video.

[72demons]

[ solomon is in what looks to be a library, dimly-lit and obviously in need of a lot of work-- but he doesn't seem to mind. indeed, he's seated at a dusty table surrounded by books that, while in relative good condition, have still seen better days. he's apparently read most of them, because markers are visible sticking out of the pages, and the king himself is curled in his chair with another open on his lap.

he glances up, a little owl-eyed, offering a faintly distracted smile as he holds the book up. it's hard to see the title in the light, especially as he sets it back down on his lap. ]

I've been catching up with everything that's happened since I lived, and-- [ his smile brightens. ] My goodness, science developed by leaps and bounds, didn't it? I have to admit, I'm particularly interested right now in evolution and-- genetics and-- [ he glances back down at his book. ] --DNA. [ he glances back up again, fingers curling over the cover of the book. ] I think these books are mostly considered classics, though. They seem to have landmark papers and discoveries in them, but not a great deal that's newer. Does anyone know if I can find more information elsewhere..?

[ he reaches out, tapping the tablet. ] On this, perhaps? [ because while he knows god, he also knows that there is a process and a science behind what god does, what magic does, what everything is. he likes finally having a few answers, and the means to perhaps find more.

he starts to say something else-- then abruptly sneezes, sending dust into the air and looking a little sheepish. ] Oh dear. I think even my extraordinarily extensive library back home was cleaner than this one, and I had books stacked on the floor. [ he closes his book, coughing and waving more dust away as he rises. ] I know the focus has been on other areas, given the nature of this place, but Kevin, if you're listening, I don't suppose you know where I might find a broom..? I think you and Mr Nightray hoard the cleaning supplies..

Comments

[72demons]

Well.. I suppose because I like knowing where I'm from. [ he touches fingertips to his chest. ] Not just my soul, but.. what processes God put in place in the world that I was born. [ why something like him was born in the first place. ]

--But what's a Ritz, though? And why would one wear it..?

[inhumanity]

[The answer surprises him, and it shows in widening eyes. It sounds strange. Familiar. Like the same song in another key.] I don't know much about God, but you should give credit to Mother Nature. You result from the haphazard genius of billions of years. [With a bright kindness, offers a cheerful answer.] You existence is nothing more or less than a meaningless accident of collisions. [celebratory hands in the air] In that sense, you're like the universe itself!

Oh, but the Ritz is a hotel. Do they have those in your day?

[72demons]

I could wish it were no more than accident. [ he smiles warmly. ] Still, I'm happy to offer credit--or blame, as the case may be--where it's due.

Hotel? [ a brief, thoughtful pause, glancing up at the ceiling. ] You mean an inn?

[inhumanity]

[He can't help himself. While Christopher's physical reactions are usually well-controlled, something in how Solomon speaks is ringing too many bells. By just a fraction, his head tilts. His fingers curl against his palm.

But he masks it all with a wide grin and a clear, cutting voice.] Why, Solomon, you speak as if someone made you on purpose. Don't tell me you're the golem.

[72demons]

.. I'm something, all right. [ mistake. abomination. but one day, he thinks soon, he'll cease to exist. he'll correct it.

he smiles brightly. ] But you were telling me about the Ritz?

[inhumanity]

[He can take a very obvious hint. But he isn't going to ignore this. He'll leave it alone for a moment.

He becomes animated again, all excited hands.] That's right! The Ritz Hotel, home of the fashionable, the wealthy, the extravagant and careless. We can travel there one day. Let's visit its ruins in this time and then travel back to see it at its height! My, that could be a new art piece, could it? Opulence, after and before!

[72demons]

[ he hums a laugh. ] If that's so, I'm certain you could say the same for many places that no longer exist in this time. Babylon, for instance. Uruk. Even my own kingdom.

[inhumanity]

But no one lets us visit out there. [A sulk.] I'd love to go see the ruins of Israel if only we could visit that territory.

[72demons]

[ his expressions falls slightly, gaze sliding briefly away, smile dimming faintly. ] I don't think I could bear it. But I suppose it's different for me. It's my home.

[inhumanity]

[Whoops. Christopher hums a note, tilts his head, smiles kindly.] In that case, let's go back in time and visit it as it is in your present. What baked goods do you have there? I'd like to learn them!