perchancetodream_logs

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[Simon's pendant is a sort of silvery red, like someone draped a layer of spider's web over a fox's fur]

I knew my sleep wouldn't be a restful one, but this isn't quite what I expected.

[He's pacing the length of the barest suggestion of a room; the space is still foggy and but there's the suggestion of shelves and glassware starting to form. He seems to be mostly talking to himself without caring or perhaps even noticing he has an audience, sounding oddly amused. He looks like he could be an extra in a production of the Great Gatsby, aside from the fact that even now his suit looks like it's in bad need of mending at the edges.]

Reason says I should conclude I've finally gone properly mad, to think that any being might find me suitable for anything more than what I brought upon myself. But either I'm to be tormented with the idea of my laboratory for a century, or-[he sighs heavily, running a hand through his bright red hair, finally seeming fully conscious of the pendant's glow] Or, there are unknown number of strangers probably thinking me a nattering fool. Either one would be suitable torment.

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Yeah, this isn't what I expected either. But it's not either of us going nuts. Hi, I'm Radley.

[Simon's expression seems to instantly become just a bit less haggard, almost cheerful, even if there's something manic in his bright yellow eyes]

Oh, I wouldn't be so quick to assume such about myself just yet. But that is actually the least of my concerns at the moment, strange as that may be. Regardless; Simon Torquill, pleased to make your acquaintance, Radley. Have you been here some time then, to be so sure that this isn't a sign your mind is unraveling?

Yeah, I've been here for the equivalent of several months now. I'm told that time isn't passing in the waking world and we'll go back to when we left, so that's encouraging, at least. What's less encouraging is that nobody seems to know when that will be.

I'm sure to many it is quite encouraging, but in my case it means I will be returning to the start of a...very long absence of a different sort all over again. Which may not be such a bad thing, under the circumstances I found myself in.

Do we know anything of...if others will be aware we've been absent, should we return? Because if they are, I may have some very difficult questions to answer at some point.

... Ah, I see.

[Well, that's vague. But he won't push it.]

If we go back to the same point when we left, I don't see how they'd be aware of anything.

I suppose that does make sense logically, although magic is often far from logical. Although I suppose, whatever or whomever powers the magic here may adhere to rules a little more than what I'm used to.

That's actually a rather exciting prospect. It's been a long time since I've really learned anything new about magic. I guess that's enough to stop me trying to question this....Outsider's motives too much, at least for the moment.

[Radley smirks.]

It sure isn't. But you like magic, huh?

[Radley isn't a big fan.]

'Like' may be a strong word, at least in some contexts. I enjoy learning about it, its functions and weaknesses. It is a tool, and like any other tool it can be used for good or ill, at least most can. I'm hardly skilled in most scools, but I like to at least be aware of what others are capable of. And I'm also something of a...tinkerer, when I've free time to tinker, which I've not had much of for quite awhile.

I guess that makes sense. Most of what I've seen and heard about is it being used for messed-up things, or stuff that's pretty squicky and iffy. But maybe it couldn't have been stopped in those cases if there hadn't been people using it for good too. I get just wanting to know what it can do, too. Sort of a "knowing your enemy" kind of thing. I wouldn't wanna be taken by surprise if I could help it.

[But it feels like that's what this place does to him a lot. Maybe he should try to figure out if he could use the magic to fight back....]

[Lucas's pendant flickers on and the young man seems to be in a room equally as bare, aside from a giantic bed that he's sitting cross legged in the middle of.]

I guess the truth does sound a bit crazy, doesn't it? Did you get a chance to talk to the Outsider yet or do you need the 411?

[Simon's honey-gold eyes blink in obvious confusion for a moment]

I, ah, am not quite sure what '411' means, but I did get some explanation from...who I am assuming must be this 'Outsider'. However, given as I was already...falling into what was to be a prolonged sleep full of strange and probably unpleasant dreams, I am still wavering on how much to believe was told to me true and how much was my mind being even stranger than is its wont.

Oh sorry, it's slang for getting information, at least where I'm from. [Or when, as the case may be. Lucas is used to dealing with folks out of time thanks to all the friendly and not-so-friendly spooks back home.]

Well, if you hallucinated the Outsider then we all did! They’re real, trust me. And this place is as real as it needs to be, I guess? Not that it sounds any less crazy, I know...I've been here a few months now so if you have any questions maybe I can fill in the gaps?

The apology is appreciated, though far from needed. I have a very...spotty knowledge of slang in my own home. I've really only kept up to a certain point as needed for my work.

Oh, it doesn't sound all that insane to me. I have a great experience with illusions and the like. Though none of this feels as I would expect, I suppose that makes sense if it is all...a collective dream? Which, really, does border on the impossible, but I've crossed that border a remarkable number of times before.

At current time, my only real question would be if we have any idea what this 'Outsider's criteria is for selecting us, as I'm rather puzzled as to how I could...fit with many others.

Oh, yeah? What do you do for a living?

[Lucas waits to hear out the rest of what Simon has to say before saying anything further.]

I'm not really sure how the Outsider chooses us, to be honest. I asked them once and they kind of dodged me on an answer. But, to be fair, I was trying to untangle a different issue altogether so I didn't ask again.

[And he's not sure how reassuring mentioning the whole 'Outsider runs this place but doesn't seem to have total control over it' thing would be, especially over their little pendants instead of in person.]

Recently I've been nothing more than an unlanded baron, but when there has been need for it I've been engaged as a diplomat. My brother would probably say all I did was go to people's homes and talk until they agreed not to declare war on the neighbors if that's what it took for me to leave them in peace.

[While his tone is light and almost cheerful, Simon's very pointedly not looking directly at his pendant as he speaks, looking off to the side instead. And maybe he really is just that fascinated by his surroundings, or mostly lack thereof

He nods thoughtfully before giving a short, dry laugh]

Ah, well. My curiosity may have got the better of me again in not attempting to press for details myself in the moments I had to possibly do so. Then again, that might have been the wiser course. I'm not sure how it is for...wherever you hail from, but in my own realm, any being with even half this sort of power rarely takes well to being pestered about their motives.

[There’s definitely more to Simon's story. Not looking while talking is a tell Lucas has seen before, but he knows there's a time and place to push for all the answers. This is neither, so he simply nods.]

Sounds like you're a force to be reckoned with.

But, uh, where I'm from originally...I guess the closest would be dealing with an Elder vampire. Or a fae, but I didn't cross paths with them until they pulled me and others into one of their little realms. So, who knows?

The Outsider seems sincere, though. Which is kind of refreshing honestly.

[Simon let's out a small huff of breath, possibly a laugh or a sigh or both]

At times perhaps; my brother never understood how words and study could be used just as well if not better than a sword in certain situations. I wonder sometimes if that was the reason we were born twins, to give each other balance.

[His expression brightens as the mention of the others Lucas has dealt with, and he tips his head in curiosity, which reveals a bit more of one ear to show how pointed it is as the end]

You've had dealings with Fae? Do you know what sort, by chance? If not their exact...race, their powers and what any...who might have been dangerous preferred to use as their means of attack? If you've leave to share such knowledge, of course.

You'd be surprised, a lot of twins tend to work out like that instead of being carbon copies of each other.

[But the brief description only serves to make Lucas more curious. Sounds like Simon is more the scholarly type than his brother. Those questions will sit on the back burner for a moment because this new revelation is a lot to take in!]

Woah, uh...Wait a sec, are you fae? [They do take on all kinds of appearances but even in his line of work Lucas hasn't run into anyone with little pointed ears like that - all his elf friends don't count okay.]

I mean it's cool either way, but I'll be honest they're not really my forte so I'm not sure what you mean by what sort? The one that snagged me was Oberon. There was Titania, too? And Morrigan and...well, the rest. They didn't interact directly too often, actually.

[Simon blinks rapidly as he takes in everything Lucas says. He seems to almost stop breathing at the words 'Oberon' and 'Titania', before he starts laughing maybe a little too brightly]

Oberon captured you? Oh, I'm far less certain I've not gone entirely mad now. Or that I'm not being toyed with by Ei--[he cuts himself off suddenly, running a hand over his face and taking a deep, shuddering breath]

Apologies. I...yes, I am Fae, one of the Daoine Sidhe, children of...a child of Titania, who I doubt you crossed paths with if you walked away with your...facilities your own.

[Okay judging from his reactions Lucas decides he really needs to know more about these fae. Luckily it seems like there's an expert in the dreamscape now!]

Uuh, yeah? Dude, like I said, they were mostly hands-off. I got the impression they were bored and wanted people to bang for their amusement before they get bored of that...[He scratches at the back of his neck, sighing.]

My expertise is ghosts not the fae, so...if you don't mind explaining some stuff I'd love to know more. I can explain what Saoirse was about at least?

[that first bit, at least, makes Simon smile] Oh, that is most certainly what at least some of them wanted. That is one of the drawbacks of immortality, boredom is inevitable, and I'm sure it was even more so for...the Lord and his Ladies. Many of us do choose to fill quite a lot of time with...pleasures of the flesh, our own or others.

[he does look down at his hands for a moment at the end of that sentence, but regains himself quickly enough, although his smile looks a bit tighter]

Well, I'm not the expert that some might be on all the many types that fill our lands, and I am suspecting that our...realms may not have the same manner of Fae, but I'd be glad to explain what I am free and able to, which mostly pertains to illusions.

[Lucas's turn to chuckle. it's not surprising at all to hear, considering how horny vampires are for exactly the same reason. One downside to living forever.

The explanation makes total sense, although Lucas does wonder briefly at the pause. He can't help but think of the way Max acted at first but quickly dismisses the thought.]

They probably aren't the same. I can only tell you a little about how they are back home, and not too much more about the ones in Saoirse, but I think they're both different sets so it wouldn't surprise me at this point? [But one thing that Simon mentions does send up some alarm bells. Free and able...]

How about we meet up in person? Chat about the supernatural over a cup of tea or coffee?

[Simon actually seems to properly lighten a bit at that, smile a bit easier]

That sounds like a grand idea. I'll certainly be less likely to get distracted from the conversation by glasswork and shelves seeming to actually construct itself about me that way.

Hah, yeah good point! I can step outside of my cloud and see if I spot yours, if you do the same? [Since they're all generally in the same space. Worse comes to worse Lucas figures they can meet up by the escalator.]

Lucas, by the way. I get on a roll and just don't shut up long enough to do proper introductions, sorry.

And I have apparently grown too used to people knowing who I am by sole virtue of their knowing my brother. Simon Torquill, pleased to make your acquaintance, Lucas.

Ah, that does solve the not-small matter of my lack of familiarity with my surroundings quite nicely. It is appreciated.

No problem, dude. See you outside!

[A few moments later Lucas stands out in front of his little cloudspace, attached to a bigger one, and looks up and down the way to see if he can spot Simon. He gives the man an enthusiastic wave and bounds over with all he energy of an excited golden retriever!]

See, not too tricky here at least. Good to meet you in person, Simon. [ Lucas offers a hand out for a handshake, if the man is feeling up to it.] I'm still getting my bearing around here too, to be honest, but I can give you the nickel tour of the place if you want?

[Simon looks bemused; whether it's from the entire situation or simply being called 'dude' is unclear. Still, he takes Lucas' hand easily. He, somehow, manages to look remarkably put together for a man with a suitjacket that even in this place looks like it badly needs repaired.

He blinks a bit at the greeting, but his smile is genuine and warm enough

That would be very appreciated, yes. [he hesitates, then] And, as payment for assisting me in not getting too terribly lost in future, you may ask what you want of...my people, for lack of better term, though the mind boggles at the idea anyone of being in Oberon's presence and keeping their own facilities in the aftermath.

Edited 2023-01-12 02:57 (UTC)

Heh, you might regret that. I ask a lot of question. [Being an investigator is in his blood.]

You sound awfully sure that I'm sane! [Hopefully the laughing doesn't come off as too crazy.] I'm kidding, I'm mostly all here. It sounds like the Oberon you know is different than the one I met, because he couldn't have been more distant. All the fae were, actually. It was kind of weird?

[He gestures for Simon to walk along with him as he starts to head towards the escalator.]

That may be, but you have yet to spend an evening with me in a library. My P---my friend Patrick always said that was the only thing that could pull me from socializing at a ball, if I found an unlocked room of books.

[Simon's smile is tiny, just the faintest upturning of the corner of his mouth, as he follows Lucas' lead down the escalator] Oh, I would be surprised if any with mortality could remain entirely 'sane' after an encounter with one of the founders of Faerie, considering I think even the oldest among us would break down weeping. But you can speak and walk and presumably dress yourself, which is more than I would expect from other tales I've heard.

[he nods thoughtfully] I...can't say I know him, actually. He and his Ladies...abandoned us, near the time I was born. None who still dance know the entire tale, or if they do they haven't spoken it for whatever reason. But from what I know, he...thought we needed to find our way without his guidance. But from what little I have heard, and know of his direct descendants who still...make their presence known, it doesn't surprise me to hear those you met were 'distant'. It can be...painful, for the older ones especially, to get too close to anything with the potential to end. Does that make sense?

Hah, bet! I think you'd get along with my buddy Miles if he were here, too. [Honestly the guy could spend his life nose deep in a book and be fine. Lucas, on the other hand, doesn't mind putting in the legwork but asking questions is far more fun!]

Man, from the sounds of it the fae were either really holding back or we definitely got two different versions of them running around. [He makes a bit of a face. The idea clearly doesn't sit well.

Still, Lucas nods after Simon finishes his thoughts.] Yeah, it does. Kind of reminds me of Elder vampires. Well, most Elder vampires. Mortals are fleeting and all of that? But I guess you're not in the 'too old to hang out' club, yeah?

[Simon snorts softly at the comment about the people who may not be his, but are probably closer to him than Lucas in their natures] We do tend towards secrecy for many reasons, so it wouldn't surprise me if they weren't telling you anything besides what they felt you absoultely had to know. I am not sure which option ot hope for myself. I have wanted our Lord to return for some time, so perhaps the latter would be safer to keep my own hopes from rising too high that he might be considering returning to the Summerlands one time soon.

[While he caerfully averts his gaze towards their surroundings to avoid Lucas seeing the emotions that cross his face, he does let out a proper if short and faint laugh at the last bit] Oh, that really is a matter of perspective, isn't it? It's true I'm younger than many of my kind, and have made some effort to keep up to date on at least fashion and manners of speaking, and I can even drive. [he sounds almost proud at the last bit. Almost.

Then, he swallows, taking a deep breath. He doesn't tell this to many people--none, really, not since the people who simply knew still spoke to him. But of all the things he has to be possibly ashamed of, this is one he refuses to be, and this place is far safer than home to speak one of the few truths that will not endanger anyone, even if it would sting his brother's pride] Besides, I had a human mother, and distancing myself as far from mortals as some do would make me feel as if I'd shamed her nearly as much as...many more unseemly things would.

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back from vacation, apologies for the wait!

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