Sermon #2 | video

[raptura]

[Oh look, for once Pucci's putting his face to a post on the network! ...As username: viadolorosa still, but that's how it is sometimes. There's a few seconds of him trying to get a good angle on bracelet cam, before he smiles warmly and offers everyone a little wave.]

Hello. If we haven't met, I'm Father Pucci, and...I think that I can be of use to at least some of you. I've been under the impression that, even after some months here, adaptation to our need for chroma generation and the methods the moons drive us to use can still make people feel...Uncomfortable, I suppose. Amongst other things. And generally being in a new place with such differing morality can be hard.

So, what I'm offering is simple! We all have our social networks for the tough times, and services to assist with that besides. But if you just want to talk to someone, perhaps I can help you come to terms with this new place. Or simply listen if you have anything on your mind. I'm experienced with listening to people, as well as practicing confidentiality, for what that might be worth.

I'm sure you'll catch me around, if you're not willing to try and organise some sort of meeting at the moment. I hope that we can talk soon!

Comments

[nobodylikeshim]

Right? [ One can feel the smile in each and every word that he speaks. His words have a bright lilt to them that makes him sound not completely teasing and also not completely sincere. ]

Okaaaay. I am a magician. I entertain the masses but mostly like entertaining myself. I suppose that is because one should always do what they love, hm?

[ Well. Let's start with that. ]

And Earth? I can't say that I've heard of it!

Re: voice!

[the_archivist]

I don't think my concerns can be talked away unfortunately. But... you say confidential?

[witchwithoutacause]

I want to get away

i wanna fly awaaaaaaay

and no ew man fingers.

[raptura]

Now there's a song I haven't heard in years! I'm glad to add another to the number of people who come from at least a similar place to me, if you're quoting Lenny.

Here I thought the problem would be with the mouth bit, since birds can't hold knives but people can...That's understandable though. Man fingers aren't exactly the prettiest or most desirable things.

[raptura]

That's understandable; for something so integral to both this place and people's morals, there's often nothing that can be reconciled about it. But...Confidentiality is indeed a guarantee. If I talked about every confession I took, I wouldn't have made it out of seminary.

[raptura]

[It's almost familiar, to hear that sort of tone. For a moment, Pucci's thrown back to his childhood in Egypt, but there's no way anyone from then would show up so he shakes the nostalgia off.]

Magician? That's an interesting line of work, if I do say so myself. And definitely one that someone takes up out of love, rather than because the work pays so well. Still, I've found that if you truly love what you do, you're paid more than enough in time. I won't go asking for your secrets, since that's assumedly your treasure, but...

What's your favourite trick? You likely know ones I don't, if you don't come from Earth.

[nobodylikeshim]

Right? Money is... well, it isn't anything that particularly interests me, either. [ Look at this running theme. ] Even if I don't get paid at all, I don't mind. And you can go asking anything that you like.

[ His favorite trick? He usually answers with "making people disappear" but he's been making that joke a few times now and he would hate for it to go stale. ]

Mmm, there are variations to it, but my favorite trick is that of distraction. It's really enjoyable to pull people's attention to one place only to have them realize they've been looking in the wrong direction the entire time. The expression of shock when they realize they've been had... it's always exhilarating.

[the_archivist]

I suppose that's true. But good to check if it applies here. There are many people from many different places. Things don't always work the same way.

[witchwithoutacause]

Reasonably classic pretty memeable 10/10. thank god some people here know anything i know.

what if crows learned how to use knives though. we'd be in trouble.

[ciao]

Of course, it's such a noble cause so how could I resist checking in on how you're doing as well as offering to make sure you have plenty to eat?

[ there was only a slight pause at this, settling on a gentle smile in response ]

I assure you Father, I'm doing quite well and appreciate your concern. I do a lot of drawing, painting, some sculpting and practice my instruments. These activities alone are rather therapeutic on their own. Besides, any thoughts or concerns I may have seem so minuscule that it's not really worth so much.

[ ah, but here it was, the moment of truth! ]

Oh that won't do at all Father, afterall, it's been a long time since the church changed their ruling of enjoying good food to be a sin. A happy diet makes for a happy person, while basics alone can get you by there's so much more needed to get one through the day.

I'll be sure to start making meals for you to enjoy, and will steer clear of shellfish.

[regelkonform]

[ It wasn't as if making sure the apartment had been clean was particularly difficult, most of that short time had been spent pulling himself together. Properly explain how much he enjoyed their time together? What the hell had that been?

Still, it was a small blessing that Italy was out; cooking was one thing but baking was something he still wasn't ready to put out in the open. That was his own hobby, though now it was shared, wasn't it? For the time being, anyway.

He thought he was going to jump out of his skin when he heard the knock on the door, taking in a deep breath before calling out as he made his way to the door. ]

I-it's just me...!

[ UGH. Why was he like this. Baking. This was about baking and spending quality time with a valued friend, nothing more than that. Finally he opened the door, offering a half-hearted wave before stepping back and gesturing for Pucci to come inside. He'd never been particularly good at hospitality, but he was doing his best as he reached out to take the bags from him. ]

The number of eggs? I'm sure anything you brought with you is fine, I have plenty here to make up the difference if anything is...off...

[ Breathe, you stupid ass. ]

[passio]

[ that was fast, and dextera is left reeling by being so suddenly hung up on, but it’s not unexpected. the grove, is it? ]

…

[ he sighs, but after the initial surprise, it doesn’t take him long to get ready and to meet pucci where he was designated to. the yellow tulips, at least, are beyond easy to spot. ]

Father…?

[freshtilapia]

[To be fair, Genesis has met a couple of clerics in Lunatia so far. But Father Pucci stands out for the fact that he's talking a lot about religion-- something they haven't heard much from the other clerics they've met.]

So... you're basically held by faith to keep secrets?

[graftage]

Well, I guess it's nice...for a prison.

[Someone's not bitter.]

Cordis? Hey, I'm actually Cordis-blessed, though I'm still trying to understand what that means. Are you Cordis too?

[raptura]

I should hooooope soooo!

[Pucci returns that little wave with a smile, eyes twinkling as he sweeps in like a navy and gold hurricane. Germany can take the shopping bags, but-- not the cookbook. That gets clutched even tighter to his chest in response, okay.] Not that I wouldn't welcome Italy's company either, of course; I just meant more that I'm glad I read your address correctly and got the right place.

...Are you alright, though? Maybe I should've made this for another day and given you more time to prepare, I'm sorry. [Because that's not the look of a man who's dying to be in his presence, is it? Sounds like a man about to pass out, really. And we cannot have that right now, no sir.] I was just-- Well. I was worried more that you thought I didn't enjoy your company so much as tolerated it, and I wanted to prove the opposite, but I might've been selfish in that and put you out instead...

[raptura]

As you insist. [Your damn funeral, buddy. Now he's just extra convinced there's something fucky going on, and hey, if he can't fix it then Pucci...Will have to try and take advantage of it. Somehow? DUN DUN DUN...

But not yet because hey, it's basically Uber Eats right now. How could he ruin that? He even laughs softly, almost in disbelief at Italy's insistence on this charity work; there should be guilt there for not knowing how to perform basic life skills, but it is what it is, right?]

...I can't disagree, but we both know that we're passionate about food, so I wouldn't have argued in the first place. If you're going to stand by this plan, however, I'm going to repay your generosity once I learn to bake properly. I have a very skilled teacher, so I'm led to believe; are you fond of mostaccioli napoletani?

[raptura]

[As practiced as he is with hiding everything, Pucci still flinches minutely when he hears a voice call out to him. It's easily swept back under the rug when he makes eye contact with Dextera, though; no point in being honest about anything when he could swan over and hold out the bouquet with an apologetic smile.]

For you, of course. There's no colour for tulips that means 'I'm terribly sorry for what I did', I'm afraid, so this was the next best option.

...Are you well? I know I basically asked this already, but-- you'll have to pardon my anxiety. I'm not typically in the habit of doing what I did to you, and I was half-hoping it was a fever dream instead of something I actually did with my own two hands. So...I'm also sorry for not seeking you out earlier. Now, what did you want to discuss?

[raptura]

Mm...I suppose it is! I hadn't thought about it before, but it's rather like a much nicer and less depressing version of the prison I worked at before coming here! Less under-the-table prostitution and money stored in body parts, however. And I trust the people here to not shiv me.

Cordis is an interesting blessing to have, and I do indeed have it! You're going to get incredibly hungry. Desperately so, for both food and chroma; I would advise finding someone you trust or looking into one of the services that offers secure moonlacing that I keep hearing advertisements on via this announcement service. ...And don't let yourself eat as you desire, because you'll never feel full.

[raptura]

You'd be surprised! I've found at least a handful of people who come from Earth, and one who I even somewhat knew before I arrived. I find that musicians are a good yardstick of how similar our cultures are at least.

No matter the Earth, however...If crows could use knives, then we would absolutely be in trouble. They're far too clever as it is, and if they could hold sharp objects I wouldn't leave the house.

[raptura]

There are so many different but stunningly similar worlds here, so it would seem; checking that our understandings of confession and confidentiality are the same is just a necessity. And even then, there's the matter of corruption in the church and the like!

I'm hoping that putting my name and face to this offer will also offer accountability. If secrets escape, then people know who to hunt down for it, so to speak.

[raptura]

Emotional satisfaction is its own reward, though! Just don't throw the doors wide open--

Though...I'd imagine the most satisfying trick is sleight of hand, mouth, or action even against those who are suspicious of you, who know to expect it. And from what little I know of modern magic, deception is the main thrust anyway. Distraction, fooling sceptics who think they know your trick inside and out.

[raptura]

Obligated by faith, upheld by general morality, I should think. But when I can't coast by on an assumption of good morals due to my position, I thought the reassurance of my obligations would help here!

Mind you, where I come from, there are people more qualified to help people through their troubles on a psychological level and they're also required to uphold confidentiality, so I suppose it's just something that people desire when it comes to their deepest secrets, no matter who they tell.

[nobodylikeshim]

Right. [ He laughs. ] Why not?

Those are good, too. But yes... I enjoy ruining the days of those that believe they have everything figured out.

[graftage]

You worked at a prison, Father? That must have been a tough job.

[Things stored in body parts? Yikes.]

[The warning feels a bit like a slap to the face. He was always worried about his family, and not having enough money to help feed them all, and now always being hungry, eating more than he needs to, feels...wrong.]

Mm. That's bad. There's no way to get around it, huh? Or tough it out?

[raptura]

If you ever take up performing here, I'd...Really like to watch. Hopefully not be made a thorough fool of in public, since I don't doubt your capability of doing that, but simply witness you at work! It sounds fascinating, if I'm honest.