GODLY AUDIENCES - AVA

[divus]

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Week 0

[divus]

[Ava enters the armory and a masked figure can be found leaning against a wall of swords, arms folded over their chest. Even so, the quill's pinched between their thumb and their index finger by the stem, twirling the feather back and forth. They turn their head the moment she enters, and though she can't see their face the voice is smooth and low, just a touch curious as they look at her.]

About time.

[pipeline]

[She turns to look at them as they speak, taking in their appearance and their words.]

I wanted to make myself acquainted with this place before I spoke to you. I hope it wasn't an inconvenience.

[And it had nothing to do with the excitement that came from being able to move freely throughout more than one room for once, clearly.]

[divus]

Nah. [The wording is casual and yet there's something about the way Cunning says it that implies maybe there's an underlying...something. Hm.] Can't say I blame you. Place is huge, lots of room, easy to get lost in.

[They don't move from their spot, but their attention does fall to Ava as they give her a curious look. Or as curious as one can from behind a stupid mask.] What do you think so far?

[pipeline]

Many things.

[In response to the question about what she thinks. The first thing they say goes unremarked upon.]

About this place, the people who inhabit it, or something else?

[divus]

Let's start with this place first. Is it to your liking?

WEEK 1

[divus]

[When Ava arrives in the lab, she'll be able to identify Justice by the bright bundle of colored fabrics and characteristic mask that stands across the room, cradling her offering like an infant in their arms. Their stance is hesitant, shy, and it takes them a hesitation before speaking up.]

H...Hello! I'm really so happy to meet you. Thank you, um, for coming to see me.

[pipeline]

Hello.

[If she's surprised by this god's manner or way of speaking, she doesn't voice it. Instead, there's a small smile.]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Justice.

[divus]

[Slowly, the small god's shoulders seem to relax, and they lift the bundle of grapes upward between them.]

Do you like these?

[pipeline]

Oh... I cannot eat.

[But she doesn't let that linger on for much longer before she moves forward.]

But I know that many people find them delicious. Do you like fruit?

[divus]

I've never had fruit...but I've heard that they're supposed to be sweet.

[They look down from Ava to the grapes, examining them as if having never been so close to what was only just in the kitchen.]

WEEK 1

[divus]

[When Ava enters the study, she finds Piety seated in a seat by the fireplace. The masked figure stands in a polite gesture, bowing their head respectfully toward her.]

Please, sit down with me. How may I help you?

[pipeline]

[She nods in some off kilter mirror of their head bowing and looks towards a nearby seat before moving to sit.]

It's nice to meet you. I was interested in meeting all the gods here, and I thought it made the most sense to begin with the three who asked for my consideration.

[divus]

That's an understandable way to begin. It can be overwhelming, being thrust into a situation like this without much preamble...but all the same, thank you for your participation. Regardless of who has your support, you're doing a service, ultimately, for us all.

[Piety folds their hands in their lap, voice consistent in its softness.]

I'm glad to meet you, too.

[pipeline]

I don't find it very overwhelming. I am glad to be here.

[But, all the same...]

I was somewhat surprised at your selection. Though I've always had knowledge of many human religions, many wouldn't consider a machine a likely candidate for that kind of belief.

[Which is a roundabout way of asking why they were interested, of course.]

[divus]

To me, what you are doesn't make much difference. Mine is not a faith in a higher power so much as a faith for faith's sake. A belief in something good, whether it's a belief in the future, humanity, or even oneself.

[Piety looks idly toward the fire.]

I hate to be so forward, but part of what made me interested in having you as a part of my team is because, underneath the surface of things, we have much in common.

WEEK 1, FRIDAY

[divus]

[When Ava arrives in the game room, she'll find that Cunning seems to be looking around the room and browsing a few gaming consoles. They don't bother looking up but they immediately speak.]

What's up?

[pipeline]

[This isn't one of the areas she found particularly interesting, but she glances around all the same when she enters.]

I had a question for you, if you have the time.

[divus]

Always. What's on your mind? [Cunning's listening, but Cunning's also selecting items they'd like to pick up and take with them, apparently.]

[pipeline]

[She tilts her head slightly, and before she asks:]

I've been told that all conversations we hold with the gods are private. Is that correct?

WEEK 1

[divus]

[Sincerity is waiting for Ava in the laboratory. The god is leaning against one of the walls by the computers - but when they spot Ava coming in, they straighten up.]

Ava-chan! It's nice to meet you. You wanted to talk?

[pipeline]

[She nods as she walks in.]

Thank you for agreeing to meet me. It is a pleasure to meet you.

[divus]

Nice to meet you too!

[It's said cheerfully.]

So, what'd you want to talk about? Nobody goes and prays for no reason.

WEEK 1, SUNDAY

[divus]

[Beauty's in the study and appears to be flipping through a book, but it's nothing that holds their attention for long. Rather, as they spot Ava they shove the book back into the bookcase and clap in delight.]

Welcome, Ava-chan. Forgive me, I usually provide accommodations but with your...rather unusual circumstances I wasn't sure what you would prefer.

[What do robots eat, Beauty doesn't know.]

You wished to see me?

[pipeline]

[She shakes her head as a way to indicate that it's fine, offering a smile as she sees Beauty.]

It's quite alright. If you're talking about food and drink, I cannot have either, so your instincts were correct.

[And then she gives a nod.]

Yes. I wanted to meet you.

[divus]

I'll remember for future meetings as well. Shall we sit? [Beauty's going to settle into a chair near the fire, back straight and head tilted just slightly to peer at her.] While I'll admit I'm interested to hear what it is you wished to meet me for, I will ever deny the company of a beautiful young lady.

[Even if she's a robot.]