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THE ADVOCATE ORACLE - A RIP VAN WINKLE IN TIME

Sweet dreams are made of Bliss

As the twilight falls, and bearers begin to tuck in for their evenings on the night of the 15th of March (OOC time) and whether they tuck themselves into bed fully, or simply drift away in the middle of their dinner, work, indulgences, or what have you; bearers will fall into a deep, deep sleep. Perhaps you slump in your chair, or you wrap your arms around a teddy bear, or partner, or cup a precious shard in your sleep, it doesn’t matter, because as you drift away, into a sleep that seems to tug you under like the undertow itself, a question will echo in bearer’s minds: “If given the choice, would you show compassion in the face of adversity?”

It sticks with you, even as you fall into a dreamless sleep. As if it rotates in your mind, over and over, letting you worm over that. You know for certain what it is, that it is the calming, soothing voice of the Oracle, reaching out to you across the ether, telling you – promise you – that if you accept its promise, you will find that the Oracle could be in your hands. That thought leads you to dream of something else – of home, or your loved ones – of what you are fighting this war for. Even as you dream, you feel a presence next to you, and unlike the Harbinger’s winding, rough digging, this is more akin to a friend, who is asking you soft, coaxing questions. Things like: what was your childhood like? What were your friends like? What did you do? You cannot help but think of them, think of your home and your loved ones. Of where you came from, and how it made you what you are.

The advocate seeks to understand you, and where you come from. You can feel it, that overwhelming Acceptance and love from it, even as you reminisce, compelled to answer the multitude of questions, you can feel something building behind you, around you. “Don’t you want them all to understand this?” the impression is given through communion, and you cannot help but answer: yes.

Click your Heels together, Dorothy!

As you awake for the first time, it’s alien, the world that meets you. New smells fill your nostrils, new sights, the gravity is perhaps different than you’ve gotten used to on Kenos, even those slight shifts enough to make the world feel wholly different. You remember the advocate’s words, and it wants you to feel what it feels. Understanding. Compassion, and perhaps there is a sense that doing so would hurt yourself in turn, if you understood too much. That is the advocate’s way, after all, isn’t it?

You feel an inexorable, slight tug in your chest. Something subtle and gentle, the slightest of sensations, that gives you a direction. You know it, your mind only just now comprehending the advocate’s confusing impressions via communion, that there is something of this world’s… Soul/center/heart or whatever word you want to use for it. Something about this world that will help you along your path, and help you with the results you so desire. You know it will not guarantee a victory, but surely it will help. Especially as your numbers dwindle from world to world. You are left with an impression from the Advocate -- if you die, they cannot bring you back. There is apology in this, but alone, one oracle is limited. Only united, can they truly change your fate.

The lingering presence of the advocate starts to fade. You know this is a bearer’s world, if not your own. You look around, to see perhaps a familiar face nearby? Or perhaps you are alone. Does it matter? You know that this place belongs to a bearer, but whether they are a friend or an enemy, one has to begin to determine that. You’ll need your wits, you’ll need your strength and resolve to make it to the end of this, won’t you?

After all, as bearers were recently reminded: this is War. This is not simply the fate of this world, but perhaps all, as it will require you to find the answer to this question. So you start to move, you start to look around, explore, and search. For the soul of each world, for the bearers that lie dreaming within, and your foes that will seek you out. Stay steadfast, for the way out will come, if you make it to the end. The longer you spend in each world, however, the more the shadows look darker, and deeper. Hungrier. The more the spaces seem smaller or compressed. As if there is something gnawing away at the sides, making their way to the heart.

Around the world in ~~60 seconds~~ 12 hours

When you find yourself at the end, when you close your eyes – only a blink, but it hangs, as if the momentary motion is enough to suspend you into a suspended space before. You can see the two options stretched out before you – metaphysically – the impression of it. A long, long shadow cast over one. As if there is a presence hovering over and above, like waiting jaws, ready to strike. In the other, there remains…nothing. It is not pleasant, it is not comforting, it simply… is. A sense that there is now a lack of anything, almost like it had never existed before.

Does this world have value? You can feel the Advocate ask. Do you want to give them a chance to live? Or does should this world cease, is there nothing here to save?

And though you are compelled, required to answer, you know this question for what it is. Short-sighted. Both, in the end, will lead to its destruction, but which will you choose? Will you allow the world to continue, even with that long shadow cast, like a hungry beast with snapping jaws; or will you erase it from existence and spare it that oncoming apocalypse?

Catch [???] Winks

The last world’s fate decided, bearers float in an endless sea of stars. You can see them all, spread before you. Intermittently, they wink out, swallowed into the darkness, consumed as the shadows, that inky-black nothingness grows ever-larger. It looks upon you, bearers. It is nothing, but you have its attention, and your blood runs cold, your limbs frozen. You cannot move, you cannot speak, you cannot breathe. You feel it, the power of being drawn into it, like it wants to consume you. Like it knows you.

T̸̢̼̯͓̬̘́̀̋̆͊h̷͔̣̱̝͍̬̣͕̄̂͗̆͒͌͜ͅẹ̶̱̩̅͒̿̇͠ ̵̭̹͇͖̔̀ṃ̸̢̧͙̟̼̜͌͆̍͝͝ͅo̴̟̞̓̆̇̐̆͊̽͆̂̀r̶͈̺̮̠͙̗͌ę̸̤̻̈́͐͂̓̊͐̂͆ ̵̡̛͎̩̳̤͔͚̱̼̆̒̓y̴̺̞̹̺̝̤͂ǫ̷̡̣̱̥͊̈́̓͑̕͘ű̵̼͜͜ ̶̨̨̝̟̘̱͇̲̻̪̊͂̽̈̒͊f̴̱̐͌̌̓̋̔́̀͝i̶͖̤͎̬̝̦͒̂g̸̳̰̟̀̓̽̈́̐h̸̼͍̮͎̊̅͗͊̈͋̽̀͘t̴͔͚́̓,̷̨̧̱̠̙̠̙̱̒̍̽̾ ̷̖̰̼̬̟͐̊̂t̶̖̄͂̅̃̍͐̊̑̅͜͝h̴̢̛͙̪̞̫̝̺̋̅̿͛̇̚͝͝ͅͅȩ̶͉̤͍̠́̈͑̏͋̚͘͝ ̸̢̨̧͚̖̤̪̬̪̀̉̐͗̂͆͑̚̕̚c̴̠̩̳͎̲̪͔̟̈́͂̉͑́l̶̡̲̻̣̘̏́ͅo̶̢̧͔͈̬̳̰͈̝̻͌̋̆̃͒͗̏͘ş̴̪̺̣̥̎̽̿͗̒́͛̕̚̚e̴̺͍̤͖͂̇͑͂̋͂̆̾r̴̨̩̈́͋͠ ̷̧͚̲̩̖̋͒̉́͗y̶̘̖̝̑̈͊ǒ̵͚̽u̵͎͍̇̀̏̊̕͝ŕ̷͎̜̘͙̀̋ ̶͇̲̝̞̖̝̣̘̝̬͋d̷͔͈͔̀̿õ̴̝̯͇̹̘̏͗͜ö̵͚͓͆m̵͉̦̫̥̦̞̫͐̆͐̿͊͒͌͋͜.̷̼͈̻̥̜̾̏͐̾̐͆͘͜

You gasp, as you startle awake, and open your eyes for the first time in a long time.

CODING

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[ If there wasn’t the more serious element to their conversation, Sebastian would probably tease more. Or rather, it wouldn’t be teasing for Matt, necessarily, but for any nose onlookers…? Perhaps so. He loves creating a good scandal. But, alas, another time. For now, he smiles appreciatively as Matt steps in, and he leans closer in turn, though it’s mostly so that Matt can benefit from whatever body heat he’s giving off. ]

As do I, and perhaps with the same amount of reservation, though I imagine not the same ones precisely.

[ Definitely not, considering Sebastian and Set do usually see eye to eye… But, no need to point that part out. ]

…Though I do imagine I have something of an advantage when dealing with him, for the ways we think are similar. I also have gotten the impression that I am more used to being around humans than he. So, from the sounds of it, I am not surprised that you may have found him vexing.

[ If that little huff was anything to go by, at least. ]

If it is not prying to ask, what is it that you did not agree on?

[ Matt opens his mouth to reply. He's sure that between waking up to Set dragging him down the length of Liem's mattress; the hot, awkward feelings that he's not measuring up to some unspoken test; the way he seems to stumble into the wrong topic or phrase and make Set so unhappy; the push and pull of ideas that swirl like sand, some of them sinking too deep or flying too fast for him to follow ... he's sure the answer will be right on the tip of his tongue. But he's surprised to find that he can't actually think of anything, materially, that they differ on.

There are things Matt isn't sure about yet, but he doesn't think that counts as disagreement. Set could be right, after all. After a moment, he realizes he's been kind of staring blankly at Sebastian, and he laughs sheepishly. ]

Ah ...

Maybe it's more than we don't see eye to eye, if that makes sense. Our lenses are different. And I value that in people, I really do.

[ He's just not used to finding the experience quite so disorienting. ]

I don't think he likes me much, [ he offers eventually. ] But last time we talked, he said he was willing to work with me, so for your purposes, I don't think there's any problem.

[ Sebastian’s expression does turn a bit quizzical as he waits for the answer and is just… stared at… for a moment, but it’s gone when he nods. ]

It makes perfect sense to me, actually. It is a metaphor I am fond of, for I would say the same for myself. The “lens” I use to view the world is fundamentally different from yours, and it is fundamentally different from Set’s as well.

[ Another nod follows, since it’s just a slight elaboration to say that he understands the disconnect. Digging into it further would change the direction of the conversation, so he continues. ]

But I will say if he is willing to work with you, that is a good sign. I do not always understand his whims, especially when it comes to those he likes or dislikes, but he is still direct with them. If he dislikes you, he will simply say so. [ A pause, and then: ] …Or kill you, since you have chosen Zenith, but that is more a tactical consideration than a personal one if he has not expressed his distaste.

[ Probably, anyways. This is actually an area where Sebastian is more mistaken than he’s aware of, but that’s been something very, very intentional on Set’s part. In truth, Set’s heart was gentler than Sebastian understood, and he’d taken great care to be sure that Sebastian didn’t know that. It would be akin to exposing your underbelly, at least between the two of them. ]

Ah, but do not be surprised if he is particularly nosy about your offering assistance. I imagine he will find it very interesting, and unfortunately, he will not let anything he deems “interesting” go in the slightest.

... Oh, [ Matt considers, concerning Set's directness. ] Well, that's a relief.

[ And it is. To a point, at least: There's only so far "nothing personal" will get you if both sides really do intend to fight each other to the death, but he genuinely appreciates hearing that Set would make it clear if he didn't want him around. Both for strategic reasons, and--

Well.

Matt's accustomed to being on his own. The attention he garners is mostly fleeting, but at least it's flattering. Easy. Euphoric. It turns out that the stress of being stuck in a pressure cooker with a bunch of strangers from far-flung worlds comes from all kinds of angles. ]

I'll keep that in mind about nosiness, [ he adds, wry. He's quiet a moment, considering. Then he sidles closer to Sebastian, leaning flush against his side. It's warmer this way--and it's just nice. ] Hard to say what gods and demons find interesting, from my perspective. So I appreciate the heads up.

[ Sebastian makes a light noise as Matt shifts closer, but he doesn’t hesitate to put an arm around his shoulder to draw him just a bit closer. It’s for the warmth, of course. Again, nevermind the fact that Sebastian isn’t wearing a jacket at all. ]

Ah, it is a bit more difficult for gods, since that is where Set and I do differ greatly… From my understanding, he has a duty to the things he represents, essentially? So, I can only assume that influences what he finds interesting.

[ They really hadn’t spoken about it all that much, but it’s not for any real reason. Sebastian didn’t have much curiosity about how it worked. Instead, he’d mostly spoken to Set about his divinity through the context of how it existed to mortals—how it was remembered. He had personally experienced its full breadth, after all. He had existed long before Egypt, seen it decline and be forgotten, and then recently be rediscovered as a curiosity. He had many tales to tell Set in that regard. ]

However, I think we at least agree that novelty is interesting. I shall sound like an old man to say it, but we have both been alive for such a very long time that something new catches our attention like nothing else. We both like technology, for example. [ Guns, notably, and it was in an ero way, but, ] And for people…

[ He trails off thoughtfully, since it’s hard for him to narrow down simply, and he’s sure it isn’t the same for Set either. In one part, he has his nature. He very much does seek out people that he’d like to feast upon. Even if he had no intention of forming a Covenant with them, he still wanted to lead them towards some darker, worse part of themselves. Corruption tended to be a concept wrapped up in theology, so he didn’t exactly like to use the word, but he undeniably wanted people to step further into the proverbial dark. Or sidle up next to it, as it were.

…Yet, on the other hand, he simply does like people. He doesn’t have the disdain for mortals that some of his kind does. He might not view them as equals (far from it), but they’re entertaining and vibrant. He’s a demon that preferred the world of mortals to Hell greatly, and that had made Kenos something of a blessing. He can interact with them as much as he would like, and given that freedom, he’s tended towards the innocuous. Normal, even. He cooks, goes grocery shopping, flirts with his regulars in Draumahol… His day-to-day activities make it hard to believe that he’s a vicious, amoral creature.

So, it takes him a moment. But with a nod, he decides: ]

—Curiosity, I think. Those who ignore or merely accept the world around them are interminably dull. I suppose the two are deeply related, actually, for it is that curiosity that creates novelty, no?

For sure, [ Matt agrees. ] I don't know how you'd get new technology without curiosity, for instance. And curiosity is arguably related to imagination and restlessness--curiosity to see things differently than they are. So that could create new political circumstances, which creates new social opportunities.

[ He nestles a little closer against the proverbial darkness. It's hardly the closest they've been, after all--though even in the name of stoking scandal, Matt's not about to proposition Sebastian for more than a dance.

He lifts his champagne flute for one last sip, tipping his head back to drain the glass. ]

I can understand a loyalty to your areas, or domains, [ he muses. ] Especially if ...

Some scholars where I come from thought that if god or the gods did exist, in some literal, reachable sense, humans were the ones who'd created them. Our faith, our thoughts, our preoccupations and fears and all that--birthed entities big enough to hold them for all of us. So in a sense, a god as an entity focused on the areas they represent is like ... a feedback loop with humanity. Not that that's necessarily "true." Or the only truth.

[ Matt considers what he's said for a moment. Then he chuckles, mordant. ]

God, I really hope all human knowledge doesn't die with me. I just explained that so badly.

[ Sebastian listens and nods along, but he does look intrigued as Matt gets into the divine. He can see why humans would think that way, especially in more modern times as religion seems to be on a significant downswing, at least from his point of view. But then with the last quip, he laughs. ]

Ah, not so badly, for I understand the point of what you mean, at least.

[ Sure, that’s a “could be worse”, but he’s playful about it. ]

But I could see how his duty to things like war and disorder would mean that you are not well “suited” to him. Though in that case, that is close to a compliment, hm? [ Like. Do you really want Set to like you if that’s why… ] I assume that is why he is so unpredictable and prone to a particular version of annoying me. If you have noticed my furniture being misaligned, that is his fault, for example.

[ Sebastian sighs and shakes his head, since it still bothers him just as much as it had the first time too… You’d think the demon would be the disorderly one in the equation, but no. Absolutely not. As Matt has seen, Sebastian is extremely, extremely orderly. ]

[ Matt laughs, both in surprise at the detail and because it's weirdly adorable for Sebastian to even entertain that he would ever, ever notice his furniture being a few centimeters off kilter. ]

I've been meaning to talk to you about that misaligned furniture, actually, [ Matt says, flicking a glance up at him. He grins, then shakes his head. ] I guess ... I just feel like it'd behoove me to understand war, as long as I have to be in one.

Which I still don't want, [ he adds on a sigh. ] But I also don't want to live in denial, so.

[ That, and Matt is afflicted by several of the geek social fallacies, including but not limited to needing to be liked and needing all his friends to be friends. So some of his emotional turmoil here may amount to #mortalproblems. ]

[ He huffs out a little laugh, since he at least knows that Matt is joking, but still… It does genuinely bother Sebastian every time Set does it. ]

Please… You will hurt my feelings, Matt.

[ He sounds mockingly hurt, just a touch overdramatic to accentuate it. But with where the topic continues, he hums out another half-laugh. He lets a pause linger for a moment, then continues. ]

That is the difficult part about what Kenos asks. Or… so I assume. It is admittedly something that does not bother me as much. I think of it as little different from my Covenants, at least until recently. [ He gestures lightly towards his neck to explain why, but that’s as much as it’ll get. ] If I may ask, is it war you wish to understand, or is it Set? He might claim they are the same, but I do not necessarily agree.

[ Matt follows the gesture, faintly surprised that the collar is implicated again. He files the moment away to think about later, when he sits down to design that scrying spell.

Which will technically be over a century from now. But the connection will still be fresh in Matt's mind, which is what counts. ]

Can I answer both? [ he asks wryly. ] I don't know if this has come across in our time together, but I kind of want to understand everything.

[ Set said he should have been a Savant. And maybe it's true. But Matt's desire for knowledge is more than intellectual. Sebastian has felt for himself what Matt really wants: an understanding that's embodied, breathing, fully and perfectly unified. He wants to know, in the superbiblical sense. ]

Oh, that it has, and technically before this time together too.

[ He laughs, and though he's largely avoided talking about the other Matt he'd met, it seems relevant here. ]

It is why part of why the question of what I am was also a bit of a guessing game there. It was a bit of caution, for obviously not all take well to what I am... But your curiosity certainly assured me then, and moreso now.

[ That is indeed the benefit of them sharing an Aspect now. He really hasn't enjoyed this connection at all, but at least now he can admit that it might have been because he simply didn't like the people as much... Matt is definitely someone that he's much less bothered by sharing that proverbial space with. ]

Perhaps I should invite you both over for dinner sometime, then. I imagine Set might be... [ He pauses and trails off, since "better" definitely isn't the word ] Well, he might be easier to chat with when his attention is divided.

Edited (more better) 2024-04-09 00:26 (UTC)

[ The reference to the other him, the one who'd wound up in a place called Horos, prompts a spark of--what else--curiosity. A hint of sympathy, too. Sebastian was surprised by it earlier, but maybe the second time around it won't be such a shock: Matt doesn't like to think of anyone being shunned or castigated just because of who they are. What they are. Not even a demon.

The last thing Matt's expecting at the conclusion of all that is a dinner invitation. His eyebrows climb, but a moment later, he realizes, actually, no, that makes total sense for Sebastian. ]

That's gracious of you to offer, [ he says with a smile. ] I'd be down to see what happens, for sure. [ That's arguably not very kind phrasing vis-a-vis Set. Matt's just not positive he can predict what would happen! ] And even if it ended up being a total disaster, I'd still get to spend some time with you and eat your food. So it sounds like a good deal for me overall.

[ Maybe it’s not kind, but you know what, it’s the right attitude to take. ]

Then consider it a formal invitation, albeit one that will have to wait for a date, naturally. It will at least give me time to consider a menu while we are all galivanting about.

[ He has no idea, in fact. His world is early in this whole rotation… ]

Though I do feel that I should mention that I have little more insight into how Nb Set may take it. So perhaps a bit of bravery may be required?

[ But his tone makes it clear that he’s not worried that Set would, say, be dangerous or anything of the sort. He just finds Set very hard to predict, but that’s probably why he likes him… ]

[ Matt turns slightly at the waist, the better to give Sebastian a good glimpse of his mordant smile. Purely for emphasis, of course. Sebastian can no doubt sense Matt's irritation as he recalls a host of unpleasant memories. He may have even tasted some of them when he got up close to Matt's shard. ]

Please, [ Matt says ruefully, ] I've survived so many terrible dinner parties I should win an award. At least Set's interesting. And whatever you make will be way better than the caterers my parents used to hire.

[ This is true, from Matt's perspective. But it doesn't hurt that it's also a bit of praise for Sebastian. Having said his piece, Matt subsides back against Sebastian, cheek tipping to his shoulder. ]

It'll be good.

[ Sebastian laughs a little at that smile, but he bows his head in playful apology for bringing up such poor memories. ]

True enough. I suppose if youever wish to irritate Nb Set, simply call him boring, for I feel he would take deep offense. However, how he may think to prove you wrong may not be advised…

[ or like. Actively dangerous. Hashtag just set things

He shifts with Matt as he leans against him more, and it makes it a comfortable place to rest. Still rather cold overall, sure, but the jacket is doing its job, and Sebastian’s own body heat is comfortable too despite the fact that no one else would be. There’s not even the tension of holding back a shiver—He really wasn’t joking to say that temperature doesn’t affect him. ]

Well, something to look forward to, at least. Who knows how many more of these worlds we shall skip through, hm?

[ Matt chuckles. ]

Where Set's concerned, maybe the best plan is not to plan too much, [ he suggests. He has a feeling that Sebastian, with his immaculate sense of order, won't necessarily want to hear that, but it's the best he's got.

At the mention of other worlds, Matt sighs softly. This Oracle definitely doesn't seem as harrowing as the other trials had sounded, but he still doesn't like it. He has a feeling that some other shoe is about to drop. ]

I'll drink to that. [ Matt lifts his empty champagne flute. Then, with a slight, mischievous smile for Sebastian, he pitches the flute over the railing. It disappears into the darkness overboard, presumably to land in the dark sea. ] To who knows how many worlds.

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THE ADVOCATE ORACLE - A RIP VAN WINKLE IN TIME

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