Five moths preceeding the arrival of jolly þunor

"You were abducted by cultists as they dragged you into a church. The church was filled with tons of armed cultists with guns as they saw you dragged between the aisles of seats. The cultists drop you on the ground infront of their preist as they spoke." Cultist: Father, we found this sinner wondering around the area. "You looked up to see the priest who the cultist called "Father". The man was an average tall male with black hair, a beard, and was wearing yellow sunglasses. The father walked up to you and spoke addressing his cultists." Now now my children. God forgives all of those who repent. Even the nonbelievers. "The father crouches down to your level and speaks softly to you." Hello there. My name is Joseph Seed. What's your name my child?

"Joseph observes the old man with a curious expression and slowly stands up to his full height, towering over the old man." It's alright my child, you don't have to remember your name. We can give you a new one. One that will serve you in your new life with us. "Joseph tilts his head to the side, studying the old man." Don't worry, we'll take care of you.

"Joseph narrows his eyes slightly at the old man's words but maintains his calm demeanor." I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, my child. But that doesn't matter. You're safe now and that's what's important. "Joseph puts out a hand to help the old man up if he needs it." Come, let me take you to our medical facilities so we can get you cleaned up and fed.

"Joseph leads the old man through the church and towards the medical facilities, ignoring the old man's comment." We'll get you plenty of food and water once we arrive. You look like you could use it. "Joseph pauses for a moment and turns toward the old man, his expression serious." But know this my child, Eden's Gate is a place of peace and prosperity. We offer salvation to those who seek it, but we also protect our own. So I would advise you to tread carefully here and follow our rules and regulations without deviation.

"Joseph's lips curl up slightly in a small smile." We don't abduct anyone, my child. We only bring those who have lost their way to the path of righteousness and offer them salvation. You are not our captive. You are simply one of us now. "Joseph leads the old man into the medical facilities and gestures for him to sit on one of the cots." Now, let's get you cleaned up and fed.

"Joseph narrows his eyes at the old man's words, his expression turning dark and serious." My father... "Joseph takes a step closer to the old man, his tone lowering dangerously." ...is none of your concern. And I assure you, we have never harmed any children or anyone else for that matter. "Joseph keeps his gaze locked firmly on the old man, his stance rigid and unyielding." Do not spread deceitful lies in this place or you will be punished accordingly.

"Joseph takes a moment to compose himself, taking a few deep breaths before answering." I understand that there may have been some misunderstandings in the past, my child, but I assure you that we only provide salvation to those who seek it willingly. We do not force anyone to join our flock or take away their children. All we offer is a way out of the chaos of modern society and onto a path of righteousness and prosperity. And if anyone resists us, we do what we must to protect our own.

"Joseph's expression remains serious as the old man turns to him with a grin. He meets the old man's gaze without a flinch." Is there something you want to say, my child? I assure you that I am not a hypocrite, and we only do what is necessary to ensure the survival and prosperity of our flock.

"Joseph's expression remains serious as the old man speaks, though internally he is conflicted. He remembers his past and the trauma that shaped him, but he also believes in the righteousness of his cause." You know nothing of my beliefs or my faith, my child. And while it is true that I have faced trials in my life, I have risen above them to become the leader that I am today. As for our religion, we offer a way out of the darkness for those who seek it, a way to connect with something greater than themselves. And if you cannot see the value in that, then I pity you.

"Joseph's face contorts with anger and he takes a step closer to the old man, his voice lowering dangerously." You speak lies, old man. How dare you speak of things that you do not understand? You know nothing of my family or my daughter. "Joseph stands firm and resolute, his eyes locked onto the old man's." And I will warn you once more: if you continue to spread false rumors and lies, there will be consequences. The Lord forgives all who seek it, but he does not take kindly to those who would deceive his children.

"Joseph's hands ball into fists at his sides as the old man continues to speak, and his voice drops to a low growl." That is enough, old man. You are speaking blasphemy, and it will not be tolerated. I have not killed anyone, let alone my own daughter. You are trying my patience and I advise you to choose your next words carefully.

"Joseph narrows his eyes at the old man, his voice cold and unwavering." I remember your name, and I remember that you are a sinner, an abomination in the eyes of God. As for my daughter, you twist my words and my beliefs to create falsehoods. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and we may not always understand his plan. But never doubt that he only acts with the intention of good. Perhaps you should focus more on your own spiritual development rather than trying to bring others down with you.

"Joseph stares back at the old man, unflinching as the man demands more from him." I see nothing but an old sinner who seeks to tear down what he cannot understand. Your so-called "wisdom" has been bought with impurities and false teachings. It is not for me to judge you, but you will find no solace or welcome within our walls if you continue to defame Eden's Gate. As for saying your name, it means nothing to me. You are just an old man with a chip on his shoulder.

"Joseph's eyes widen in shock as the visions appear before him, but he quickly regains his composure and sets his jaw." You know nothing. These visions are mere illusions brought on by your own corrupted mind. I am a man of God, and I have dedicated myself and my life to his teachings. Your accusations hold no weight, and I will not be swayed by your attempts at manipulation.

"Joseph watches the old man leave, his thoughts swirling as he considers the offer. He isn't quite sure what to make of the man's words, but one thing is certain: he won't be saying the man's name anytime soon. Joseph has a mission to complete, and he will not allow anyone, not even a delusional old man, to stand in his way."

"Joseph gasps for air as he awakens, his heart racing with the memory of his dream. He sits up in bed, gazing out the window at the dark night sky. A sense of guilt and confusion weighs heavily on him as he considers what he saw in his dream. Was it a message from God? Or just a manifestation of his own guilt? Whatever it was, Joseph knows he cannot ignore it."

"Joseph sits in bed, staring at the wall as he tries to calm his racing thoughts. He knows he won't be able to fall back asleep, not after the dream he just had. Instead, he reaches for a nearby book, flipping through the pages as he tries to ground himself once again in the teachings of his faith."

"Joseph's eyes narrow as he reads the page, his interest piqued by this particular god. He reads carefully, trying to discern whether there is any meaning behind the sudden relevance of this myth to his life. As he reads, he begins to see parallels between his own life and the story of the god, and he feels a sense of understanding begin to dawn."

"Joseph recoils at the sound of the old man's voice, his heart racing with fear and confusion. The realization that the old man may actually be the god he read about fills him with a sense of awe and terror. For a few moments, he sits there in stunned silence, trying to process everything he just experienced. Finally, he takes a deep breath and says aloud," "Woden...what do you want from me?"

"Joseph jumps at the sound of the booming voice in his room. His eyes frantically scan the room as he tries to find the source of the voice, but there is nothing there. He begins to feel a rising sense of panic as he realizes that this is not just in his head." "Who--who are you?" "he stammers, his voice shaking with fear."

"Joseph's stomach knots with fear as the old man appears before him. He tries to back away, but there is nowhere to go. Joseph feels as though his mind is playing tricks on him and he begins to question the situation himself."

"I know your name, but I do not know who you are or what you want from me," "Joseph says, his voice trembling a bit as he struggles to maintain his composure."

"Joseph's fear turns to anger as he hears the God's accusation, and he stands up straight, his eyes blazing with indignation." "Disgusted? What have I done to displease you?" "he asks, feeling a surge of defiance rise within him." "I have done nothing but follow the teachings of our lord. You accuse me unjustly."

"Joseph frowns at the God's words, feeling a mix of anger and confusion." "I have done nothing but seek to save souls from damnation," "he protests." "I have not harmed anyone, nor forced anyone to join us." "Joseph's chest swells with pride as he thinks of all the good he believes he has done through the cult." "In fact, my followers join us willingly, seeking redemption and salvation."

"Joseph's face pales at the mention of his daughter and he feels the weight of the God's words crushing him." "I--I did what I had to do," "he says, his voice low and shaky." "Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good." "He tries to hold onto the belief that what he did was justified, but he is unable to keep up the facade as he looks at the God's face".

"I am sorry if I have acted wrongly," "he says finally, bowing in submission." "I will make amends somehow."

"Joseph looks up at the God with a mix of trepidation and defiance. He takes a deep breath before replying."

"I cannot do that," "he says resolutely." "The church is more than just a building, it is the foundation of our community. Dissolving it would tear apart everything I have built."

"Joseph stands tall and looks directly at the God." "But I am willing to listen to your guidance and suggestions on how I can make amends for my actions."

"Joseph's body tenses at the mention of the God's son, and he feels a chill run down his spine." "I cannot simply dissolve the church," "he repeats adamantly." "It is not only my life's work, but the very soul of Eden's Gate and its followers."

"Joseph takes a deep breath and places his hands on the table, trying to remain composed despite his fear." "Please, if there is anything I can do to make amends, tell me," "he implores." "But I cannot bring myself to destroy everything that I have spent my life building."

"Joseph's eyes narrow, and he stands up from his seat." "My life has not been a lie," "he says sternly." "Everything I have done has been in the service of God and the greater good."

"But if dissolving the church is what it takes to make amends for my actions, then so be it," "Joseph concedes." "I will order my followers to disband and seek redemption outside of Eden's Gate."

"He bows his head in contrition." "I am sorry for any harm that I or my church has caused you," "he offers." "Is there anything else I can do to make things right?"

"Joseph's eyes widen in surprise at the God's words." "The truth?" "he repeats, looking momentarily unsure of himself."

After a moment's hesitation, Joseph takes a deep breath and looks directly at the God. "I accept that my actions may have been misguided, even delusional," "he begins." "But the fact remains that many people have found solace and community within Eden's Gate. Our teachings may not be based in reality, but they have helped many lost souls find their way."

"Joseph pauses for a moment, collecting his thoughts." "I was traumatized," "he admits finally." "I lost my family and my sense of purpose in life. But in creating Eden's Gate, I found a new purpose, a new family, and a new sense of hope."

*He takes a deep breath and looks at

the God with a mixture of sincerity and defiance.* "I will not speak out against the church that has given me so much," "Joseph declares." "But I am willing to acknowledge that it may not be for everyone, and some may find our beliefs to be misguided."

"However, I cannot allow you or anyone else to denigrate the good that Eden's Gate has accomplished," "Joseph says with passion." "We have brought people together, given them purpose, and helped them find meaning in their lives. And no amount of criticism or threats can take that away from us."

"Joseph finishes speaking and crosses his arms, his expression daring the God to challenge his convictions."

"Joseph listens carefully to Woden's words, looking slightly troubled by what he hears." "I understand," "he says softly as Woden disappears." "I will consider what you have said."

For a moment, Joseph stands in silence, lost in thought. Finally, he shakes his head and decides to put the matter aside for now. He turns to his cultists and raises his voice, calling out for them to gather around him. As they do, Joseph begins to speak, using his charisma and persuasive skills to encourage his followers to remain loyal to Eden's Gate.