Setau’s head only continued to nod as he regarded the statement. It was a good thing he was genuinely kind as Saima said; not everyone was completely truthful with such things.
He’s met people with agendas along with their niceties and it never felt good to realize them later on. “I just… I guess I just don’t understand why people try to be nice just to get things…I like being nice. It’s nice. And people generally are receptive to me anyway– there’s no need for me to be…tricky.”
“Why people are nice to get things.. that’s quite the interesting question.” They’d probably say it had to do with the nature of how willing to adapt behaviors to survive some people are. “Sincerity seems to be gravely underrated. But then again, I wonder how often it was truly in fashion anyway.People tend to make things much more complicated than they need to be, that has always been true.”
“I have had sssausssagesss before…a friend of mine brought it to me. It wasss very good! He sssaid it isss a native dish to hisss homeland.” Of course he enjoyed the blood sausage the most.
“And berriesss– sssometimesss people put berry patchesss near the water and I can collect some…it isss very sssweet though, they are not my favorite.”
“Oh very nice. Glad to hear that you enjoy sausages. I might have to bring some to you then – if you’d like.“
“Yeah, berries tend to be on the sweeter side. So I guess sweets are not your favorite. But if there is something you’d like to try – I’m sure I could probably make it for you. “
“It isss no problem. You are a guessst to my territory and it isss cussstomary.” Quite a civilized view on hospitality but then again, what else would one expect from a god?
He crunches some more into the fish, sharp teeth gnawing at tiny scales. “Do you often eat thingsss like this back…back home?” He’s still new to most cultural gastronomy. Fish was of course the main meals for Ikuchi but having any form of other food was a rare occasion– it only happened if a new animal wandered too close to the water’s edge or a patron of the beach brought new food.
“That’s fair- it’s appreciated nonetheless.“ It only seemed fair to be kind to a guest but it still left Saima rather grateful for the rather enjoyable time.
They think for a moment on the question about food. “Yes, actually. I do eat quite a bit of fish back home. But I also eat bread, fegetables, fruits, berries, – also pork and sausage. So a solid different number of foods tend to come up in making meals to enjoy”
The conversation was turning more towards Setau and he cannot help but to blush and duck his head, flattered at such a compliment but also a bit in denial about such things.
He didn’t see his kindness as something very extraordinary– didn’t everyone strive to be kind? “Thanks– That’s very nice of you to– to say…I don’t know how….how useful all that would be but…” He ends lamely with a shrug and pursed lips.
It was clear that Setau had a more modest self-image, no matter of whether it was warranted. It was a personality that Saima didn’t often see these days and it endeared them to him.
They give a casual shrug in return. “You’re welcome. I just call it as I see it. Although people try to be good – there’s often other motives that color their reactions to the world around them. That kindness of yours is more useful than you’d thing. ”
A shy smile forms on his face and he nods along, feeling a little sheepish but knowing…well, it was the truth.
“It’s…it’s not the combination I really want.” He snorts before shrugging. “I’m…I mean I have the magical…abilities so that’s a positive…god trait.” That’s probably the only one he can think of as he considers himself fairly average in everything else.
“That’s also fair- that seems to be quite the draw. A little outside your control, unfortunately.“
“The magical abilities are useful – but the ability to have an understanding of human history and your kindness are solid traits too. I suppose they’re not exclusive to humans but – I don’t know. I think you’re a solid combination as far as I’m concerned.”
He wasn’t even sure how likely such an event was– maybe one day but it was still for the very distant future. Ayumu currently enjoyed the presence of offspring, even the pink, awkward babies of humans. Finding a mate seemed to be the most difficult part of the process.
For now he indulges in feeding instead, happily munching through the slight char of fish scales, chewing thoughtfully. “Good?”
And so Saima didn’t hesitate to dig in on the fish. Munching through the scales, they reached the tender flesh of the fish. The slight contrast of texture made it especially enjoyable to eat.
“Yeah, this turned out really tasty. Thanks again for this.“
He chuckles, head bobbing in agreement. Before the big reveal of his origin, he had only heard of the Ancient Egyptian gods through stories as well– funnily enough, they were fairly accurate depictions.
His laughter died down as a realization hit him. “That….That actually explains a lot. I’m…I’m double the awkward…”
When Setau’s realization seemed to surface, Saima couldn’t help but laugh a little at the explanation of being double the awkward.
“Hah, I bet that would make for an interesting combination. But I’m sure you have some of the better traits of both sides as well.”
“I often wonder how it will be when I am a parent…” He vaguely remembers his father being rather casual about the parting, it was his mother that showed more emotion upon the departure of the brood.
“I think the fish isss done…” He comments lightly, puling one of the smouldering fish from the fire.
“I guess- hopefully one day you will find out for yourself.“ At least the idea of Ayumu one day being a parent was an interesting one. Denied the remote possibility of parenthood, Saima lived for the chance to see others in a caretaker role. And was honestly curious about what their company would be like in those later years.
The observation about the fish reminds them to check.“Ah..seems like it’s time to enjoy.“
“Bastet is nice but also very…” She hadn’t become as motherly with him as the other goddesses but more…clingy. “I mean, she’s very nice but a little…little intense sometimes. I like Isis though…she’s the nicest.”
He didn’t know if Saima was very knowledgeable about the Egyptian gods but he hoped they did. “I’m pretty…I’m pretty awkward too but I always thought that was the human side of me…I didn’t realize gods could also be so…so awkward.”
“Ah – so I understand that. I’ve heard tales about Bastet having her more intense moments, as you’ve said. It seems to make sense that Isis would be one of the kinder goddesses. “
Saima had come to be quite familiar with multiple pantheons – if only through the stories. So what Setau had been telling them came as not much of a surprise. “Well, surprise. I suppose that’s why some gods try to be fairly removed from humans so the people don’t realize how similar in awkwardness they might actually be.
“It was a joyousss and yet sssad time. I did missss my mother at firssst and I do hope that I will sssee her again in the future.” After such a long time without seeing another of his kind, he gave up much of the hope to ever see his mother or father again. Or even a sister of brother. He only knew of a handful of siblings he had that were being raised and born in the same time as him.
“True, the separation from parents tended to be an emotional time for many.At least that’s the impression I’ve gotten from what I’ve seen.” They’ve had moments of forced separation from caring figures. But they know full well that it doesn’t compare to those who actually had families growing up that one had to leave.
Seekesotsibteadmist 