milliways_bar | (no subject)

"Do you contemplate endings, or beginnings?"

Raven, too, is watching the observation window.

"I contemplate alternatives. The Endings outside are only an aid to concentration."

Only his lips move to indicate that that concentration is ebbing.

Raven tilts his head, and faces Paul more fully.

"Alternatives to what, if I may ask?"

This elicits a smirk, barely visible beneath the hood. Paul turns, however, to look at the newcomer, and pulls back the hood.

"Paths taken in error. You are not a mortal, are you?"

This one shows no path that Paul can see.

"Not as such, no. They call me Raven."

He tilts his head, then, bright black eyes studying Paul intently.

"Once a path is chosen, it is not possible to go back. Or rather, it is possible, but entirely silly. It wastes effort."

Is this another hint of advice from one of the Endless or a not-too-disguised warning?

"Is it silly when so much was wasted by the mistake? Or do you consider it a waste to try to make amends, even when it's not possible?"

"You are dead, Paul, as far as I can tell. Let your old life go. Others will make the choices, now. It is better, so."

His eyes are very old, suddenly, and sad. He speaks as one who has experience.

Paul points at the window offhandedly. They keep trying to dissuade him.

"They have made their choices, as have I, yet I remain. It was my thirst for revenge that created the water-debt and it will be my responsibility to repay it until I am truly dead. If others can pass through their doorways to the past, why should I accept any different?"

"Others are occasionally stupid. It is not necessary for you to be so, as well. But you choose your own path, I suppose."

His expression is slightly exasperated, and slightly amused.

"So you would not try to stop me if I were able to choose that path?"

He's not sure if he's asking one such creature or all of them.

"I was cautioned patience before, and I am not stupid. I can wait. And learn. Do you have some other wisdom to teach me?"

Raven looks at him, and his eyes are clear and very hard.

"I could teach you to make your own choices, and leave others to theirs. But I do not think you would take well to the lesson."

He shrugs.

"As so many things are, it is your decision."

He never truly answers Paul's first question.

The absence is noted.

"I was cautioned against coercion as well. I will not push the matter beyond honorable bounds, but I will be my own master."

Paul acceeds the intentions of the shrug. The words can be rearranged ad nauseum, but this line of speach is going nowhere.

"What is your purpose here, Raven?"

"It is possible to be one's own master, without mastering others. I have done so, many a time. And the reverse, as well. I prefer the former, I must admit."

He shrugs again.

"At any rate, my purpose here is what it always is."

The smile returns to Paul's lips. So, another politician.

"Ravens are scavengers and carrion birds, are they not? We didn't have many on Caladan. Yet you aren't feeding on my corpse, unless distraction is your weapon. What is your business with me?"

Raven's smile is very sharp, suddenly.

"They call me Raven, who sets things right. I create worlds. I set rules. Sometimes, I teach. Most do not enjoy the lessoning."

Raven shrugs.

"As to my business with you? I like people. It is as simple and as complicated as that. So."

Meaningful lessons are rarely without pain.

"Are you a god, then? that you can create worlds? Is it you who created this one?"

Is this world meant to be a classroom?

Another shrug.

"People often call me that, but I have never thought of myself as such. I prefer to have friends, in truth. And I do not claim responsibility for Milliways."

Gods, no.

Still not a 'no'. But 'friends'? This isn't the same attitude as the Manifestation of Dreams. Love, yes, but not very friendly.

"As long as I must wait in this place, I can find room for friends. Most of its residents seem amiable enough. I once counted my wealth only by the blade at my side and the friends at my back."

"They seem that way, yes."

Another shrug.

"I rarely consider wealth."

"Then there's one thing we agree upon. If you believe in the value of honor, then we may have the basis for a relationship ourselves."

Not that Paul would trust this one, but he feels the time has come to start seeking allies.

[OOC: slowtimed]

Raven snorts.

"Honor is often used to excuse either arrogance or self-pity. I have little use for it. Truth is better."

Paul is quiet for a few seconds. This cuts him close.

"It's true I have often had reason to question my motives, but I strive to base my honor on truth. If you know different, show me where I have failed. Then, you would already be teaching me."

Raven shrugs.

"Some use the excuse of honor to allow them to escape their own mistakes. Honorable suicide is a very silly thing."

"This is why I wish to return to Arrakis. I believed falling as a traitor was the last thing I was able to do for my family and my people. Yet now that I am here, surrounded by such immense use of power, I see that other alternatives may exist. My truths have changed, but my honor has not."

Raven considers, with his head tilted.

"It may be time, and past time, perhaps, to allow your people to choose their own path. Time to be a good father, perhaps, and let your children grow up."

The circle of rhetoric turns again. No use for it.

"Surely, you're right. In any case, I cannot do it today. You have been patient, and for that I thank you, but I would like to study the matter further in my own way, alone. Perhaps afterward, I will agree with you."