005. Audio.

[scientificflair]

[Those just turning their Gears on to check the Network this morning will be greeted by strains of music over Descole's feed - something melancholy, being played on violin; the song is something he'd heard many times before over the course of his...stay in Misthallery, and he understands that it's likely in horrible taste for him to be playing it at all, but it's a rather pretty song regardless.

After a while, the melody pauses, though there are a few notes being played lightly in the background, long and drawn-out; the sound appears to have shifted some, as though the violin has been adjusted away from the Gear.]

In a setup to a puzzle that's been around for a while, you meet three men in a wood, at a fork in the road. A sign above them states that one man is God; he knows all, and always tells the truth.

One is the Devil; he likewise knows all, but always lies.

The third man is ambiguous; he knows nothing, but will answer as though he knows everything. His answers are completely useless, and could be either right or wrong.

The sign states that you are to ask the men one question each - three questions total - that can be answered with "yes" or "no," with the intention of determining which person is whom. Were this a proper puzzle, I'd be asking you what question you would ask to which man.

[His hand shifts a bit on the violin, idly trilling the notes a bit while he thinks.]

However, when faced with the possibility that one of the men before you always lies...how are you to know that the Devil didn't post the sign in the first place?

[And with that, the melody seems to pick up again; the feed keeps going for about another minute or so before cutting off.]

Comments

[scientificflair]

[...you're hilarious.]

Perhaps I can be persuaded for an even exchange.

[snapandscoot]

Oh really? I promise you, I'm worth it~!

[[And she is! She hasn't cooked for someone for a while, so!]]

[scientificflair]

We'll see.

[What is he going to do with you...]

I suppose I'll have to contact you once I'm in town, then.

[snapandscoot]

Presuming it's not too much trouble for you.

[[You do realise that's exactly how she feels about you, right...]]

My letterbox is always open~

[scientificflair]

I'll keep that in mind, Emmy dearest.

[...LET'S END THIS ON A GOOD NOTE

/FEED]

[snapandscoot]

[[And Emmy's mouth is open to deliver a snarky response when the feed is cut!!]]

Ah...

[[....but she ends up laughing, lightly tossing the gear beside her on the bed. Placing her arms behind her head, she smiles as she looks up to the ceiling once again.

She'll go shopping for groceries tomorrow.]]

audio

[3_butterflies]

[it's not easy trying to be your friend, you know.]

I don't know if I can answer that... What's God? What's Devil?

audio

[scientificflair]

[...it's sort of an exercise in patience, yes...

And he supposes he shouldn't be this surprised that at least one person here hasn't heard of this sort of thing, but it's kind of a universal concept where he's from; it takes him a moment to respond.

That said, however, it's obvious when he clicks the feed on; that slow, oversimplified version of the song is still being played when he replies, soft beneath his words.]

They're powerful beings that supposedly have an influence over human behavior - one toward good, one toward evil.

[Audio.]

[shakespearealien]

[Gorthan sounds amused, relaxed, which is really quite unusual for him these days. There's one character in Descole's riddle that he feels he relates to.]

Why not the third man? Can he even tell the difference between God and the Devil?

... That said, that is some splendid music, Descole.

audio

[3_butterflies]

Oh, well then no wonder I don't know about them, we don't have humans.

[... Abort, abort, try to focus on something nice.]

... That music is very pretty.

[Audio.]

[scientificflair]

[The music is still playing when he responds, soft and slow; it's a much more simplified version of what he was playing earlier, but it's still recognizable.]

Even if he can't, there's no sense in asking him, now, is there?

[There's a smirk beneath his words when he says it, however; he doesn't sound displeased. Rather to the contrary, actually.]

It's good to hear from you again, my friend. I assume you're back in the city by now.

audio

[scientificflair]

[Well, Descole's thought was that they govern over everything with a soul, but thinking back over what this girl has said to him before - somepony, wasn't it - it's entirely possible that she's a -

...wow okay let's not get into the debate of whether animals have souls or not LET'S TRY TO FIND A NICE TOPIC INDEED...]

Ah, appreciated! It's been a while since I've played last.

audio

[3_butterflies]

You're playing it? Wow... that's amazing. You're very good at it.

[Audio.]

[shakespearealien]

[... Hang on!

Gorthan has just been called "friend" again! ...

He doesn't even care if, for Descole, it's a mode of address like any other, which, Gorthan realizes, is probably the case... That still gets him to pause a moment. Just the fact that he was able to make friends here... it's something wonderful, isn't it? He's never thankful enough for that...]

What drives you to challenge the premises of the surreal, Descole?

I am in Goldenrod again, yes. What about yourself?

The music... is that you playing it?

[scientificflair]

I'm still in Kanto, personally - continuing to challenge the surreal, as it were. There are things of interest here; I'll be back in Goldenrod for a few days soon enough, but afterwards I intend to return.

[He pauses for a moment; the music continues.]

And yes, it is.

[shakespearealien]

"Things of interest"? Do not believe that my curiosity can be so easily eluded, my dear Descole. What is it exactly about Kanto that fascinates you so much?

[There's a playful smirk in his tone.]

Ah, so it is you. Magnificent. Where did you learn to play so well, and how? ... More importantly, how were you able to find a violin here? Is that one of the... "things of interest"?

[scientificflair]

Perhaps it is, perhaps it isn't. Really, Gorthan, some things can remain mysteries for a while yet; it isn't as though you don't ever keep secrets of your own.

[Despite his words, however, his voice is more teasing than chiding.]

I learned how to play when I was younger; let's say that music is something I'm talented in. It's something I haven't indulged in for a while, however.

[shakespearealien]

For a man of science, you are always very secretive, Descole. Far too much so, sometimes... that cannot be good for your career, you know. But far be it from me to judge you.

Ah, I am envious now. While I love the arts, as you know, all I can do is admire them... I have no talents to speak of.

[audio]

[milquetoasthero]

Well, um... Wouldn't you feel something was off in the first place, then?

[scientificflair]

Ah, but in pointing it out, you're acknowledging that you're judging one way or another, aren't you?

[He doesn't sound offended by that. Judge all you want, bro.]

As for talents, your...performances, shall we say, speak otherwise.

[audio]

[scientificflair]

[He doesn't respond right away, though it's obvious that he's turned the feed back on; that music is still coming through the Gear, quiet and simple, while he considers.]

Not all evil, as it were, comes with a sense of obvious wrongness; if that were the case, people wouldn't indulge in it in the first place.

audio

[scientificflair]

...again, thank you.

[awkwardawkwardawkward how do I shot friendship]

audio

[3_butterflies]

Do you ever play for your Pokemon? Some Pokemon really like music. It could bring you closer.

audio

[scientificflair]

It hadn't occurred to me, no.

[...

... ...

... ... ...my god

he knew there was a reason he liked you]

I'll be sure to try that, however.

audio

[3_butterflies]

[Yaaaay.]

I'm sure they'll really like it. I used to help birdies sing back home... I'm thinking of doing it here, now that I have a bird Pokemon. Music is something that's understood by everypony...