[I don't know how many of these you have, but they are now in the crying room. Why wouldn't they be? It's fine. Who doesn't have moments of Cheeseburger Sasuke?
[ we are in the crying room, and jonas is not even sure what to make of this. ]
That's putting it lightly, man. But I can think of a few people who might've appreciated this back where I came from. [ possibly him included, but shut up. ]
[Mad Jonas... He's such a Ty boy teen. Essek regards Jonas momentarily in a studious sort of way. I TYPED TY INSTEAD OF JONAS IN THAT LAST SENTENCE AND STARTED LAUGHING SO BAD.]
...I had plans to keep my cards as close to my chest as possible. That is... simply who I am, who I have been for a long time. However, recently, I have been trying to... be better.
[MORE DOMESTICATED...]
You are young, to me especially, but... I can sense you are not an idiot of youth. At least, in certain regard. So let's have a more open discussion. I think you'll understand.
I was at home again before this, assisting a group in a coming battle. Before that, I had joined a cult, and I was one of the... handlers, you could say. There were four of us. We oversaw the people coming in.
but jonas lets himself be studied, sort of sizing him up as he folds his arms over his chest loosely. it's less a defensive stance and more just for lack of anything to do with his arms, a teenage boy with long limbs and not quite sure how to juggle his body anymore. but he listens. he always does, that's who jonas is. he listens to everything essek says and there's a little bit of understanding that comes with it. for as friendly as he is with other people (as best as he can be), he's someone who doesn't always reveal much of himself for a long while either. sometimes never.
he can understand where the man's coming from. ]
That's a first. Usually an idiot is the first thing people call me. [ it's a light joke, but it's one born from years of hearing the same thing. he brushes it off though. ] But I think I do understand, as someone who was kinda gonna keep my own cards close.
[ a pause though. ]
... you're from the same place as Kate? She mentioned there was a cult that brought people together to offer as sacrifices to their god. [ and that had been, uh, concerning but it's fine. i think a lot about how jonas's mom was part of a cult and he probably never knew. ] Three or four overseers, aides, handlers, whatever seems to be the norm. So what made you join them?
[ he doesn't sound judgmental about it, but he's a little curious. he'd also like to know that much before he explains himself, though it's possible essek may see slight twitchies from jonas's back over his shoulder. ]
[Thinks about Kate's time.... Always missed. Always escaping... He liked Kate, though.]
Yes. I was one of the four overseers for them.
[He frowns and glances away.]
There was a way to obtain a wish, if a god was summoned. I wanted that for myself. But once we were in, we found out the method was to sacrifice a large number of people to make this happen.
[ there's a brief little scowl, though not at essek himself. ]
Isn't that always how it happens? You find something you want, but you don't get to see the fine print until you're already locked in. [ like a cult saying you can only have your wish if you sacrifice so many people. like an axolotl saying you can see a friend again if you become a god. ] ... good on you guys for disagreeing though. But I'm going to guess you were still stuck for the entire time things were happening.
[He looks back at Jonas. He doesn't seem broken up about this, but does have the decency to seemed... changed, for the better. Politely regretful.]
In order to save the group pulled in and keep another group from being pulled in if something happened to the first, we had to remain and pretend to play our parts.
[He motions idly with a hand.]
We... accidentally created a pocket dimension at the start while testing ways to help the group. One of us died in the process. We didn't know at first, but the many who perished during the weeks went there with him.
The group was able to collect what was needed to summon the god and tokens for benefits. They summoned a lesser god and defeated it, then used the tokens to help everyone. The four of us received small wishes since the god wasn't as powerful.
[JONAS. Boy, your divine depression. We've gotta work on it. Frumpkin has come with him, as expected. The cat wanders over to rub against the back of Jonas's legs. Heal.]
There are too many of them. [Saying this to God who had hired a team of people, so funny.] Even though the other set will be moving on soon.
They seem... alright for now. [It's giving The Mighty Nein come to see the Bright Queen, and he has to watch them be stupid.] My judgments of others are typically always very high, only to be disappointed. I'm trying to do better.
[ simba is sitting in front of him looking out into the void, too, but jonas turns when he feels a cat behind his legs. hello frumpkin, of course he will reach down to pet. ]
It kinda makes sense. I had three I hired on our side of things, but there were three others in the healing center that the old God had hired. None of us knew right away though. It's kinda nice that they're here before we split up so we know who might be waiting for us later.
[ this is so funny though? this time he turns to look at essek and though he is clearly amused, he does seem thoughtful. ]
And I try to keep an open mind most of the time, so we'll meet in the middle. But yeah they don't seem bad. Any of them? They all seem to agree this sucks at least so I'll take it. I'd rather everybody be on the same page there.
[SIMBA. Essek is peering at Simba. Hello, Simba. Frumpkin pauses by Jonas's legs and also peers at Simba.]
There were many cult members, but only four of us who banded together to stop what was happening. Three, after one of us had died, but that one tended to those who joined them after being killed.
[ cat to cat to cat communication while jonas, a dumb dog, stands here. simba at least reaches out to paw at frumpkin's head. hello. ]
Right, when that pocket blew up or whatever. At least they had somebody. Pretty sure the three at the healing center weren't anticipating so many people coming through. I think they even ended up with someone there before the others arrived and got settled.
[ that's a question though. ]
They've had a few weeks to know about this, but that isn't a lot of time when you think about it. And it seems like all of them have done this before, too. I don't know if I would say I trust them completely, but I currently trust that they do have the best intentions in mind to help us. I don't need more people to fight.
[Frumpkin accordians back briefly like cats do when you try to pet them and they aren't so sure about that. But then Frumpkin sort of sniffs in Simba's direction and mimics the paw to head behavior.]
For some time, we also couldn't communicate with any of them which made things a bit harder.
[He spreads his hands open in an "ah well" gesture before putting them together again. He seems amused somewhat.]
[ me as frumpkin. simba has zero fear and recognizes this is a smaller friend and will allow the return bap. cats. jonas is watching this before he shrugs and looks at essek again. ]
I don't remember if I mentioned, but we didn't even know those three existed for months. About a month into the project, maybe, when Caspian made contact with Maddie and MIST. We couldn't communicate at all before then either. So let's hope it's smoother here than it was for either of us.
[ but there's a small grin. ]
I'm prepared to do what I have to for this guarantee to stick. I mean I'd like to not murder anybody or whatever but I'm not good at sitting back and letting other people do everything.
[Friend.... Cats. Frumpkin turns away and weaves back around behind Essek's feet... but then crouches down and calibrates a pounce. His ass and tail can clearly be seen from the other side, but whatever.]
Knowing the other four will be traversing to the other side helps, I suppose. Even if there is no communication at first.
[Ok, big boy Jonas! He manages a tight, but small smile of amusement.]
[We had way more comments in here than I thought for me dying week 0, wow.
Anyhow, Essek arrives a little later to the official Jonas bar, thankfully more decent than he had been before even if that is probably a style more familiar and enjoyable to Jonas. He's now in something similar to this.
HI, HELLO. Walking into Heaven's bar as if he doesn't belong there.]
[ the slutty triangle... it is okay, he does at least seem more at ease seeing essek in something more familiar. he's behind the counter, and frumpkin is on the counter seemingly being well taken care of with a little dish of treats. simba's also roaming around as a free agent. backing music. ]
[NOT THE BASTILLE POMPEII, this is killing me. I stopped right after writing that to go bully you in the DM but I'm BACK NOW BY UNPOPULAR DEMAND.]
I've made it.
[He has bathed! He has changed! He seems slightly more level-headed and himself than when he came off the hell plane. He will stop to give Frumpkin some pets, and then he will have a seat at the bar.]
The tavern half used to get really full a lot when the chef was in. I'm used to serving a few people at a time. [ you're lucky it wasn't mumford and sons like i gave yaywon. he will turn and grab a glass though and a few bottles. ]
No, it does. [ he's already getting to work, talking as he mixes and measures. ] Something that has a bite to it, but it's smooth enough you can't actually taste the bitterness of it. A good bartender knows how flavor profiles work and what blends best with what. You wouldn't be the first person to request something similar from me.
Yeah. I like keeping my hands busy? And it's nice to talk to people and learn what they might like and see what I can do. Like... it's something I'm actually good at.
[ with the implication being he doesn't think there's much else he is. ]
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w0, sat0
Essek glances around and then glances at Jonas.]
Bizarre.
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That's putting it lightly, man. But I can think of a few people who might've appreciated this back where I came from. [ possibly him included, but shut up. ]
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A few of ours, too. Is this for the murder which will inevitably happen?
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Oh, probably. It's a messy thing, murder. I wouldn't be surprised if tears were shed even knowing everybody's coming back.
[ the words are casual, but the tone indicates he's actually pretty mad. ]
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...I had plans to keep my cards as close to my chest as possible. That is... simply who I am, who I have been for a long time. However, recently, I have been trying to... be better.
[MORE DOMESTICATED...]
You are young, to me especially, but... I can sense you are not an idiot of youth. At least, in certain regard. So let's have a more open discussion. I think you'll understand.
I was at home again before this, assisting a group in a coming battle. Before that, I had joined a cult, and I was one of the... handlers, you could say. There were four of us. We oversaw the people coming in.
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but jonas lets himself be studied, sort of sizing him up as he folds his arms over his chest loosely. it's less a defensive stance and more just for lack of anything to do with his arms, a teenage boy with long limbs and not quite sure how to juggle his body anymore. but he listens. he always does, that's who jonas is. he listens to everything essek says and there's a little bit of understanding that comes with it. for as friendly as he is with other people (as best as he can be), he's someone who doesn't always reveal much of himself for a long while either. sometimes never.
he can understand where the man's coming from. ]
That's a first. Usually an idiot is the first thing people call me. [ it's a light joke, but it's one born from years of hearing the same thing. he brushes it off though. ] But I think I do understand, as someone who was kinda gonna keep my own cards close.
[ a pause though. ]
... you're from the same place as Kate? She mentioned there was a cult that brought people together to offer as sacrifices to their god. [ and that had been, uh, concerning but it's fine. i think a lot about how jonas's mom was part of a cult and he probably never knew. ] Three or four overseers, aides, handlers, whatever seems to be the norm. So what made you join them?
[ he doesn't sound judgmental about it, but he's a little curious. he'd also like to know that much before he explains himself, though it's possible essek may see slight twitchies from jonas's back over his shoulder. ]
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Yes. I was one of the four overseers for them.
[He frowns and glances away.]
There was a way to obtain a wish, if a god was summoned. I wanted that for myself. But once we were in, we found out the method was to sacrifice a large number of people to make this happen.
We disagreed.
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Isn't that always how it happens? You find something you want, but you don't get to see the fine print until you're already locked in. [ like a cult saying you can only have your wish if you sacrifice so many people. like an axolotl saying you can see a friend again if you become a god. ] ... good on you guys for disagreeing though. But I'm going to guess you were still stuck for the entire time things were happening.
How did it end for you?
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[He looks back at Jonas. He doesn't seem broken up about this, but does have the decency to seemed... changed, for the better. Politely regretful.]
In order to save the group pulled in and keep another group from being pulled in if something happened to the first, we had to remain and pretend to play our parts.
[He motions idly with a hand.]
We... accidentally created a pocket dimension at the start while testing ways to help the group. One of us died in the process. We didn't know at first, but the many who perished during the weeks went there with him.
The group was able to collect what was needed to summon the god and tokens for benefits. They summoned a lesser god and defeated it, then used the tokens to help everyone. The four of us received small wishes since the god wasn't as powerful.
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w0 monday
anyway, we are probably staring out the windows of the gate area, because the world is cruel and a dark abyss. ]
... so as a previous overseer, what's your opinion of the ones we've got now?
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There are too many of them. [Saying this to God who had hired a team of people, so funny.] Even though the other set will be moving on soon.
They seem... alright for now. [It's giving The Mighty Nein come to see the Bright Queen, and he has to watch them be stupid.] My judgments of others are typically always very high, only to be disappointed. I'm trying to do better.
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It kinda makes sense. I had three I hired on our side of things, but there were three others in the healing center that the old God had hired. None of us knew right away though. It's kinda nice that they're here before we split up so we know who might be waiting for us later.
[ this is so funny though? this time he turns to look at essek and though he is clearly amused, he does seem thoughtful. ]
And I try to keep an open mind most of the time, so we'll meet in the middle. But yeah they don't seem bad. Any of them? They all seem to agree this sucks at least so I'll take it. I'd rather everybody be on the same page there.
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There were many cult members, but only four of us who banded together to stop what was happening. Three, after one of us had died, but that one tended to those who joined them after being killed.
[Don't LAUGH.]
Do you trust them?
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Right, when that pocket blew up or whatever. At least they had somebody. Pretty sure the three at the healing center weren't anticipating so many people coming through. I think they even ended up with someone there before the others arrived and got settled.
[ that's a question though. ]
They've had a few weeks to know about this, but that isn't a lot of time when you think about it. And it seems like all of them have done this before, too. I don't know if I would say I trust them completely, but I currently trust that they do have the best intentions in mind to help us. I don't need more people to fight.
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For some time, we also couldn't communicate with any of them which made things a bit harder.
[He spreads his hands open in an "ah well" gesture before putting them together again. He seems amused somewhat.]
You are prepared to fight?
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I don't remember if I mentioned, but we didn't even know those three existed for months. About a month into the project, maybe, when Caspian made contact with Maddie and MIST. We couldn't communicate at all before then either. So let's hope it's smoother here than it was for either of us.
[ but there's a small grin. ]
I'm prepared to do what I have to for this guarantee to stick. I mean I'd like to not murder anybody or whatever but I'm not good at sitting back and letting other people do everything.
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Knowing the other four will be traversing to the other side helps, I suppose. Even if there is no communication at first.
[Ok, big boy Jonas! He manages a tight, but small smile of amusement.]
Is this why you were the leader?
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w7, monday
Anyhow, Essek arrives a little later to the official Jonas bar, thankfully more decent than he had been before even if that is probably a style more familiar and enjoyable to Jonas. He's now in something similar to this.
HI, HELLO. Walking into Heaven's bar as if he doesn't belong there.]
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Hey, you made it.
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I've made it.
[He has bathed! He has changed! He seems slightly more level-headed and himself than when he came off the hell plane. He will stop to give Frumpkin some pets, and then he will have a seat at the bar.]
I'm shocked your bar is not full of people.
[This is PC land... Essek doesn't know.]
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What're we drinking today?
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He folds one arm on the bar and uses the other to prop his head up in his palm.]
Maybe something a tad harder, but not something I can taste all the hard necessarily...? That probably makes no sense.
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Yes, thank you.
[He has a lot of manners at least. He will watch Jonas work because it's interesting.]
Have you been enjoying being a bartender for more people here?
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[ with the implication being he doesn't think there's much else he is. ]
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