Audience: Harrowhark Nonagesimus

[probe]

Comments

[bonetiddies]

[It's fine. She's a prickly weirdo who is used to getting into verbal sparring matches to show off her smarts. She picks up on their vibe pretty easily.]

On? Is there something I must do to make our conversation worth your while?

[probe]

Don't ask me stupid questions.

[they say dryly.] A tall task, to be sure.

[bonetiddies]

I don't make a habit of doing so, though I suppose you will be the arbiter of the value of my questions.

[probe]

I have a low tolerance. [it almost sounds like they might be joking.

anyway.] Ask what you want.

[bonetiddies]

Very well. I wanted to know about the bodies in the pods. What are they?

[probe]

Don't know.

I see my own in the pods, as well.

[bonetiddies]

Mm. I wanted to see what the one that looked like me was, but before I knew it, it had left the pod, appeared right behind me, and then vanished.

[Seems bad.]

[probe]

[they make an annoyed sound.]

It does that to me as well. I make a habit of staying out of that room.

[bonetiddies]

You aren't concerned what it's doing with your likeness? The avatar of Pride?

I cannot abide being used in such a manner.

[probe]

Did I say that I wasn't?

If I had control over it, it would not happen.

[bonetiddies]

Was it here when you first came to this place?

[probe]

No.

[........ you gonna elaborate, pride, or.]

[bonetiddies]

Then when did it appear?

[probe]

After we arrived.

[bonetiddies]

Are you answering this way because you don't want to explain more clearly?

[probe]

[they put the apple down on the counter.]

You're smart enough to know the answer to that question, I think.

[bonetiddies]

Very well. Perhaps I'll ask someone more skilled in explanations. It sounds as though you haven't investigated it very thoroughly anyway.

[probe]

[there's a pause as they slowly look up at her. there's no face visible, but the jiiii energy is palpable. their voice is very calm, but quiet.]

There is a difference between being skilled in explanations and deigning to not explain at all, Harrowhark.

[bonetiddies]

There is.

[Listen. Was she intentionally trying to wound their pride to provoke an answer? Maybe. Apparently it backfired. Either way, she meets their jiii gaze right back.]

Let me propose something. It will save your time as well as mine if you simply let me know when I've asked you something you do not intend to answer.

[probe]

[silence. then:]

You have guts, girl. [it sounds a little like a compliment.]

[bonetiddies]

Yes. [She agrees, she does have guts.] Being chosen by Despair is not unexpected, but your sin has always been mine as well. I do not like to be toyed with, or treated as something that must be managed.

[probe]

Mm.

[they click their nails on the counter.]

Straightforward, then. I don't want to answer that question.

[bonetiddies]

Moving on, then. Why did the welcome message mention dying?

[probe]

Why do you think? [this is more of a genuine question - they seem like they want to know what she has to say about it before they answer.]

[bonetiddies]

I think you expect some of us will die. Perhaps it's dangerous here, or perhaps you anticipate some of us will become dangerous to others.