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 Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 4:55 pm
Setsushi is not quite as able to contain his surprise as Kouyo is. Looking up from carefully considering the knife, running, after he heard it was not enchanted, a psionic thread across it, as if pondering the way such a design wishes to be used, he stares blankly at the human. After a moment, he glances at Kouyo, and echoes the High Priest's sentiment, as, secretly, that's about all of Akram's story to which Setsushi can relate.
He gently replaces the weapon in its sheath and hands it delicately back to its master. And, after a moment, with an apologetic feeling that tries to explain that he knows this is not quite a polite thing to ask, but he really can't bear the curiosity, he wonders: "Do many men remain maidens under such an arrangement?" Because unless the women greatly outnumber the men...
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 5:32 pm
"Maidens?" Akram repeats, looking thoroughly confused - Gaian is not his first language, though he is fairly fluent in it, but he has only ever heard the word used to refer to women. "Do you mean unmarried?" he inquires to clarify precisely what Setsushi is asking.
"More unmarried men in the past, I believe, than now," he then says, after pondering it for a moment. "Men leave to live elsewhere, or bring foreign wives home more often now, since it is easier to travel than it used to be. Most men I know at home have one, maybe two. My father had three wives, but I am not fully sure I will be able to support that many, myself...." He looks a bit troubled, trailing off as though the topic is a bit of a sensitive one, but nods in thanks to Setsushi as the Knight returns his knife.
The High Priest tries to steer the conversation to a different topic, as well, and asks, "What are the gods of Master's homeland like? Kind to your people, I hope?"
Wait, three wives like the Oracle? Xiao Huo wonders if the big-nosed human is an Oracle, too. Does he have a Chaos like his own shiny Lucretia-Chaos?
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 5:39 pm
Setsushi raises an eyebrow at Xiao Huo, as if surprised the boy would know about the Oracle's... proclivities, but explains to the boy that the Oracle may have many daughters, but as far as Setsushi knows, no wife at all.
Setsushi explains to Akram, a little bit apologetically, that being a maiden himself, Setsushi couldn't help feeling curious and concerned for his fellow men. sweatdrop
But yes... Setsushi would be interested to hear of learn of the gods of Master Akram's homeland as well. It seems to him that the diverse human cultures all have quite different pantheons...
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 6:57 pm
Lots of kids and no wife? Xiao Huo does not think that makes any sense, though. Because you have to have a wife to make a baby, right...? The boy frowns and falls quiet as he attempts to ponder this.
Akram finishes his tea and sets the cup back on the table, then reaches up to rub his temples gently for a moment. "We have only three gods. Ildr, the old god of mountains and metal; our father-god Ad'at, of oaths and contracts; and the Lady of Plenty. They are kind gods so long as one is honest." He laughs a little. "Probably even kinder if we did not fight, as they instructed us."
The merchant slides his chair back a bit from the table then, and begins to stand. "Ah, and though this has been interesting, I should probably return home before it gets too late, unfortunately." He moves a bit slowly, as though he got stiff and sore from sitting down, though it has really not been very long. Akram smiles to the Porcelain anyway as he bends to pick up his umbrella.
Kouyo is pleased that Akram is willing to share such information with them. "Perhaps when we go to shop for paints, we can converse further?" he suggests, smiling faintly.
Akram nods. "Yes, or when I return for lunch to sample some of Setsushi's cooking?"
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 7:04 pm
Setsushi nods, giving off a feeling of warmth and gratitude towards Akram as well. "I look forward to that occasion."
He rises at the same time as his guest, bowing to him slightly as he gives off a ritualized feeling of regret at parting. "If Master Akram or Dame Chourou's family requires anything, they can always call upon Setsushi's aid."
While watching the human go, he sends a message to Kouyo -- is the priest tired, or will he be able to help Setsushi with the preparations for dinner? ... Or perhaps Xiao Huo will need Kouyo to watch him instead...
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 7:16 pm
"Thank you, Setsushi, I shall keep that in mind," the human says with a smile. "I will try to be by later this week, or next, to see you again." And then he turns to go.
Kouyo watches Akram depart, then turns his attention back to Setsushi. He is not too tired, so he can help where he is able - with a gentle playfulness, he inquires if Setsushi needs any eggs scrambled? Though... perhaps Kouyo should take a shower first, to clean himself off and to help restore a bit more energy after another day of wallowing in boxes of old books. He will take care of that quickly.
Xiao Huo insists that he is tired, though, as he gathers up his dolls from the table. The grown-ups can keep working, but the boy thinks it is nearly naptime for the afternoon.
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 7:19 pm
Setsushi thinks for a moment, then decides that he does not really need any assistance with the actual cooking, but would be very grateful for an extra pair of hands to slice vegetables -- and move the tables and chairs, he thinks with a slight groan.
... ... ... But perhaps Kouyo would be best occupied finding a place for the child to sleep, he projects worriedly, peering into the inside of the house. They are running out of space rapidly... sweatdrop
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Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:25 am
Kouyo had not been thinking about the space when he asked to borrow the child sweatdrop He will work something out; he can offer his comforter as a sort of futon since it is finally warm enough at night that the priest does not need it, and he could probably also offer up the cushions from the back of the couch, as well. They do not really have any shortage of blankets or pillows, really, just room.
He stands, resting one hand on Xiao Huo's shoulder as he moves to usher the boy inside. The little one can have all of Kouyo's sofa for his nap, since he will just be showering and then helping Setsushi. So once he is clean, then Setsushi can show him which vegetables need chopping. And... maybe the priest is too skinny to move the tables, unless Setsushi helps him, but he can certainly help with the chairs....
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