Audience: Harrowhark Nonagesimus

[probe]

Comments

[bonetiddies]

But they died. And were consumed, by that thing?

[probe]

[a pause, and then, with a surge of irritation:]

Do you see why I wanted to make sure Mercy wasn't being held somewhere?

[bonetiddies]

Of course.

[Irritation? Hmm.]

But she isn't. We ought not to have worried you so.

[probe]

[his jaw works a little.]

Don't try to take the blame. That lies with the thing skittering around the base.

[... and then, after a moment:] I lied when I said I didn't know what took my head, when we were taken to the place with the repeating hallway.

[bonetiddies]

Ah. Yes. I suppose we assumed we'd solved the mystery of Gluttony, but I suppose it was all of you.

Then those places are something it is doing as well?

[probe]

That's my best guess.

... What was all of us?

[bonetiddies]

Er. Encountered it, I mean.

[probe]

Ah.

Yes. [:unamused:] I imagine it's what took Greed's eyes, as well.

[bonetiddies]

. . . If those places are generated by it, then I find myself now skeptical of the theory that we are being 'tested' by these decisions.

Could it be, rather, that the choices we are being prompted with are meant to generate more indulgence? It would be a very significant indulgence to kill a friend out of greed, for example. [Or to eat a child out of hunger.]

[probe]

I think that it can be both a test and an indulgence generation in the same breath.

[bonetiddies]

But for what purpose would it be testing us?

[probe]

Good question.

The thing doesn't always think the same way we do.

[bonetiddies]

Does it want anything except to feed on us. . . ?

[probe]

I don't know. [a bristle of annoyance.] It does not often give us insights on the things it does. It just does them, and we are left to clean up the messes left behind.

[bonetiddies]

. . . Do you really believe that when it's finished with us, it intends to let us leave?

[probe]

[a little bit of blood drips down from his crown.]

I don't. But I will do whatever I have to in order to get what's mine.

[bonetiddies]

. . . Good.

[She's honestly relieved that he doesn't think so, because that seems like bullshit to her.]

We can't approach this hoping it will all just work out if we indulge enough. We have to be smart about it.

[probe]

You should be prepared to deal with whatever comes next if you want to survive. [so yes. he's agreeing with her.]

[bonetiddies]

How would you suggest preparing?

[probe]

I hope you understand that I'm not going to tell you to work together and make friends. [dryly.] Fight for what is yours. Nobody else will.

[bonetiddies]

I will. But I've decided that what is mine includes promises that have been made to a number of individuals.

[probe]

I am the last person who would argue your right to do that.

[he'd fight for his daughter, after all.]

[bonetiddies]

[She nods! The emotion is respect. Pride is a little more ruthless than she is, but she feels that it is warranted.]

We're approaching the end, correct?

[probe]

I think so. [he shifts.] It got active towards the end the first time, too.