Across the Sky [Active/Open]

[dollsy_npcs]

Characters: The Lanternkeeper, open
Setting: The Grand Room
Time: Night 012
Summary: The Lanternkeeper will take your questions. Note: I will respond to each thread individually, so this moves at a reasonable pace. You may threadhop if you wish.
Warnings: none

Comments

[chaotic_unmaker]

"Who has brought us here, and what is their purpose in doing so?" asked a quiet voice, almost a whisper, though it carried well despite that.

[dollsy_npcs]

"No one knows," she said, apologetically. "I'm sorry. Not even the phantasms know, unless they're lying."

[chaotic_unmaker]

The young looking man smiled a sad sort of smile. "I see. You must have suffered greatly here." An observation based on information already given to the others. "Can you tell me where I might find these phantasms?"

[dollsy_npcs]

"They only show up when they want to," she said. "And they're dangerous. I--I wouldn't go looking for them."

[chaotic_unmaker]

chaos nodded, slowly. "I have never been one to seek out danger, but I am able to deal with it when it comes my way. Don't worry too much about me."

He reached out to touch her shoulder, his hand passing through her entirely, and he bowed his head. "I see," he said again, and then smiled that sad smile again. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

[dollsy_npcs]

She shook her head. "I already know I'm trapped here, but you still have a chance to escape. I'd hope that you'd try to do so."

[chaotic_unmaker]

"And the only way you know of to escape is through the phantasms." He smiled again, this time a touch of wryness warring with the sadness. "One way or another, we are going to have to confront them. Is there any way to hurt them?"

[dollsy_npcs]

"I'm not sure exactly," she said, speaking carefully, "but I can touch them. The monsters can, too. I don't know why..."

[chaotic_unmaker]

"Has anyone tried to fashion weapons from the fallen monsters?" Of course, in his case, all he'd need was a pair of gloves - maybe not even that. "And if they did, were they effective?"

[dollsy_npcs]

"Corpses don't count," she said. "And the phantasms can destroy most of the monsters easily."

[chaotic_unmaker]

"Most," he said softly, watching her responses. "But not all?"

[dollsy_npcs]

She was silent for a long time. "Not me."

[chaotic_unmaker]

He nodded, silent once more as he mulled over what he had learned. There was some key here that they were all missing. But what was it?

"Is there anything else you can tell us that might help?" he asked, meeting her eyes.

[dollsy_npcs]

"I-I'm not sure," she said. "It's been so long, I've learned lots of things, but I don't--I don't know how important it is..."

[chaotic_unmaker]

"You've been here a long time," he said gently, and wished for the second time that he could give her some measure of comfort with his touch. "Never allowed to rest, knowing only the purpose that was given to you." He lowered his eyes and his hand. "I'm sorry. I know how that feels. I wish there was more I could do for you."

[dollsy_npcs]

"If you could find a way to escape," she said, "if I could help in some way... I would be so glad."