#lord founder.

[lordfounder]

[lordfounder]

One weaves comforting lies, and the other speaks the cruel truth with a smile.

[lordfounder]

" Your feelings are not valid. Lock in."

[lordfounder]

Douma is nothing if not dedicated to playing his part as Lord Founder. He is involved, regularly performs feats of genuine kindness. He's tall and intimidating, yet acts gently and with a surprising amount of humility. He has held older members in his arms to help them feel safe and loved as they pass on. Held their grieving family members for comfort as they cry.

Needless to say, this character is not so easily broken, this pretense comes to Douma as easily as breathing. It represents an entire life's worth of preparation, training, and devotion.

[lordfounder]

The woman known as Hanako sat before the Lord Founder as it was confession time for everyone to tell and cry towards their deity. Hinatsuru shifted uncomfortably, not knowing why she felt shivers racing down her spine. Everyone before her had cried, telling sob stories, but she was trying to capture his interest as she needed to get closer to collect more information. Closing her eyes, she spoke in a calm voice, "I killed someone...It was either them or me, but no matter what, I still can see their face as they died. Their blood wet on my hands, not coming off. It feels like no matter what I do, it will never wash off." @demcnsden

Of all those he had attended that night, it was she who stood out. If there was something that Douma had familiarized himself with, it was human suffering. The weeping despair of mothers who had lost their children to war, the weak grasp of those ravaged by disease or hunger, the wrathful and yet guilt-stricken glares of murderers and abusers as they confessed to their sins.

The human heart was something ugly, gnawing, raw in all of its disgusting glory.

The Lord Founder gently held her hand through her confession, warm human fingers encased in his frigid grasp. Like a serpent constricted around her hands. He knelt down, in a gesture of compassion and humility. Yet this act of tenderness, like many things about Douma, was two-fold.

That despite her claim of suffering and guilt, her pulse did not quicken. Her calm demeanor stood in stark contrast to the litany of despair from earlier. If she wanted Douma's attention, she had gotten it. Though for different reasons than she might have intended.

( It was not the first time that someone attempted to infiltrate his cult, nor would it be the last.)

"Please, be at ease." He began, gentle and comforting. A hand set upon her cheek. "Rest your burden at my feet, come. Sit with me."

@demcnsden

[lordfounder]

Are you a wolf in sheep's clothing?

Wolf in sheep's skin

You are not the foe mangled by media and public perception, but you are not a gentle creature. Not by nature, at least. You have fangs and claws and there is some part of you (don't deny it now) that craves to use them; deep down, you want to lash out. You were born with a scream buried in your throat, and ever since you realized the damage it could do, you have donned the gentle one's skin. You prance around out of pace with everyone, walking on eggshells because you dare not risk the frail peace you have made. You do not want to be gentle, but you are tired of hurting those you love. You are tired, and you refuse to be the beast that roars in your throat. You refuse and refuse but dear, starving wolves are always the ones that attack. You mustn't wear the sheep's wool forever, because one day, the façade will come undone, and you will have to face your maw stained in blood.

TAGGED BY: Stolen~ TAGGING: you!

[lordfounder]

Asides from the mainline ritual of life and death, Douma does not usually devour members of his cult. He much prefers to set off and hunt his own prey.

The members of Eternal Paradise serve other uses. Searching for the blue spider lily as Muzan orders, maintaining the structure of the cult, maintaining a steady source of new members, and serving as his amusements.

Douma is quite protective of— though possessive might be a better word, of the members of Eternal Paradise.

[lordfounder]

Inosuke's long kimono sleeves were uncannily squeaky. He kept his arms crossed over his chest, trying his best to keep a straight face, but the distinct motion that shook the fabrics tore a few winces and giggles from the child.

He was helpless as his hidden guest found another way of escape, right out of this collar. The minuscule mouse could have fit in the boy's palms, but it chose to nestle in the crook of his neck for now, hidden amongst bright blue locks of hair.

"The monks said I should take it outside, but it's so small... The birds are gonna eat it!" Inosuke pleased, sparkling eyes pleading for Douma's favorable input. The man did have a history of being rather lenient towards Inosuke's antics.

"Can I keep it? Please?"

And, like many times before, the Lord Founder all but turns a blind eye to Inosuke's antics, much to the irritation of his priesthood. Such lenience was unbecoming of the Lord Founder, and yet Inosuke was but a child—should he truly be punished for behaving as children do?

As Inosuke walked into the inner sanctum, he would have spotted Genji speaking with Douma in a hushed, yet firm tone. For once, the crown and veil sat untouched by the Lord Founder's side, resting upon a collection of tomes.

Douma's pale gaze caught Inosuke as he walked in, lips curled up into a serene and adoring smile, before he turned his attention back to the head priest.

"I will speak with him." He'd assured so thousands of times by now, if Genji's dubious stare was something to go off of. Still, the head priest bowed deeply, and promptly made his exit out of the Lord Founder's sanctum.

Douma's countenance softened once he was left alone with Inosuke, the deity-like smile brightened into something more paternal, and he pat the empty spot at his side.

"You've been making quite a ruckus, Inosuke. Just what have you been up to now?"

Douma already knew, of course. But he would have much preferred Inosuke to be forthcoming with the truth. Douma leaned closer as he sat, chin atop his open palm.

"So, you want to protect mister mouse... That is very gentle of you, Inosuke. I would not be against the idea."

This, however, could be a teachable moment...

"But, can you provide for him? What will you feed him? Where will you keep him?"