It felt like an eternity

Gasping, squirming, pleading, turning...

You were tied down to a stone table, various hooded fingers around you tickling you in all of your spots, mumbling under their breaths as you'd scream with laughter. You were the sacrificial lamb and this group was keen on tickling you. Tickling you to death

Your vision faded, that burning sensation in your lungs remained as you woke up. You felt out of breath, your legs like rubber as you walked along an odd landscape...

It was bright, cloudy almost... Heaven or... Hell? You couldn't tell

Eventually, you'd end up in front of a tall, towering figure, shapeless as it gazed to you

"Ahhhh... you're finally awake..."

It spoke in almost a whisper, that tone almost maternal... was it true emotion or a manipulation tactic to do its bidding? They'd continue

"I am Laffa, a being of pure Mirth... and you, my new Champion, have much work to do..."

"Your new purpose is to build a cult in my name. Blossom a community of gargalesis, create homes in my honor, harvest under my boon... But all of this will require payment... make your followers laugh... Their Joy is what feeds me... in return, I shall grant gifts."

"No matter the species, either... you have complete freedom to build the cult in whatever way you want... just don't forget my payment or you'll REGRET IT SEVERELY

"If you have any need of me... merely pray my name... Now, off with you..."

...

You could've sworn it was a dream, or a nightmare... you awoke in the forest, staring at a canopy s sunlight bled through the leaves

The exhaustion was completely gone... you felt like you had the best rest of your life

Maybe it wasn't a dream... What would you do now?