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]

[ The overwhelming floral scent emanating off of Howl's mind gets even stronger, to the point that if it were real, it would likely be stinging one's eyes and throat. ]

The highest authority? Incredible.

[ In the literal sense. As in, not credible. ]

I made it through two different welcoming ceremonies, and not once was a "god of war" ever mentioned. How curious that you never came up. If I'd known I was speaking to the very arbiter of truth himself, why, I would have shown more respect from the beginning.

[redsoil]

Do you really think a brand new, untested soul is going to get anything of actual import from a bunch of people trying to sell you on their Factional pitch? Goodness, for a man who thinks of himself as enlightened, you should be questioning them more!

[ And now, Set's burgeoning hostility is entirely gone, along with the coldness. Instead, his tone has taken on a curling lilt, a bright sort of mania. Howl hasn't buckled, which means — this has become fun. He's bullying Howl, the way one might parry and jab at a bitchy old companion. ]

You are new and full of hot air where you should be austere about how you speak to your seniors, so I can forgive you for not listening to the people who sing my name. What kind of proof would satisfy you, anyways? You will find something that you will sell yourself for, in the end. Everyone does.

[ He laughs, throwing his head back as he sniffs at the scent of Howl's soul. His own is dry, stifling-so. He kills life that tries to grow, after all; that red, arid desert of mercilessness and bleached-white bones that he is. ]

[cyfaredd]

[ Set might be trying to bully him, but Howl certainly doesn't feel bullied. He's mostly just listening to him blather on, like a smiling Gene Wilder propping his chin on one hand. ]

Of course, of course. You're right. Answers to completely fair and obvious questions really are within the providence of only the most decrepit of our seniors. I'll remember to throw myself in front of the arrows without question next time.

[ Arguing with someone like this is a waste of time, so the best Set is going to get out of him is passive-aggressive agreement. ]

What kind of proof, you ask? Something more than cantrips that my own fifteen year old apprentice can already do, for starters. Why don't you tell me, Arbiter of Truth?