Have you heard of Idrila? I am one who follows them ardently, as a Knight of Beauty. If you ever wish to ask anything of me, I will gladly answer, and do my best to assist.
NOTE
The universe is filled with beauty. No matter where one is in the cosmos, this is a truth ingrained in existence itself. Therefore, I shall treasure every meeting between each and every beautiful soul I cross paths with.
[ Argenti smiles warmly at the initial words, though the third question has him place on a serious look despite whatever sparkles are sprinkling around him as he addresses her properly. ]
I admit, it indeed wasn't my idea, so your words ring true. When he presents his offering to you, I hope you can recognize similarly his efforts in kind.
That being said, it appears a goddess such as yourself has a great sense of humor. Even I can appreciate that!
[ She must know that he follows ardently only one goddess, after all. Regardless, he does bow in the typical fashion that he does to show respect. ]
I also extend my sincere gratitude for you accepting the offering.
And with that said, I shall humbly ask you some questions that I have had on my mind. I will start out with a few of them at once. To begin, it appears that there may be a god at the root cause of this, correct? Does this mean that this has situation has occurred before? And once we are done here, is there a way to ensure that this unfortunate event will not happen again?
That said... regrettably, no, there is no way of ensuring this sort of thing never happens again, short of eliminating all conflict entirely! Which, I am sure you would agree, would be nearly impossible.
This world is heavily influenced by the presence of gods, and gods grow more powerful the more of their domain is represented. For those of us who govern emotions or other things tied to humanity, our rise and falls can often be the result of a feeling feeding upon itself and growing stronger or weaker.
I fear in this case, the god of conflict must have taken up residence somewhere in this city. His presence causes conflict to break out, which begets more conflict and more power... which I am sure he is aware of as well. While I can't say I know for certain, my assumption is he intends to set down roots here so he may grow his influence elsewhere with the power gained from corrupting this city.
It is a pity that there isn't. Of course, even if eliminating all conflict may be impossible, I wonder if there is at least a way to perhaps...seal this god away?
Even if it were not forever, it could at least provide a longer-lasting solution, far after we have dealt with him and his influence. I won't assume attacking him head on and defeating him that way would be an easy solution right now.
Otherwise, as soon as we leave, our actions would be invalidated as soon as his presence makes itself known after our efforts, and you would be compelled to bring people back again. Am I wrong?
[ Though if his influence is weakened...would that not make him susceptible to being killed? But he imagines if the logistics of that are possible it'd need to be quick. To be honest, Argenti thinks it'd be nice if he can just stab the evil instead (people may argue a god of conflict isn't necessarily evil, but eh semantics) ]
While I have these questions, I was wondering what made you decide that all of us were to be suddenly thrown into the thick of battle all at once. Was it because you knew that there were trained people among the group? Or, was it something like a test?
My dear knight, if there were a way to do so, rest assured I would have tried long ago.
For so long as man has formed community and connections, I have existed. For so long as man has fought amongst each other, he has existed. Every knot I tie between nations to further peace, so too has he created dissension that leads to war.
Such is the way of things! While I will never give up on uniting as many as I can, he is ever there to break people apart again. It is quite frustrating!
But you see, sweet rose, I fear his work here lays the groundwork for something much worse. It is not unusual for a deity of this world to have temples across the world dedicated to their honor - however, he seems to be concentrating his efforts on this city in particular, which is a very unusual move compared to his past machinations! And that he would choose a city that has historically worshipped me in particular... that is why I have brought you all here. People whose hearts are open to the bonds I so cherish... even if the mind may not quite yet be ready to acknowledge that.
[ Argenti should have known, though at the same he hoped...and he still hopes.
Perhaps there can be a way to truly stem this god's power even after they're done with this. But he can see why there is no easy solution before their arrival.
After all, that is why they have been summoned here. Yet, the goddesses' foreboding words — that this god is laying the groundwork for something worse — feel unfortunate because he believes they are true, given that this god has targeted a center of the goddesses' influence. He can think of one possibility and that is even more unpleasant. ]
I suppose you must also be aware the others are not fond of the methods that you used. Is it because you felt you had no choice?
[ Not that it's entirely acceptable — especially since some people doubtlessly did not wish to be brought here, did not have a choice to, but they are here now, there is no changing that. That said, he can't help but wonder if he can maybe brainstorm better ideas for bonding...maybe so people aren't so frustrated and hurt. As he considers that, however, something else seems to be more concerning...if, perhaps, this god of conflict wishes to hold more influence — ]
...And, do you suspect that this god of conflict may attempt to expand his influence beyond this world? To try to reach out to others as you did to us, in order to enhance his power, and spread conflict on unfathomable levels as well as reach?
Creating connections isn't an easy thing! And it's not like we have all the time in the world, either - sadly, there are times when one must take off the baby gloves and instead pry people open like a delicious oyster!
...
I'm assuming oysters are delicious, anyway. A fair number of humans seem to delight in eating the things, though I can't imagine what was going through the head of the one who saw a little rock-like creature and decided it was good for consumption.
But I digress!
[Humans and their bizarre choices in food aside...!]
I doubt he would be able to expand his influence to other worlds, at least. The influence of gods seems quite contained to this world, though I suppose it could be an issue if he managed to get his influence on one of you and you were to be sent home like that. But fear not! Once we have beaten him back, I will be sure you are all purified of any potential god-stink before I send you along your way.
No, I believe his goal is to simply thrust this entire world into conflict.
Not exactly one Argenti himself has heard, but one nonetheless. His lips curl up even into a little smile, probably finding it amusing in good humor. ]
...I understand. Oysters are not something I typically have, or at all, but I do believe that people wouldn't eat them if they weren't delicious.
[ But, that's comforting; that he wouldn't be able to do that to such a great extent. Even if there is definitely a little 'but' in there somewhere. ]
Though that he is attempting to consume the world in conflict, I am very glad we will not have to be concerned about his attempts to infiltrate other universes! A pity he feels he must be so greedy to try to embroil an entire planet itself in one, though.
Oh, while we're talking about influence of him and choosing this area in particular due to its close history with you...does he have anyone on his side we should be worried about? You have diligent Mina carrying out your will. But, does have anyone notable on his end that you know of?
I am not privy to such details, no. But I am not sure he would have thought to bring in strangers from other worlds for his dealings, either.
Your situation aside, it is not a common tactic among the gods here. After all, it takes much more effort to influence those not of our own world than it does to influence the people already here.
[ Well, he supposes he didn't exactly think that far ahead about the god of conflict bringing in strangers...which, to be honest, he didn't. But it's good for her to confirm anyway. ]
I suppose I don't have much else to ask you, then. Other than one more question:
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beautifulknight) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
linknet2024-07-25 09:10 pm
no subject
[She laughs at the thought, a hand delicately covering her mouth as her not-so-delicate giggle fills the sanctuary.]
A commendable attempt! I accept your offering.
no subject
I admit, it indeed wasn't my idea, so your words ring true. When he presents his offering to you, I hope you can recognize similarly his efforts in kind.
That being said, it appears a goddess such as yourself has a great sense of humor. Even I can appreciate that!
[ She must know that he follows ardently only one goddess, after all. Regardless, he does bow in the typical fashion that he does to show respect. ]
I also extend my sincere gratitude for you accepting the offering.
And with that said, I shall humbly ask you some questions that I have had on my mind. I will start out with a few of them at once. To begin, it appears that there may be a god at the root cause of this, correct? Does this mean that this has situation has occurred before? And once we are done here, is there a way to ensure that this unfortunate event will not happen again?
1/2
[Oh good she's not poaching Argenti. Probably.]
2/2
This world is heavily influenced by the presence of gods, and gods grow more powerful the more of their domain is represented. For those of us who govern emotions or other things tied to humanity, our rise and falls can often be the result of a feeling feeding upon itself and growing stronger or weaker.
I fear in this case, the god of conflict must have taken up residence somewhere in this city. His presence causes conflict to break out, which begets more conflict and more power... which I am sure he is aware of as well. While I can't say I know for certain, my assumption is he intends to set down roots here so he may grow his influence elsewhere with the power gained from corrupting this city.
no subject
It is a pity that there isn't. Of course, even if eliminating all conflict may be impossible, I wonder if there is at least a way to perhaps...seal this god away?
Even if it were not forever, it could at least provide a longer-lasting solution, far after we have dealt with him and his influence. I won't assume attacking him head on and defeating him that way would be an easy solution right now.
Otherwise, as soon as we leave, our actions would be invalidated as soon as his presence makes itself known after our efforts, and you would be compelled to bring people back again. Am I wrong?
[ Though if his influence is weakened...would that not make him susceptible to being killed? But he imagines if the logistics of that are possible it'd need to be quick. To be honest, Argenti thinks it'd be nice if he can just stab the evil instead (people may argue a god of conflict isn't necessarily evil, but eh semantics) ]
While I have these questions, I was wondering what made you decide that all of us were to be suddenly thrown into the thick of battle all at once. Was it because you knew that there were trained people among the group? Or, was it something like a test?
no subject
For so long as man has formed community and connections, I have existed. For so long as man has fought amongst each other, he has existed. Every knot I tie between nations to further peace, so too has he created dissension that leads to war.
Such is the way of things! While I will never give up on uniting as many as I can, he is ever there to break people apart again. It is quite frustrating!
But you see, sweet rose, I fear his work here lays the groundwork for something much worse. It is not unusual for a deity of this world to have temples across the world dedicated to their honor - however, he seems to be concentrating his efforts on this city in particular, which is a very unusual move compared to his past machinations! And that he would choose a city that has historically worshipped me in particular... that is why I have brought you all here. People whose hearts are open to the bonds I so cherish... even if the mind may not quite yet be ready to acknowledge that.
no subject
Perhaps there can be a way to truly stem this god's power even after they're done with this. But he can see why there is no easy solution before their arrival.
After all, that is why they have been summoned here. Yet, the goddesses' foreboding words — that this god is laying the groundwork for something worse — feel unfortunate because he believes they are true, given that this god has targeted a center of the goddesses' influence. He can think of one possibility and that is even more unpleasant. ]
I suppose you must also be aware the others are not fond of the methods that you used. Is it because you felt you had no choice?
[ Not that it's entirely acceptable — especially since some people doubtlessly did not wish to be brought here, did not have a choice to, but they are here now, there is no changing that. That said, he can't help but wonder if he can maybe brainstorm better ideas for bonding...maybe so people aren't so frustrated and hurt. As he considers that, however, something else seems to be more concerning...if, perhaps, this god of conflict wishes to hold more influence — ]
...And, do you suspect that this god of conflict may attempt to expand his influence beyond this world? To try to reach out to others as you did to us, in order to enhance his power, and spread conflict on unfathomable levels as well as reach?
no subject
...
I'm assuming oysters are delicious, anyway. A fair number of humans seem to delight in eating the things, though I can't imagine what was going through the head of the one who saw a little rock-like creature and decided it was good for consumption.
But I digress!
[Humans and their bizarre choices in food aside...!]
I doubt he would be able to expand his influence to other worlds, at least. The influence of gods seems quite contained to this world, though I suppose it could be an issue if he managed to get his influence on one of you and you were to be sent home like that. But fear not! Once we have beaten him back, I will be sure you are all purified of any potential god-stink before I send you along your way.
No, I believe his goal is to simply thrust this entire world into conflict.
[You know. Minor things.]
no subject
Not exactly one Argenti himself has heard, but one nonetheless. His lips curl up even into a little smile, probably finding it amusing in good humor. ]
...I understand. Oysters are not something I typically have, or at all, but I do believe that people wouldn't eat them if they weren't delicious.
[ But, that's comforting; that he wouldn't be able to do that to such a great extent. Even if there is definitely a little 'but' in there somewhere. ]
Though that he is attempting to consume the world in conflict, I am very glad we will not have to be concerned about his attempts to infiltrate other universes! A pity he feels he must be so greedy to try to embroil an entire planet itself in one, though.
Oh, while we're talking about influence of him and choosing this area in particular due to its close history with you...does he have anyone on his side we should be worried about? You have diligent Mina carrying out your will. But, does have anyone notable on his end that you know of?
no subject
Your situation aside, it is not a common tactic among the gods here. After all, it takes much more effort to influence those not of our own world than it does to influence the people already here.
no subject
I suppose I don't have much else to ask you, then. Other than one more question:
Do you have a piece of advice to grant me?
no subject
no subject
[ He thinks that seems clear enough...after all, that is what they're here to do. But, perhaps, that is true in many situations all the same.
Argenti doesn't think he'll have much trouble getting along with others, though (lol) ]
I shall bid you farewell, unless you wish to ask anything of me in turn.
no subject
Take care, my borrowed rose.