{ test drive #04 - march 2022 }

[dreamposts]

✵ TEST DRIVE MEME: MARCH ✵
A reminder that our Test Drive Memes double as an Intro Log and threads can be carried over in-game, which means all content is forward dated to the first week of the app month. They are also required for samples. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any TDM related questions here. Reserves are open and Applications open on March 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle won't be until May.

I. WELCOME TO SONGEREIN

Upon "arriving" into Songerein, everyone is understandably confused. The first thought would be they must be in a dream, which makes sense since the last thing they might remember doing is falling asleep or losing some form of consciousness or awareness before opening their eyes and finding themselves in the Plaza of some strange town they've never seen before. But there are a lot of other people around, some that may look familiar but others so strange that it would be impossible for their own imagination to dream up. And they're all just as confused. Fortunately, a red tapir-like creature appears and introduces itself as Solei, one of the "keepers" of this place. It offers some explanation before letting everyone explore their new "home." [Reminder: Other people aside from the characters will also appear to act as filler NPCs so keep in mind that new groups are at least double the size. Players are also free to be creative and come up with any kind of creature or animal their characters might encounter. The only limitations are they must be small to medium in size and not be overly aggressive as the creatures within the town are mostly passive, just wary of the new arrivals.]

A. Magic Journals. Everyone will find a journal stylized just for them on their person somewhere and it's the primary means of communication with everyone. The only limitation is that it's text only, but images can be magically imprinted on the page from the writer's mind. Might as well give it a whirl and see who all is out there.

B. Dreamotion Abilities. Although everyone maintains most of their original abilities while in Songerein, they are also capable of using special abilities based on dreamotion energy. From having their emotions affecting the environment to utilizing new abilities entirely, it's probably something that they should start familiarizing fairly quickly. Especially since all the emotional surprise and confusion may already be affecting things, such as random glass shattering or cracks forming at one's feet.

C. Exploring Town. The town of Reverein is small but still sizable, so walking around and to see what all there is might be a good idea. The town has become more populated over time, but it's still relatively empty with many buildings still unoccupied and some still in disrepair and about to collapse in on itself. There are a few small fae and small wild critters who have made a few nests so just watch your step—or head. Some could venture out to the farmlands and beyond, but having someone more experienced may be wise.

D. Dreambucks Cafe. As a way to welcome their new inhabitants as well as give them a nice, cool refreshment after all the work they will be doing, the tapirs will call everyone's attention to a certain cafe back at the Plaza. Called Dreambucks, it's a quaint little cafe staffed by friendly tea fairies and primarily serves tea and small cakes. Their teas and foods are quite special as the flavor will influence one's emotions and dreams—but in a good way! There are no harmful side effects and they are usually positive. Bolstering one's spirit; calming or relaxing nerves. The tea fairies want everyone to enjoy their time. Anyone can pick whichever table they want to take a break and meet some people. Or take a peek at what someone might be dreaming thanks to the teas.

There are three different types of teas available:

Strawberries and Cream Tea. A sweet and flavorful tea that can provide soft, friendly feelings or have one acting especially sweet towards a friend. Or perhaps even towards a stranger who seems to need a little sweetness in their life.

Black Pomegranate Tea. A few sips of this will invoke melancholy over past loves. However, it doesn't need to be people—it could be anything at all: people, places, things, interests.

Coffee with White Chocolate Raspberry Cream. These bold and strong flavors will cause one to perform grand acts of affection (romantic or platonic) for anyone they see.

Although it doesn't always happen, sometimes the tea will be a strong enough influence that it will make the drinker daydream for a bit. Anyone nearby may notice their dream crystal lantern flicker and catch a brief glimpse of the daydream on it. Or perhaps those who want to try out their dream crystal lanterns are deliberately trying to see if their dreams are captured. Only daydreams influenced by the tea can be caught and even then it's just a brief glimpse, but it's still an interesting way to see how the dream crystal lanterns work.

Note: There is no currency in the world and everything served is free at this time. However it might not be immediately obvious and the fairies won't mind if customers repay in some way, be it helping out via cleaning and serving, giving gifts such as flowers or fruits, or something else.

II. LOCAL PROMPTS

Although Valentine's may be over, there is still plenty of that "romance" in the air, especially with all the leftovers from the month. But it's not all hearts and rainbows.

A. Candy Roses. Candy roses are all the rage right now and once again confectioners are competing against each other in creating the best ones. This has led to many being handed out as samples. What makes them so special? The flavors will influence one's emotions on the positive, "loving" spectrum. However, some will have a softer, subtle effect while others may be more exaggerated.

• Red. Red candy roses will induce ardent love towards the person within their vicinity. It causes them to immediately grab their hand and declare their love for all to hear.
  
• Pink. Pink candy roses will cause the eater to be filled with so much joy they start frolicking with flowers everywhere around them, to the point that flowers will appear in their food, drink, whatever they touch.
  
• White. White candy roses will cause the eater to be very honest about their feelings…about anything that comes to mind or they see. Positive or negative, they can only tell the truth. Some may be able to control it, but the impulse will be very strong.
  
• Purple. Purple candy roses are a mystery flavor that will have a random emotional effect on the eater. They could be joyous, they could be so overwhelmed with passion they become depressed, they could become angry and possessive…it's a toss up wildcard.

All effects will last from ten minutes to half an hour.

B. Orc Chocolate Sculptor. As if not to be outdone by the candy roses, an area around the Central Plaza has been cleared away for a large orc who performs and creates magnificent sculptures made from pure chocolate. From buildings to animals to people, to making replicas of real food, to making large and miniature models of Reverein's streets, this orc can do it all. And he is inviting others to join in. All the tools and chocolate are provided, and should anyone be successful in their creation, it has the chance of becoming animated through dreamotion energy. It could behave as a result of the sculptor's emotions, or someone could try to channel dreamotion energy to make it move. Of course, things can get messy…watch out for chocolate being flung from some kids who snuck in!


C. Eris Arrows. No one knows where they came from, but winged, cherub-like creatures have appeared and are firing arrows at everyone. However, these have orange feathers and anyone struck by them will transform into a lindworm filled with anger and hate for the first thing they see. Clearly this isn't a good thing, and fortunately there are some love arrows still around that will help negate the effect. Otherwise, one will have to try and subdue them and push a lot of positive "love" dreamotion energy on them (can be platonic or romantic). It is also possible to take out the anti-cupids, but as they seem to be a form of noctaere, only dreamotion abilities will make significant damage to them. Similar to those turned into a lindworm, the love arows can also be used against them, as well as any other concentration of "love."

III. DREAMSCAPE TUTORIAL

To help everyone understand their dreamwalking abilities, the tapirs will ask anyone who is willing to gather around the Dream Swings in the Central Plaza. There anyone is invited to sit in the chairs or hammocks and focus on their dream crystal lanterns to enter a special dreamscape made just for them. Those watching might find the sight of everyone suddenly turning into a colorful ball of light and disappearing alarming, but that's just the normal process of entering a dream. When someone leaves the dream, they will briefly reappear as that light before returning to their original form. The theme for this dreamscape is Three Little Pigs in Candyland. For this dreamscape exercise, the tapirs have created a fascinating environment that is basically Candyland. It's a good thing this is all a dream so that anyone who has a sweet tooth can eat to their heart's content and not get a cavity. However, even if this is a dream made of candy, there are still some threats to the dreamwalkers…especially since they will be turned into either pigs or wolves. Free exploration is allowed, but there are a couple of "objectives" or "exercises" they should try to work on their dreamotion abilities.

A. Three Little Pigs. As a fun twist to the dreamscape, dreamwalkers may be turned into anthropomorphic pigs. They can walk on their hind legs, use their forelegs as arms, speak, wear clothes if they feel comfortable about…but they are otherwise very much a pig and will not be able to transform out. They can add to their appearance, such as adding wings, horns, hair—anything that might help bring back some of their individual characteristic. They don't have to work together, but the main "plotline" of this story is to build houses to withstand the big bad wolves.

B. Big Bad Wolves. The other option for dreamwalkers is they may be turned into anthropomorphic wolves. Like the pigs, they can walk on their hind legs, use their forelegs as arms, speak, wear clothes, etc, but they will look more wolf than "person." Their goal is to destroy the houses…by eating them, although they will find they have a powerful set of lungs that will allow them to try and blow them down. Of course, those who want to help the pigs instead are allowed. Might even be a good idea considering what else is out there.

C. Candy Houses. The pigs are to build the strongest house as possible, but they can only use one type of the following material: pixy stix (straw), licorice (sticks), and jolly ranchers (bricks). Other materials such as icing, gum, and other things can be used, and dreamotion energy will be key in helping to strengthen and decorate them, but it must be made with one type of building material. Or cheat, who is actually paying attention—

D. Evil Hansel and Gretel. Although the "Big Bad Wolves" are supposed to the main antagonists, noctaere in the form of Hansel and Gretel appear and try to not only eat the houses, but also will try to turn the dreamwalkers into candy…to later consume. That would be bad, so perhaps teamwork between the pigs and the wolves will be necessary to beat them back. Fortunately they aren't too difficult to eliminate, and upon defeat they will burst into sprinkles.

Comments

lucifer | obey me!

[pridecometh]

arrival of the eldest brother.

Ah, what a bother. [ It is what he first says as soon as the situation is properly explained to him. He holds his hand up to offer apologies to the zebra that had been kindly offering its knowledge on the situation. ]

No, you've been most helpful. I merely have certain things that I must attend to, but it seems -- [ Lucifer gives the animal a once over. ] -- you are used to these kind of complaints, so I won't bore you with them.

[ He tips his head and leaves. ]

Excuse me.

[ One has to wonder how he can be smiling so pleasantly while simultaneously radiating anger. His tone of voice is filled with understanding; his expression seems quite agreeable, but for some reason, the atmosphere feels downright dangerous.

The poor zebra that he leaves appears downright spooked. Even if Lucifer did nothing at all, the soul seems like it might leave the creature's body at any second.

And Lucifer himself has started off -- smiling and radiating pure anger. ]

a drink to calm the nerves.

[ Despite knowing he is not in Devildom, he still hoped that he could acquire a familiar brew. And he is in luck! The drink may not have the same name, but it leaves the drinker with the same feelings. Black coffee of Melancholy. ]

I don't suppose that you would also have a poisoned apple, too? [ There might be some alarm in him requesting various poisoned items when it seems like an apple is not available. Lucifer can't say that he's trying to be difficult so much as trying to find the equivalent to what he had back home. ]

As fairies, I thought you would be all right with poisoned goods. [ The comment is actually not meant to offend, but just that he's a little surprised that they're so reluctant to diversify their menu with demon snacks.

Oops; he may have inadvertently caused a problem. ]

wildcard.

[ i dunno! using this also to test out ol' lucifer's voice. u///u throw anything at me, and i'll do my best! if you want to run anything by me first, you can pm! i am good with pretty much anything! ]

Lucifer!!— I mean Arrival!

[stupidmammon]

[ While coming back from one of his recent exploring attempts this morning, Mammon heard whispers among the crowds of locals about something ominous. Or maybe it was someone ominous? Either way, it kind of got Mammon curious. Maybe if it was someone he could take in a fight, the locals would reward Mammon with gifts or something?! Or if they were too big and creepy, Mammon would know who to avoid?

Either way, Mammon decided to follow the rumors to try and find the new person causing such a startled reaction. ]

Geeze. You'd think they all saw a ghost with the way they was act— oof.

[ Lost in thought, Mammon hadn't realized that he was walking right into Lucifer. ]

I DIED FOR A FEW DAYS, HELLO!

[pridecometh]

Ah--!

[ The collision isn't enough to force him back a step, but it is enough to break his stride which is irritating in its own way. His cold eyes direct downward, before the expression shifts to something like confusion. ]

Mammon? [ It's the first thing said before he leans down to get closer to his face. ] What are you doing here? [ The tone that he uses sounds accusatory -- and in part, it is. But the irritation he feels starts to build at the thought that his brother has been dragged into something troublesome, as well.

Unfortunately, thanks to the creature he spoke to, there is no one to direct this irritation towards so he can only direct it at Mammon himself. Yes, very unfortunate. ]

I hope you're feeling better! D:

[stupidmammon]

[ Wh-wha?! Hey why does that tone sound like Lucifer thinks this is his fault or something?! Mammon lets out a loud huff, trying to act like Lucifer's intimidation tactic wasn't working.

Even though that look he gave him made him shrink down a little out of habit. ]

You ain't gotta look at me like that ya know! I didn't drag us here, some dumb dream beings pulled us here to help their dumb dream realm.

I AM YES \o/

[pridecometh]

I'm aware.

[ He closes his eyes and lets out his own long, suffering sigh. ]

Did you think I didn't listen to the explanation given to everyone? [ At least, it seems like those animals are giving a canned explanation to everyone who appears to be "new." ] And if you had dragged us here, I'd do more than just string you up for a couple of days.

[ But why was he brought here? Who else of their family is here? Why didn't he realize that they were in this dream? He realizes a lot of those answers can just be explained that this realm moves and acts differently than any other that he knows. He can even accept that much, but-- ]

What has been going on here?

Good! ;u;

[stupidmammon]

[ Mammon flinches a little, taking the tiniest step back, you know as if that might help save him somehow.]

Mostly just a bunch of us tryin to figure out how to get dream magic to work. Oh. An' someone destroyed the moon recently.

[ He just oh so casually mentions that bit. ]

B-But it's fine! I mean we ain't hurt or nothin. Oh! Satan is here too. He's been dragin' me around helpin' him gather things for potions and stuff.

(hug)

[pridecometh]

Dream magic? Ah, the magic that relies upon dreamotion energy, right?

[ Lucifer seems to mellow some. It is mostly because of the exchange of information and easier to focus on the fact than anything else. But his eyebrow abruptly starts to twitch. He feels his blood pressure rise. ]

Someone destroyed the moon? Who could that someone be?

[ It's the casual way that Mammon said it that catches his ear more than anything else. The calm that he just was able to regain has immediately dropped away from him, again. ]

Obviously, you are all fine. [ Satan, too, huh. He breathes out another sigh; he feels like he could leave things in Satan's hands but he also has his own worries related to him. ] Is that all he has been doing?

A Drink to Calm the Nerves. I was weak and this guy enjoys tormenting OM demons. I am so sorry

[lonelysmiles]

Poison is a bit of an acquired taste around here!

[The only way to describe Alastor's arrival is just him swooping in from behind, hands behind his back. The motion is accompanied by the clicking of hooves on the tile floor (though a glance down shows him wearing very human dress shoes), light static from an old speaker, and the sound of a radio flipping randomly between stations.]

[The seven-foot-tall deer demon grins at the newcomer.]

Pardon my intrusion, my good man, but I couldn't help but overhear your question -- [His fluffy ears twitch for emphasis.] -- and just had to see for myself the person who'd make such a unique request!

IT'S ALL RIGHT

[pridecometh]

[ His eyebrows furrow at first before his expression settles. He turns to look over his shoulder -- and then has to direct his gaze upwards at the demon staring down at him.

Oh. It's the first thought that comes to mind, but the sound itself is one of quietly analyzing than shock. ]

It's no bother to me. [ He finally says after a measured pause. ] I did not think it would be that troublesome of a drink to order. [ Lucifer cannot help but give a pointed stare at the fairies behind him. The fae, in question, continue to look offended. ]

This is something like a dream, isn't it? Isn't it a nightmare to be unable to acquire the drink I want? [ Something-something poor customer service. ]

LOL. YOU WILL PROBABLY REGRET THIS

[lonelysmiles]

Quite. [Alastor looks towards the fairies.] Well, ladies, the customer wants what the customer wants! If you need suggestions for the poison, a quick and dirty method is to bake an apple that's positively breaded in nutmeg. Maybe make a special apple tart substituting that for cinnamon! [He gives a cheery laugh at the look of utter horror on the fairies' faces.] Should be easy for you to fix while you brew his tea.

[Though the tea isn't actually poisonous. Ah well. This newcomer will find out soon enough.]

[He glances at the stranger.]

Will that do? Or did you have any other ideas?

PAT PAT

[pridecometh]

Poison and melancholy tea seem like a reasonable combination.

[ It is his calm reply as he gives the fairies a measured look. The exhaustion he feels about having to argue over what is a simple dish in Devildom is tiresome, at best. ]

It will be fine. Thank you. [ His tone sharp, even though it need not be since he is being helped. However, he is not used to being helped; he has gotten more lenient to the idea of accepting help thanks to them, but he still doesn't quite like it from strangers. ]

You certainly are a cheerful sort, aren't you?

[lonelysmiles]

[The fairies still look disturbed, but one of them goes to make that "special" apple tart while another starts fixing the tea.]

I try to be lest I ever find myself underdressed!

[Alastor gives a bow and extends his hand.]

Alastor, my good man! Pleasure to meet you! Quite a pleasure!

[pridecometh]

I see.

[ Somehow, all the flourishing and actions honestly reminds him more of Asmo than anything else. The slight chill that he gives him lessens slightly as he makes that small connection in his mind.

On the inside, he smiles; he thinks of how his little brother would greet someone in the same way and carry on in the same fashion. On the outside, his expression remains as reserved and calm as ever. ]

Lucifer. I am still determining if it is a pleasure or not.

a drink to calm the nerves

[multidisciplinary]

[ Zelda is patiently waiting for her turn to order a drink, swiping through pictures of plants on her Sheikah Slate, when the distinctive sound of fairy irritation reach her ears. She hooks the Slate back onto her belt and looks up to see an unfamiliar dreamwalker on the receiving end of a frustrated, high pitched argument.

Oh dear. The tea fairies don't like to be criticized on their selection of drinks and baked goods. If this keeps up, this stranger is certainly going to end up with something unpleasant in his drink instead of black coffee. ]

Please, we needn't fight. [ Zelda approaches the counter to stand beside Lucifer, fishing something out of her belt pouch and handing it to the disgruntled fairy. ] You can take his suggestion gracefully, you know. There's no need to be defensive.

[pridecometh]

Hm?

[ He turns slightly to acknowledge the young woman that has come up to his side. His eyes fix on her pointed ears, at first, before frowning. ]

Indeed, it's just a thought to add poisoned drinks for those of us that would appreciate them in a dream. [ Lucifer extends his hand out so that he could lightly bat her hand away.

Leaning down, he lowers his voice -- not quite caring if he is heard or not by the fairies, but he does not like the idea of her giving something up to settle the discussion that is being had. ]

I'd appreciate it if you did not trouble yourself with that, miss. [ The tone he attempts to use is supposed to be understanding, but given how fraught he actually is, it comes out sounding offended at best, and threatening at worst. ]

[multidisciplinary]

[ Zelda finds her hand unexpectedly swatted away, causing her to drop the lime green button she was handing to the tea fairy. She turns back to the stranger, looking perplexed. Surely that was an accident, bumping her hand the way he did. Surely Zelda is mishearing his unpleasant tone.

That's what she's going to assume for the moment, at least. ]

It is no trouble at all.

[ Her insistence is polite, but firm. She pushes the button across the counter toward the fairy for them to grab if they please. ]

You are newly arrived, are you not? Some of the fairies can be petulant, especially when it comes to constructive criticism.

[pridecometh]

[ Lucifer lets out a sigh. It seems like she will not be deterred and to do more would cause a scene. His fingers curl into a loose fist before he lets his hand rest freely at his side. ]

Of course.

[ He simply does not know how to take help from strangers. Accepting help from anyone is difficult enough for him, but it seems in this matter, to not disrupt relations more, he'll forego being the Avatar of Pride. ]

I am newly arrived, but having poisons would be something they should stock up on, regardless. I'm uncertain of how many demons are in this dream world, but either way, it never hurts to have some poison on hand.

[multidisciplinary]

[ Zelda looks pleased with herself for having resolved this little misunderstanding.

She turns to face Lucifer properly, a pleasant smile on her face. She writes off his earlier attitude as the result of being thrust into a new and unfamiliar situation. It's understandable why that would make someone testy. ]

Are demons partial to poisoned foods? I did not know that. [ Her remark is thoughtful, proof that she's genuinely interested. ] I have met a few myself, but I don't recall any of them mentioned an affinity for poison.

[pridecometh]

It's about the same as liking savory or sweet things, I suppose.

[ Lucifer crosses his arms as he responds equally thoughtfully to her interest. ]

You've met a few demons? [ He blinks. It isn't so much that he believes that she has encountered any of her brothers, but -- ] You're quite brazen, aren't you?

[ A beat before he continues. ] Most would not readily attempt to approach a demon. I can only call that the acts of a brazen person. Whilst here, none of them are under the rule of Lord Diavolo and can do any heinous action that they see fit, after all.

[ He sighs. ] Try to be a little more cautious of what you do.

arrival of the eldest brother!!

[angelbirth]

[ Satan has been in a fairly good mood all day, mostly due to the fact he's finished up some research on using the local flora to create mild poisons and their antidotes. He's been diligently sketching and cataloguing just about everything new, interesting or unique he's come across in the past six months or so in the journal he has tucked under his arm.

He hears Lucifer before he sees him, and for the brief moment when he turns his head in the direction he heard Lucifer's voice, Satan thinks he's only imagined it. But no, there he is, wearing that familiar smile that Satan is incredibly grateful isn't directed at him. Yet.

Even though his gut instinct is to pretend he never saw Lucifer and step away, he knows Lucifer will find him later anyway. Then that smile really will be directed at him. So, with an inward sigh, he approaches Lucifer. ]

So you're finally here. You're late, you know.

[ Look. It's been a while. He needs to get at least one small dig in, even if it really isn't necessarily true. ]

[pridecometh]

[ Satan.

Lucifer can't help but feel a little upset at seeing him. Why is he here? His arms involuntarily cross as the smile fades to something annoyed. He thinks that if he were human, he would be able to hear his own heartbeat due to how much his blood pressure was starting to rise.

Yet the manner in which Satan greets him is easy and normal. ]

Late? [ He repeats the last statement back to him. ] Am I to take it then that you've been here for awhile?

[ His head abruptly jerks to look to the side, glancing toward the animals that are about explaining the situation to other newcomers. They did seem to mention something like time shenanigans. But his expression still darkens all the same. ]

You don't look too distressed. [ Even if their relationship has gotten a little better, Lucifer still has problems with speaking too openly about his feelings or concerns. So, he can only ask if someone is well in a roundabout way. ]

[angelbirth]

[ Satan follows Lucifer's gaze, understanding that Lucifer has probably reached some type of realization. ]

For about 6 months or so.

[ This confirms something for him. He'd heard stories of how things continue normally in the worlds they came from when someone arrives here, but he'd never had an opportunity to confirm it himself. Lucifer would have noticed if Satan and Mammon had been gone for hours, so there's no doubt he would have also noted if they'd been gone for months.

When Lucifer notes that he doesn't seem distressed, Satan clicks his tongue in mild irritation, immediately taking it as though Lucifer doubts his ability to fend for himself. ]

I've managed just fine. Mammon's here, too, but it's just the two of us.

[ He pauses briefly, still not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. It's not necessarily dangerous here. Usually. ]

You did just arrive, right?

[ The question isn't as straightforward as it might seem. What Satan really wants to know is whether Lucifer just ended up here or if Lucifer actually went looking for them. ]

[pridecometh]

Six months.

[ He breathes in through his nose slowly, but loudly enough to be heard. It is enough to keep his anger from tipping over. Lucifer can already feel his demonic form threatening to break free but he is somehow able to keep his cool. It probably has all to do with the fact that Satan looks well -- and Mammon also seemed to be all right. ]

Yes, I did happen to see Mammon earlier. [ And he lets out a sigh. At least, it is just the two of them. He rolls his shoulders to get some of the irritation out of them. ]

I did, yes. Some of these creatures happened to talk a bit about what is going on, and it -- it is something that I will digest on my own. [ Which is more that he will be furious about the situation elsewhere where he need not worry his brothers. ]

Mammon said you made a friend. [ So, onto the next topic -- and one that he is interested in. ]

[angelbirth]

[ Satan keeps his attention on Lucifer as though evaluating him, stuck in that awful place of knowing Lucifer so well but also not knowing everything about him. Lucifer's reaction, as cool and collected as it seems on the outside, serves to reaffirm Satan's theory about what goes on in everyone's home worlds. ]

You won't get anything too helpful out of the tapirs.

[ Although Lucifer has probably already figured that out. ]

Yes, I--wait, what?

[ Mammon said what? ]

Oh, did Mammon say that?

[ Satan smiles radiantly, but Lucifer will almost certainly know that he is irritated with Mammon for sharing that information, especially since he shared it with Lucifer. It's not something he particularly feels like denying, though, so: ]

If it's who I think it is, she's a Hylian woman who's fond of botany. We exchange research notes.

[ He also empathized with Zelda's desire to be her own person, to be "just Zelda," but he keeps that part to himself. Still smiling, he adds: ]

Mammon's gained a few acquaintances of his own. There's a budding friendship between Mammon and a deer demon named Alastor, who's doing a fantastic job of encouraging Mammon to behave himself.

[ This statement challenging the definition of "truth." Rather, Alastor terrifies Mammon as far as Satan knows, but he's all for encouraging Alastor to continue to torture him if Mammon's going to share things he has no business sharing. He then very blatantly changes the topic so that Lucifer hopefully won't pry into his business. ]

So, moving on, where do you plan on staying while you're here?

[pridecometh]

General information about our situation is not unhelpful, Satan.

[ It is his pointed reply to ensure that the demon doesn't disregard information because it doesn't hold all the answers. ]

Hm.

[ The thoughtful sound slips out as he stares at the bright smile. There are a lot of ways to interpret the smile. It might be that Mammon exaggerated and saw something that is not there. It could be that Satan did not want him to know. Or he's annoyed that Lucifer is asking after the relationships that he has.

Lucifer has let up a lot on his "monitoring" of Satan in the past centuries, but he does remember how he would attempt to be part of every part of Satan's life. His eyes shift to the side, as he wonders if he's bringing up those memories, before returning to looking at his smile.

His expression remains just as calm as ever, thoughtful even. ]

Have you uncovered anything worth sharing?

[ He decides to put it that way, like it's a casual report rather than concern and interest. ]

He didn't mention that to me. It's good to hear there is someone that's keeping him out of trouble. Especially since it sounds like he has been unsupervised for the past six months. [ Lucifer doesn't expect Satan to have to worry about his older brother; that matter should be left to other people. Satan should just live as happily as he can, as far as he is concerned. ]

Where? I intend to stay -- [ He hesitates. ] -- I'll live by myself. I'll just get a headache if I attempt to live nearby, anyway. [ Even though he says that Mammon should not be unsupervised, he doesn't want to fall into his old bad habits. When they fell to Devildom, he smothered everyone and attempted to control everything; he doesn't want to become that person again.

But also knows himself very well; so, he's putting distance between him and the temptation. ]