GODLY AUDIENCES - ZOE MURPHY

[divus]

Comments

WEEK 4, SATURDAY

[divus]

[Cunning can be found on the front steps of Cabin 11 today, strangely, staring at the other cabins as Zoe walks up. Luckily it's empty thanks to the trial proceedings.]

What's going on?

[requiemed]

...I just wanted to thank you.

[...]

For the hints you gave us.

[divus]

...sure. [He sounds a little surprise.] You did pretty well figuring them out. I didn't even have to guide you.

[requiemed]

I think Ray's the one who deserves that credit, but - thanks.

[divus]

He's a really clever kid. I've been trying to recruit him for weeks, but I think he knows exactly where he belongs.

[requiemed]

[She gives a small smile.]

...Yeah. I think the god he's with suits him, too. Or, the one he was with before this week, that is.

[divus]

..she suited both of you, as much as I hate to say it. She's soft, but she's not a pushover either. I can admit that much.

[requiemed]

Even if she were soft... That wouldn't be why she suits me.

[divus]

No? Then tell me what you think it is.

[requiemed]

Because we want the same thing.

[divus]

A world where people are loved for who they are or whatever, right?

[requiemed]

Or whatever. Right.

[It's hard to keep a note of frustration out of her voice, but she moves forward.]

Yeah, exactly.

[divus]

...it's a nice world to dream about, isn't it?

[requiemed]

I know what you're going to say. That it's impossible and she hasn't thought it through enough, right?

[divus]

No, no....I get what she's going for. The truth. People being there and loving you for who you are...it's idealistic and a little naive, but it's not the worst idea.

[...why the change of heart?]

[requiemed]

[She pauses, tilting her head.]

It sounds different from the last time you talked about her.

[divus]

Yeah, well...being back here's made me reconsider some stuff. So that was my own fault.

[requiemed]

[...]

You want to talk about it?

[divus]

[...there's a light snort.]

Does it matter? [But he looks at his feet instead, and Zoe can probably see the scuffed-up toes of a beat-up pair of chuck taylors peeking out from under his god robes.] I lived here year-round for five years. Just a lot of memories I wanted to forget, but I knew this place would be the best shot at teaching you guys to fight and how to train for the future.

[requiemed]

...I'm sorry.

[But, all the same:]

Thanks. You didn't have to make yourself uncomfortable just so you could help us out.

[divus]

[A hand comes up, idly tapping on his mask.]

Nah, that was on me. I thought I was over this place already. It's been years since I've been here. It should've been simple.

But I think it did its job anyway.

[requiemed]

...Sometimes painful stuff can stick with you even once you think you're completely over it, I guess.

[divus]

Yeah, I was hoping the ascension would take care of that. Stupid plan. [...]

...people never really get over stuff. They just get better at dealing with it.

[requiemed]

[It takes her a moment to respond to that.]

...You think?

[divus]

[A bitter laugh.] No. Some of us are just shit at coping with everything no matter what we try. But it's a nice thought anyway.