video;

[mirrordarkly]

[[so after a week of aimless wandering and several failed attempts to return to the Dreaming or remove the tattoo on his wrist, the Corinthian finally decides it's time to say hello. Twin black lenses peer thoughtfully down at the communicator, their owner nestled in the shade of some nondescript building.]

It is a curious thing, to be out of place. They have done their best to make us fit, but ill-fitting it must remain for those who had purpose before. Ties are not as easily cut as some lesser materials, and I find these unwanted attempts to bind... [he hums] ...mm, an irritant. I doubt that I'm the only one.

[a pause. The Corinthian glances briefly down at the tattoo on his wrist, glowing in the shadow. He frowns, then returns his attention.]

...I am also aware that there are none here I know, and I am cut off from contacting them. So instead I would have your names and a word on your world, if you would give them. Or not - as you will. But it seems the only thing to do with a communicator is to attempt to communicate; there is no point to hiding in a false world. I will even begin, to make it more comfortable. [he adds, humored:] That is a rare offer from me.

[the nightmare touches a hand to his chest genially.]

I am known as the Corinthian, nightmare of the Major Arcana in service to the Lord Shaper, Lord Dream of the Endless.

And it is good to meet you.

Comments

[mirrordarkly]

Forgiveness isn't my area. But yes, I will agree.

Are you the only of your ilk here? Is your Yahweh present in this world?

[angelfire]

Nor mine.

Please, He wasn't even present in my world. He took a walk to buy a newspaper and liked the freedom so much He never came home.

Uh--that was a joke. Sarcasm. Wit. Just in case where you come from you take everything stupidly serious.

[mirrordarkly]

The other Lucifer often said the same of his Father. I wonder how common such is across the universes.

But I admit to little fondness for gods to begin with.

[angelfire]

A nightmare after my own heart.

But I imagine it's common enough. Contextually, absent father figures just make good meta.

[mirrordarkly]

Yes. Some stories will always be retold.

...How well did you know my lord's sister, when she was in this world? Had she said how an Endless could come to be brought here?

[or a nightmare.]

[angelfire]

I walked in her dreams once or twice. They were...bracing. Beyond that, we only spoke when she found out about the ring in my possession; the partial source of power of my Horseman. She wasn't best pleased, shall we say?

She did imply, in some small way, that she was out of the business during her time here. On vacation. I imagine that this world was quite the novelty.

It doesn't answer your question, or mine, does it?

[mirrordarkly]

- You walked the dreams of Lady Death?

[oh, Lucifer. You are bold, aren't you?]

And was it her vacation which stayed her hand from expressing that displeasure? [none of this is making much sense, it's true, but that only stirs more curiosity in the nightmare. There are so many stories to tease out here.]

What was your question, Lucifer Morningstar?

[angelfire]

Of course. You'd have liked them. [ The second question just earned a bit of a shrug. Lucifer had placated her. ] I didn't hand that power to anyone, but guarded it with respect. That's something, isn't it?

But of course, my question and yours: How were we brought here, creatures such as us? What has that power?

[mirrordarkly]

...Yes. That is the heart of the matter.

And what have you found, Lightbringer? Or do you remain as in the dark as I am?

[angelfire]

I've found that there may be a god in this machine. Or a fate, at the very least. It will take more than science to get to the bottom of the matter.

[ Guess who has two thumbs and wants to dig his fingers into the Porter? This guy. ]

[mirrordarkly]

I've been told.

I have no love lost for The Three. If a Fate's thread is what binds us, I would have words with them.

[angelfire]

Words. Yes, it's words I would have with them. [ In much the same tone. ] They were under Heaven's co-opted command. Decent, I thought, considering Dad could have thrown the whole idea out. Do what you like, but don't fuck with things that are better than you. I, for one, have better shit to be doing.

[mirrordarkly]

Agreed. I don't think either of us have patience for interference.

Perhaps we can assist each other, should one of us learn something.

[angelfire]

I am all for assistance, mutual and otherwise. My church is in Miami, should you ever feel like visiting. You can't miss it.

Or, I don't know. Text me.

[mirrordarkly]

I haven't been to Miami yet. Maybe I'll stay for a sermon.

[angelfire]

You'll be most welcome. Stay for the night, if it pleases you, the company is always lively.

[ Tilting his head back over. ]

Well. Some of it is dead, but lively none the less.

[mirrordarkly]

[oh, Lucifer - inviting a nightmare to spend the night? Careful.]

I look forward to meeting them. And you.

[angelfire]

Don't leave it too long, Corinthian. Things that live forever are only so good at waiting.