Four.

author's noteShow

Pardon the late update. Will retcon an image into this post soon!

>Yes, you should take it back. Hopefully all this abnormal activity doesn't damage, alter, or mutate it in any way. *tempting fate*

RAHASYA
I can hear you, you know.
Are you implying that I'm somehow toxic?

They sound unimpressed.

One thing I should tell you, prospective client Rahasya.
Although I am happy to trade my wares in exchange for various tasks being completed, I much prefer to take payment in WILL.

Additionally, after a certain... Incident prior to Aubrey, I prefer to assess the presence, quantity, and quality of will rather than take my clients word for it.
The Repo Man cometh, heh.

Ahem. Lastly, unlike my... counterpart, I am required to fulfill my end of any bargain to the fullest. No hidden strings, no faulty gifts. My clients always receive exactly what they pay for, no more, no less.

But ah, I get ahead of myself.

I will see to procuring a suitable badge for you that we might discuss matters further. Or would a form other than a badge be preferable?

-M

RAHASYA
I'll accept a badge. but I'm reluctant to trade my WILL to an extraplanar entity of undiscernable power. I'm sure you understand, given my circumstances.

...was I being racist? no no no. can't have been. but people always say they arn't racist when they are. I was just curious how other sapiant beings work. But I could have phrased it differently. I should have phrased it differently. or was it even a question that should have been asked?

I'm sorry

RAHASYA
Apology accepted.

Re: Rahasya
Hohoho. Of course not. What gave you idea? We can cure your loneliness via accompaniment (but that's just my way. I don't exactly believe all parts in #theCouncil have the same stuff in mind (and some may have different ingredients and procedures of said cure.).).

Anyway, eagle-time is not a measure of timespace. It is some sort of branding. It is like a restaurant. There's many tables in it. One of the tables has #theCouncil sitting. You are on that table and that is how we talk to you (or at least in my understanding.).

Rahasya spends a quiet moment trying to visualize this metaphor.

RAHASYA
... I see.

They don't.

> You should get going, but before that, do you mind telling us what this orb Rahasya just absorbed was?

Aubrey takes back the COUNCIL'S FAVOUR.

AUBREY
It's a CORE. Sometimes creatures of the In-Between leave these behind when they die.
My last guide told me they have special properties. I was hoping to give the one the
Greater Wing left to Ada, but...

RAHASYA
Remember, you ruined my house.

AUBREY
I wasn't talking to you!

RAHASYA
Well, I'm talking to you—and the entirety of the Council, if they're listening.
Before we leave, design me one of those cute little communication tokens, will you?