As Wraithvine was well into their cups, a very kind looking individual comes up to them to put a party hat on their head and give them a hug. As they hug Wraithvine, they whisper into the ear, softly, carefully, "I've likely been around almost as long as you have, though my immortality was accidental, a spell gone haywire. Like you, I've learned to use it to help those in need. Now, I intend to go with you, I'll follow, even if you say no, and aid you in your quest to save others. For your quest is a worthy one."
@internutter/challenge-03216-h309-any-excuse-to-party -- Anon Guest
Wraithvine might be three quarters blotto, but there were some words that instantly raised hir ire. "Even if I say no," ze repeated. "You do understand that consent is very important, yes?"
"I'm determined," said the other immortal. "You once taught me a lesson, when I was still relatively young. It hit me in my soul."
Wraithvine glared at them, squinting a little bit to get the world into focus. Tried to fit the face into hir extensive memories. "If I taught you a lesson, I might have to teach you another. Consent," ze stabbed the air with one finger. "Is very. Important. 'F I say 'no' it means no. End. Of discussion. You might be deathless, you might be bless'd by -hyurp- a god... but there's worse things'n dying and I've been through most of 'em. I c'n figure out something to stop you if you won't listen to a 'no'."
"You don't understand. I want to help you."
"Whether I want it or not," said Wraithvine. "I know what you're going to say. We can be more powerful together. Nothing will stop us. We can imprint our will upon the world."
"How--?" the stranger wisely began to back away. "How did you know that?"
"There's only one kind of person I teach lessons to. The kind of person who wants to print their will upon the world."
"But... I want to help you. It would be your will. You've printed your will on lots of places..."
"Never," said Wraithvine, "without considering. The greater good. The kind of people I put down would print their will in blood. My will, on the oth'r hand, is printed softly. With two. Kind. Hands." A gesture, and strong vines held the stranger in place. Runes of Truth illuminated themselves around them. "How many acts of kindness did you forsake just to reach me? How many many hungry mouths? How many hurt and needing? How many just got in your way and thereby earned your punishment?"
"I did not count them," said the stranger, transfixed. "They weren't as important as my need to help you."
"What about those you helped? How many times did you lift a baby to comfort them?"
"None."
"How many empty bowls did you fill with food?"
"None."
"How many of the naked did you clothe?"
"...none..." now the voice was a whisper.
"How many rents did you pay?"
"None."
"How did you help anyone, then?"
"I helped kings keep their crown. I helped Nobles maintain their power. I helped businesses expand their influence. I made the gold flow..."
"In the wrong direction!"
The party around them stuttered to a halt. People were staring.
"Who are you? How did I know you?" asked Wraithvine, no longer as drunk as ze used to be.
"They call me Aardris the Undying; but when you knew me, I was Ardian Blayzsword."
"Ah," said Wraithvine. "You. Still laying waste to those you deem lesser than you. Still not learning the most important lesson. Nobody is a lesser being. Nobody is less important than you." Wraithvine licked hir thumb and pressed it to a point in the middle of Ardian's forehead. "You have no name, and you must be kind."
The watching audience oohed appreciatively. A Geas like that could not be easily broken.
The Nobody in the room blinked as the vines eased away. Smiled, for the first time since they entered the area. "Oooh. Is this a party? I don't think I've had a party. How can I help?"
"I'm sure there's some things that need moving here and there," said Wraithvine, sitting back down. "Just look for someone having a bit of bother and ask them."
"Oh," said Nobody. "That's how it's done."
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / higyou]
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