[Nothing in Liem's brief — and, not-infrequently, frustrating — interactions with Set could possibly have prepared him for the answer he receives to his question. His incredulity transforms for a halting moment into a stunned look, reminiscent of a mouse that has just found itself in the sights of a stalking cat. At first he can only stare at the man as he transfers his fingers from Liem's face to the edge of his door. A faint, purple-grey tinge, like the suggestion of a bruise, touches his cheeks.
Of all the myriad things he'd thought Set might say to him, this had not been among them. He has no ready defence against it.
He looks at Set, properly, for the first time since he'd opened the door — still squinting against the oppressive glare of Springstar's twin suns. He looks tired, in a way he cannot recall seeing the desert god look before. It is not something he expected to see on the face of a deity, even one robbed of his world and his domains, brought low and forced to consort with mortals as Set has been.
… Even considering the party atmosphere that kept many of Kenos's shard-bearers busy in recent weeks, Liem has been remiss in keeping in proper contact with those of his sect.]
I just made tea, [he says by way of reluctant assent. The tight line of his shoulders relents some, and Liem steps back from the doorway, allowing the taller man passage into his thoroughly darkened home. Once the door is closed, only the light passing through its small, frosted-glass window illuminates the narrow entry hall within.]
As you can see, I am whole. But… Please, be welcome.
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Of all the myriad things he'd thought Set might say to him, this had not been among them. He has no ready defence against it.
He looks at Set, properly, for the first time since he'd opened the door — still squinting against the oppressive glare of Springstar's twin suns. He looks tired, in a way he cannot recall seeing the desert god look before. It is not something he expected to see on the face of a deity, even one robbed of his world and his domains, brought low and forced to consort with mortals as Set has been.
… Even considering the party atmosphere that kept many of Kenos's shard-bearers busy in recent weeks, Liem has been remiss in keeping in proper contact with those of his sect.]
I just made tea, [he says by way of reluctant assent. The tight line of his shoulders relents some, and Liem steps back from the doorway, allowing the taller man passage into his thoroughly darkened home. Once the door is closed, only the light passing through its small, frosted-glass window illuminates the narrow entry hall within.]
As you can see, I am whole. But… Please, be welcome.