DIRECTED TO MERIDIAN, OPEN TO ALL.

[twohand]

[ In the midst of the Advocate's beginnings, perhaps a few world adventures in ( ignore pax's belated posting in that case ), there is a quiet presence that coalesces within the minds of all. An Advocate, dusk-skinned and thoughtful as he addresses all present. Even his voice is morose, a little saddened by what he has taken notice of — though that is mostly on behalf of Meridian. He cannot imagine what it must feel like, to look upon something familiar and have it not be exactly what they want. ]

They're dying. These worlds — they're already lost, they're torn up and left in pieces, they're dreams of what was; please don't make them suffer when you can bring them a gentle end. Even if you fight to restore them in the long run, choosing to save them now is torturous. It is asking someone with a terminal illness to fight on, when they ought to be given the ability to rest.

[ He sounds like he is pleading with the Meri, a call not to stand so firmly with their impossible desire to restore all that they make such a glaring mistake. ]

All things have a right to live, I agree. But, all those same things also should have a dignified end. I am only asking that you understand this, and choose to help us give what is left of these worlds the ending that I wish our worlds could have had.

This time, please... just this time. I am asking on their behalf, for all to choose a difficult thing — but, the thing that only we now have the power to do for them.

Comments

[twohand]

An uninformed choice is not a choice at all. We are responsible for the last days of these people, even though I hate that!

[ And as far as he's aware, nobody has been letting anyone in these little fragmentary worlds know about what's coming for them. That's not giving them a choice, that's leaving them in the dark and expecting them to meet their fate blind. ]

Raphael, don't do that. We are given twelve hours to spend among these worlds and their people. Were we given enough time to stand with them until the end and help them... of course I would vote to give them all that they deserve.

[narsinssist]

You ask me to show mercy?

[ He asks it, and there is Weight in that question.

Raphael can see what Drizzt means, that he would fight and stand against Oblivion were he able to, even if it meant his life. Raphael is immortal in a way that even a drow like Drizzt is not. He can see further. That fighting this off once is only once. This is eternal, unending, relentless in a way that even Asmodeus himself could not be, for the Archdevil Prime was still a thinking being, and not a universal force. Even the gods would have difficulty with this thing.

Not without a plan.

But though there is the winding gears of a Savant's mind working through it, like he's thinking of it — because Raphael does want to bring his world back, if only to continue with his plan, and lead the Nine Hells (girl, no...) He truly has no qualms with Zenith.

If it were to look more likely, the Devil would even choose otherwise, to preserve his place in the world. He would indeed ask for the shard of his father, to consume, and steal his power. He has a plan.

But for now... ]

My fellow compatriots seem to disagree with what is the merciful choice, however.

What to do... what to do...? [ The sound of his thoughts is like a cacophony, wide and vast, nothing like a human's. ]

Should I go with my... [ A flicker of amusement, that very nearly bubbles to bursting, ] heart?

[twohand]

I understand that what I am asking them to consider is likely well beyond their morals and beliefs, but we must think beyondand "die".

[ If only Raphael could sweet-talk his faction into UNDERSTANDING THAT.

It's a little upsetting to Drizzt, to be locked into this conversation with a devil who actually thinks like he does. To know that what he is advocating for (haha) is something that Raphael conceptualizes as well; it makes him wonder how far the apple truly did fall from the tree, when it comes to his lineage. His mind. His race's long, long history of specialized breeding, overseen by a controlling and wicked goddess who consorted with demons and devils and dark things alike.

He does scowl, though. Especially at that little joke about HEART. UGH. ]

— don't mock those of us capable of empathy, Raphael. You already seem to know what choice you will make. This is beyond "Meridian" and "Zenith", to me. This is showing the greatest number of people the greatest kindness, even though it costs me dearly to ask this monstrosity of a choice of anyone.

[narsinssist]

I understand what you advocate for, my dear Drizzt Do'Urden.

[ The mental equivalent of a bow. ]

Should you ask me to choose the same, you know how to do so.

[ After all, Drizzt knew what his cost was better than most. He understands that these worlds are inventions, creations to soften their hearts, as what else can an Advocate do, but Raphael feels no sympathy for them, or anyone. After all, everything should exist for his pleasure alone — and once his home is in full view, that will be obvious — but Raphael more than that, has no care for the... scheme behind all of this.

At the end of the day, he is only listlessly drifting in the direction for Meridian based on preference, and not from conviction. It will never matter to him who wins, and who loses. Devils are beyond such things. ]

The choices of others often damn other mortals, whether they reflect on the consequences or not. [ And, he thinks, there are many whom are blind to that consequence. ] Few here are used to having such power over who lives and who dies, and they react accordingly, not understanding that with great power, comes the responsibility to direct it for the greatest advantage.