Ministering to the Lost
The Child that was Lost is now found.
I admit that I did not expect to play much part in this, but Houm specifically requested my help. I feel confident about what I have been able to accomplish, though I have had the easier part of the job. May Houm be Guided Truly and Well.
A recording, perhaps, would be appropriate...
Curator’s Office(#894RJA)
The Curator’s Office is a simple, yet visually overwhelming place. In the very center of the hexagonal room is a ‘knoptic’ light sculpture, and in each of the six corners is a ‘lavalamp’ of rainbow assortment. There is, indeed, a ‘desk’, chair, book ‘shelves’, and countless other playful mood pieces (including a ‘rainbox’, diffraction prisms, and seven ‘musicboxes’). There is a purple velvet ‘sofa’ here, and a large purple hexagonal ‘bed’, both suitable for napping upon (as Mel, the proper curator, is prone to do). There is a wooden door leading (Ou)t, back into the Museum Proper.
Stat Name____________________ Gender_____ Species___________________________ GrayZero female gray fox software construct Houm[3m idle] Masculinoid Idea Mel[asleep] neuter Manifestation of the Museum Squizzle[asleep] neuter squirrel ---( PuzzleBox )------------------------------------( 2/4 Curator’s Office )---
GrayZero peeks in, notes the sleeping Mel, sighs in dissapointment.
Houm ripples, and perks. “To speak to you, I wanted!”
GrayZero blinks, glances up, smiles, though in a bit of a flustered manner. “Oh. Hello...”
Houm swirls over, grinning a brilliant pink. “Houm is help needing.”
GrayZero cocks her head to the side. “Oh?” She looks as though her mind is elsewhere, but is obviously trying to stick along. Wouldn’t do to be impolite.
Houm bubbles, “Houm needs this one’s help... To help Billy.”
GrayZero pauses at that, turns to face you a little more definitely. “Might I ask how?”
Houm ripples, “expression” soft and pained. “Billy... Was mended. And knowledge fled. Billy is lost, in old Italy. Frightened, lost, in world of angels and demons. None show tenderness. Would this one help teach Billy with tenderness?”
GrayZero looks utterly stunned.
GrayZero says, “Er... certainly, I can do my best to do what I may...” She trails off. “William? You reached him?”
Houm seems to nod, drifting to the ground. “Houm is not sure how... But yes.”
GrayZero’s stunned look becomes a very large grin. “Goddess bless you.” A pause, then, “No, that’s redundant; evidently She already has.” She chuckles to herself.
GrayZero then nods. “Certainly, as I said, I can try. I’m afraid I do not know this ‘old Italy’ very well, but I can certainly try if you want me.”
Houm reaches softly, a pink smile rippling. “Houm can teach this one.”
GrayZero nods almost repeatedly, apparently still digesting what she’s heard. “That would be useful...” The grin slowly fades into a bit of concern. “Is he well? Aside from being once more lost, that is? Or is it difficult to tell?”
Houm sighs, slowly. “Wounds, mended... Billy believes Billy is dead...”
GrayZero hrms, nods. “I see. This is where he needs help, then, I take it?”
Houm nods slowly, swirling. “Billy needs to learn where Billy is.”
GrayZero nods, then, “What is there you could tell me about this ‘old Italy’, then? One needs to know the old Home before one can introduce a new Home...”
Houm extends a tendril of substance, rippling softly, gold and green. “Give hand.”
GrayZero reaches out, takes the... tendril? in her paw.
The tendril wraps around, and up, and the smallbig cloud reaches, extending, surrounding, enveloping and swallowing... And memories flood to the surface from a mind she didn’t even know. People, things, places, culture, language. The crash course is immense, but subdued enough to allow it to be just a lesson.
GrayZero blinks, twitches her head a bit. There’s almost a slight sense of resistance, but she quickly nullifies that; evidently a security precaution, and there’s nothing to worry about here. She simply does her best to examine each new ‘memory’, record where appropriate. Taking what seems necessary and saving the rest for later.
God is important, God surrounds and guides every day. God, such an unclear concept, the Ruler of All, father of a man named Jesus whose birth, though remarkable at the time, would be unremarkable now.
But it *is* remarkable for him, and so it must be remarkable for success. So this too is carefully recorded. God is, of course, known, but how She... He? How God is known is of importance. Remember it all...
Simplicity, almost primitive simplicity, is the order of the day. Everything is simple, easy, and oh-so-controlled.
A relation to her own history, perhaps? Before She made Herself known... possibly... know the details. Controlled by God? Controlled by others? And where was the child?
The child, the child... At an early age, memories are blurry, but growing older and changing an admirer of art... A secretary, keeping his lord’s work in order. Always in order. William was good at order. It’s rather a shock when the plague hits, as a matter of fact. Friends, loves, companions, dying while he watches helplessly.
A wince. The loss... that must have been the Doubt. A loss of order and control... that will be difficult; Her domain does not have much Order. His Lord... another person, it would seem. God is thus indirect? Or direct but in different ways? Hmm...
GrayZero speaks aloud unexpectedly, but very softly. “Topwarp? Elysium? Perhaps...”
Houm bubbles, “Topwarp, he is in... Resting.”
GrayZero nods, still considering.
The thoughts still come across the link. Talk to Jeremy. Perhaps negotiate with the Throne? This could at least be familiar for the child...
Houm agrees silently, rippling warmly, softly.
GrayZero nods slowly, closes her eyes, just going over what she’s... ‘remembered’.
Houm slowly, slowly melts away, reforming on the ground as a puffy cloud again.
GrayZero reopens her eyes, muses. “It would be easier if it were not so sudden... but She does not always make important lessons easy.” She considers for a moment. “Would you be wanting me to speak with him, perhaps? I am not sure if it would be useful to have a dialogue, or problematic, given that I resemble a ‘beast’.”
Houm ripples softly, then forms up, a large, feathered, hooded cloak, standing on its own. They who wore it would be heavily concealed.
GrayZero hrms, frowns a bit, shakes her head. “An idea, but one I would prefer to avoid if possible. Deception, if revealed, can unmake one’s work.”
GrayZero then pauses. “Unless... hrm.” She considers for a few moments.
Houm bubbles, “Billy... Knows of strangenesses... Believes all angels and demons.”
GrayZero smiles. “I guess then my goal must be to be seen as an angel, if I am to speak with him.”
Houm nods slowly, drifting back down into a cloud.
GrayZero hrms, going back to that earlier consideration. “Perhaps, though... hrm. Enter hooded, revelation as an offering of trust... perhaps.” She meditates on that for a moment, then glances back to the cloud. “He is still resting now, I take it? Else I presume you would be at his side.” A smile.
Houm pauses, then laughs. “Houm knows of Billy’s whereabouts, but not Billy’s wakefulness.”
GrayZero hrms, nods. “Perhaps we should check on him, then?”
Houm reforms into a cloak, feathery and light. “Indeed.”
GrayZero nods. “Where in Topwarp?”
You offer to take Houm around by the hand.
Houm takes your hand firmly.
GrayZero nods, glances towards the halls as though trying to remember which one, then proceeds.
(We travelled to Topwarp together, and discovered William... and who he was talking to at the time.)
TopWarp(#167RLJ)
You stand within the open gates of a beautiful shady courtyard. The view is completely dominated by plant life: ankle-deep grass of navy blue and dark gold in an endless checkerboard; towering leopard-spotted purple sundews that tamely cradle guests in their fronds; bundles of flowering vines skillfully cultivated to mimic animal and humanoid forms. Leaves rustle constantly overhead, casting jewels of warm sunlight onto every surface. The air is dizzyingly fragrant, almost intoxicating. Every color, shape, and scent is in perfect symbiosis with every other; they even seem to adjust slightly when new visitors arrive, accommodating them into the sensory perfection.
At the center of the courtyard, ringed and shaded by trees, there’s a sculptural fountain glowing with light. Through an intricate screen of foliage, you can see the gleaming green chitin of biotecture, sculpted into bulbous, flowing towers that surround the courtyard. Looking up, a sharp eye can see the membranous streamlined tubes of walkways stretched taut between the buildings.
From here, there are a number of places to go: A slate-gray street extends between two buildings and stops at a on a placid river, where black s and a great are moored; At the far end of the courtyard, a flanked on either side by a stately column oftrees leads off towards a glittering dome in the near distance. A particularly bulbous and ornate building nearby bears the logo of studios. And a flattened ovoid blob of liquid floats here, lazily oozing in midair.
Stat Name____________________ Gender_____ Species___________________________ Houm Masculinoid Idea GrayZero female gray fox software construct ojou male metamorph William Male Near Human ---( TopWarp )-----------------------------------------------( 4/4 TopWarp )---
GrayZero brings Houm with her, holding hands.
ojou smiles softly, and gestures easily. “If you’re a a little creative... It’s easier. If you imagine it... It can be that way. Takes a little effort, but it gets that way.”
GrayZero raises an eyebrow. “Hrm.”
You release Houm’s hand.
William is eating a pastry, probably just instantiated, and occassionally looking distressed as he realises his teeth are pointed “I am sorry, I don’t know what you mean,” he says rather pathetically. He is speaking in Italian, but local systems, or personal systems, appear to be translating “I...I imagine a great many things, sir. I would never have imagined this.”
GrayZero appears more or less like she normally does, except that the hood of her cloak is up.
+++++ William just looked at you!
ojou smiles softly, teeth unusually blunted, almost perfectly normal. “I know... Take it one step at a time, though. Eventually, you’ll get used to it. You want a drink?”
GrayZero hrms. “I see you two are aquainted.” It’s slightly difficult to tell, but somehow you know she’s smiling. She turns to the child. “You must be William. I’d been hoping to meet you.”
Houm drifts beside GrayZero, swirling warm golds and greens.
ojou blinks, staring up at GrayZero. “Um... Yeah. I guess. Just helpin’ out a body, y’know?”
GrayZero nods briefly to ojou. “Certainly a noble cause.” She then returns her attention to William, curious.
William says, evidently still in reasonably severe shock “Take it? I cannot tell what ‘it’ is, that would be the problem, sir. I...I cannot fathom the matter. All things seem bizarre. Yet I feel well...to a poi-” He turns and looks back at GrayZero and swallows “You...had? Ah. You are another...” William seems to be trying to comprehend GrayZero. For some reason, she is bothering him a good deal more than ojou.
ojou smiles softly, leaning back lazily. “Well, ”it“ is the world at large.”
GrayZero seems to appear puzzled, somehow. “Another what, if I may ask?”
William says “Angel. Or Devil. Perhaps you are...are a Devil since you have an animal’s head, which is...” He seems to be groping towards some attempt at comprehension, but words fail him, concepts fail him “Mother of God. It is something I cannot know.”
GrayZero hrms. “Be it what comfort it may, I can only assure you I am no devil. I do not wish you or anyone here harm.” She takes her hood down so her head is fully visible. “I am sincerely sorry if my appearence worries you, but I did not wish to try to deceive. It would not be right.” There’s a look of sympathy in her eyes.
William retreats, just a little and holds onto his food carefully, eyeing GrayZero with every sign of disturbance “I cannot...it is madness, I am...such places and things, perhaps it is a punishment or...” He glances around “A test of faith. I know I have done bad things. I have done very bad things.”
Houm drifts over to William carefully, extending a tendril to stroke his shoulder.
(And then things started to go very, very wrong.)
okyno comes down the road from the direction of the dome.
okyno has arrived.
Amanita comes down the road from the direction of the dome.
Amanita has arrived.
As well as an escort of bulky insectile guards, okyno has arrived with amanita on a leash. - [OOC] Amanita hasn’t written it up, but is done up in corset and subtle plates of chitin here and there. Segmented lenses over her eyes and insect-like claws, hands discreetly chained.
[OOC] William says, “Oh, Geez, and William found a fox person insane.”
[OOC] William grins.
[OOC] Houm says, “Eeep!”
William is holding a pastry, while Houm hovers close by. He is evidently trying to talk to GrayZero, but there is much about his manner that seems painfully confused, and indeed shocked.
GrayZero bows her head a bit, seemingly apologetic, then raises her eyes again. “Interesting that you speak of it so. I have had my own Faith tested here many times before. One must learn to rely on it.”
okyno comes in from the road to the domain of the chitin queens, accompanied by a pair of bulky insectoids - an escort, a honor guard. a hint of a polite nod is her acknowlegement of the grouping.
Th’thsthn comes down the road from the direction of the dome.
Th’thsthn has arrived.
Th’thsthn walks with observant care, having decided what to observe.
William says in bewildered shock “My faith is in...the...the...” He’s staring at okyno. Blankly.
ojou massages his temples. “Might... Wanna’ find someplace else.”
You page, “There’s something like a whisper by your ear. ”Perhaps he should rest on Elysium?“” to Houm.
Houm pages, “Yes, agreement.” to you.
GrayZero hrms. “Yes, a place of more peace would be advisable...”
ojou stands, ground shaking slightly under him. “Mind... If I join you?”
William stays where he is. Although, after a moment, his lips can be seen to be moving, faint words “Mother of God. Mother of God...” He looks very, very young suddenly.
The mirror-blob swells into a pregnant sphere and then bursts to release System.
GrayZero spares only the briefest of glances for okyno. In that glance, though, seems to be a small message of you-really-do-not-want-to-interfere-here. Ever so subtly, of course.
okyno sits near the fountain, watching its play. the lady’s antennae twitch; she strokes the antenna-decorated head of her pet. her intentions are unknown, her stake in this argument little.
System bows as (he) enters. “Greetings, everybody.” (He) frowns quietly as (he) notes Okyno and Amanita, but turns to William. “Greetings, William. Do you wish any assistance?”
GrayZero returns her attention to ojou. “I would not object...”
Th’thsthn is a small insect, smaller than the drone guards surrounding okyno.
Houm stares at System openly. “System is not joining these ones.”
ojou glances around, scratching his head. “Aw, hell...”
William is not speaking or doing anything. He closes his eyes and puts his hands over his ears, giving something which might be a sob. Apparently the company present is simply too much for him.
Amanita smiles wryly and nods a quiet greeting.
Houm simply scoops up William, rippling warm and tender. “Safe, you are.”
GrayZero glances to Houm, doesn’t appear to say anything.
System shakes (his) head. “Houm, I have a similar interest in observing William adjust well now that he is healed to you. I may lack the initial connections, but I have no intent whatsoever to harm him. And you should know well that this is the truth.”
You page, “That whisper again. ”The steamship.“” to Houm.
Houm glares at System, finally humanoid again. “System is too harsh. System will not be joining us until Billy is mended more.”
Houm offers to carry William with Hmr.
You page, “There’s a bit of a whisper present, only barely perceptible. ”He needs healing of the spirit. Let him handle things.“” to System.
The mirror-blob swells into a pregnant sphere and then bursts to release Ataxia.
GrayZero glances towards System. Briefly.
The mirror-blob swells into a pregnant sphere and then bursts to release Roque.
okyno looks at william, head tilted slightly. antennae splay in curiosity. she mutters something, soft clicks of insect sounds.
William shakes his head at Houm. Clearly he’s sensed some offer, but he seems at a form of mental blank. He does not move. He does nothing. He is in shock.
System pauses, then nods briskly, turning towards Okyno and Amanita. “Greetings, Okyno. I require data.”
[OOC] GrayZero says, “And this is the point at which, if she could afford to break appearences, g0 would throw up her hands, stare upwards, and go ”Well, *shit*, my Lady, I knew you weren’t going to make this *easy*, but this is nuts!“”
[OOC] Houm is actually laughing its royal ASS off.
[OOC] System says, “Incredibly blunt Upwarper dealing with byzantine Topwarp Neke! WHEEEEEEE!”
Roque wheels herself in from the mirror, slumping rather heavily in her chair. “Hello, all.” Even her voice is weary.
Houm picks up William with no further ado. “Billy comes with Houm.”
Th’thsthn speaks: “Malus sonorum.” Her words are soft, but audible if listened for.
okyno trails a claw over amanita’s silvered skull. ‘’we are pleased to hear that you have requirements, system-kt’c^htt-system.‘’ long lashes flick over her dark eyes. ‘’it is the way of much of life and ritual to require things.‘’
Even in her not-quite-awake state, Roque can’t help but find that funny, and she chuckles, covering her muzzle with one paw.
Ataxia walks along with System quietly, regardless, back from some odd errand.
William goes limp. It seems that even though he shares little other link with Jeremy, he’s managed to get fainting down. His eyes are still open, but there’s no comprehension in them. Even Th’thsthn’s words, which might otherwise mean something to him, cause no reaction.
[OOC] okyno giggles most indecorously at the bit about fainting. ‘^^’
[OOC] GrayZero says, “Everyone must have a skill. *nod*”
[OOC] Houm feels so sorry for William... But thinks this is really hilarious.
System smiles marginally, speaking in a calm, polite voice. “Allow me to state that I unequivocally have no interest whatsoever in what is relevant to your pointless rituals, Okyno, but I nonetheless require data. What has been done with Amanita and Twin, and have their wills been tampered with?”
ojou is lost in the flow of things, dizzied and confused. “Wha’ th’...?”
System straightens (his) tie, smiling calmly.
Houm wanders down towards the dock.
Houm has left.
William has left.
Houm takes William with Hmr.
GrayZero glances around at everyone. There’s something that could, if you were being creative, possibly be interpreted as annoyance, but... no, couldn’t be. Certainly not from her.
[OOC] GrayZero says, “I WILL QEEL J00 ALL.”
Th’thsthn’s location seems to be graduating over time toward Ojou’s. Or is it that the Wheel Queen is moving without seeming to move?
ojou is baffled. Pure and simple.
GrayZero nods to ojou. “The island. Follow if you feel it would be appropriate.”
You walk down to the dock and embark on the steamship, which gouts dense black smoke as it carries you across the glassy water and disgorges you on the far shore.
(Neither of us were willing to give up, so we proceeded as before. This time, though, we were thankfully free of interruptions...)
Central Elysium - Dock Shore
Weathered driftwood timbers stand firmly planted in the shore, supporting a pier of well-sanded and splinter-less planks, pegged carefully together. A well-crafted boardwalk continues east and west of here, draped with multicolored fabric pennants, stairs leading down to the obsidian sands. There is a pleasant shady space underneath nearly the whole length of the boardwalk where the sand slopes to meet the landward undersides. A steamship awaits passengers at the dock.
The opalescent stars are out now, spinning and spiraling in their constellations, held by imaginary lines. The sky has gone from violet into inky darkness.
[ Exits: eamship (uth), rmlands (rth) ]
[ awall Shore (st), oping Sand Shore (st) ]
Stat Name____________________ Gender_____ Species___________________________ GrayZero female gray fox software construct William Male Near Human Houm Masculinoid Idea Blake[asleep] female vixen Zoe[asleep] Quite Tautological Chip[asleep] male cyborg seahorse ---( PuzzleBox )------------------------( 3/6 Central Elysium - Dock Shore )---
Houm sighs heavily, curling a little around William.
GrayZero arrives, notes the state of both present, sighs. “That... did not go well.” She glances back towards the departed shore.
ojou is disgorged by the steamship as it draws up at the dock, spewing smoke.
ojou has arrived.
>> ojou arrives with thunderously delicate footsteps, ground shaking just slightly.
Houm shakes his head. “Badly, it did go.”
GrayZero hrms. “I’m going to go to the manor and see if Jeremy or the Throne is immediately available. He still needs a place to stay.”
ojou finishes, “Alright. I’m here to help a body in trouble. I wanna’ know what happened.”
William sits up again and wraps his arms around himself, teeth chattering “I cannot think,” he says, then pauses “This could be a dream? Do I still have plague?” He looks back at Houm, hopefully, as though this could be an answer “Something must explain those monsters.” Apparently although GrayZero is not human as he has evidently decided ojou is, she’s not a monster.
GrayZero pauses immediately as William speaks.
Houm ripples, embracing William with a warm, caring touch. For a moment, he seems to work his jaw, though he has no jaw or mouth to work. “Monsters to the eye are not monsters to the soul.”
GrayZero nods quietly.
William says to Houm “I cannot understand where I am. You say this is someplace different, it cannot be Italy. I do not know where anyone is, where my Lord is. The place does not smell so evil. There are strange monsters. Giant insects. Too much loudness, I am undone.”
Houm bubbles, “Is possible... It is otherwhere? Is possible make otherwhere new home?”
William says hesitantly “Well, it will have to be...if I am truely not dead.”
Houm bubbles, “Angels, demons, are states of mind, not body. Kindly people, all angels. Wicked people, all demons. Around you, now, angels to help mend the pain and horror.”
GrayZero stays silent for now, just watching the opposite shoreline, making sure the horrors stay there.
William swallows “Oh, I see.” Big concepts for a person from a world which believed that physical purity meant mental wholeness. He lifts his fingers to touch his horns, fingering them “Is there...I should stay here then? Can I have a drink, please?”
ojou responds to that, subtly instantiating a small pink goblet of some kind of red berry juice.
GrayZero nods, turning from the shoreline. “It would probably be as well.” She avoids handling the request for a drink. Better to have more trusted sources do that, for now.
William takes the goblet, looking into it, then sips tentatively. He blinks, and drinks a little more deeply, slaking his thirst.
The juice is strawberry, sweet and smooth.
GrayZero waits until William’s done drinking before speaking. “Are you feeling better, now? I must apologize for my inability to prevent the shocks... over there. I would have if I could...”
William says, a little faintly “No, it is quite fine I...would never expect a talking fox to do...anything. I would never expect a talking fox.” He looks into the goblet, the taste familiar “This place is not like the Villa I lived in.”
GrayZero hrms, smiles a bit in amusement. “Hrm. I confess I never thought of things that way.” Then, “What was your Villa like, if I may ask?”
William thinks, then says “Very bright. White marble, from Catelona? I cannot remember exactly where. My Lord Medici kept it as his summer residence, when away from Rome. It is very hot in Rome in the summer. I do not really know - I was never taken there. It would have upset...matters.” He pauses “There were poplars and aspens. And gardens, and there were horses. I had a sparhawk. We had olive groves as well as orange groves, and we made the best wine in the area. I was Lord Medici’s Secretary - he had a governess come and teach me. Cloud knows.” He seems to mean Houm.
Houm ripples proudly, bold blues and reds swirling. He puffs, just a little. “Beautiful. Later, another would call it dream home.”
GrayZero hrms, nods, glances briefly towards Houm, smiles. “It certainly sounds beautiful. So did you ever leave there before? It sounds like you stayed all the time.”
William says softly “It was cold in Winter, but I didn’t have to go out too much. Just got sore hands from writing. I was very lucky to be a Secretary. I didn’t have to go into the fields or anything.” He glances up at GrayZero, still addled by her vulpine nature, even as he accepts Houm implicitly “I didn’t go...very far, no. Rome was a very long ride. I didn’t own a horse, I only had the hawk because the Lord liked me, but he had other favourites too. He bought me from England, but I can’t remember it, I was very young. I just remember Italy.”
GrayZero nods quietly. “Others had to go out into the fields, then?”
ojou listens, now, fascinated.
William nods “Yes, to reap barley. Pick grapes and olives, you know. It makes your hands all stiff and your skin get coarse.” He touches his teeth with his tongue, feeling the sharpness “Pietro had to go out. He was always doing things he shouldn’t though. Always getting in trouble.”
GrayZero hrms. “Just him, or were there any other particular troublemakers?”
William glances back at Houm.
GrayZero’s glance also travels to Houm briefly.
Houm ripples softly, smiling. “Angelo, if remembering?”
William says “Angelo. I did not like him so much...but it was...it was not so bad, it is only that he was jealous, I suppose.”
GrayZero raises an eyebrow, looks suprised. “Jealous? Of you? Or something else?”
William clarifies “Of me. Because I could read and write.” He glances around once more, there being no comprehension of the technologies here. Sith then says “Also, because I was given a hawk.”
GrayZero hrms, nods. “So you feel he caused trouble for you because of these things?”
ojou scratches his head, taking in everything, looking rather shocked.
William nods “Yes, he used to take things sometimes and hide them. We did not get along, but it was not so bad - I liked Pietro, and they were brothers, so Pietro protected me.” He gives a sweet smile, then looks at ojou “Is...is something wrong?”
ojou blinks slowly, and grins. “I have never heard of a place like this before... So it’s really... Wow. Places like that exist?”
William puts the goblet down, carefully, worried it might break, before he looks back up “I...it is the only place. I...don’t know what anywhere else is like. There are wolves in the mountains still.”
ojou grins softly, scratching his head. “I grew up... Smelting steel in a world completely different from yours.”
GrayZero nods. “This is someplace rather different, I’m afraid. There are wolves in many places, but one can learn to avoid them.” She glances back towards the shoreline briefly, apparently to make sure nobody’s about to, say, suddenly leap all the way over.
William says slowly “Do all the wolves talk?” He closes his eyes “I am a good Secretary, I was, for my Lord. But then some of the peasants must have caught plague from the merchants. Everyone started dying. I don’t know much after that, I caught it too. They throw you out of the Villa when you get the signs of it.”
GrayZero closes her eyes in sympathy. “That must have been difficult...” She then reopens eyes.
ojou smiles softly. “My adopted brother... He’s a wolf. And he’s a really gentle, nice guy, too.” He refills the goblet carefully, expression gentle. “I’m sorry you had to suffer like that.”
[OOC] William says, “Would this be Torque, guy who wanted to bite William’s head off? :D”
[OOC] ojou says, “You’re so clever.”
William says to GrayZero “I guess...I don’t know. I was not well, and I woke up a little while later and I had black marks and things and then after that I stopped waking up. I remember the sunshine was...nice.” He turns his head back to ojou “It was God’s will.”
ojou winces a little, closing his eyes. “Don’t sound very kindly to me.”
GrayZero hrms. “Do you know why it was God’s will that this should happen?”
William says “It is not our place to question the actions of God.”
GrayZero raises an eyebrow. “Question, no. But might He not have intended you learn something from what He willed?”
ojou wrinkles his nose, and offers the refilled goblet back to William.
William shakes his head “If God wishes me to know something, he will tell me.” There’s complete faith, an older and more simple faith. William takes the goblet from ojou and sips before looking around “I suppose there must have been a lot of sinners, for the plague to strike. I was a sinner, and now I have a second chance.”
ojou scratches his head, opens his mouth, then shakes his head and remains quiet.
GrayZero smiles. “Perhaps then that is what He has told you.”
William pauses “I haven’t heard any voices though.”
GrayZero raises an eyebrow. “Would they be necessary, though? Clearly He communicated the sins of many through the Plague. He has many ways of communicating things to others, and not all of them require a voice; just the proper action at the proper time.”
William is evidently not one to argue religion with. He simply looks blank “I don’t know. I can’t know anything. I don’t know anything. I don’t know why I’m not sick.”
GrayZero hrms, nods. “I understand. Trying to comprehend God is often a difficult task, but sometimes we must do such things, ere we repeat our mistakes.” Then, “As to why you are not sick, I have the theory that it is, as you mentioned earlier, that you have been granted a second chance. If this is so, I would think it well if you were able to use it well.” She glances towards Houm as she speaks.
Houm wraps an arm around William’s shoulders, rippling soft greens. “Houm will guide.”
ojou has just been pretty much incomprehensive for the last quite a while, scratching his head.
[OOC] GrayZero says, “A good sprirtual therapy session leaves all straightforward guys lost. :D”
[OOC] ojou says, “No kidding. He’ll probably beat all the confusing words out of his head later. Out of mind, out of... Um... Mind.”
William says to GrayZero “This place is too strange though - I have no...” he struggles “I have never read of anything like this. I cannot understand...I...the dress and bearing and everyone suddenly speaks Italian.”
Houm kisses William’s forehead, smiling softly. “The language, gifted it has been. To you, to all. Speaking tongues, we all are.”
GrayZero nods. “I felt almost the same when I first came here. This is why you have a guide.” She indicates Houm. “There are many strange and unusual things here, but one becomes familiar with them in time.”
ojou just shakes his head and silently offers a few pieces of beef jerky around.
William says, mystified “Oh. Like before the Tower of Babel.” He shakes his head slightly, and hesitantly takes a piece of jerky before he says to GrayZero “I...don’t think I belong here. I can’t have been here more than half a day.”
GrayZero briefly shakes her head. “If you are here, then you belong here. God wills it so. Any that are here are here because God, for one reason or another, saw fit to include them. Many do not even know Him, or know Him differently, but He brings them all here per His will all the same.”
ojou smiles as William takes the bit of dried meat. “You belong where you are. Ain’t no mistakes in this world, right? You said so yourself, jus’ not in so many words.”
William says, bewildered “But what am I supposed to do? I don’t have my Lord. He will be angry at me for not doing my work. And I don’t have my hawk. Animals speak - what are we eating then?”
ojou finishes, “Not all animals talk. I used to have a kitten. Named him Skootch.”
GrayZero hrms. “A prudent question, but one for which I do not have a ready answer for you. I can only assume that God will reveal your Purpose to you in due time.”
William says, cautiously “Who is my owner?”
ojou blinks, and stares at GrayZero for a moment.
GrayZero considers this, then sighs. “Would that I could say. I do not know. I presume you will find out once God reveals it. For now, I would suggest staying with your guide.”
Houm embraces William tenderly, arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders.
William says, thoughtfully “Oh. Oh, I see. I...well, I suppose then no one has the right to beat me.” This is not said in any pitying tone, William is clearly not overly concerned “And I can do as I wish.” He pats Houm.
GrayZero nods quietly.
Houm smiles a soft pink. “Correctness.”
William thinks “So...where...well...does everyone sleep on the grass here?”
GrayZero hrms. “There are shelters on this island, as I recall.”
ojou finishes, “Want me to see if I can find someone?”
GrayZero hrms. “Feel free to give it a try, though I am not sure if anyone will be awake right now...”
ojou nods, and trundles off delicately.
ojou heads east to the Sloping Sand Shore.
>> ojou departs with the same delicate rumbling he arrived with, ground trembling.
ojou has left.
(At this point, though I had already achieved more than I’d hoped for, we continued talking. It would have been unwise to let silence spread there, after all.)
William says “I am not used to...” His voice trails away and he pauses, but is not embarassed when he next speaks “Sleeping on grass. Or alone.”
GrayZero hrms. “The other beds I happen to know of are too close to the wolves for now, unfortunately. My apologies.” She glances to Houm. “I’m sure Houm will stay close by, though.”
Houm nods softly, smiling pink and gold. “Houm will stay.”
William nods “Well, he’s always been there. Cloud.” He glances around the place, before asking GrayZero “Who are you?”
GrayZero says softly, “My full name is Melisse Elianna Gray Zero. I’m often called by those last two names, though - just GrayZero.”
William nods “My full name is William,” he says, then blinks “GrayZero is a strange name - why that?”
GrayZero shrugs. “Largely a tradition from my old home. Feel free to call me Melisse if you find that easier, as it is still my name; I mentioned those last two because that’s what everyone here calls me.”
William says “_Oh_...I used to be called Sweet William, but it isn’t really my name.”
Houm chortles, a fluid ripple. “Billy.”
GrayZero hrms, nods, frowns a bit in thought. “Interesting. I’ve known that name before, but I never used it. It didn’t seem right to me at the time, and it doesn’t seem so now. It’s gratifying to know that feeling was justified.”
William nods to Houm “Billy. People called me that...oh, Lord Medici called me Sweet William. I was his Secretary - he liked me, it’s why I got favours.”
GrayZero nods quietly. “If I might ask, who else called you Billy?”
William says “Esmeralda called me Billy.” He frowns faintly, in memory perhaps “I saw her...a few weeks ago? Last? I think her family wanted her to stay away in case of plague.”
Houm frowns a little, sighing. “Houm remembers her... She was of a kindness.” A short pause. “If not a gentleness.”
GrayZero mms, nods. “I think I see.”
You page, “Message sent via the Puzzlebox datalinks: ”Any luck so far finding anyplace or anyone? William may be getting tired soon and it’s been a bit of a while.“” to ojou.
In a page-pose to you, ojou smirks. “Found a native who’ll show me around. He says he’ll help.”
William tilts his head to GrayZero “What are you seeing?” He then nods to Houm “Yeah, she used to hang around all the time. She got her dress dirty a lot.” He grins impudently, evidently the memories not being ill.
You page-pose, “GrayZero replies. ”Ah, good. So long as some degree of alacrity is involved.“ A vauge smile.” to ojou
GrayZero raises an eyebrow. “Seeing part of who she must have been, largely. I take it you enjoyed her company, then.”
ojou pages, “He says somewhere to the east, if he knows how to get there it’ll be sped up, but at least I got my area narrowed down.” to you.
William nods “Yes! She was really nice.” He smiles reminiscently “Anyway, she was pretty nice to me, I mean.”
You page, “Ah. Very well, then.” to ojou.
Houm chortles softly, a low, rich bubble.
GrayZero switches raised eyebrows. “Oh?”
William nods “Yes, well, she didn’t yell names or anything. We went and messed around, got over the fences into the groves. That sort of thing.” Casual voice “You know how it is.”
GrayZero nods. “Ah.” She doesn’t speak further.
ojou pages, “Real nice guy here, seems a bit weird, but nice. Gryphon made outta’ clockwork. You should check ‘im out sometime.“ to you.
William pauses ”Did I say something wrong?“
Houm ripples a soft green, resting warmly against William, enjoying the presence of his boy again.
GrayZero shakes her head. ”No, not at all. It’s just that sometimes one does not need to ask further questions.“
William pats Houm instead ”Oh, I see. Um. There aren’t very many humans, are there?“ He pauses ”Why do I have horns and a tail?“
You page, ”Hrm. Interesting. Perhaps I will at some other time.“ to ojou.
ojou pages, ”Hold on... He just had an idea. He could use some company, we could set up somethin’ temporary until I can build somethin’ better myself. Few cleared branches an’ we’re set.” to you.
GrayZero shakes her head. “I do not know of many, and some that are human no longer look so.” She pauses on that, then, “As to the horns and tail, I honestly do not know. I wish I did.”
You page, “Sounds reasonable, so long as William is not overly shocked by this individual’s appearence. I am concerned for his health after all these shocks.” to ojou.
Houm strokes one of the horns softly, smiling pink. “Houm believes the horns are comely.”
GrayZero raises an eyebrow. “Hrm.”
ojou pages, “He looks like a statue of a gryphon. After the bugs, he’ll be a welcome change, ease into the weirdness.” to you.
You page, “Hrm. Well, okay, it could be worse. Nothing against this individual; just that I’m worried. I hope you understand.” to ojou.
William says vaguely “Oh, maybe...everything changes here or something...I...this is a strange place, full of animals.” He closes his eyes as his horns are touched, clearly feeling the sensation “Am I still human? I’m not a monster, right?”
You say, “In this place, the only monsters are those who choose to be monsters.”
ojou pages, “I understand. I’ll make sure he takes it easy. But he’s a real proper type. Very... Victorian.” to you.
You page, “That much is to be expected. *smile* Very good.” to ojou.
William frowns “Why would anyone choose to be a monster?”
GrayZero says simply, “Because not everybody learned not to repeat their mistakes, and so they may feel that is the best they can aspire to be.”
William shakes his head slowly “I think I need to sleep again.” Puzzlement overcomes him, obvious in his voice “I don’t...I am sorry, but it is all too strange, you have to understand that...I can’t grasp this. I don’t even...have my writing implements.”
ojou arrives from the north.
ojou has arrived.
(Things just proceeded apace from here.)
>> ojou arrives with thunderously delicate footsteps, ground shaking just slightly.
GrayZero nods. “Certainly I understand. And I apologize if I’m trying to explain too much at once.” Then, “We’ll have to see about finding writing implements for you, if they are of such importance.”
GrayZero glances up. “Ah. Hello. All is ready, then?”
ojou thumps in, huffing softly. “I’ll build a lean-to. Real nice gryphon is gatherin’ some wood for us.”
GrayZero ahs. “Very good.”
William says plaintively “Oh well, it is all quite fine. I...I will learn what I need to, until I can go home again.” He looks up at ojou “Ah...er...gr...yphon? Alright.” Bewildered, but accepting.
ojou finishes, “Kinda’... Nice guy. Metal. Real proper, he’ll be a good neighbor.”
GrayZero nods quietly.
ojou jerks his head. “C’mon. This way.”
ojou offers to carry William with him.
ojou offers to carry you. “HOPON ojou” to accept.
William scrambles up on ojou.
You scramble up on ojou.
ojou offers to carry Houm with him.
Houm scrambles up on ojou.
ojou heads north to the Farmlands.
>> ojou departs with the same delicate rumbling he arrived with, ground trembling.
ojou has left.
ojou carries you along with him.
(ojou took us about a quarter of the way down the island, to...)
West Elysium - Gryphon Garden
The garden isn’t much in terms of size, a rectangle cleared from the trees about four yards by six, edged by squared-off hedging. The area inside is impeccably tended grass, divided into quadrants by walkways with bricks laid in an intricate pattern. Small bushes dot the green areas, some carrying fruit and flowers.
Most attention is drawn, though, to the squared pedestal in the center of the garden, about two feet by four, raised a foot and a half off the ground. The block is ringed by small flowers, and made itself of shining white marble. The surface is smooth, totally unadorned, looking like the display stand for some other work of art.
[ Exits: t ]
Contents:
William
ojou
Tenniel
Houm
ojou carries William, GrayZero, and Houm with him.
>> ojou arrives with thunderously delicate footsteps, ground shaking just slightly.
ojou gestures around. “This is the place. We can even do somethin’ more permanent later.”
Tenniel has gathered many tree boughs, some leafless and long and strong, some leafy, making for good shae. He looks up as he hears others enter. “Good evening to you,” he says, with a nod to each.
Tenniel
This is a gryphon, or a sort, non-anthro, about 4 feet long from beaktip to tailbase. It’s a bit far from ‘normal’, though, even for a mythical beast; seeming as it does to be fully artificial. The most obvious elements of its construction are metal plates in warm colors; golden, bronze, copper. They overlap, forming a detailed body, and are etched with stylized feathery patterns over the upper body and foldable wings. The gryphon’s joints have gaps in the plating allowing for free movement, some showing bare gears and cogs, some sheathed in black rubber. The eyes are polished green orbs set in holes in the burnished avian head, but still seem to sparkle with some sort of life. The gryphon’s style overall is quite refined, fitting with Victorian aesthetics, but what neo-Victorian would make an autonomous, intelligent being of clockwork?
GrayZero nods. “Likewise to you. Your assistance is much appreciated.”
William stares at Tenniel. Not much else, at least until Houm convinces him to move into whatever shelter is available.
ojou grins, starting to build branches into a lean-to shelter immediately. He breaks the leafier boughs down, creating a largely watertight roof.
You hop off ojou.
Houm hugs William softly, smiling bright pink. “A beautiful place this is. With company to be had.”
Tenniel inclines his head to William. His voice is resonant and kind, though there’s a bit of the rasp of rare-use overtop. “This is the one who will be staying?”
GrayZero nods.
[OOC] William apologises, but if he doesn’t leave right NOW he misses his ride to soccer. Farewell, and thankyou all :)
[OOC] GrayZero says, “‘sokay. Seeya, ’nthanks back. :)”
[OOC] ojou says, “Catch you later. ‘Night.“
[OOC] Houm will assume William fell asleep.
[OOC] William nods to Houm :)
[OOC] Tenniel aws, and waves. *nods* That works.
William has disconnected.
Houm holds the sleeping young man, expression soft and tender.
Tenniel nods to ojou. ”If it will help, I can remain still to hold the main support of your shelter.“ He looks aorund at the assembles group, eyes glimmering. ”I do hope I’m not bothering any of you,“ he adds.
ojou shakes his head, grinning. ”That’s half the fun. Almost got it taken care of. I usually make these outta’ rebar, corrugated steel, and plywood, though.”
GrayZero shakes her head. “Not I. I am merely concerned for his health.” She indicates William. “I am sure, though, that Houm will see to that.”
Houm nods firmly. “Houm will.”
GrayZero nods, hrms, then produces from under her cloak a newly instantiated small sheaf of blank paper, a quill and an ink bottle, and hands them to Houm. “This is about the best I can do based on what you’d showed me before we went to Top; I hope they’ll suffice. I presume if needed you can instantiate something more accomidating to his needs.”
Tenniel nods. “I shall do what I can as well, though I’m afraid it may not be much. I am still trying to remember what has happened on Elysium, but I am fairly sure it is not as safe as it once was.”
GrayZero looks a little bothered. “I’m not sure how to explain to him that he’ll need them, because I am unconvinced he’ll be able to return home.”
+++++ Tenniel just looked at you!
Houm ripples and nods, taking them gently. “Houm will give these to Billy... And keep Billy safe.”
GrayZero nods. “Thank you.”
ojou smirks a little. “I think it’s a little safer than it was...”
GrayZero then glances to Tenniel. “I believe She will be watching. I am not concerned for now. If it becomes something of concern...” She trails off. There’s something in her tone at the end that suggests that such problems are not likely to happen easily.
Tenniel says, “Elysium has always endeavoured to keep its inhabitants entirely safe. If it’s abandoned now, what can have happened but something it could not keep them safe from, causing them all to flee?”
Tenniel nods to GrayZero. “Thank you for your reassurances.” He beak curves into a faint smile.
GrayZero nods, smiles back. “In any case, this is perhaps the safest for him, any way we try.”
ojou drops lean-to.
lean-to
A simple shelter, sticks and branches built into a sturdy little shack, leaning snugly in a corner. A small opening makes a door, and heavily-leafed branches make a roof.
ojou dusts his hands off, beaming proudly at his work. “There.”
Tenniel says, “I hope it shall be, yes. Have any of you any knowledge of the rest of Elysium, though? The manor, perhaps? It may be a more appropriate lodging, if it is still kept up...”
Tenniel nods to Ojou. “Well done. Thank you.”
GrayZero looks it over briefly, smiles. “Construction has never been my forte, but it does look well done. Take that as you will.”
ojou beams broadly, flexing. “I know it’s well-built. ‘Cause I built it.“ A little gloat never hurt no-one.
Houm drifts through the small door, peering around inside. ”Cozy.“
GrayZero glances to Tenniel. ”I had considered the manor, but Jeremy and the Throne both seemed to be unreachable or asleep. We may try there again at some future time, though.“
GrayZero shrugs. ”Jeremy asked me to visit him again sometime anyways; I may as well bring it up.“ She smiles.
Tenniel sits up. ”Is Jeremy the current King?“
GrayZero starts to nod, shakes her head. ”His official title is Magistrate, as I recall.“
Tenniel blinks with a quiet clink. ”There is no King, then? My, my...“
Tenniel says, ”If you do talk to the Magistrate, I’m sure you would be aware that discussing my... activeness may not be decorous conversation, correct...?“
GrayZero hrms, shrugs. ”I’m afraid I do not fully understand the political situation here. I just have concerns for Jeremy’s well being, among many others. To be honest, you’re the only other person I’ve met here.“
GrayZero hrms, nods. ”I will be aware of such now.“
Houm nods in agreement, picking up William to carry him into the lean-to.
ojou finishes, ”Not like I’m gonna’... Y’know... End up meetin’ any o’ these people. First time I ever got this far into Top.”
Tenniel nods. “I don’t rememeber seeing anyone come into the garden in quite a while, tis why I assumed that the island was depopulated. I have always endeavoured to stay out of the way, myself, for obvious reasons.”
GrayZero raises an eyebrow at ojou. “You never know.” She smiles.
ojou stares at GrayZero, and smirks. “I ain’t that kinda’ decorous person they gonna’ wanna’ see.”
GrayZero then nods to Tenniel. “It largely appears to be so. There are some indications of others present, and I’ve heard one or two other names, but I have not met anyone.” She smiles ruefully. “I do not come here often enough for that.”
Tenniel nods to GrayZero and ojou, in turn. “Your diction could stand some improvement, but you seem to me to be a fine fellow, for all that,” he says to the latter, with a smile. “I am clearly not one to talk about perfect conformance to Victorian ideals. But still, one tries...”
GrayZero chuckles.
ojou blinks, scratching his head. “Diction?”
GrayZero smiles. “I may explain later if necessary.”
Tenniel opens his beak to reply, then nods, deferring to the vixen.
[OOC] GrayZero. o O ( “A Downwarp Eisenstimmen In The Throne Of Elysium’s Court” )
[OOC] Tenniel sighs. Base Colonial literature. ;o)
[OOC] ojou ponders the way that could be written...
[OOC] Houm says, “Y’all’re crazy.”
[OOC] GrayZero says, “Thanks! :D”
[OOC] ojou bows.
[OOC] Houm makes funny faces at you all.
GrayZero hrms. “In any case, I need to move on at this point.” She glances towards Houm and William for a moment, seems reassured of something. “I thank you all for your assistance - and you, Houm, for allowing me to assist,” she adds with another glance at the dreamcloud.
Houm beams softly, rippling pinks and golds in soft rings. “Houm... Is happy to have allowed this one to help.”
Tenniel smiles, dipping his head to GrayZero. “A pleasure to meet you, madam. I shall do my best to take care of him. Feel free to come back whenever you like.”
GrayZero smiles, then nods to Tenniel. “A pleasure as well.”
GrayZero waves in general, then departs.
It is my firm belief that he is in good hands. Goddess bless.