[ Liem's reassurances do not find their mark within Set's heart, for his spirit has been altered in a way — a sacrifice made of some sweeter part of him, made in the name of victory. He has learned he does not have any use for altruism, as an evil god who acts in self-interest, the last year has informed him that the majority of his choices are deeply selfish. He covets, feels greed, aches obsessively. Altruism itself causes more harm than good, in the end, when a god is possessed of it.

( Look at Quetzalcoatl! )

It is something he needs to discuss with Liem, through whom he filters as much of his personality and choices, for perspective and understanding. His priest, as much as Abadar's, and — someone very important to him, whom he loves and has admitted to loving. A terrible, frighteningly alien love, but love nonetheless. He grips Liem a little tighter, brow knitting in upset. ]

I do not like leaving you alone in these fights. It is not that I do not find you capable, it is that — whenever I have failed to find you, something terrible happens. During the Iconoclast, you were alone and your spirit injured so deeply. During the Exalt, we could not make better choices for Gen together. And now, you were alone again and I...

[ Is it any wonder, as his words trail off and his frown deepens, that he feared a repeat of the Iconoclast? ]