CONTACT CUBES (sheep game)

[debug_mode]

(Aka, an inbox)

Comments

[strateelgic]

[As he'd thought.]

Nothing, clearly. It was obvious he wanted information from us about our current state of being, but wasn't willing to ask nicely for it.

Can you tell me a little about the previous Court? For comparison.

[wooliefrand]

Er. . .[SQUINTS half suspicious, half cuz he barely remembers but. playing it off, turning his nose up]

Not that it isn't any of YOUR business, but the King's Court was made up of super important individuals! Priests, ambassadors, stuff like that. Even the sheep were there I think! But that all changed when SOMEONE betrayed everyone!!

[strateelgic]

Oh I'm sure it's none of my business, at all. I would merely prefer to get the correct information when I can. Us helpless sheep don't even know who most of our priests are.

Otherwise I have to rely on Blossom's unreliable narrative. If you'd really rather I asked her...

[wooliefrand]

. . .

. . .

[8IIII!!!!]

Hmph. You're lucky I want Blossom dead as much as anyone else! She's the traitor everyone talks about, the one who murdered the king's child!

[strateelgic]

Yes, that much I've heard.

I'll ask something easy, then. I had small glimpses of a dream I wasn't actually allowed to be involved in. There was a snake statue there. The Forever Snake. You take the form of a snake, so I thought perhaps there was a connection, like you might have been a follower of theirs, or under their jurisdiction. Something along those lines.

Some of us in the pasture have had run-ins with this Holy Beast, but the wolf leader claimed his people couldn't make contact as easily. Do you know why that is?

[wooliefrand]

Eeeh? Are you stupid of something?

The Forever Snake is the patron of my village! Many other wolf-kind worship it! But a long time ago it disappeared for some reason. I've never seen it myself--[because he's too young]--but everyone knows about it. I think it's stupid to pray to it though. I can solve all my own problems!!

[another frown though, thinking]

Though I guess the elders mentioned something about it disappearing after the child was killed and the giant ram attacked.

[strateelgic]

I did say we were told so very little. How are we to respond to situations appropriately when we know nothing?

[Though it looks like he'll have to address the Forever Snake himself about this, if he can.]

I don't even know what my own flock is supposed to be like, and I'm its shepherd. The wolf leader said the way I described us was nothing like the Rose he remembered.

[wooliefrand]

I don't know what Rose is supposed to be like either. As far as I'M concerned you're all just as bad as Blossom. I never visited this place bef--er, I was too BUSY to pay attention to you mere mortals.

[strateelgic]

Of course. How silly of me.

Well, having asked several questions of you, is there anything I might be able to answer for you in return? Barring Blossom's weakness, before you ask. I don't know it myself.

[wooliefrand]

[a flick of his tongue, thinking]

Why are YOU interested in the Forever Snake?

[strateelgic]

He's the only holy beast I've had a run-in with while here. Unlike others who have their hands in every pot, my encounters with the more powerful beings of this place have been minimal.

[wooliefrand]

Kkh, I've never met them. . .but what would you do, if you were able to achieve a proper audience with them?

[strateelgic]

I believe it's important for our pasture to be on good terms with any holy beast we can manage it with, so I would ask them if there was any way I could be helpful to them.

Though I may not have much to offer, weak little being than I am in comparison.

[wooliefrand]

Hah! You're at least smarter than most sheep. Yes, yes you are a worm compared to me!!

Perhaps when I crush Blossom, should my minions desire it, I will spare you and offer you a heap of rewards once I have appeased the king!

[a beat, considering]

While I don't remember much, the elders of my village would offer a certain plant to the Forever Snake. I don't remember what sort, but if you DO meet it, I suggest you pay its respects.

[strateelgic]

Of course. I would be nothing but respectful.

I don't suppose you recall anything about what the plant looked like, so I could keep an eye out?

[wooliefrand]

Unfortunately not, I never attended those ceremonies. They bored me.


[he had to nap]

[strateelgic]

Understandable. Religious ceremonies are rarely designed with entertainment in mind. I will ask elsewhere.

Was this informational exchange satisfactory to you?

[wooliefrand]

[turns his little snake nose up]

I suppose, it wasn't awful.

But do not get comfortable!! For as long as you follow that treacherous sheep, we are enemies!

[strateelgic]

[The idea that he "follows" Blossom is laughable to him, but that's not a topic he wants to get into here.]

I'll keep that in mind. I'm most grateful for your time in the meanwhile.

[wooliefrand]

Hmph. You better be.

I leave you in the care of my minion for now.

[a nod at Your Name. and he slithers off into the shadows]

[debug_mode]

[She gives a little reflexive smile as the Snake nods and departs.]

Well, there you are. You've met the Snake. Are you impressed?

[strateelgic]

[Turns to her with a smile.]

You do realize you're following an actual child.

[debug_mode]

He's a good Boss! What else matters?

[strateelgic]

I will leave you to your preferences.

The conversation was illuminating regardless, so I thank you for arranging it.

[debug_mode]

Did they really call the Snake a worm?