Solaris looked at Selen with a complicated expression; the questions she had asked raised a bit of confusion within Solaris.
Previously, she had seemed to understand her own Sacrifice, and Solaris had just assumed she hadn't put a name to it, yet now that idea was squashed.
In fact, he was beginning to recall another experience, where he disclosed the information about sacrifices, and the people whom he had told of their existence also seemed not to understand what they were.
When I told Jon Smit, Arias... and Ember, they also seemed not to know what their sacrifices were. I can't speak on the other two, but Jon Smit is very obvious; he even seems to understand he is forgettable... hmmm... could it be maybe they are unaware of their sacrifices? Or rather, they cannot be aware of them?
Solaris wasn't certain, but he felt as though he was on the right track, so putting a pin in that idea, he continued to Selen and explained the meanings he had come up with for sacrifices and blessings.
Although the lesser god, Sloth, had told him one explanation, he still lacked a few details that fully explained Extramicys four parts.
So, using the information the blurb provided, he was able to figure out a simpler and more streamlined explanation for Blessings and, more specifically, sacrifices.
"Well, it's a bit hard to explain, but I've come up with two explanations for Blessings and sacrifices. The first is for blessings: the lesser god of sloth told me that they are a blessing from a god that works with the Extramicy to well make it work; they are somthing that is always in effect; some can be used a bit more actively, while Sacrifices are the cost of an extramicy and/or blessing; they range in severity, but from what I've seen, the greater the power, the worse they seem to be. Something else to note is that I'm pretty sure anyone who isn't me can't fully grasp their own Sacrifice. Although that's only a theory for now."
Selen was deep in thought for a few moments before she replied.
"That's a lot to take in, but have you used it on me?"
Solaris fell silent for some time, unsure how to answer.
He didn't want to lie, but he wasn't sure if telling the truth was the best course of action either. Telling someone that you glimpsed into their deepest, darkest secret, one that they may not even know of, isn't something that can be done lightly.
Solaris was going to have to choose his tone and words extremely carefully, as he was unsure of how she could react.
After some deliberation, Solaris opened his mouth.
"I have, however, after I read your blurb, I've sworn off reading them."
It was a half-truth; Solaris did read the blurb, but hers was only half of the reason he stopped reading them. Jon Smit was the last one he read before learning of their lack of knowledge of their own sacrifices.
Selen looked him over with a difficult-to-read expression, as if she was both lost in thought and thinking of nothing at the same time.
After some time, she opened her mouth and spoke.
"I'm not sure how to feel about that, but it's not really up to me. I mean, it is personal, but at the same time I didn't even know about blessings and sacrifices, so I guess I don't care."
"I... well, I'm sorry anyway; it's impious of a murderer to gaze upon a saint's secrets."
Selen grimaced and rolled her eyes at Solaris, declaring once again that he was a murderer.
Selen sighed, then she opened her mouth as though she had just remembered somthing important.
"Oh, I forgot, Mr Smit wishes to speak with you. he told me to tell you before I came to find you."
Solaris squinted his eyes, clearly lost at the meaning behind the number one in command wishing to speak with him.
"I see... is this your way of saying you don't want to talk anymore?"
Solaris smiled awkwardly.
"No, Solaris, this is my way of saying I need some time to think. I'm really glad you are out of your rut, but I'm going to need time to digest what you've told me. I mean, you met a god. I'm sorry, but I'll need some time to digest that, especially since I may have to meet it someday soon. "
Selen smiled slightly, as if uncomfortable with the idea of meeting a god soon, then she extended her arm and patted Solaris on the shoulder.
"I'm so very glad you're feeling better; I wish you great luck on your journeys across the world."
Selen smiled a bit more sincerely, then removed her hand and turned to leave the room.
"Selen, thank you so much for everything."
"You as well, Solaris."
The door to the break room then opened, and Selen disappeared across the threshold.
Solaris took a deep breath once he was left alone in the room.
"That could've gone better."
Solaris shook his head and brought his hand to his chest.
Solaris felt the fabric of his shirt, the smooth texture of it lying over his chest, while a warm radiance emanated from his soul.
Solaris gritted his teeth and grabbed the fabric, his eyes narrowing in an angry fashion.
Then he slowly let go of the fabric and turned to leave the room.
His eyes lingered on the small but infinitely dense ball of ice sitting on more ice for a moment, then he continued to the door.
He had a meeting to attend with the strongest person alive.