Merit-Making [D2 LE]

The Hilsilage · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 9:15 pm **Posts:** 160

The Hilsilage looks up, hairless brows raised.

"Yes, it does. I'm impressed you know so much about us."

The Hilsilage gestures with open hands, as though gathering his thoughts while he tries to explain.

"There is some amalgamation, as the meaning of my name is overlaid with others who have held the name but mostly it implies a bringing together and mingling to the promotion of thriving life. The name was originally somewhat agrarian, but rose as our people developed more complicated social constructions."

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

"Ah, I'd say that's one of the few things I do know." He really had little knowledge of the Naga otherwise. "And I just learned that yesterday."

Looking away from the rope he glanced back towards the snakeman below. "So, once upon a time the people that carried name s liek your's were farmers? Or otherwise people who grew food?" That was interesting in and of itself, maybe the naga held such humble things in greater respect.

The Hilsilage · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 9:15 pm **Posts:** 160

"Well, The Hilsilage assisted others in forming the connections they needed to bring their bounty where it was needed. So they started out helping those who managed livestock. The Naga were able to feel the needs of their fellows, but facilitating logical orderly exchange required management."

The Hilsilage looks thoughtful.

"Sometimes I wish I was more hands-on. But someone has to keep things moving."

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

Oh, so they were middlemen. That made a bit more sense, merchants much like his own family. "I think I understand what you are saying now." He replied with a nod.

"Its no easy task either, finding out what someone might want, something they need. I take it you turn those skills to a more political purpose now though?"

The Hilsilage · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 9:15 pm **Posts:** 160

"Yes. Our unfortunate inability to sense the intentions of your folk lead to most dire circumstances. This allowed one of my less applicable skill set among our people to truly shine. Finding out what Naga want is a matter of prioritization and sorting. Winnowing sometimes, but rarely. Among humans it is a dappled, dramatic and sometimes sordid thing."

The Hilsilage smiles broadly in the gloom.

"I find it quite enjoyable to be so useful, actually."

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

"Well, I'm glad you have found your extended duties to your liking, The Hilsilage." Did he put san after their name? Unlikely. "Though I admit you have me a bit intrigued now."

"You seem to be saying that the needs of your people are easily understood. Though to me an outsider they are still something of a mystery. I suppose that's the difference in our base of knowledge though."

The Hilsilage · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 9:15 pm **Posts:** 160

"Oh, yes. We Naga share a single collective soul, called The Akasha. From it we can sense each other's moods, pull information from Naga both living and dead, and communicate in a limited way without speaking."

The Hilsilage pauses, reading the room for comprehension.

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

"Sounds rather, interesting." Osamu replied thoughtfully. "Those also somewhat crowded, if that makes any sense." Sex between naga must be alot like masturbation, now that he thought about. Though, did they even breed?

"Like you always have someone else peeking into your thoughts?"

The Hilsilage · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 9:15 pm **Posts:** 160

"It is more intentional for moods and thoughts. Like speaking, but with greater clarity. Deception is theoretically possible, but with so much corroboration from others easily detected. Our thoughts are our own, but we share our knowledge and skills. Our emotions run more strongly through the Akasha."

The Hilsilage looks up.

"It must seem strange, but it is how we live, and has many benefits."

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

"Mmmm. I suppose it's what you know as well, and what's familiar is what is comfortable." He moved away for a moment to check on the the rope ladder.

"It does seem strange to me though. And honestly I'm a bit happy that I wasn't born that way.... no offense intended."

The Hilsilage · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 9:15 pm **Posts:** 160

"None taken, I would too find the idea strange if I were not always a part of it."

The Hilsilage looks thoughtfully down.

"Admitting such is a good thing. It lets us understand each other more clearly. I would not be offended."

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

At least these naga didn't seem nearly as troublesome as some of the great clans. It meant they might be fairly easy to work with. Though he had also only met two of them.

Nodding at the Naga his lips quirked into an attempt at a smile. "There is some wisdom there, admitting our differences can lead to better understanding. Though I'd add that it's as long as both sides are willing to listen to such things."

"Some I've met don't seem to have that willingness, sadly."

The Hilsilage · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 9:15 pm **Posts:** 160

The Hilsilage can only nod to this.

Osamu · **Joined:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:53 pm **Posts:** 408

Osamu falls silent as well, as he isn't sure what to say in response to the Nagasaki silence.

Merit-Making [D2 LE]

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