Voice Test

[defendless]

{A}

[If you find yourself in the woods for any reason, and you happen to be preparing food, you might turn around and find yourself with a certain fluffy visitor, staring intently at your meal with his stomach rumbling loudly.]

{B}

[Alternatively you stumble across a man face down on the ground in the middle of fucking nowhere. If you come close enough to check, he does seem to be alive, just unconscious, and actually starting to wake up!]

{C}

[Or there's a Zeno in your setting. Who knows why! (BECAUSE IF ENOUGH YEARS PASS IT'S EASY TO SAY HIS FANTASY SETTING BECOMES YOUR SETTING, MAYBE HUMANITY STRAIGHT UP FUCKING RESTARTED, WHO KNOWS? THIS MAN IS OLDER THAN THE HILLS.) Anyway follow your dreams, feel free to start something more specific or ask me to start something more specific within certain lines, I'm really excited please love me.

Also feel free to just straight up game setting this shit. Court/AFD/QM/LR this shit come at me bros.]

Comments

[theyregooddogs]

Can't help checking, though. Right? Could be the one time something sticks.

[defendless]

It won't. Zeno has tried many, many ways. And it makes people sad.

[theyregooddogs]

Which leaves you more alone. No one understands, no one thinks in the same frame of time as you.

[defendless]

Well, it isn't as though Zeno doesn't like people regardless of that.

[theyregooddogs]

[lighter, tone sounds jumpy]

Are they cute to you? Something amusing?

[defendless]

Some people are cute! But not in the way you mean, probably. You're asking if Zeno considers people entertainment, yes?

[theyregooddogs]

Oh, don't stick to the question. Answer however you feel — About, people.

[defendless]

That's a complicated sort of question to ask anyone, isn't it? But Zeno doesn't consider people any less, just because Zeno's perspective is messed up. There are cute people and kind people and misguided people and cruel people, and there always have been, and there always will be. People may not be able to relate to Zeno anymore, but that doesn't mean Zeno can't still relate to people.

[theyregooddogs]

Hm, m-mmm . . .

[tapping the side of his head then waggling one finger in the air]

What purpose is there, in relating to other people? Observe, interact, remind yourself what is and isn't you, but to relate to them is a step beyond, isn't it?

[defendless]

If Zeno didn't relate to people, Zeno would be well and truly alone forever and ever.

[theyregooddogs]

Except you're still viewing them like ants. Determining what they can and can't do before you've met them.

[defendless]

Is that what Zeno is doing?

[theyregooddogs]

Yes. —Yes! And I find it easier to believe you are staying far away from yourself and your experiences, so you can't recognize everything that goes with them than I can honestly trust that you have any level of reason in your way of living.

[turning around to jerkily point a finger at him, jabbing forward a couple times]

I'm more curious about what all of— All of this is. Because as far as hallucinations go, this is brand new and honestly a little terrifying.

[defendless]

You don't need to trust in Zeno's reason. It's fine if you don't. But unfortunately, Zeno is quite real.

[theyregooddogs]

You know, I'd really like not to? But I'm kind of being put in that position. Especially if you are real.

[defendless]

Ah... that does make sense, Zeno supposes. Is it better if Zeno simply asks you to trust that he doesn't mean anyone harm, instead?

[theyregooddogs]

You're someone, and you mean yourself harm!

[defendless]

Ah, but Zeno hasn't acted on that for some time now.

[theyregooddogs]

[narrows his eyes, a beat from openly shaking his hands at zeno, before he chuckles ... then lets out a few more laughs]







[then staring down at his feet, eyes closed tightly]

Look, I know someone. They could help.

[defendless]

You'll forgive Zeno for not getting his hopes up?

[theyregooddogs]

[uuunwinds slightly, not looking at zeno though, just adjusting his pack]

. . . Yeah. That's natural, safe.

[defendless]

[zeno reaches out to pat Will's shoulder gently.] Then, Zeno would like to try your idea.

[theyregooddogs]

[jumps, immediately reaching to brush that hand away]

Right . . . Right, I'll call at the car.

[defendless]

[lets himself be brushed off without issue.] In that case, can Zeno make himself presentable again? [he hasn't complained of cold and wet but he would like to be wearing more things ok]

[theyregooddogs]

Oh, hm. Would you like something — dry?