lingeringhope | ic inbox

[She shows up at Hope's temple, slipping in swiftly and discreetly. She makes sure no one else is there before speaking. Hope is probably aware of her being there already.]

Apologies for not using the network to offer my suggestions, but I think it unwise to do so when the Null have compromised it twice. Especially when I want them to think that I'm willing to cooperate with them.

['Subtle' is not a trait most of the gods are very good at, so she tries to take a direct and fairly businesslike approach with them.]

That being said, a few of the suggestions made were reasonable.

[Hope appears, as he usually does. He can't be aware of everything happening in the city all the time, but he can at least keep an eye on his temple.]

Yes, I thought people were very helpful, both intentionally and unintentionally. Did you see anything that stood out to you?

[He's more interested in her opinion than he is some others - she's proven herself to be intelligent and level-headed.]

Making an effort to not frighten people, and further working to develop an alliance with all of us were good suggestions. Having some of us involved in the investigation was also a good one. Dr. Sweets would be a good choice for questioning people. From my observations, he seems to have a genuine interest in keeping the peace and benefitting the community as a whole.

[She smiles slightly.]

The suggestion of plying us with treats was not a bad idea, either. The feast was quite good.

[She's only half-kidding. The community's opinion of the gods was the highest when the gods gave them a week of nice things.]

I have a suggestion of my own, although this suggestion is for how you might persuade people not to side with the Null rather than how you might investigate them.

How about I kill a monster a week and you give me enough for a week.

[ That seems... more fair to her. Besides, if she can help thin out the crowd of monsters then she'd be happy to. ]

Your kind don't each other though, right? Like... is it weird for you guys? I don't really know how ya'll work.

Hey.

( God, it's been so long since she had to make this request. But here goes. )

Last time I were here, you made me some lavender tea. Any chance I could get some more of that?

( As much as you can ever keep track of time here, she's pretty sure it's nearly October back home. )

I do not know Dr. Sweets well, but I will keep your recommendation in mind. I agree that the rest were all good suggestions - and I am pleased that people enjoy it when we attempt to provide them entertainment.

[Since they're so negative most of the time.]

I am interested in suggestions on that point. Many of you are unmoved by the idea that you would be committing genocide, or even seem to favor it.

Very well. It's a deal.

[If she wants to do more, he isn't going to stop her.]

We don't eat each other. We don't eat at all.

Yes. It would be the same thing as before? Did we work out a deal, then?

[He has a lot to keep track of.]

People have been taken out of their worlds, trapped in a cave town, and regularly have their emotions manipulated in order to feed the beings who activated the artifact responsible for bringing people here. Add in the monsters and the threat of the Null wiping us out for nothing more than being a food source and...well. People are going to be unhappy about that. Even those of us who are willing to listen, consider your situation, and don't hate you, still do not enjoy the things that are done to take emotion from us. Replicas of our loved ones stealing our life force energy was especially cruel.

[She can look at things from Hope's perspective, too, but sometimes she thinks that in his concern over his people's survival, that he's neglecting to take a clear look at why so many people here have a problem with the gods.]

My suggestion is to show us what your society was like before the Null turned on you. Fear described a collaborative society. Show us that society. Show us your art and music, show us how you interacted with your previous hosts. Then show the Null turning on everyone.

[It's one of those things that she thinks the gods can do pretty easily with their powers based on the things that they have done already, but it will involve a lot of dredging up of bad memories. However, that's the thing that will likely do the most as far as changing people's minds.]

In showing us the truth, you are keeping your word as far as being more open with us, and you let people see another side of you that no one has been privy to thus far.

Sweet, thanks dude.

[ That easy. Well. It wasn't that easy, actually, considering it took her a year and some change to even get to the point of asking him in the first place but. Hey. She got here eventually, didn't she? ]

And- right. I forget you guys don't... function like we do. You're actually clouds, right? Or like some kind of... energy bubbles. You can smack me if this is offensive or too invasive, by the way.

Last time you asked for a hopeful memory.

( Does hoping she doesn't have to try and dredge up another count as providing hope? Who knows. )

That is... an interesting suggestion.

[And not one that Hope had even considered before. The memories are painful, very painful, especially for him. But he can see where she's coming from.]

I will have to speak to this others. This isn't something I could do alone.

[On a practical level, that's more suited to Tranquility or maybe Confusion's powers.]

If you choose to take my suggestion, make sure you make an announcement to everyone in advance that you will be sharing your memories from the past with us, and tell us when.

[Because otherwise people might miss it or think they're hallucinating rather than seeing something that would answer a lot of questions.]

I also recommend emphasizing in a general announcement to everyone that once you are able to revive your previous hosts, none of you will need to feed on our emotions.

No, that is accurate enough from your perspective.

Ah, yes. Then another of the same.

[Sorry, Kate.]

I will do that.

Though while I do understand people want more assurances about being sent home, I believe announcing that would bring demands of a timeline, or a request that I do so immediately. I think it would cause more strife than good.

Alright, cool. That's... cool.

Do you guys feel, like, pain? And stuff? I know you got feelings, but.

( Do you hear this exhale, Hope? That is the exhale of total exasperation. God, why couldn't you have other prices?

It's a while before Kate says anything, the silence thick on her side of the line.

Fine. This counts, right? )

S'pose watching everyone come together to fight th' fire were pretty hopeful. Were nice to know everyone wanted to help.

( Most everyone. Really, Hadriel provides a lot of hope in its own way. All these people from such different places who are still prepared to work together.

How very after school special. )

We can, yes. Perhaps not as easily as you.

But you can. That's- I mean, that's not good to know, but.

I'll do everything I can to make sure it doesn't happen. It's the least I can do, after all you guys have done for me.

[ Ew. Feelings. ]

I also liked that. It is good to see you all helping one another out.

[Even Hope needs a pick-me-up sometimes. Well, often.]

You will find a box of tea on your counter.

( Well, if Rosie has her way there'll be some medicine for that...

Kate clears her throat, an awkward pause before: )

... Thanks.

( For everything, really. )

Thank you. I appreciate the consideration, and your efforts.

You are welcome.

Oh, I was not suggesting that you make announcements about sending us home. My suggestion was to resssure people that you will have no need to do anything dramatic to influence our emotions anymore, because you will have a steady supply from willing participants.

[And this is where she's going to try to spell things out a bit more from Hope, because she gets the impression that the gods don't completely understand the amount of enmity some of their actions inspire.]

With the competition, we influenced each other's emotions, but not to the point that anyone struggled to control themselves or lost control of themselves. No one likes not being in control of their own feelings and actions.

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