communion (ota)

[cyfaredd]

[ Howl's Communion opens in mid-afternoon, entering your brain like a blast of cold air scented with several heavily-applied perfumes. The sensation is so strong that you may actually smell it for real, like an olfactory hallucination, dominated by the scent of hyacinths but tinged with something smoky and earthy, reminiscent of a wood-burning fireplace.

The presence of the person himself is just as loud as the smell. He hasn't opened a connection with everyone so much as he's thrown the door open and allowed his own self-manufactured radiance to command everyone's attention. The mental voice that follows is youthful, confident and flows with a strong Welsh accent. ]

Good afternoon. My name is Howl. Wizard Howl.

I already know what some of you are thinking when you hear that, and no — whoever it was that was once in this world with the same name, I am not him returned. And I don't know anything about that man either, so please, don't hold anything he did against me.

Anyway, now that it's been a few weeks, I've an important matter that I wish to raise with you all. That being: how many of you actually believe what we've been told about how we got here and what we're meant to do with ourselves?

[ The question is punctuated by the impression of Howl leaning back in a plush armchair, crossing his legs and folding his hands together in his lap. ]

If you ask me, we're quite obviously being lied to. None of it adds up, and half of the "proof" is in the form of dreams, which are easily manipulated by someone with the right knowledge, skill and power. I could do it myself if I wanted.

But I already know what I think. I want to know how the rest of you are taking it.

[ He throws up one hand in a shrug. ]

And for the more indoctrinated among you... well, if there's something I'm missing, please! Inform me. I'm all ears.

Comments

[cyfaredd]

[ At this, Howl groans. ]

Didn't I already say that I have nothing to do with that other person named "Howl"? From what I've gathered, he left quite a horrible reputation in his wake — and not the sort one could consider respectable in a certain light. I introduced myself to a fine lady the other day, and she slapped me the second she heard my name!

[ This is 100% the same kind of consequences that Howl can and will create for himself too, just give him time ]

[cutlery]

[ oh… sorry new howl, Sebastian may not laugh, but he is amused to hear it. It’s also not surprising at all… ]

Ah, yes… That Mr. Howl was a bit of a womanizer. Though at the very least, not so bad as the fellow that took over his residence. Regardless, I certainly understand wanting to put distance between the two of you, and you have my apologizes and sympathies.

[ but mostly he’s just so glad to not be forced communion buddies ]

We shall start anew, I assure you! So, please allow me to introduce myself—Sebastian Michaelis, at your service.

[cyfaredd]

His residence?

[ That little detail captures his attention immediately. As much as Howl is blowing off the fact that some version of him was here before, he's actually intensely curious, even concerned, about whatever it could mean. If this other "Wizard Howl" had a home somewhere, that's surely worth investigating... even if someone else moved in afterwards, there could still be useful clues there. ]

Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sebastian. Where was it that this other Mr. Howl lived? Do you recall?

[cutlery]

Well, former, technically. It is a bit of a convoluted story, so allow me to just shorten it to say that it no longer exists, so you needn’t worry.

[ Because Dark stole it, turned it into a floating castle, which then crashed. It’s fine. ]

Besides, even if it were still here, you certainly would not want to see it. The boor that took it over ruined it utterly.

[ Sebastian's tone is light, but through Communion, his real feelings are much clearer: he hated the boor in question. ]

[cyfaredd]

Ah. I see. That's a shame — it would have been an interesting lead.

[ wistful sigh. ]

Well, with that out of the way... what's your story, then? Did my questions not annoy you like the others, or did the thought of that other Howl returning just annoy you more?

[cutlery]

Oh, to be clear, it is not Howl himself that was the annoyance, really... He was a fine enough fellow. It really is just that experience of sharing Communion without being able to turn it down. I am more used to it now, but unfortunately Mr. Howl was my first brush with it... And the singular one for a while.

[ So maybe some of his ire wasn't totally fair. Doesn't matter anymore though! ]

But no, your questions do not bother me. They are fair enough. I have my own doubts, but I find it more convenient to ally myself with one of the sides than to not, essentially.

[cyfaredd]

They certainly give us more than enough reasons for doing so, don't they. Regardless of whether you believe in the story they've sold to us.

[ Getting his magical abilities back was really the only convincing Howl needed, as loathe as he was to have somehow lost them to begin with. Whoever is pulling the strings, they are very powerful to be able to do such a thing. ]

Well, it's good to know that the simple act of asking questions is not so offensive to everyone here.

[cutlery]

Absolutely. I have no shame in admitting that my primary reason for picking a side was so that I may have my natural abilities returned to me. I would much rather pick a side in all of this than be left weak, personally.

[ He says it casually, but it’s much more vicious than that. Just like in Horos, as soon as this “benefit” had been revealed, Sebastian had Harmonized immediately. Maybe it was impulsive, but he truly couldn’t bear the alternative. ]

Regardless. I imagine it is more the tone, honestly? I suppose it would make one a bit more sour when the message comes rather directly into your head…

[ and then they had a nice, pleasant conversation, GOOD FOR THEM ]