GODLY AUDIENCES: RAY

[divus]

Comments

[divus]

[There's an annoyed sound that follows.] Shit luck. [Even so, the words are a little...sympathetic, to say the least.] No wonder you agreed to come here.

[selfimmolates]

Like you said: desperate times, desperate measures.

[divus]

Think you have what it takes to win? [...this kid is very interesting and reminds Cunning of someone. It's apparent given the fact that their full attention's on Ray now and the questions are more based in personal interest.]

[selfimmolates]

Should I be concerned about answering that to someone who's technically a rival?

[divus]

[:)]

You tell me. People always think they have everything figured out but there's always a loophole to everything.

[selfimmolates]

I don't think my victory is set in stone—that'd just be suicidal overconfidence. Plus, there's still a lot to this competition I don't know about yet.

[:) right back you.]

But I've worked with less.

[divus]

...[A very slow nod.] I like your style. If you ever decide to forget about love, I think we could work something out.

[selfimmolates]

I'll admit it was a tough choice.

... Then, the second part: what do you want the world to be when you win?

[divus]

Fair. [An immediate answer, spit out and acidic and maybe a little biting. Hm. Found the hot-button issue.] When I win, I want the world to be fair and for a new world order where people aren't forgotten or left behind or ignored.

You'd be amazed how resistant some people are to that.

[selfimmolates]

[...]

Not a bad wish.

[at least on a general level, he could certainly get behind the idea.]

Well, people will support a corrupt system as long as they aren't ones suffering from it, right?

[divus]

Either that or people will cling to tradition and refuse to let a new agenda take over. [They lean back in their seat, folding their arms over their chest.] Let me guess. Same story where you're from?

[selfimmolates]

Unfortunately so.

[divus]

And with the winning wish you'd be able to change all of that. [...] All the more reason to pick your battles and your god carefully.

You want some advice?

[selfimmolates]

[maybe it's because cunning is like 6 feet but everything they say is really ominous??]

Go ahead and shoot.

[divus]

Don't be like some of these other idiots and run straight into everything when things start going down. You have enough time to bide your time. And sometimes? The chaos makes a great cover for planning.

[There would be a smile here if Cunning's face wasn't covered.] Not that I think I'm telling you anything new, but call it due diligence.

[selfimmolates]

[but what if i want to murder next week!!]

Duly noted.

[divus]

[I swear to god.]

One more thing? Watch what's happening around you. What the other patrons are doing for their gods. It might give you more leverage than you'd think.

[selfimmolates]

... You're really giving me a lot of advice for someone who's not even one of your followers.

[it's not unappreciated, but?]

[divus]

It's just some of what I can offer. [It's a strategy, but also Ray may as well be prepared.]

[selfimmolates]

Hope your followers appreciate you, then.

[divus]

[There's a derisive snort because yeah. Sure hope so, too.]

We'll see. Anything else you want to know about?

[selfimmolates]

Don't suppose I could ask about your opinion on the other gods?

[divus]

[Hm...]

They're just opinions, I'm pretty sure that's not "breaking the rules." [Air quotes and everything.] Any god in particular you're interested in?

[selfimmolates]

I've heard that Disorder, Ambition, and Ruin are worrying. Do you feel the same way?

[divus]

Can't say I do. [A shake of the head.] ...not about Disorder and Ambition anyway. Ambition's leagues ahead of most people with knowing how to play the game, and Disorder's...[They trail off about Disorder because. Hm. Bad taste.]

I'm kind of fond of both of them.