ritualization | [pcs] mizuki

Hahaha. I don't think you want me to answer that.

[ they can't help chuckling a little over his miserable appearance, even if they're feeling tired and antsy all at the same time, themself - he usually has such a dignified carriage. ]

I've never seen such a sad, droopy Ishi-san. Are you going to be okay? I can lend you a blanket.

[ they'd offer their jacket but it definitely would not fit ]

I will be all right. I'm not as cold as Nito or Shishimaru, at least.

[he has one blanket still draped around his shoulders, that should do for now-- but he still shivers slightly, as if the chill is determined to prove him wrong.]

Mm, but you may be right. I am not sure I truly want to consider how it would look, for things to be worse next time.

[ with the offer turned down, they shrug lightly, pulling out the seat across from him and sitting down perhaps a bit more heavily than usual. Mizuki has a general air of dissatisfaction about them, even if they're not expressing it. ]

What a tough guy. [ they sigh, leaning back against the chair. ] Anyway, I don't think it'll be worse, but I wouldn't count on things being better next week, either. A bunch of people are being forcefully shifted around for not talking to other gods, so it'll be chaotic.

I have to wonder just how many are going to be affected... 'a handful' isn't saying much, though I suppose we'll simply have to wait and see how the standings change.

[he takes a slow sip there, before continuing.]

I don't think anyone whose alignment I'm aware of is going to be affected, from what I know of them, but the effects on the contest in general are unpredictable. There isn't any telling yet who might gain or lose the most.

I'm in the same boat. Then again, I don't know that many alignments in the first place. Since my sect is small, I've been trying to avoid sharing it with others, and most people won't give theirs away for free. Which is understandable, of course.

[ their information game is not up to snuff, but they're not used to being the underdog; better to be safe than sorry. ]

Like you said, we'll have to wait and see. Frankly, I don't think I can have any more useful thoughts about factions for the day...

[ think machine broke. they're tired ]

...nor can I, truthfully. These days have a way of wearing one down.

[nine hours of All That Mess plus what happened at the very end, plus ambition being messy in public...

he sets his chin in his palm, elbow resting on the table.]

Would you mind if I stayed here for a while, Mizuki-san? I don't want to impose if you have anyone else to meet with later, but...

[but their company's nice and also, it's debatable how much he's going to want to stand back up later. there's a non-zero chance that he's just going to nap in this booth later if they let him.]

Of course not! Being around you is relaxing, actually.

[ majima is coming later but mizuki does not know that... it's fine, waves hand, rp timelines are fake. ]

How are you and Merriment-san doing?

I suppose that goes along with my nature.

[it gets a slight smile from him, one that makes him look a little less tired. thanks, mizuki.]

-but we are doing well, I believe. I have no complaints, aside from my own failings in my efforts.

[ they nod. After what happened to Fortune, they wonder if he's concerned about Piety - but they'd rather not bring up something depressing again. ]

Well, that's good. I've never actually spoken to him in private, so I don't know very much about him, other than he's very protective towards Justice-kun.

I am fond of him, truthfully. There are a few things we have in common, and of course I appreciate his willingness to accept me even though I didn't exactly follow him to provide support in this contest.

[but also, like. ishi is fond of every god he knows.]

Haha. That doesn't surprise me. [ is there anyone ishikirimaru doesn't get along with? ] What's he like?

[ they kind of feel like he'd make them apologize or be grumpy if they went to talk to him on their own... ]

Mm, well... Piety once said that despite his name, he can be somewhat melancholy at times. I don't think I disagree.

[he considers a moment, before adding-]

I asked about his ideal version of the world, and he told me he wanted one in which people would be able to protect what mattered most. Perhaps that's a part of why we get along.

Protecting what matters most, huh...

[ a faint smile - maybe a little bitter. ]

I wonder if these gods will really be able to make worlds like that.

...I think they will.

[his voice is soft, but still certain.]

Some of them-- they will. I have faith in that.

[pcs] mizuki

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