounds to realise that. Thief's death is a very important factor in level of danger... But I would never treat your safety with callousness. It's just that I believe in your goodness that much. It is like mixing oil and water - even if they may mix, they are fundamentally too different for water's nature to change," he explained gently but firmly. " I believe in your goodness, so even if there were setbacks, I believe you would starve it eventually, spilling blood would just delay it a while. Everything that is starving will eventually die, it is all a matter of time... It does not matter how resilient... I was. After a thousand years of starving, if it were just a little longer, if I were not fed but kept trying to help you, I would have spent myself and faded away ito nothing, like I never was. The same is with what is within you... If we just keep starving it, it will fade, perhaps in decades, perhaps centuries. But you are right... An immortal perspective can make one think it's fine to wait for things to naturally take their course. We can wait, since you choose to be immortal... or we can deal with it. If the thief were alive, our options would be more limited, but he is dead, and I am stronger, so there are more options. There are things I can do, but even if you do not choose them, we can figure out other options with our friends. I can tell you one path right away. You may refuse freely, but it is on me to offer, " he reassured him, watching carefully. " We may call it an imprint of a thief... not as perfect an imprint as I was an imprint of White Eagle, but it's a specially tailored imprint for your bloodline. Think of it like a permanent tattoo... It's possible to remove it with force by burning away the whole surface layer of skin - it would hurt and be hard to recover from, but extremely powerful Beings like Stars have good chances of doing it without killing a person, if they eat the imprint. Thief was just a special case of menace, where trying to do such a thing was dangerous, because consuming anything from Thief raised the chance of being possessed by him - that's why Alpha and the others would not be able to easily risk doing something like that while Thief was alive. Now, it can be done, and we can do it, if you wish... But I'd rather not cause you needless permanent change, just to get rid of it, when it can starve on its own - tatoo that is not renewed with strong ink will fade when you are immortal, it is only a matter of how long you wait. But there is another way that I can offer you... You can change it. You can create a new tattoo by covering and painting a new one over it. A new thing covering the old until it can no longer be seen, " Simbel offered quietly. " I will understand if you say no... but know you have that option. What Thief did to you is leave part of himself in you that overrides your will. I can cover it up by leaving a stronger part of myself in you that does the same. A more extreme version of you planting flower in the garden of my mind. Flower is just a faint imprint of *your* essence within *my* mind. It is merely a strong enough link that we can connect our thoughts when we think of each other. But we can also do the opposite, you see. There is a ritual that I used to do sometimes - an Apostle contract, " he explained quietly, speaking more carefully, as if he were just a little anxious about Svarik's thoughts, as this was his first time explaining such things in this language. " Right now, when I want to possess a person, I have to ask their permission, and they have to visibly struggle to allow it to me - that's the way I possessed Melody that one brief time, when I had to quickly help Conrad. My presence is too strong, and such incomplete possession only allows me partial control for a little bit because the mind resists it. I sometimes did a ritual with healing priests that would change people in the same way as the Thief changed them - enable me to possess them whenever I want if certain conditions were fulfilled.  I could do the same as a Thief, because we are the same. Full control whenever I want when conditions are fulfilled, but I could still only remain for a brief time, because if I stayed longer I would have to start eating the soul, so to avoid the danger of hurting my followers, it were usually very brief possessions. In my case, it was more like a solution to a medical problem, than an elaborate scheme to jump from body to body like he designed, " he coughed, seeming little embarrassed, as he admitted. " Uhm... It's silly, but... some people I cared for had heart conditions that would make their lives very short... Their heart was working irregularly. So, when priests with sicker constitutions would be born, I would designate them as my Apostles and make a contract with them - they agree to briefly let me possess them in case of emergency, so I can have an emergency vessel I can use. In exchange, when I feel like they are in danger of a heart attack, I possess them briefly to make their heart beat manually until danger passes, so they don't die. An emergency vessel in exchange for regular health checks. It may sound a little crude, but I... was just one person, and I had to make do with one-person solutions. If you make a contract with me, what is left of Thief within you could no longer Grow, because it could no longer Eat, because you would be feeding me, not Him, with your violence. A tattoo of a pink bird instead of a tattoo of a red bull. I... am no longer just one person against the world, though. If you dislike this offer, give me a little time. I am certain we can find more options if we brainstorm and ask around... "

---

Hans paled, his expression indeed getting serious.
" I mean... I know I was getting a little more, um quiet... but in my defence, this is hardly an orthodox situation. Our position is... quite strange, as you know... with all its will we, won't we... " Spirit was murmuring, revealing his true feelings, visibly more thoughtful and reluctant than before. " It is a strange state where we aren't technically dating... but it's not like we are nothing. It's not something you can like, drop straight into marriage and pretend like we were dating the whole time, I mean, right? But it's also not - not that we don't have a connection strong enough to be... dating in anything but words. It's just that we flirted most of it into the future. He... was always there for me, it's just that... you know. Before I gave up on Time Lord fully that matter stayed up in the air between us, and after I fully ditched that bastard, with the thief and emperor, and then Bull priests... it was... "  he shook his head grimly. " It was all too heavy for me to be... enough of a person to want normal things like relationships... "

[Mirach]

"I think for now, I would just prefer to try starving it. It's good to know that it can be done. I was afraid it will always be there as long as I live. It's not like I would be in a hurry to remove it so that I xould do some violence. But it means that if you would like to gift me a sword, I'll be demanding and ask for a special one, if such a request can be fulfilled. Conrad has one that can cut a soul. I would like people to think mine is the same, but in truth, it would just pass through flesh harmlessly, but be solid when touching anything else, like another blade. Then it could parry a blow and act in defence, but its offence would be just fear of its ability to cut a soul, when it truth, it would be harmless. That is a sword that I could actually wield comfortably and take a liking to.

---

"I know..." Senecio nodded empathically. "But listen. I still owe Alpha a debt for my clothes. A short play about him, for the price of a ham sandwich. How about I do the play today, before the big one, and we could turn it into a confession from you to him? I already sent Erdel to buy me a ham sandwich, since I don't plan on using any props other than what I already have. What do you think? I know it's rushed and maybe you would like to do it differently, so feel free to refuse."

[VisAnastasis]

" It is fine if it is not a sword, but something else. If you prefer weapon that draws less blood, we can brainstorm. My mere wish is that you do not choose with fear that you would lose yourself... You have me now, and you worked so hard to protect yourself, too. Thief can not claim you, so choose without such things weighing your mind, " Simbel explained gently, but with Svarik's words, it seemed the other two Beings stirred a little more. Alpha was the first to clasp one pair of his hands and put it in front of himself.
" Yes, yes, sure, but... I know it's futile to worry about your safety in most cases, considering either Eldritch horrors like Erdel or me are always at your side, or superhumans like sword master Birdie here.... But do you really think your friends are going to be reassured about your safety if you have a sword that can't cut? At that point, it's better to pick up a strong branch to hold. Like, not gonna lie, little sugar cube, my anxiety just spiked about 5000 per cent, haha... " star's expression clearly looked troubled and somehow saddened. " Annnd... While fear of their soul being cut would certainly deter most of people, human greed can be endless. I worry it might be a double-edged sword for you, little sugar. You'd be surprised, even after 200 years in the neighbourhood, how often I have headaches with thelf related issues, and I only make clothes. If we're making a cool banger for you, shouldn't we at least make it something that doesn't sound extremely tempting to steal, while in reality it doesn't do much? It's like dying when someone tries to steal your glass ring thinking it is a diamond one... "
" It... is sad, but not surprising, that even if evil burns you, you struggle to account for it... I can not fault you for the flaw I have myself, too. It is hard for people that despise violence to see the face of evil without being taken aback by it every time, "  Janus voiced his opinion in a whisper, too, looking tensely at the level of Svarik's hands, with a pained tinge of sorrow as he observed the meadow king's nails that were torn off and later regrown with Simbel's powers. " Both Alpha Centauri and I hate violence, kind child. But it does not mean we would be reassured with you having less, not more. Making little Erdel's weapon is a more urgent task, since you are currently safe with Alpha and your other friends, but we think dearly of your safety... We also want to see the world you create, and we can not see it if you do not live long enough to make it, or worse, live, but never a life untouched by hurt." Being spoke with his own distinct, blunt and direct approach, his words laced with quiet worry.
"Absolutely, " Alpha confirmed, " We planned to make a shield artefact like the one Janus made for Senecio, that can alert me and enable me to appear in front of you in case of danger, but it just got pushed back because we are working on Erdels's sword and Senecio's gift. Pocket lightning might not hurt to have, either, if you're looking for weapons that don't draw blood, but anything you wish for defence as additional precaution, I am naturally all in. Besides, you're cutey patootie and deserve the cutest shit, " he wiggled one pair of his hands as his gaze grew into a soft expression. " When you already agree to get something, wouldn't it be extremely boring to make you a faulty magic sword, when you have a reality-bending star and the best runesmith at your side that can go the extra mile for you? "
" I would not say boredom is a deterrent for me, but... It would be a pity to waste good materials for lesser protection. And would it not be more meaningful to make something more fit for you? In my opinion, the biggest change to make sure little Svarik actually uses something is to make it too tempting not to, and to do that, we must make a tool that he would actually like that just happens to be a weapon. Something nice that just happens to be sword-shaped. " Janus spoke up a little more hopefully, bringing forth his out-of-the-box thinking that had his distinct mix of practicality and concern. " There are plenty of paths to choose, and everything depends on materials... But you are a healer, and healers are rare, so you have a good foundation to make deals for materials. It does not have to be a sword, but it would be, if you'd like it to be. We can give it some function that is more useful for you, that would aid you in healing, but also happens to be able to be used for defence in an emergency. "
" But whatever we choose, it must be something with clear enough flaws that it's obvious stealing it is pointless, " Alpha chimmed in excitedly. " How about us making it appear like a holy item of the Bull or Simbel, and say it requires Simbel's and Bull's daily blessings and clear favour to work? If that is known, everyone will be aware weapon is useless if stolen, and might even curse a person who steals it. I use similar little curses with a lot of my clothes, where they turn into normal clothes with theft. "
" Hmm... If we wish to honour Simbels' desire to protect Svarik, and also put the least amount of pressure to learn what he hates upon him... How about making something Simbel can partially inhabit? You recall that when I considered those runes, I considered making Simbel a mechanical body? This is simpler than the functioning mechanical body - but if we make something from materials that can accommodate Simbel and carve proper possession runes into it, he can inhabit it to a certain degree. He could inhabit normal weapons if we just carved proper runes, but that would feel like just entering an object without being able to move or feel much, even if the sword would have a purifying function like pond water does. The best metal choice would be Necrodermis. It is living metal. If we make a weapon from it and carve runes, Simbel could inhabit it and would feel vibrations of air around it, and he would be able to channel his energy to make the sword float around you as he wishes. You would basically have a weapon that can move by itself around you, so you would just have to learn to guide Simbel's movements, while he could do most of the work and uses his own energy to put strength into his slashes. Like Simbel's vampire body has to be refilled with energy from the pond, the weapon would have to be refilled regularly to work, so it would actually be a weapon that can only work as long as you have enough of Simbel's approval for him to agree to refill it and protect you through it. And Necrodermis is quite rare and special. It is metal that heals itself and is able to change shape. Simbel can change what it is based on what you need, as long as you have enough of his power stored within it to channel the change. You can change it to be a sword, a whip, a staff, or even a flute, if you desire it - the only limitation to what you can make is the amount of metal, for you can not make anything bigger than the amount of metal used in the original crafting. "
" Yes, necrodermis is rare trinket, so we don't have much. Most of what we currently own is safeguarded by Hans, so you'd have to make a deal with him to get enough." Alpha said. " We don't have enough to make multiple things, because necrodermis is treated as our kingdom's treasured good, and its usage has to be carefully mandated so it's not spent wastefully, but you are both king and healer so you have good grounds to stand in this request. There are some other materials we'd need and more unique things we use, more fun final result we can make, but whatever I make, I do not see making Simbel a little extra vessel he can possess as a bad thing, even if it's not as cool as his current living flesh. Besides, making a weapon that can only protect you magically as long as Simbel himself believes you are worth protecting...  " he grinned playfully. " Is the kind of fairytale trope that I think is pretty fun, so it would be worth a little more effort to see how long it lasts on both sides... "

---

Hans's gaze was soft and warm, but he was a little quiet as he clasped his hands, his feelings reflecting a little smidgeon of anxiety and concern. He looked Senecio up and down carefully, and spoke up hesitantly and slowly, almost as if trying to decide exactly how much of his feelings it was okay to reveal to not put pressure on him.
" It... would be a lie to say I am not worried about Alpha's actions lately. He often gives me space, but... he never just disappears on me like this. True, it might have been an unexpected trip to the capital, but... he'd usually let me know before he just... leaves suddenly like that. So, I naturally can't help but be... a little anxious, no matter how I choose to confess. I want to make it special to him. He is a collector of rare experiences... I want this confession to be a rare treat for him he can look back on fondly. It would be a treat indeed to have a little friend and family gathering that unexpectedly turns into a confession... it would be a precious memory to look back on, to have a confession like no other. It would not be something he would see coming indeed... But I worry, I greatly worry, Senecio, " despite he could not help smile, Senecio could see simple, quiet worry in Spirit's gaze, one creature did not try to hide as it spoke, its words transparent and with no trace of deception or deflecting. " I am worried if it is the right thing to throw such expectations on you. Just because you sit in my tax-evading chair, my dear, does not mean you are expected to fix my problems, taxes-wise or otherwise. I put a lot of effort into... making sure you don't feel like you have to maintain any usefulness to belong with us. You are going through a lot today, choosing to face your fears and act again tonight after everything that happened... I fear putting even more on your plate to deal with. You... are not my pet, my employee, or my jester, dear, " he whispered, inquiring plainly and directly, as if trying to deter Senecio from trying to joke his way through this. " And I am not your patron. You do not have to... make decisions considering what would be helpful to me. You have so, so much on your plate... You truly are helping me, terribly so, just by the time you spend with me, and the warmth you show me when you do make up for me. I can feel your sincerity, and it's enough for me. Would it truly be a pleasure for you, not a burden, to have two important plays to balance in one day? You have done so much for me already. Just because you are a great actor, does not mean you have to spend yourself away, especially when dealing with so much... "

[Mirach]

Svarik seemed getting uncomfortable with the talk about swords and defending himself, avoiding the gaze of the people he was talking to. "I'm sorry... I feel I'm being selfish. I hate hurting people. The thing with spilling blood... it's real, but it also feels like an excuse so I don't have to. The truth is, I would rather get hurt that have to hurt someone. And it's not fair to you, because then you have to worry for me and hurt or kill the people yourself because I'm not willing to..." He was talking to all of them, but looking especially at Conrad. "I feel like I should say yes to the sword thay can be posessed... but it doesn't make me feel much better about the selfishness of it."

---

"Oh, so that's you biggest concern about it?" Senecio actually looked a bit relieved. "You know what I'd do if you said no to it? I'd wander the house aimlessly, getting nervous and looking for a distraction before the play tomorrow, because at this point going over it again in my head would only make me more anxious, but I'd end up doing it anyway. This it the perfect distraction I can put my mind into. So what do you think? How do you imagine your perfect confession?"

[VisAnastasis]

" I do not mind being the one more... focused on fighting. I am used to it, anyway. But I would not mind having any extra security we can master, either... It would not matter if I killed one or ten if you died in the meantime. It would be a much more horrible nightmare if I had to kill someone to protect you, but you died anyway, " Conrad whispered quietly.
" Yes... " Simbel tied, with a little tension, but a slowly steadying expression that showed his determination and growth he had gone through since they met. " I... understand your feelings about selfishness... I also feel like it is selfish to be... on the receiving end of so much good. To maintain one more posessable vessel, I would have to eat more... My heart burns with guilt over it. But... I never wish to make the same mistakes again as when I first met you. I was too scared to ask you for anything, in fear of being abandoned and covered again if I was seen as too much. It is a great regret to me that I did not dare ask you for food before the point where I was barely staying alive. If only I had asked and recovered a little bit earlier, I would have been able to heal you sooner, and you would have suffered less. Never again... do I wish to ask myself, if the present would have been better if I... Asked for what I needed sooner, so that I can give back sooner, too, " despite the hardship of saying it through his own tepid anxieties, his voice was full of warmth as he shyly tried to catch Svarik's look. " You... are telling us what you need to stay healthy, too. You say you need to avoid fighting, and would rather be hurt than hurt. I do not like killing, either, nor permanent damage, but I do not mind fighting and hurting, so I would gladly do my part to ease that burden from you. If you are in danger wherever this body can reach you, I would have defended you and our friends all the same - it does not make difference to me if I would do in in shape of a person or a weapon, as long as I can do something. If... If you truly believe it is not selfish of me to eat more than minimum to maintain myself, you should not treat yourself as selfish just for asking bare minimum you need to not drown in guilt. It's not fair to yourself... "
"Sweet pink God is right, little sugar, " Alpha said with a smile that was gentle and genuine, but a little more strained, unusual for himself - it seemed the theme resonated with everyone differently but deeply, because they all spoke their fill of words more seriously, even him, who kept his playful tone. " Goodness, dear... It would be terribly poor taste for any of us to deem you selfish for wanting to avoid violence. What could I possibly have to say in my defence? I am a Star, one of the strongest Beings there is, who discovered this planet right as the Being war started... It was as if the whole world conspired to force me to be a warrior. I was killed many times, not because I was weak, but because I tried to avoid violence. Even now, whenever danger arises, how can I not always feel guilty and ask myself - if I were more tolerant of violence and ready to hurt and kill, would my people have lived better? Everyone goes through so much convoluted trouble and effort... just so I would not have to twist my Purpose of Creation into Destruction. We are different, but I am certain my guilt can not be much different from the guilt of you, whose purpose is healing, being pushed by the world to cause hurt. I used to feel much worse about it... But do you know what Hans would tell me about? " Despite his words being a little melancholy, Svarik could feel an undeniable patient fondness in his voice, and a certain tender hopefulness that the shadows of reality could not touch. " He would be angry beyond measure. He would yell at me and scold me and tell me that the problem with peaceful people is that they can not get angry enough when they have every right to, as if all anger is a sin. They instead blame themselves for not stopping bastards, instead of blaming said bastards for inciting violence in the first place. It is not my fault that bad things happened just because I did not train to be more powerful fighter.  So that's why what Hans does not pressure and force me into sacrificing myself for the kingdom... but asks me instead... what alternatives can we figure out to help everyone together that does not require sacrifices that would break my spirit. Are we not in this whole mess of wanting to see you live well and long together, little sugar? " Demon asked most softly, as he lightly flicked Svarik's forehead, as if trying to lighten his heart with a playful gesture. " None of us say we wish you to become a violent sword master. We ask you - what all are you willing to do, to fight for our joint goal of keeping you cute self alive? I dislike killing, too. I can burn someone to crisp, but it depends on my mentality - I can only do it if I am either terribly angry, or terribly indifferent to the person I aim for, and it's hard for me to get indifferent enough to life, even though with time with Hans I am slowly getting better at learning anger. That's why I am not a warrior... I am an evacuation expert. That's why my blood is woven in all our shield artefacts, so that they summon me when they are attacked. How can I blame you for prefering to get hurt over hurting? My body is tough, so I myself am quite comfortable being summoned by shielding artefacts when attacks happen, acting as a proper meat shield myself too, and fractaling space to grab the allies and make a run for it. I am willing to do the same for you, sweets, and appearing whenm you are attacked to get you to safety. I can comfortably appear within area of shielding artefacts within few seconds of them empting out under attacks, but I need you to be able to stay alive until then, and I may get little delayed if there are multiple emergencies at the same time. So what you really need is not exactly becoming a sword master and killer - just surval plans until I can get to you, little joy... And you are meadow king. Nobody is as rich in options as you. "
" Alpha... puts it little dramatically, but... he is right, " Janus added his own thoughts, too, watching Svarik with his own flavour of timid and hesitant but unquestionable warmth. " You... seem to have a little warped image of... how the world fully sees you. To most humans, you might be seen as an unreliable, weak emperor with an uncertain legacy and unproven skills... But all Beings in Tide's kingdom know that you sacrificed half of your soul to purify the Vein and stop the demon army from destroying this layer of world. We were all ready to fight for it... but we did not have to, because of your selflessness. You can not treat your merits as if they cease to matter once the danger is gone. There is no Being in Tide's kingdom that meets you that will by default not meet you with a net positive attitude and the benefit of the doubt. There is no Being who cares for Sea Deity that will not approach you fondly over how you treated it. There is no Being that cares for Hans and Tide that will not treat you preciously over the mercy you gave to Senecio...me included. I care for that child dearly, and I would not have met him had you not been so unapologetically just as you are - a person that would rather be hurt than hurt others, " despite Janus's smiles were always fragile, perhaps with thoughts about Senecio and unsaid care Svarik gave to three wounded children, this smile was brighter than usual. " You... are beloved greatly. And deals for trinkets and pleasure is one thing, but for any deals that address your safety, I guarantee you there are few that would not go the extra mile for you. You would have more options than probably most in the world, so if we think it through together, I am certain we can figure out what feels comfortable to you, whether it's just making a posessable sword, making some additional features to the weapon, adding more materials to add to itd defenses and abilities, combining the weapon with other options and so on... When there's a great variety and options of materials, creators and allies, there's a lot that can be done. It would be quite sad if you believed the favour you receive is pity or charity we wish to give because you are causing us worry or trouble, though... Your hesitance to engage in violence is something we appreciate greatly. You measure ten times before you cut. That is a reassuring way to be, so how can we, who are always hunted, not be reassured that you will not raise hands against us easily? You are not built wrong, " he said firmly, almost a little sternly, scolding softly. " It is only the world that works against you. It is not your fault that we worry dearly for you... It is something we choose on our own, because of who you are. You commit no sin for it. Becoming someone people fret losing is a natural consequence of the way you tread through life. If you did not worry us, you would not be you... "


---

Hans's expression eased into a slight soft smile once he was reassured that Senecio is speaking the truth and is truly not feeling pressured and burdened. That's why he was able to focus on properly thinking through to reply truthfully, leaning his head on his hands as he thought it through.
" Most important... is that he is properly surprised. That he does not realise it right away as the play starts. It is... long overdue. I would like it to be something he would not right away figure out, so in that sense... the play is perfect. He would not think it is anything but something we are doing together. Lot of Being deals when broken down are often wrapped up like offers of company so both sides can see if they like being together, so he won't immediately think there's something between me and him in focus, since he'd be thinking more in the lines of it being something between you and him, " Hans started, speaking slowly and carefully, as if he was figuring out how he felt as he was speaking. " Deal was to have a small circle of friends present.. So having me, Tide, Erdel, Sage, Janus... Maybe Svarik and Conrad would like to join? Alpha has been doing quite a lot for them recently; he would not be doing that much had he not been fond of them, so it might be nice to have them be a part of the memory. Hmm... Maybe little Simbel too? A mix of present and future. Generally, in those things most important is to imagine what kind of memory it will turn into as you look back at it, and... I want to give him a one-of-a-kind memory. He... is... a little sensitive. He often has trouble... feeling like he fits in with others. So for a start, being surrounded by a small circle of people he is fond of that he can look back on fondly is a must, even if a small circle. And I would like there to be at least a small gift involved - after so long, it feels like I should get him something, at least something little tied to the play so it is tied to its memory. But I am not sure what. I have never thought too deeply about any of it, " he admitted quietly and honestly. " You... may call it superstition... but it sort of... feels like a fear of foreshadowing, you could say.  I felt as if I thought about it more deeply, it would be like setting myself up for failure, like a soldier who says he will propose after the war is over, will most definitely die in the very next scene. It felt like less could go wrong if I did not dare to put more will into wanting more than this... "

[Mirach]

"What am I willing to do?" Svarik repeated slowly, looking at the problem from a new perspective. "Well... I am willing to follow your judgement in things I'm not good at myself. The thing is, with my position, most people who would want to hurt me don't really want to hurt *me*, but the king. There's a lot of reason why someone might want to hurt a king. They might not be a bad person because of it, and they might change their mind. It's how I got to know both Ben and Senecio. So, if you think I should have a sword that you could possess, I would do it, and trust you to only do what's needed."

---

"The gift can't be a part of the performance, though," Senecio said. "The performance has to be for the price of a ham sandwich, that's the deal. And to be clear, I'm not being so literal about it because I'd be afraid I'd accidentally break the deal, but because it's fun to play the game. So, I'm sorry to inform you that your confession will be tied to a memory of a ham sandwich. Do you think you could use it in some creative way?"

[VisAnastasis]

" No worries, we are all on the same page with minimum violence to keep you alive! Great fan of the overall mercy theme you have going on, sugar! And I believe a weapon that can be possessed by Simbel is the bare minimum we should go for. While Janus could code the intricate system of Will to have it make its own decisions like Death's sword, those things take a long time to make. It's much easier and more practical for your specific case to just make a weapon that can be posessable, because then you leave the thinking to the actual person and free up space for runes for things more useful to you. It will be much easier for Simbel, who knows you to judge what is the minimum level of violence to keep you safe, and knows not to pass the line, while a weapon that can only rely on code might have blind spots when you get hurt and goes too far for the sake of safety. No matter how well you code objects, if they are programmed to put keeping you alive above all else, mistakes can happen, or worse, if we code it to be too cautious, it may underprotect you, " Alpha sounded relieved, clasping one pair of his hands.
" Indeed... That is why Death's sword was primarily guided toward strengthening and protecting the soul of the user, not unleashing powerful attacks by itself. It is a safer way to avoid conflicting instructions, but please, keep greed in mind... I caution against making anything that looks too tempting to steal. It would add needless danger. It would be best... if it was useful but it did not give the impression that it was useful to anyone but you, otherwise, others will covet it. I would often mask specific things I made to pretend they are divine tools, so that seemingly only chosen ones can use it, and more important something is, make it look more unseemly, " Janus whispered very quietly, with a slight shadow on his face. " I think primary material should be necrodermis, so object can change shape when Simbel wills it to. But since you won't need protection that often and it is mostly for protection, the main form it is in should not be a weapon, but an animal. A reptile, anarchid or a hexapod might be good choices, since they go well with metal, and it is easier to craft body for those that resemble living creature enough to not stand out too much, and people will covet them less than if we choose something humans find loveable. Scales can be layered well with metal to make it sturdy and segmented. Maybe having the main body be metal snake? It is repulsive enough for humans to not go out of their way to have it, while it can still not look too unusual for meadow king to have a strange rare snake pet ... "
" Or you can make an extra cool unrealistic animal like giant centipede. Giant metal centipede would be cool as heck, too, just saying! Or something imaginary that can look whatever you like, like tiny phoenix, or something silly, like a fish that floats through the air when it swims. " Alpha chipped in more brightly and softly. " Wonderful thing is - that you do not have to just choose what you have to have. Since we have us all on your side - you can also choose what you "want" to have. You are dealing with Gods here! If you tell us what you'd like, we can try our best to bend the rules as much as possible for you to get it. "
" We are not omnipotent... but the fact that all the Beings we know want you safe opens many more options to you than people normally have, " Janus reassured him quietly, " Whether it is snake or something else... I believe it would be wise for the default form to be an animal, as I said, that can either coil around your neck or fit in your backpack. We can make mechanical eyes through which it can see, so it is more comfortable for Simbel, too. Unlike a humanoid form that is active and spends a lot of energy, if most of the time the form is dormant and is carried around without doing straining activity, Simbel can still travel with you in that form and watch over your safety, always be aware of the dangers, and only transform into a weapon when danger is near. If most of the time Simbel rests and just tags along, you should be able to carry him with you on travels and only need to recharge his energy every three days or so, depending on how active he is. "
" Three full days? "Simbel's eyes grew wide with surprise. " You mean... I could travel with themn... like that and... always know if they are okay... even when they are too far from the pond? "
" It is less convenient form than a humanoid one... it can not eat or feel sensations in the same way, and it has no voice or sensations, so it spends less energy, " Janus explained. " But you would always know if they are alright. And it can be recharged much more quickly than an organic vessel. If Eros just drops by for few minutes back and forth each night to make sure you are always at full charge, you will always be sure you have enough energy to act. "
"And the best part!! We can brainstorm to lessen the limits on Simbel and increase the benefits for you, sugar! We can see what people and materials to include in the project to get better results, " Alpha added, rubbing his hands with little more excitement, like it seemed he always would when excited about creating something, clothes or otherwise. "A lot of cool as heck stuff can be done if you pick the right materials or people! This would be impossible for us before since we did not have Riversong and his skills are a cheat, but if you can get your Ben to help us, we can overkill the hell out of this. Beings usually can't bless objects, only people, but Ben, who is tied to life, should be able to bless a living metal like necrodermis. With Ben's blessing, we could make the metal be unable to feel pain, but still be able to feel sensations like touch, warmth and cold, so Simbel can be more comfortable and nice when he cuddles with you. And as for materials, blood of stars is a cheat, too. If we add my blood and nails, it would have good synergy with Simbel, and he could collect additional power by sunbathing so recharge lasts longer. Also, I heard Solstice gave you his heart and flesh to eat at Long night, but you still have his bones that you safekeep. Bones of the life giver like Solstice are insanely valuable material. If we add a bit more of that to necrodermis, we can give the object the ability to share a bit of its energy with you as you use it, so if you faint Simbel can lessen the toil on your health a little by sharing its energy with you, like Sun gives to all life. He can also actively borrow a little of his energy to you all the time you hold him so you can stay healthier even when you overdo things. "
" It is not something on the level that would remove the need to eat or drink... but it is something that would help you get less sick if you play powerful music or perform too much healing spells, " Janus continued, explaining with some sadness, surely remembering how he passed out after saving Senecio. " You surely remember the strengthening feeling of holding Death's sword as it shielded your soul? Half of that ability comes from Riversong's horn, half from Solstice's bones. "
" Oh, yes, that's right! You have a flute and a sword made from Riversong's horn, right? That's even better material than simple unicorn horn. Solstice's power neutralises the burning the horn normally has on demons, so if you'd allow us, we can melt the horn sword into this one, to give the new weapon a little extra power to shield your soul from the backlash of playing too many listener songs or overusing his healing powers. "
" Something like that is possible? " Simbel asked hopefully. " If... if I could help Svarik more... I would not care if I could not have function to touch, or see, or enjoy it... I would rather prioritise Svarik's health, if possible...  "
" It is choice for you all to make... it is only my personal preference if we would already be making a vessel for you, to make it a good place to exist. We are not saying more functions for comfort do not have drawbacks. Biggest drawback is that more power Svarik wishes to gain from you and more costly form is to maintain, more he has to feed Simbel,  " Janus whispered. " So you will only get as strong an effect up to level of how good materials we pour and how much you feed Simbel. But like we said, there's lot of flexibility since we have options. Main form should be an unsightly animal easy to pack, so it's easy for you to carry, an emergency form should be a weapon, like a sword, or a whip. Maybe an additional form like a small shield or a pair of daggers, would be good for some situations. And also a form of flute... Flute would be a very good choice for one of the forms, since if we include Riversong's horn and Solstice's bones Simbel can channel his powers into helping you play longer or stronger songs - channelling his strength into your healing, instead of an attack, so you can heal together what neither of you could heal separately. We only suggest what we think would be most convenient for you... seeing how often you faint while playing, and how much you wish to minimise both violence and worry of your friends... Buy it is by no means a limit of what can be done. We have to know what you desire to be able to give it to you, though. As Alpha Centauri said, it is a precious chance that you should not take for granted, to ask for sun and stars and be able to receive it, so now is not the time to be cordial. It is time to think of your friends and how dearly they fear for you, so you can make sure to change tears from their future into smiles. I do not say it lightly, but it is a good time to not take yourself for granted and give yourself the level of safety you deserve, after enduring the decade of constant unsafety you did not deserve at all... "

---

Hans could not help but suddenly laugh with Senecio's words, shadows in his feelings and upon his face turning lighter, his heart reflecting a certain soft fondness.
" Why do you apologise? I would not want it any other way... I am very happy to see you find new delightful ways to colour my memories. How can I refuse you, who make my boring chairs into tax-evading and tax filling chairs? How can I compain about small silly joys like these? By all means, feel free to make me unable to think of everyday things like chairs and ham sandwitches without thinking back on you and feeling happy, " Spirit shrugged innocently, indeed, his words oozing with a glowing excitement and sentimental joy as he fondly inquired. " Do pray tell me, what are your plans for the ham sandwich? How do you plan to use it specifically? I can not come up with a clear idea if I do not know where exactly it's going. Only clear part of the deal was that play will be made on the budget of ham sandwich. How do you plan to put it to practice, though? Are you just, like... going to eat it and claim budget is spent on energy for performance? Or are you going to bring it to the performance and give everyone present like, a bite of sandwitch? Or if it's treates as budget instead of money, will you use it like a bartering system, to try to offer parts of sandwitch to people to use it to but props, in a way people in bartering systems would exchange products for products? Are we going for just eating it, or trying to scrape of bits of it to offer others in exchange for props? Or are you just going to bring it and put it on table to brag about for responsible you were and how much budget you saved? " Spirit was purring playfully, wiggling his tail as he clasped his hands. " Work with me here! Alas, I can not know what to plan around it if I do not know what is the fate of the grand ham sandwich that carries the weight of one whole play on its poor, fragile bread slices... "

[Mirach]

"I just asked Simbel what he would like to do today..." Svarik said, a bit overwhelmwed by how much all the Beings were willing to do for him. "And it seems we're not doing what he wanted, anyway. Is there something else you would like to do?" he asked Simbel. "As to the sword... not sword... thank you so much. It would be lovely to have another vessel for Simbel. And it's true that I could use some help. I've learnt a lot and got better with using what powers I have, but I'm struggling to keep up with what's needed. So, I won't tell you to not bother. And I like the idea of a snake. A white snake with a little golden crown, would you like that?" he asked Simbel. "Some people are afraid of snakes, but they are so nice to touch, smooth like silk."

----

"So, my original plan was to make a play where the premise is someone doing a favour for Alpha, and Alpha offers something in return, but all the parson asks for is a ham sandwich. We go through increasingly ridiculous offers about what the ham sandwich could do and how it could be special, but no, all the person wants is a simple ham sandwich, so we end up seeing the ridiculously powerful star making a ham sandwich with the same level of attention it needs for creating artifacts just to ensure that the sandwich is as simple and normal as possible," Senecio explained. "But I'm open to suggestions if you have an idea that would suit your goals better."

[VisAnastasis]

" White snake with a gold crown? Even with people's dislike... it sounds way too pure, for someth... for someone like me. I no longer wish to be a person who chases White Eagle's form. I will take all that is substance from him... but I have no need for an empty colour, when there are so many colours full of joy you brought me, " Simbel whispered, with a wobbly, fragile smile. " Black like Birdie's and Erdel's hair I use for my clothes... Pink like the eyes of the vessel you gifted me and the hair dye from Tide... I wear silver jewellery like the name Silver Simbelmyne you gave me, and gold jewellery like your and Melody's hair... I no longer need to chase white eagle's colours. For the snake that will always follow and protect my beloved meadow king, though... How do you feel about a humble green? Any shade of green that is your favourite that fits with the green clothes you most like to wear and can blend in well with you when you lie in the grass, " he spoke softly. " Or if you'd so prefer, it can be a snake yellow like your hair, that can blend in well in dry grass or sand, perhaps? Or black, like the night sky, if you wish for me to blend in more during night travel? Or grey, to appear more neutral and ordinary? A crown is too much for me - but whether green, yellow, black or grey, some silver details on the belly that match my name would be plenty enough for people to connect the snake to me... I wish not to choose for this something made to be pure or dignified - just something that matches you, my joy, well... "
" We can absolutely do any colour you want, sweets! And even better, whatever colour you choose, that's the colour of the weapon, so whether it's green, yellow or any other sword colour, any sword color would look positively adorable on you! My only requirement is that you love how it looks and that it's not too stealable, I can compromise with any other conditions you have! " Alpha seemed quite invested in making something beautiful, and even Jaunus nodded, as, unlike a beautiful weapon, he seemed more interested in crafting another vessel to make Simbel's life richer.
" We already have possession runes created, ones we used on a humanoid vessel, so as long as we get materials, it truly is not something that you should feel too burdened by. It can not be compared to how hard it was to create something like Death's sword from scratch, compared to this. Death's sword required us to make and create an ego for an ego sword, which requires extremely long list of fine materials and immense time - you have an ego from the start, hardest part ot create - Simbel's ego. You only need a place to house it. It is child's play once we gather materials, " He reassured them. " I merely insist that we create it to feel as nice to live in a living vessel. That is my only requirement... "
" That is... too much, though, " Simbel shook his head, revealing his anxiousness a little more, clasping his hands in fists powerlessly - it was clear he himself was overwhelmed and unsure with just how casually he was treated with so much generosity. " It is... true this is not what I originally had in mind... A small thing I planned grew so much bigger suddenly... but I won't refuse. Not when it can help Svarik so much. No matter how much I may want it for myself, I would not dare think I deserve it if it were just for my sake. You all ask me what I wish to do. What I wish... is to return what you give me equally. But I know I am lacking. There is so much I am just learning, and so little I can do. I can't... I can't accept a present like this, where I knit you a scarf, and you give me a world back. I do not expect to be able to return it with one gesture - but if it's at least a first step out of a thousand, I need it. More I think of this, more I burn. These painful yearnings to be better than I am are... so hard to deal with. Svarik... taught me that I should ask for help when I need something, and I am an empty canvas that yearns to offer substance it does not have. One brushstroke will do, " he bowed his head quietly and tensely, revealing his inner turmoil. " ... Will you help me? "
" I do no... like this, " Janus shook his head quietly, subconsciously fiddling his fingers around the scarf Simbel knitted for him. " Lack of things to give... is not a sin. It is not as if we measure what to give you based on what you give back. It is criteria solely based on how much we want you to stay alive... I just wish the person who poured his whole heart into making scarves for the children and me would stay alive and well longer. There will be good checks and balances on all sides in this system, where all, you, Svarik and Eros have to be on the same side to keep it working. I would not offer anything that can become a heirloom to potentially one day protect someone evil, or encourage the divine right of kings or emperors. I only do this because I am taking a gamble in your integrity... It is by no means a carrot. Just something to make our life easier while making Svarik's a little safer. It is no different from prostetics. "
" Yeah, and besides, I am totally not digging the whole self-depreciated vibe you all have going on. Svarik's standing is high in itself because of all the additional things he did when coming to the sea, but it's not like you are all just munching off Svarik's hard work. True, Janus and I might have more complex reasons for liking you a little more, but you guys still saved the world. Do you expect us to act like those stuck-up bastards in the Spirit realm and not acknowledge it at all? " Alpha spoke with a smile, but there was something a little more anxious in it, as if he was likewise, on his side, growing unsure with Svarik, Simbel, as well as Conrad, who grew quite thoughtful and quiet with the talk. " You delicious, delightful, frustratingly sweet pack of marshmallows... " he took a deep breath, putting one pair of hands together. " If you were any sweeter, we'd choke and die. You suffered so much and sacrificed half your soul, your cute little boyfriend lost so much helping us over the last three years and keeping the land safe, and little Simbel risked fading into Nothingness to keep the decay of the vein at bay for centuries while starving. Are we all going to pretend that all is not at least equally as cool as making a snake sword? " he teased incredulously, despite there was only worry and no bite in his tease. " You... are aware that it is a loss for us if you die? This is absolutely beyond casual, fun-driven deals. It is like you read in fairy tales... When even if hero makes silly mistakes that frustrate the magical helper, the helper helps the hero get out of trouble anyway... It's a much bigger loss to have you die early than to invest more effort to give you the best odds. "
" It would be different if you were people whose achievements were big but hearts small, " Janus whispered just as quietly, avoiding their looks, half-buried in a scarf for comfort, as he spoke the heavy words. " I would not be inclined to give so freely to people whose hearts are small... but even so, I could not ignore the favour you brought to us all. It is okay if you do not know well... it is not a sin to not know, but you are free to ask if you wish to know more. It stands that, if demons from the fifth layer broke free and started a war in the first layer, we would have to make the last stand here to buy the Spirit Kingdom enough time to gather troops to fight back. We would all perish in it. If that dreadful future was to pass... Alpha would spend his last few days fighting and spending all his star power until he burned away, and I would have had to spend my last moments forging weapons of mass destruction, making the world worse to buy even a little more time for it. We would have died doing things we loathed... had it not been for all of you. You stand so high that even if you started a war with Hans and Tide, there is no Being that would willingly pluck a hair from your head. You would have to do something truly loathesome to change that. " his confusion was more pure, simple, childlike, reflected in the disbelief of his tilted head. " Just because it is a service done to the world, not something placed into our hands, it would be sheer madness to act like we did not receive it. We can not treat you like White Eagle, the land's traitor, and the vile emperor's descendant. That is not who you three are, to us... "

---

" That is totally something that would drive Alpha crazy, alright! That goofball would squirm violently at the idea of having to create something ordinary. He'd be extremely self-conscious to make it right. It is much easier to make something extraordinary, since there's nothing to compare it to, than to create something ordinary, because then he will feel inadequate for failing to fit in. He's a little silly like that... That's why he dislikes cooking for himself. It is skill that is too common, so he feels too self-conscious about not being able to wrap his mind around it. It can't be normal pancakes... they have to be special shiny or sparkly blood pancakes. Not normal juice, it has to have sea foam and stars sprinkled. You'll notice how he often takes already cooked things, and adds little sparkle, weaves little moonlight in drinks, pours sunlight into honey for pancakes, and so forth... If he adds something supernatural, it's supernatural food, so he no longer has to think about it in terms of him being good enough to fit among ordinary folk, " Hans spoke with a little fond smile, despite everything, clearly tender feelings reflected as he reminisced about little things he loved about Alpha. " Hmm.. What do you think about using that a little more? Fun or not, it would not be a play about Alpha if it does not have a dose of truth to it, and that is in great measure truth to him - whether in small or big things, he likes to feel like he is not an outsider to what others do and how they live. We have to tie the play into the proposal, though, so... how about making the play about me and him, so I am the person who did him a favor and I asked for ham sandwich in exchange for it? Knowing how self-conscious he is about fitting in, that would absolutely be something I would do to tease him about how much effort he puts into creating an absolutely perfect ordinary ham sandwich, " even when he spoke of teasing, even when he was mischievous, warmth was clear as he inquired. " What do you think? Wouldn't it be more personal if you played Alpha and me than some other person? Maybe we can have me doing Alpha favour, asking for a ham sandwich, Alpha going through hoops and loops to make it... And then, how about choosing a twist for the proposal? We can do it in many ways, but first thing that falls to my mind is having character Alpha get depressed in the end, and proclaiming sandwitch is not normal enough no matter how hard he tries, and acting as me, you can say you will be judge of that, and eat the sandwitch to test it, and promise to give Alpha reward if it's good enough. We often tease each other like that, promising affection as if it's a reward for a deal, so it won't be unusual enough to him to make him suspect something. And then we can narrate it as something that already happened - we can say I ate the sandwich and judged it indeed Alpha sucks criminally at making an ordinary thing, but that it is extraordinary enough to deserve an extraordinary reward... And then we can give a gift. Maybe something like marrige ring is too much, but... an engagement ring would fit, what do you think? We can narrate that Hans was so happy in the moment that he could not help ask Alpha out to make him his boyfriend, as if it's something that had already happened. Hmm... what do you say about perhaps taking out the ring and acting confused and apologising to Alpha, saying you seemed to have accidentally taken the real thing instead of the prop, and handing it to me so I can give it "back" to him?  " he coughed, trying to shake off extremely flushed shade from his cheeks. " After all, it was a play made on a budget of one ham sandwich... it only makes sense, if that is the centre piece, that whatever imaginary Hans gave to Alpha was a reward for just how far the star was willing to go for him, no matter the task? He truly is a person who... goes far for others. It's.... dazzling. Even if it's a fictional event, it will feel true to him as long as you can show just how earnestly he pours his heart into making others happy... "

[Mirach]

(OOC: I send you a message on discord)

"Could we please talk about something else than that?" Svarik asked. "I'm sorry... that the thing you feel like owing us for is something I would rather put behind nad not think about if I can. Snakes... We were talking about snakes. You know that White Eagle doesn't have exclusive rights to the color white, right? I suggested a white snake becuase I saw one a couple of years ago, and it was very nice and curled around my arm when I plyed it a song. And there are fairy tales about white snakes as protectors of the household, and sometimes they are depicted with a golden crown. But if you want another color, black would look cool if it had a metallic sheen of rainbow colours. For some reason, that reminds me of Senecio. He has a bit of that snake elegance. For you, I can rather imagine copper, with a pink shine on the top and green on the bottom. What do you think about that?

---

"I like that," Senecio smiled. "I think we could go with that, if you want. Would you like to practice the bits where we will interact? You won't have to be on stage while I make the ham sandwich as Alpha, so we don't have to do that and I'll improvise that anyway based on the sandwich that Erdel brings. But the other parts will be a dialogue, so we should some up with some base of it at least."