open posst

[silverbutterflies]

 

Comments

[servingcold]

I have a problem.

[ That's all. No preamble or greeting needed, in his opinion. ]

[silverbutterflies]

And?

[servingcold]

I'm hungry.

[silverbutterflies]

You can't find any food?

[servingcold]

Not enough.

They're going to notice.

[silverbutterflies]

So make an excuse and go eat as much as you want.

I'm not sure what you expect from me.

[servingcold]

I can't excuse myself at any time, for any length of time. That's not how heaven works, as you know.

Advice. Ideas.

[silverbutterflies]

You're not a prisoner in Heaven. Go down to the mortal realm and visit your temples. You can answer requests while you're there and eat in the meantime.

Unless you want to come down here, that is.

[servingcold]

I'm not a prisoner, but I am observed. And I've picked up a pest. A little buzzing gnat.

I want to eat. I don't care where. But I also don't want to jeopardize your well-formed plan.

[ He's done exactly as Hua Cheng asked, after all. ]

[silverbutterflies]

Find a way and I'll get you away from them for a while. Ask for a mission to investigate something alone.

[servingcold]

I'll see if there's anything appropriate.

I need something serious enough to justify my going personally, yet not too serious, or someone will insist on accompanying me.

[ He has no idea how carried away he'll become by his devouring. His resentment has been building for some time with no release. ]

[silverbutterflies]

You'll be able to eat as soon as you're within range of my domai or within if you want to offer to play that role.

[servingcold]

And are there limits on how much I can eat? Or what I can eat?

[silverbutterflies]

You should already know what's off limits.

[servingcold]

It's polite to clarify and revisit the rules before entering someone else's domain.

But if you would rather not, don't.

[silverbutterflies]

The rules haven't changed.

[servingcold]

I'll avoid what needs to be avoided, then.

You keep the best for yourself, I know.

[silverbutterflies]

I do.

You can also visit your own domain while you're down here. Before they miss you.

[servingcold]

As you should.

[ Though his hunger makes him want more, he agrees with Hua Cheng's policy. ]

They can endure.

[ Like their master. ]

But perhaps I will. I belong in the depths.

[silverbutterflies]

Someone will come looking for you eventually.

Do as you please.

[servingcold]

I didn't mean I would be staying long. They can deal with my absence for a little while. I'd prefer to see them suffer, but now's not the time for that.

I will.