believe.

[leadthemtodeath]

Comments

[everyblackdog]

The inevitability of death.

-crawls onto.- I can't not touch you ;~;

[phd_ghost]

A charming sentiment.

I accept all of this forever

[everyblackdog]

One which will never disappont me.

Yo, Blackie. Could you use a worshipper? I bet you could.

[phd_ghost]

I find most are more disturbed by death than comforted. But I cannot say you feel like most, what are you beneath that skin?

It's been a whiiiile since he had one of those.

[everyblackdog]

Death comes in many guises. Some are not as easily welcomed as others. Dogs, for example, can have quite the bite.

[phd_ghost]

[His interest piques, a smile on his mouth.] I know something of Dogs and of Death, they are patrons both of my order. Should I be on my knees then, dark one?

[everyblackdog]

If you wish to kneel, look to my former masters. The Black Dog has little use for worship. I serve. That is all.

[phd_ghost]

My entire monastery would bow before you, my emperor as well, but if you will not have it, I will not trouble you with it. Though I have not spent my life beneath the Ghost Dog's star to turn my worship from it now. I led an army in your name, I can only hope the carnage pleased you.

[everyblackdog]

[ A slow growing smirk, which curls at one corner into a sneer. ]

You and your people bow before Death? And what happens when it comes to claim you? Do you still worship then?

[phd_ghost]

[A little bow, hand over his heart.]

The Rats and the Crocodiles have been known to change their minds, but those under my stewardship do indeed strive to meet Death with dignity and reverence. The retention of intellect after death is how it is written in our pillars.

[everyblackdog]

Dogs are not known for their dignity. Though they are steadfast where others are not.

And how is this 'retention' of yours accomplished?

[phd_ghost]

[Followed by a cheeky little smile. Men are not known for their dignity either but they do so like to strive for appearances.]

Effort, meditation, the hope is to leave our knowledge imprinted on our minds, if not our souls, so that when our brothers have need of our bodies again we will not be such base, shambling creatures as to be of no use.

[everyblackdog]

[ Leans forward and then gives the stranger a long sniff, staring at him with narrow eyes. ]

So the dead look to walk again. To walk and have purpose.

[phd_ghost]

Does that offend the Black Dog? I was told by a mortal recently that it is a sin in some cultures.

[everyblackdog]

To some of my masters, death is an end. To others it is simply a gate to what lies beyond. To punishment, to retribution.

But mortal bodies were made to be temporary. Walk, if you wish it. Hold onto your sacred knowledge. But rot in the process.

And the Black Dog will be satisfied.

[phd_ghost]

[He smiles, head inclined briefly.]

I would think nothing else appropriate.