video. un: hardsell

[oldhound]

[ John is in what looks to be a shop that's been abandoned for quite a while. There's a few bits of furniture with sheets over it. There's dust and cobwebs and the feed shakes as he accidentally bumps the table as he's trying to set it down. Once it is set up, he scrubs a hand over his face, through the bit of scruff at his jaw, and then around to rub at the back of his neck. He looks tired.

He istired but oddly energetic at the same time. ]

Right, not sure if any of you have been having trouble sleeping as well but I figured I may as well do this since I found the space for it. It's in Willful Machine, warding on the door glows amber. Easy to spot. I can still drop a location here in case.

I might be able to help with easing some of the bloodlust that seems to be cropping up. I've got incense and I'm working on some tinctures from those roses left behind for us. Smoke wands, too. Meditation seems to help. Yoga as well. I'm decent at both, don't mind showing anyone if they need it.

[ He reaches out for an old book covered with a dust cover and blows off the lingering film clinging before peeling that off. Any well-versed in the occult or magic might recognize the original grimoire of King Solomon. He's about to reach out with his free hand and turn off the feed when a thought suddenly occurs to him. ]

Oh, and I'd hate to go making such a terribly broad offer like I did back in the old town so to clarify: don't bother stopping in Maul. I wouldn't want the riff-raff to go showing up.

[ This is the smile on his face as he shuts the feed off. There's a location for the shop embedded in the message. ]

Comments

[oldhound]

But eventually, it'd all come due. You'd miss an appointment with him or someone else would stop you and then we'd all be left to contend with the consequences. Lucky us.

[ Too bad John is one that is keen on talking. At least at the moment. At least about this. He's no stranger to making decisions that other balk at. He does it nearly daily where he comes from. ]

It's called fun. You look like you could do with a bit of it.

And by related ailment, I'm assuming you're referring to possession? Or something like it at the very least. The book you're talking about isn't exactly a medical journal, sweetheart.

Well, that's knowledge we share in common then. Albeit we might have some differences going off of what you're saying. Haven't run into another world that doesn't have those bastards roaming around or trying to crawl out of the pit.

Coexist? That's a laugh. They hate us.

[notimeforfailure]

That's possible.

As I said, I didn't propose it in the end as I judged it unlikely to be accepted. If a more practical plan succeeded, then I have no complaints. There's no real reason to look to the past now - I agree that inaction was not a choice.

[All she's saying is that she would have been willing to do it, if she had thought that it would have been accepted by anybody.]

My idea of fun involves tea and cake. Less so Darth Maul.

The demon in question appears to be weakened. I've had success negotiating with it in the past. I wouldn't say it's guided by malice alone. It... seems fond of me, actually, in a very uncomfortable fashion.

There's no hope of banishing or exorcising it here. So it must be coexistence. For his sake.

[oldhound]

Little more than possible given what went on back in the old town.

[ But bygones and all that rubbish, yeah? She didn't have to get all kill happy and the curse still seems to be very much in place. ]

Well, if that's your idea of it then I can help with the first bit. You'll have to supply the cake though.

The one I'm familiar with here was weaker in Deerington. I think the rules might've shifted things in its favor here. They tend to get fixated. Especially if there's something to be gained from it. Quid pro quo is a big thing for those types. Pacts. That sort of thing.

Sorry to hear. [ John is in a very similar boat with his pseudo-son. ] If you do need help with it. I can see what can be done. Even if you don't want to give personal details about who your friend is, I know it's difficult finding anyone open-minded.

[notimeforfailure]

I am very good at supplying cake.

[Lysithea responds simply, three weeks before she opens a bakery.]

I think it is a mistake to assume all demons are the same - or even that that book is helpful in all circumstances. And yet there is nothing else to be done but to draw on the wisdom of others. If you have any suggestions, I would be keen to hear them.

I believe this is a family demon of sorts - he was meant to become its incarnation. At the moment, the demon surfaces when it pleases, though I don't know if there's rhyme or reason.

It does fixate. I think it's fixated on me and a few others.

[oldhound]

I'll remember you said that.

[ What she says next earns a rusty ha in response and a nod. Sure, tell the exorcist his ruddy job. ]

Demons are demons. I only ever met one that wasn't a bastard trying to take over the world or ruin some poor sod's life and that was only because of deals brokered in literal ancient times with more powerful mages than me which is not something I admit to lightly.

Whatever you do at the end of the day, you remember the first part. They may offer knowledge, try and make you feel at ease but don't for a second think there isn't some kind of ulterior motive there, even if it might not be readily apparent.

Do you know why it's fixated on you lot?