first dream - unexpected arrival

[shaper_lord]

[A long moment as he orients himself to this place that is not where he intended or expected to wind up.]

Sister? ...Delirium?

[Shorter pause in which metaphysical senses determine that he cannot get anywhere else, then dictated in an imposing tone.]

Whoever you are, show yourself.

Comments

[devil_blue]

It has shown itself. All you need do is look at your surroundings.

[shaper_lord]

[A pause, and his voice is now directed at the journal.]

I am in no mood for games. Speak clearly.

[devil_blue]

Then you are going to despise this place.

I assume that, by what has been recording, you were not expecting to arrive here. Rather, you were in the middle of something important. Or personal, perhaps.

That is the power of this place, of this world. It has taken you from your own, whatever that may be, and has stripped you of something. An ability, a memory, something.

Welcome to Cair Paradisa.

[shaper_lord]

I despise any prison, when I am on the wrong side of the bars.

I was traveling to my brother's garden, alongside my sister. Have you seen her? She is very distinctive in appearance.

I believe I am aware of what has been taken, besides my freedom. ...Strange that I've never heard of this place before, though.

[devil_blue]

Then you will come to hate this place. You have no say in leaving. It decides when it has had enough of you, and it decides when it will be rid of you. Even death will not take you from this place, as it will bring you back to life.

If this sister you speak of is Delirium, then yes. She is here and has been here for some time now. Before you ask, this place takes from any point in time. And being here does not seem to interrupt their presence in their original world.

Then you are more fortunate than many, who often find out when it is much too late for them. And how exactly is it strange that one has not heard of a sentient castle planet that seemingly exists in it's own unique space?

[shaper_lord]

It is very nearly unheard of to ward Death away on any permanent basis, but I would almost expect it of a place capable of holding us captive. How irritating, I would like to speak with her about this.

That is not entirely surprising. I will seek her out, then.

Perhaps it would not be strange to those bound to any single plane, but I am of the Endless. It is very unusual for me to discover a place I have not been.

[devil_blue]

As long as we remain here, death is but a nap. A joke. It has no purpose here.

I'm sure she would like that.

Endless? Then I imagine your "discovery" of this place has the bitter taste of irony to it.

[shaper_lord]

Do not speak of things you do not understand.

More than you could know.

[devil_blue]

You're the newcomer to this place. You're the one that lacks understanding. The rules are different here.

[shaper_lord]

Perhaps so. Nonetheless, you should choose your words more carefully when speaking of the Endless.

[devil_blue]

I pick my each and every word with precise caution and intent. When I speak of your Endless, perhaps I will use different words. But I am not now, so I will not.

[shaper_lord]

Your ignorance shows. Death is my older sister.

[devil_blue]

Choose your words carefully.

Then when I speak of Death, I will choose different words. But I am not speaking of her. I am speaking of what her will has become in this place. And whether or not you think it arrogant of me, such is the case.

[shaper_lord]

Very well.

Do you know where Delirium might be?

[devil_blue]

Hm.

Room 613.

[shaper_lord]

I will begin there, then.