(Untitled)

[ruinous_fortune]

There are seven tarot cards seated around a table

Comments

[burning_evil]

He's been in the bar since yesterday. And he's been bored. But this...this promises to be entertaining.

He watches from close by for a short time, then can't suppress a laugh.

'I could find you all an elephant, if you like? You could find your perfect excuse a reality.'

[bright_daughter]

"Morning star," there is the ring of the Twinkle Twinkle tune still in her voice, even when her eyes don't raise from her task at hand.

The next domino, a black one sets into the pattern.

There is the edge of smile that can be seen.

"You could bring a better gift."

[burning_evil]

He inclines his head to her briefly.

'I bring myself. It's gift enough.'

[ruinous_fortune]

"He always was a cocky bastard," Ruin mutters before taking another swig off his beer.

[song_tra_bong]

"Because modesty doesn't become him."

She flashes Satan a sickly sweet smile.

"And how have you been keeping?"

[burning_evil]

'Well, of course, Ciaran.'

Duh.

He smirks at Mary Anne, lazy eyes behind the shades pulling over her.

'Well, as ever, Mary Anne. And you look radiant as always. Though I think I preferred you without the use of your hand. Your pain is never less than entertaining.'

He hasn't seen her since that day but the anger he felt towards her then is undiminished by time.

[fortunes_phase]

Moon's eyes dart to Satan.

"Pretty darkness that isn't pretty," she whispers. "Devourer."

[burning_evil]

His smile is slow, but satisfied.

'Yes.'

He would contend that there's nothing ugly about him. It's all a matter of perspective.

'I'd devour you, sugar.'

[destroy_restart]

"We've got one of you already," Tower said, giving Satan an unpleasant wink in turn, "but he doesn't come here as yet. I guess there's altogether too many devils here."

[burning_evil]

'And I was led to believe you had all the worlds and all of time, so please excuse me for not being impressed with your attempts at belittling me.'

He airquotes the last bit, rolling his eyes behind his shades.

Besides, he's impossible to belittle.

[song_tra_bong]

"Why ever would we want to want to belittle you?"

Innocent: it's the new black.

[burning_evil]

'Who knows. Maybe you're all just so used to spending your time in pointless endeavours that you can't resist a new one.'

Must be it.

'I suppose you need something to fill up your time to make you feel like you're useful.'

[bright_daughter]

"Belitte the belittler?" she said, with a domino held out the way she might usually hold a card. "He's beholden to his ways, his plays. One of many versions."

Star settled back, resting on her hands even as they rested on empty air, regarding him with a strange fondness. "He is here, he is still within the stream."

[burning_evil]

'You know,' he says, with the air of one talking to a child, 'you might achieve more with your existence if you stopped talking gibberish. Humans aren't what you'd call smart and they'll never understand you if you keep on like that.'

[ruinous_fortune]

He doesn't like Satan talking to his sister like that.

"If we spoke plainly, it would make it too easy for them," he growls. "They have to earn their understanding, not have it spoon-fed to them like children. We give clues, we give guidance, but ultimately, the choice is theirs."

[burning_evil]

'Mmmm. Yes, I know. We have similar methods of working, at times.'

He can't force anyone to do anything either.

'Especially you and I, Ciaran. But the difference is, I'm necessary and you - any of you - are not. The world would turn just fine if none of you were in existence.'