Audience: Ashiya Douman

[probe]

Comments

[commedia]

[Douman is, more or less, a man of their word, and so, perched on their hand is a tray with a teapot and two cups, just as they did with Envy before.]

[A polite bow of their head and an appreciative look at the wings, they make their way to put the tray down, and take a seat opposite from the avatar.]

Well, some topics in general, but... [They pause to pour some tea.] I suppose about the road ahead. About what has changed, due to all of this justice, jury, and execution we just witnessed. Are we to expect the same in the future?

[probe]

If another of you should choose to kill, then yes. You may expect the same chance to attempt to find the truth.

[they sound a bit bored saying it, though, and they wave a hand.]

Unnecessary, if you were to ask me, but it was not my decision.

[commedia]

Oh?

[A slight tilt of the head.]

And whose decision was it?

[probe]

That, you may work out for yourself.

[they either won't or can't, but they do not say which.]

[commedia]

Mmm. [Hm.] Do you all work for someone, then?

[probe]

We certainly do not.

[commedia]

How interesting. And you all manage to get along? Its impressive, especially for Avatars representing such volatile sins.

[probe]

[they exhale a slight sigh.]

So long as we are all capable of performing our duties, we need not get along.

[commedia]

And your duties involve running this place?

Do you at least get rewarded for it?

[probe]

So they do. As for being rewarded-- everyone has something they desire, do they not?

[commedia]

So you are all working for your desires, as well? And here I thought Avatars were the type to not want for much.

[A sip of the tea.]

If that's the case...then is this truly a competition, as some people have said?

[probe]

It is as much of a competition as the lot of you make it.

[they delicately pick up a cup in their clawed hands.]

[commedia]

[They purse their lips.]

I see. But you...do you want to fight for your desire? I can imagine the Avatar of Despair may have an incredible wish to work for.

[probe]

Right now, my duty is overseeing all of you... difficult as some of you are determined to make it.

[they may get the distinct impression despair rolls their eyes, behind the hood.]

[commedia]

Ahaha. Let this humble priest guess - making messes and the like everywhere did not at all help our case.

[A light smile. Well, they didn't make any messes!! They're good!!]

Mmm, but more seriously. Is there anything that can be done to make your burden a bit lighter?

[probe]

Aside from attempting to ensure your compatriots exercise a bit more respect for their surroundings, no. There is not.

[commedia]

A shame.

[A light huff and shrug.]

Do you do anything outside your duties?

[dude do u have hobbies]

[probe]

Why, every minute of every day is spent with my full focus upon all of you, of course.

[they say that so dryly, chin resting in one palm, before they wave their free hand.]

I prefer to keep to myself, really. On occasion I play an instrument or three.

[commedia]

Oh, as if we aren't all a headache and a half.

[A smirk twists up to the side.]

A instrument? You're a musician? What do you play?

[probe]

Strings, largely.

[of course string instruments vibe the most with someone associated with despair.]

Of various sizes, though I do prefer the deeper tones.

[commedia]

I don't expect we'll hear a concert from you anytime soon? Or at the very least, I would like to hear it. This humble priest can't exactly recall the last time they heard performed music like that...

[probe]

No, I do not expect you will. I do not make a habit of performing in public.

[and, considering the way despair does not move or offer to remedy the fact they haven't heard a performance like that recently... a performance will not be forthcoming now, either.]

[commedia]

...Ah. Yes, yes. I apologize. There are such things that are better for the soul when done on one's own.

[And a pause - there's a bit of a bittersweet smile on their face as they sip at their tea.]

Honestly, I didn't indulge in such hobbies when I was alive. I had so much work, day in and day out, and I...thought that was all this humble priest had to do, considering the amount of work I put on my own plate to keep up with the rest. [A hum.] So, looking back, I admire that. Finding something to soothe the soul for yourself.

[probe]

Do the actions you take now still not satisfy your soul, then?

[how is the clownery working out for you so far, douman.]

[commedia]

...

[A sort of rueful smile.]

Do you think I have a soul?