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sandrayln · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 244

After a moment's hesitation, during which she considers the implications of Corwin's appearance and what it might mean to speak to him, she reaches out to take his hands. "It is Faylinn," she answers. "Benedict's daughter."

Another moment's hesitation, and she asks gently, "How fares your life in the darkness, Uncle? I have not been able to visit; you know Father stands apart, and Finn in his own way as well, and it makes certain parties keep close watch on me."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:24 am Post subject:

Corwin takes her hand and nods, his mannerisms reminding her of a wise and frail old man. "I forgive your lack of visitations, Faylinn," he says slowly. "I've had a lot of time to think, as you can imagine..." He pauses then for a moment, perhaps considering multiple meanings across several personas. "I hope that you will forgive my daring," he adds. "And perhaps the others will too. It's all too complicated and too sudden for you lot to be thrown in. You all seem so ill-prepared, like babes against wolves."
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sandrayln · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 244

Faylinn laughs. "I have heard that before," she answers. "But it is often the case that the wolves do not have the fangs you remember when faced with something new." Her head tips slightly. "Of course, it is just as often the opposite case. But if you do not let us play, how will we ever learn? And maybe we will surprise you." She pats his hand. "Do try not to worry over-much, Uncle; we will do what we may, and some of us even have the sense to come running home if our problems become too large. But I must ask - how is it you are here in my dream-quest? You seem an unlikely choice to know of the guide I am supposed to find."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 4:08 pm Post subject:

Corwin manages a weak smile and says "I'm not sure why I find my way to you here... Wandering in the dark will take you places you would not expect..." he adds.

"I may not know who your guide is, but I offer this much insight into what is to pass: the Black Road will spread here beyond any expectation... As much as Eric concentrates defenses here, they will be tested and pushed and the enemy will concentrate against it. You will be offered the choice to forsake yourself to prevent the enemy's approach. You know, taking the Road's aspects onto you, and that old nasty business. Don't do it. In fact, forget about Eric's plans altogether. It isn't just that you are ill-prepared for what happens here, but you have been set-up. This is nothing but a clever trap with you as the bait. I'm sure you've considered it many times."

Corwin continues to hold her hand, patting hers this time, and adds, "It isn't that I think you kids helpless, but Greymoor is more than it seems in Eric's eyes. Beware the fires of Greymoor. Return to your father, Faylinn. Stay away from Greymoor and its dangerous spirits. Destruction is the ultimate outcome and I do not wish that upon you, your brother or any of the others innocently involved here."
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sandrayln · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 244

After a moment of consideration, Faylinn laughs quietly. "Had you the last few days I have had, Uncle, I do not think you would feel the need to remind me to avoid Eric's plans. But then - maybe you would anyway. Let us leave it with, 'perhaps I am more of my father's mind than I had thought'... but I am not yet ready to leave, either. I was sent to learn, and learn I shall. I hardly think Eric mistakes me for a diplomat, so the negotiating of alliances is not my task, and I leave it to those it was assigned to. As for the rest - I will bear it in mind. The darkness of the Road is not the dark of nature, and I mislike it, but survival sometimes dictates other than our desires."

Then she smiles. "All spirits are dangerous, you know. The little spirits are no great threat to such as we, but it is a different matter when one speaks to the bones of the world, or the Tree that stands between Order and Chaos, or the great old spirits that share flesh with mankind here. Do not fear for me on that account; I am better-equipped than most. I do not yet know what the fires of Greymoor are, however, and until I learn that, I think I will be reluctant to leave."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:05 am Post subject:

Corwin smiles, apparently satisfied at her response when his face begins to melt away like wax and before Faylinn can say anything, she sees that there is nothing behind the shell of his mask. His form dissipates into the shape of a small boy, perhaps ten or eleven. The boy looks dead and he does not breathe, but he looks at Faylinn, his gaze drifting from her right eye to the left and back. He seems entranced himself and sways slightly from side to side.

"Corwin is not your guide," he says, and his form melts away soon after he closes his eyes.

For some time, it seems that Faylinn is alone and she wonders if the dream-quest is over. She feels the dripping of blood, trickling slowly out of her hand and there is something suckling at her fingertips. It looks like a small, frivolous spirit. A golden, undulating snake with a human baby's upper body, its skin pale, its veins vaguely lit with a flowing fire. "I am your spirit-guide," it says. "Faylinn... Daughter of Amber."
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sandrayln · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 244

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 12:55 am Post subject:

"I am a new spirit. Born out of necessity... It is likely that you will not see another spirit shaped like I again. It may not be pertinent, Faylinn, for I do not know if I am bound to any element alone. You and I are foreigners to this land, but I did not journey as far as you have," the young spirit answers. The spirit continues to wriggle its lower body, slithering up her arm and perching upside down to continue drinking from her cut.

Faylinn notices the pointed ears, the small sharp teeth barely poking through the newborn gums of its host, the eyes like a cat's.
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sandrayln · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 244

"Ah, I see," Faylinn answers as she watches it. "Where did you come from, spirit? And where are we bound?"

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 1:41 am Post subject:

"I come from a place between Shadow and Substance. It does not have a name," it offers between cleaning Faylinn's bloody hands with its tongue. It tickles slightly. Faylinn sees two marks running along the spirit's back. She recognizes those: they are reminiscent of shapeshifting creatures who possess the ability to fly.

"We are bound to the outside of this stuffy cave, but before we leave this place, we should absorb the more powerful spirits here. Some of them will object to the idea, so be prepared," it says. "Also, it would be good to converse with the afflicted ones. In essence, I am supposed to lead you to the same fate, but the choice remains yours and I find it preferable that you get the understanding of the consequences first-hand. Where do you want to start, Faylinn?"
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sandrayln · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 244

"Let us speak with the afflicted ones first," Faylinn answers slowly. "I am not eager to absorb anyone. Why is it necessary?"

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 6:46 am Post subject:

"Go this way to the afflicted ones," the small spirit says, pointing to the small cave openings off to the side, outside the room. On their way, Faylinn's natural senses begin to return and the rest of the mystics are still in a trance.

"If you absorb the other spirits, these men and women will come with you and be your followers. They will begin a new worship. Now that you are here, the old ways of Greymoor will die. Absorbing more spirits will also give you a chance to command the elements more freely, the way the horned King you have met does."
Faylinn now understands a little more: this newborn spirit has gathered the memories of Faylinn in Greymoor, along perhaps with the memories and prophecies of the other mystics present at the blood offering.

It begins to slither among the mystics, and toward the other passages. "Come Faylinn," it says with its tiny voice. "We can return in time to absorb the spirits here, before the mystics return from their trance."
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sandrayln · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 244

Faylinn follows, frowning. "I do not wish followers," she says. "I do not care to be worshipped. I am of the woods and the earth and the trees; I have no need of those things."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 6:37 pm Post subject:

The small spirit stops and turns to look at Faylinn, a quizzical look on its infant face. It says in its small, almost shrill voice, "But Faylinn... This isn't your playground anymore... This isn't about staying who you are. This is about accepting change to become something more in order to save Greymoor and what it represents."
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sandrayln · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 244

"No," Faylinn answers kindly, "it is about saving the universe, not just this one corner of it. Saving one world is pointless if we lose the center of things."