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Post by Reverend Mateus on Nov 16, 2015 14:10:55 GMT -5
[ @skelelock ]
Check It was all quiet in the church's great hall. The autumn sun was hanging low already, her golden fingers embracing the stained glass windows like honey, casting the room in stunning shades of fall; all yellow-and-red. It would be a few minutes still, until the sun would sink past the looming trees and waving grass, her beauty dragged along just to rise anew in the early hours. One could even see clouds of dust twirl in the air; a true picture of blissful serenity. The Reverend would almost have missed this rare display, for he was quite literally buried in work: He had a private desk in the vestry, but at this very moment, one wouldn't be able to see much of it; for it was littered in scrolls and parchments and, oh-surprise, scripture older than most of the cultists around. The priest had been busy transcribing for the greatest part of the day, and honestly, his eyes were getting tired and his fingers were starting to cramp up at the mere thought of yet another verse. And another. And then the next. ― He needed a break. So it was with a minor headache that he blew out the candles illuminating the small room, and a second later he proceeded to step out into the main hall, squinting. Promptly Rev was greeted with the (to him not quite as stunning) sight of light-tricks, and ... Oh. Apparently, a somewhat-familiar face up in the rafters. Hadn't expected that; but really, he could use the distraction.
" ...Evening. What would you say about a friendly game, perhaps?"
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Nov 16, 2015 16:35:02 GMT -5
A somewhat tired smile pulled on his lips when Jeu agreed to his offer. "Chess." He decided, after a moment's pause, not like there were any other boards at hand. "I'll go get it ― Ah, one moment though..." Rev then mumbled, trying to remember just where he had left it the last time around ― ― In the vestry, of course, in a dusty old chest. Not like there were any other places in these halls to stash away personal items, now where there? So quickly he went to gather it, returning with an ornate box carefully held in both hands. He was definitely smiling now, genuinely so.
And so the priest simply placed the board on the ground in lieu of a table, aching bones complaining as he sat down on the stone floor cross-legged. In the middle of the great hall they were, between rows of pews and blue candles, the golden light already fading away in favour of the night's settling embrace. But he didn't let himself get irritated by any of that, nimble fingers now setting up the pieces, marble figurines on intricately carved wood; black on his side, thus white on her's. Of course he didn't expect to win against the game-master herself, but that wasn't the point of things ― For if it were, he would have looked for someone else to play with! It didn't make the prospect any worse. Jeu was decent company after all, and sometimes he had to admit it did get a bit lonely, especially when Adam wasn't around. The game itself wasn't the point.
"Come, sit down ― First turn is yours."
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Nov 17, 2015 13:16:48 GMT -5
“Too long, I’m afraid.” Rev admitted with a slight chuckle, and honestly, he couldn’t even remember just when the last time had been. A pity, really, for in his youth he used to be pretty decent at this game ― Makes him feel a bit older yet. “ ...Actually, I think the last game I played was with my father. Hah. God bless his soul.” In the end it wasn’t until after a moment of hesitation that Rev moved his first piece with ink-stained fingers [ “Knight to f6.“ ], the heavy figurine making a pleasant clak noise against the board. He had to settle for gut-feeling decisions, honestly not remembering much of what he had been taught all those years back.
"Though ― May I ask? Why are you still .... Mhhm. Hanging out beneath my ceiling? ― I mean, not that you are not welcome, of course,” A slight grimace at the blunder, he was merely trying to make sense of it, “but the puppeteers are long gone. There’s no need to hide anymore, at least not more than usual that is." And, if you would excuse, Jeu didn't exactly strike him as the religious type, so he wouldn't expect her to stick around for the spiritual value.
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Nov 18, 2015 11:28:49 GMT -5
“Poetic.” He commented at the other’s words, certainly getting the point Jeu was trying to make. It had something profound, yes, and it was half a miracle that the Reverend wasn’t already completely blind towards this kind of reassurance; peace in sacred halls now long-since common to him. “Of what burdens, my child, do you have to take your mind off?” He inquired then, and it was his confessional voice the priest had adapted without even noticing so. “I am willing to listen to whichever matters trouble you; if you wish, that is, and if it is of any help to you.” It was his job, after all, now wasn’t it? And the words didn't go without that hint of a sincere smile.
Rev had almost forgotten about the game for a moment there, and so again it was with delay that he moved his piece ― Pawn to d5. This would be a long game.
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Nov 19, 2015 15:02:22 GMT -5
The Reverend mulled her words over before he spoke, not wanting to say anything thoughtless. It seemed like Jeu had gotten tangled with a more unpleasant example of a cultist, and from what Rev could tell it really did bother her ― His gaze then fell onto the sapphire, head canted to the side ever so slightly at the object. As someone who deals and bargains and shapes soulenergy, he could practically feel the heat radiate from it; could see the strings twined around the gem. An interesting object, he had to admit. But he was getting distracted here, yet once again, so he took his gaze from the necklace now. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." And in the way the priest said it, it was clear that he was quoting; now having completely slipped into his preacher's voice. He couldn't really help it, it just came way too naturally to him...
"They will cut themselves enough on their own pride, especially if it is as ill justified as you make it seem ― Let it rest, child, there is no need to break your head over the inane." Rev continued then, in the same soothing voice, and as he spoke he had absently moved his knight to c6; the pieces merely spared a brief glance.
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Nov 22, 2015 14:57:06 GMT -5
"And they are not open for words of reason, I would assume?" The Reverend asked then, actually starting to frown at the issue at hand. "Although if they do not listen to reason, well, then they might listen to ― more convincing measures. Consult a Chandelier, if you must." He suggested then, accompanied by a small wave of one hand.
His gaze was trained on the board again as he eventually moved his bishop to f5, a slight dip of his head at Jeu's question. "Mhhmm, yes, if I'm not forgetting something that is. Must have been ... Ah. A good hundred-a-forty years ago? Embarrassingly long, as I said." The priest admitted then, sounding rather absent now, curious as to just how his opponent is gonna react, game-wise ― Rev was getting the slight feeling that she was mirroring him, and he didn't quite know yet how to answer to that. He sounded a bit more present with the following comment then, voice soft with gratitude: "My father taught me everything he deemed important."
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Nov 27, 2015 8:28:51 GMT -5
He nodded in agreement at Jeu's words, a slight smile curling his lips ― things sure are different, yes. Though much has changed for the better ever since, there is still that pesky little thing called history so many shorter lived people tend to forget about. Past isn't all nostalgia and family to the demon, but at least he doesn't have to stand up and make space on the bus anymore these days. Though still, there were some nice memories to dwell on, however spotty such are, especially when it comes to the topic of home. Up until matters went south, that is.
The Reverend had gotten a bit lost in his train of thoughts there, evidently so ― "Would have, could have ... Just as well you could have ended in a place much worse, or would have been long dead by now. But you've been led here, now have you not? Everything happens." A pause, and a slight humming noise, "Maybe not always for a reason ― but everything happens." He proceeded, then, glanced at the pieces for a moment [ moved a pawn from g7 to f6 ; took her bishop ], shifted slightly on his spot at last. The practically strategy-less set-up made him frown, eventually followed by an amused snort. "Peter and Mary, I really lost my touch, eh?"
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Dec 4, 2015 15:07:06 GMT -5
The priest regarded Jeu's statement with a mere nod, and he surely got her point ― He, too, could have ended up in a better place, but worse just as well, and at least they were well-entertained among this collection of misfits and monsters. All those creatures with fangs and tails and strange abilities, fur and peculiar features, a real grab-bag of a community. Which, coincidentally, led Mateus to a different question... "If you don't mind me asking, I cannot help but wonder: Was it your encounter with the cult which cost you your legs? We all know the top dogs can be a little bit ― Ah. Harsh at times. To put it polite." Not that he would ever say such face-to-face with said people of rank.
"The previous Monsignor left the board here when he went into pension." He explained in the end, upon her inquiry, "So, mhhm, it isn't exactly mine, I suppose ― I overtook this church from brother Wyclif, many years back. You see, I've been in charge of this congregation long before I even knew about the cult." He scratched at the stubble just below his chin then, frowned a bit more, before moving his queen to d5; taking her knight out of play. "Although brother Wyclif had always been well-liked, so I would guess it was a gift, or a forgotten inheritance piece perhaps." And carefully the demon held the stolen knight between two clawed fingers, practically mirroring Jeu's earlier motion, examining the small carved horse with a dab of fascination. Mat had never really paid attention to these, but yes, he supposed the other was right ― It really was fancy.
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Jan 2, 2016 23:09:25 GMT -5
"Father Wyclif, to you." Mat corrected her, dryly, though surely with a hint of force to it ― "It's not really important I would say, it's here, we may use it; whoever is bothered by the corner details." He added at her words, followed up by a barely audible grunt. He made his next move then, dragging his rook from h8 to g8, causing a subtle clak noises of the figurine jumping from it's square to the next.
Rev couldn't help it, he was hellbent by nature, and this seemed like just too well of an offering for some bargaining, and so he spoke up again in the end: "You know, if all this" He made a swooping gesture then, including but not limited to her lack of legs, "is causing you trouble ― I, ah, I could help you help yourself, so to speak." And at that the demon leaned forward by just that bit, crooked fangs peeking out beneath a confident grin, those sharp yellow eyes carefully trained on his opponent. His interest was clearly spiked at the mere thought, after all it had been a while since he had gotten the chance for a good old fashioned deal. Truth be told, Mat didn't particularly care for screwing Jeu over, for that they got along too well, but hey; a little enrichment on other's costs never hurt anyone! Well. Okay. It sure did by definition, but that's besides the point now is it?
"Point is; I can help you ― As long as you can pay up."
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Jan 3, 2016 21:56:39 GMT -5
"Oh no, I am not talking of recovering your legs ― I do believe that's out of my league, or out of your capacity, at least." The Reverend chuckled, clearly amused by the notion. She would lose the greatest part of her soul just to supply a change like this, he was certain, would burn out her own life in an attempt at forging such. And that did not yet include his payment; a terrible idea, really! "I am talking about making matters easier on you. Helping you out a little. Something more efficient than painkillers perhaps, maybe it did not heal up nicely, or hey ― I could make you forget that you ever had them in the first place."
Another slight laugh had went along with those words, and he leaned back again, both brows raised at her. Mat clearly noticed that spark of hope, a slight glimmer of an idea the demon was keen to fuel; after all an idea sparked is an idea difficult to get rid of, everyone knows that. "Et cetera, et cetera... You do get the image." He added then, eventually having to take his gaze off of Jeu again, even if just to move his pawn [e7 to e5]; again causing the trademark clak-clak of marble. He didn't even know what Jeu had to offer, but it's not like such a petty detail had ever stopped him.
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Jan 8, 2016 17:24:28 GMT -5
The demon raised his hands in surrender at Jeu's definite 'no', albeit it was clear that he was still slightly disappointed ― "Apologies," Rev then added, not exactly as sincere as his again-soft tone would make one believe, but not really a lie either: "That was rude of me, I did not mean to pressure you. Old habits die hard, you see." And after he put his hands down again Mat busied himself by making the next move [ Pawn from e5 to d4; taking a white pawn on its way ], actually now having to take a proper look at the game again. He had gotten a bit sidetracked there, as was to be expected; and frankly, hadn't paid much thought to it the last two or so rounds. Well, not like he had anything to lose, but still ― Jeu deserved a match at peak attention, if anything.
"You're likely better off anyhow." He broke the silence at last, making an effort to sound amused, "I would offer help without personal gain, but, ah, there's this pesky thing called pride I'm technically not allowed to have, you see?" And egoism. And vices. And oh so much more, if we are to touch this topic. Well, at least he was the only honest hell-creature around, that has got to be worth something in the end...
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Jan 26, 2016 10:20:26 GMT -5
Mat frowned slightly when she took his white bishop, having hoped she wouldn't notice that weak spot ― But, who was he fooling, of course Jeu of all would notice. She wasn't the Game Master for nothing, now was she? In the end he moved his queen from d5 to f5, claiming the offending knight. Her comment about him being unexpectedly straightforward he met with a tilt of his head, and a slight noise of wonder. "Why, of course I am. Whatever gave you the impression I would not be straightforward? Would not be honest?" He then inquired in response. "When it boils down to it, withholdment of truth is the daughter of lies, don't you think ― And lie I would rather not."
"I took my vows, you must realise." The priest said at last, words accompanied by a slight nod, a weak smile. "But ― Just what per se do you mean by 'playing with your food'?"
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Mar 25, 2016 20:01:00 GMT -5
”’Somewhat demonic attributes.’” Mateus echoed, and it drew a laugh from him, making sharp fangs light up in blue light. “Call it by the name. I know there is hellfire running through my veins, and these— ” He touched one of his horns at that, “ —surely are not angelic. I could spend my whole life praying for them to be, but that won’t change by an inch.” And his gaze dropped down to the board then, watching Jeu move her piece, before soon following suit: queen from f5 to e5. “Deals, you see, are not a favour. It is in the nature of the term, profit for both sides. Sometimes one more than the other. A pact of symbiotic cause, and my ’ulterior move’ in your words is to keep myself afoot. Honesty, should be a given.”
And the Reverend listened carefully to the other’s words as she continued, explained her take on the game of cat-and-mouse she took life for, patiently waiting for Jeu to come to her final conclusion. Admittedly, Mat understood her: if anyone understood the thrill and pleasure derived from a good hunt, then it was him. And from the way she painted it, there is little difference to prying your win out of clutching hands, and driving your teeth through a yielding throat. In the end he just tilted his head to the side, that awful habit of his, sharp yellow gaze studying her. “You do not sound like you feel remorse for your actions, and yet … yet you make it sound like a confession.” The priest spoke then, and there was no accusation or offense to his tone. “You say you are being merciful in your ways, but yet you paint it in such a negative way; so clearly connotated.”
“Frankly, you sound like you want to convince yourself that you are not as bad as you fear you are. My child, is there something that you wish to get off of your chest?”
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Post by Reverend Mateus on Jun 12, 2016 15:26:13 GMT -5
“Fine with me.” The priest trailed off with a vague gesture, refraining from mentioning how it was a little sad that she didn’t have someone to talk to, apparently. Either way Jeu claimed that, no matter how bad she painted her situation, she didn’t feel remorse; and that’s all he needed to know. In Mat’s opinion a transgression isn’t worth sleepless nights just because it is deemed vile; rather you should speak you soul if you feel like you have to, if it weighs down your conscience enough to make you want to chew someone’s ear about it. Metaphorically speaking. A confession that doesn’t burn on your tongue is a confession unjust, what’s a sorry worth if you don’t mean it?
In the end Mat moved his rook from e5 to h2, a pawn of her’s stolen, still not quite sure just what he was trying to achieve. He hadn’t played in way too long, not like anyone had that time to waste on him, and that was likely showing. Honestly, even if he were to win Mat would bet whatever’s left of his soul that it would be by pure random luck. “I … I don’t know either.” The demon said after a while, “I’m not even certain we have a goal? Let alone an important one, but I for my part am more than happy with that ignorance, you see. I don’t need to know, I don’t want to know, and am content with having nice company now and then and making day’s end. Are you not?”
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