[Charm - Voice]

[cursegod]

[The audio starts off with static that dissipates into the sound of something slithering through grass. Dara lets out hiss-like exhale before speaking:]

There is no spiritual realm here, so my hand is forced. My shrine is missing. [...] Or, more accurately, the part of me that was sealed in that shrine did not come with me. This can be both very fortunate for all of you or a catastrophe waiting to happen.

[A tree branch snaps after a lengthy pause.]

If you come across a box bound in a white cloth with spells written on it, leave it be. Opening it will do me the favor of finding it, but that will involve collecting your corpse. [There's a wry smile in her voice:] Since this is not my territory, I'm technically not duty bound to prevent the curse from spreading.

[...Not that she wants to admit that she'd go out of her way to stop it. It's her cursed hand, after all.]

In any case, do what you will. You're all humans, aren't you?

Comments

[motifs]

[...okay, that's a lot, but:]

What is the nature of this curse? Are there warning signs that would tell us of its spread among the people? [....,] That is to say, beyond a fresh corpse.

[cursegod]

Oh, there wouldn't be a corpse to find. I would be eating it.

[Leaving that up to the imagination~]

...Let's just say it will affect the weakest ones first. Children, elderly...It won't be pretty.

[motifs]

Ah, I see.

[...........anyway,]

Meaning no offense, but that description helps very little in identifying signs to look out for. Unless children and the elderly suffering untimely demises is the sign.

[cursegod]

.....................................Let's say, HYPOTHETICALLY, that's the case. Are you a psychic, spiritualist, or a monk?

[motifs]

No. I'm an artist.

[...but,] I have some limited experiences with what one might call supernatural matters, however.

[The thing he's talking about is absolutely Not The Same Thing, but still.]

[cursegod]

[An artist? Useless! ...Well, maybe not. She still needs to create a storyboard for the Misogiya kids if they showed up.]

What sort of supernatural matters?

[motifs]

[Wow, hurtful.....]

That would be as hard to explain as your curse apparently is. I am capable with a sword in combat against myriad creatures. If you require an exorcism, however.... I cannot help with that.

[cursegod]

Hm...That sort of experience is a solid base for learning. When the human part of me was still alive, my katana was indispensable for the banishment of rowdy spirits.

[Good information for later if she needs to teach in case of emergencies. Not that a katana would be of any help with the sealed curse...]

As an artist, have you practiced calligraphy?

[motifs]

[!!!]

Ah, I use a katana as well... It didn't come with me in my journey to this world, unfortunately.

[Katana Friends... confirmed. Anyway,] Calligraphy is not my specialty, but I've dabbled in it.

[cursegod]

[KATANA FRIENDS!!!]

I have an extra if you want to borrow it. [It's stored in her stomach.]

If you practice more calligraphy, you could have potential for written spells.

[motifs]

Perhaps, should the need arise.

[He would prefer his own because he's fussy like that, but if needs must, he'll remember. Now then: oh????]

Is the spell impacted by the quality of the calligraphy...? I've never been all that exceptional when it comes to magic— How does one learn?

[cursegod]

Right...I'll prep it ahead of time so you don't have to deal with the dried blood.

[And purify it just to be extra safe.]

Somewhat. Proper strokes, certainly, but speed in particular if you do not have pre-made spells on hand. As for learning...do you know much about the practice of Onmyōdō?

[motifs]

[Ma'am take better care of your swords.]

I can work quickly, if necessary, so that isn't a problem. As for Onmyōdō, I'm familiar with the concept. I've read the legends of Abe no Seimei, but such practices have fallen well out of favor in our society.

Do you mean to suggest I should endeavor to become an onmyōji?

[cursegod]

[If it were hers or her dead twin's, sure. He'd be getting one that a villager used to stab her.]

Whether I suggest it or not, it all depends on your earnest desire. The spells won't work if you don't put your soul into the craft.

[motifs]

[Okay well thanks for cleaning it off then, that's very generous.]

I put my soul into every aspect of my art! Calligraphy for spells would be no different— and the art of spellcraft is bursting with intrigue. But I cannot proceed without a teacher. Will you guide me? I will keep a vigilant watch for your cursed box in return!

[cursegod]

To ask a human for lessons is one thing, but requesting knowledge from a god is another. I expect an offering in return...

[Just glossing over the fact that she offered a sword for free. It's fine for a Katana Friend!]

[motifs]

[A—hmm. At least this god isn't an evil cup turned colossal monster, he supposes.]

I would strike a deal with you, for a mutually beneficial arrangement! If you desire something of me that sullies my reputation as an artist or as a human, then I would refuse without hesitation. Nor will I strike a deal that requires something as demeaning as permanent subservience.

So, what sort of deal are you willing to make?

[cursegod]

A deal? No, no...I'm not referring to something so intense. [Sounds like a pain. Don't wanna.] I may not have a shrine here, but I still take food offerings.

[Girl just wants to eat and chill.]

[motifs]

[That's--!! Still kind of a deal...! But: oh. And here he was doing a whole thing.]

You made it sound quite serious, you know...

I am not a cook, but I could procure snacks for such lessons.

[cursegod]

Oh, but it is. A sense of exchange is different for a human compared to a god. A mutually beneficial relationship is skewed to begin with-- because what can a singular human offer to a higher entity? [She gives a dismissive wave even if he can't see it.]

In any case, snacks should be fine to start with.

[........Yeah, basically just feed her.]

[motifs]

I don't know precisely, but it does seem like you could use assistance in keeping track of your things, for a start.

[This is. Not intended to be a burn. This is an observation. Probably, it's just an observation.]

What kind of snacks do you prefer? My budget is limited.

[cursegod]

[Wow. Humans these days suck at supernatural etiquette--] I would not say that kind of thing to any other gods, if I were you.

[He's lucky that she's not sending a curse his way cuz they're Katana Friends!]

Anything you are fine with should work. Just don't treat me like a guinea pig for weird flavors.

[motifs]

Hmm. Noted.

[And ignored, but she doesn't have to know that— He's a staunch proponent of not mincing words to be polite, regardless of who he's talking to, soooo... sorry to all local gods.]

I will treat you as an acquaintance; a gift box of sweets is traditional.

[Not that he has the cash for it but He'll Figure It Out.]

[cursegod]

[She has developed the sense of "people not listening to her" thanks to the Misogiya kids. Dara makes a face at her charm. Right, noted.]

Sure, fine. Practice some calligraphy on your own first, then get back to me.