Conversation Space I.

[powersthatbe]

The room is small, intimate. You are alone. There is no sign of a way in or out. Ping-pong balls crunch underfoot, and empty giftboxes, meticulously wrapped and ribboned, are lined up against one wall, while a humming wall of server blades are racked on the opposite wall. A high-backed, gilt chair with red velvet cushions faces an ornate, full-length mirror, and beside the chair is a mug of steaming hot chocolate on a tiny side table, steaming invitingly from beneath a layer of fifteen half-melted marshmallows.

What do you do?

Comments

[emperorsquared]

"Your data will eventually return to the cycle of reincarnation," the Emperor says, "at least, such as I understand it. We do not plan to keep you alive indefinitely. We realize that is detrimental to mortals."

[papacerberus]

Lupa is a little disappointed that some of his questions weren't answered, but he won't press on the issue. The most vital has been answered.

He takes a long, slow breath. Now comes the point where he must decide, and he has one more question to ask. The answer will determine whether or not he'll make an attempt to begin trusting Emperor or not.

"When we began this conversation, you mentioned that others wished to claim me. Before you Mark me, I wish to speak with one of them, if possible and they are also willing. They have known you longer than I, and I'm interested in knowing what else about me caused you as a group to pull me here. I assume you have a means of contacting them?"

He's not going to dispute being Marked by Emperor, but a refusal will show that Emperor isn't willing to trust him, and therefore not a worthy leader to follow.

[emperorsquared]

"I do," the Emperor says. "Though what pulled you here--it was chance and luck, primarily. It is with all of you this round. I will attempt to ask one."

[papacerberus]

The faint surprise is sign enough that Lupa wasn't expecting a positive response to his request. He nods gravely. "Thank you."

While he's very unsure about Arcana in general, and being forcibly marked makes his skin crawl at the thought right now, that gesture is enough to make him consider trying to trust Emperor.

Someday.