[There is always a part of Liem that hesitates to give anything of his to another, worrying that they will find it undesirable or unworthy. To him, this ring represents a bulwark between him and the misery of keeping his body fed and rested when it only wished to reject attempts at care — but what does it represent to Set? Just a gift from Liem’s hands to his, which makes it all the more frightening. He cannot pretend such a thing could be refused on any merits but his own.

That is why, when Set says you cannot take it back … it’s not just pleasure that sweeps through him, but relief. To Set, at least, he continues to be a desired thing, coveted against all reason. Liem leans into the god and watches him in satisfaction as Set presses his lips against his hand.]

I do not need it. I propped myself up for over a century without the benefit of such magic; and now, I may lean upon you instead.