004 ✿ Video

[occulthymns]

[The feed flicks on to show a mildly uncomfortable Euri. She's slowly getting used to this video option, but it still feels awkward. Unfortunately, it's a good idea using it today. At least she didn't get hassled by any annoying ice fairies on her way to the library. They must have all retreated or been killed.

As she speaks her hands move rapidly, manipulating a long loop of red string in a very fast game of cat's cradle. It's as if she's not even paying attention to it, though, since her eyes are on the bracelet's hologram screen.]

Hey! I'm looking for some recipes. Specifically, soup and stew ones that use blood as one of the main ingredients. The library has lots of cookbooks from other worlds, but I don't know where to start.

I've got a bunch of them pulled already....

[She's pausing her game and adjusting her bracelet appropriately so she can turn the camera to take in the table she's sitting at. It's filled with various cultural cookbooks, ranging from Jamaican to Chinese to Mexican. Some are open to pages about soups and stews, and others are stacked on top of her each so they'll all fit on the table. Judging by the amount of diversity it's clear she's taking this very seriously.]

... But I don't want to have to go through all of them. That will take way too long!

I've got one here that has what I'm looking for.... [She'll fix the bracelet so the camera is facing herself, and resume her game of cat's cradle.] But it uses pig blood and other parts. Pig is okay I guess, but goat and rabbit are much better. So if there's anyone out there who knows where I can find more recipes like that, let me know!

Comments

video

[apostatises]

[Lucifer generally isn't in the habit of responding to other peoples' inquiries, just vaguely storing away the information he gleams from them. But this one is rather relevant to his current pursuits, or at least, it seems to be.]

[So he's just kind of chillin' in his room, looking at the video with a rather detached interest, like he's not completely invested in the conversation]

May I ask why? If you're attempt to cast, you'll be quite disappointed. Blood magic will not work here.

video

[occulthymns]

[Who's this guy? What a suspicious question to ask....]

Huh? No, no! Were you even listening?? It's for cooking! Don't people cook with it where you're from?

[apostatises]

Generally not with blood.

[It's very slight, but he sounds a bit disappointed by this]

Honestly, I was hoping that someone would be attempting to be useful, but I see that my optimism was wasted.

[occulthymns]

[Euri's expression turns to one of irritation at that comment.]

What's so useful about blood magic?

[apostatises]

It's very old and very powerful. Depending on the blood used, it's one of the few that can overpower even gods.

[It's a small tidbit of information to dangle in front of her. He's capable of using blood magic, but it's much more potent from Lilim or even humans. The "purity" of his existence taints it.]

So that alone should make my interest clear.

[occulthymns]

[It's almost tempting.]

That isn't how it works in my world. There's no guarantee that's the case here.

[apostatises]

Of course there isn't. But sitting back and allowing these gods to subject us to their whims and rules doesn't sit well with me.

[He leans back in his chair. With how she's phrased it, she might be useful for her knowledge.]

I doubt that these gods are powerful enough to shut out all magic. It's just a matter of finding the one that widens the crack in the chains they've bound us in.

[occulthymns]

[Well, she definitely doesn't like having to follow the rules of other gods... so it would be nice if some kind of magic did work. But she knows potions are out, since she tried those immediately upon arriving here.]

Have you mentioned this to anyone else? It might be worth getting everyone to try and use their true magic, in case you're right.

[apostatises]

No. That would be foolish.

[He pauses, but continues after a beat] If you want to fight gods, you must do it in a way where they think they have control. They're certainly listening to this conversation, and any that take place in their domain. Attempt to organize something under their noses and they will destroy you. Do you think that we are truly champions that cannot be replaced?

[Another pause, though this time, it's to let that idea sink in. And with the proverbial Big Brother watching over their shoulder, he's very careful with his words. He wants to reveal enough for them to feel safe, but keep enough to himself that he will still come out the victor] Organize everyone and their grip will only tighten.

[occulthymns]

[Euri is just confused. This sounds like a hell of a lot of strategy and planning, and she's not particularly great with either.]

Oh, uh.... Then I guess it's stupid to ask you what to do.... [She frowns.] Since you think they're listening.

[apostatises]

Yes, it is. [He says that coldly, though it's not really malicious.]

Let me ask you about the magic from your world, instead. I'm curious.

[occulthymns]

It's not something I'm supposed to talk about freely.