Faerzen meets his father

* Faerzen_Norstov finishes collecting the grist, stowing his crossbow as he does so
* Faerzen_Norstov straightens his hair before taking a look around to see if there anything else that needs dispatching
<Samstrel> There is nothing of interest.
<Samstrel> Though, you see your house on a platform on the horizon.
* Faerzen_Norstov looks behind him at The Ring, getting his bearings and orienting himself perpendicularly to the circle
* Faerzen_Norstov draws a line in the dirt pointing perpendicularly to The Ring behind him, and using his arm to point towards his house, draws a similar line pointing towards his house
* Faerzen_Norstov measures the angle between the two lines and records it in his notes
* Faerzen_Norstov makes a grandiose stretch of his wings before decpatchaloguing his pocket watch (Ti - TITANIUM)
* Faerzen_Norstov starts the stopwatch before leaping up into the air and flying towards home
* Faerzen_Norstov smiles as he glides home, enjoying the air whisking past his face and the sweeping scenery, a welcome moment of relaxation amongst all the stress of the game
* Faerzen_Norstov flies home
<Samstrel> You land at your house and it looks like the last you left it.
* Faerzen_Norstov stops the stopwatch, recording the flight time and captchaloguing the watch again (Ti - TITANIUM).
* Faerzen_Norstov thinks to Abyss and then also to Regent
<Faerzen_Norstov> *If you happen to notice anything that you might be able to classify as "fatherly spirit", please do let me know.*
* Faerzen_Norstov shoots several crossbow bolts into the ground in a line to mark the direction he came from
<Samstrel> *Well, okay...*
* Faerzen_Norstov makes a quick flight around the outside of the house to see if he can spot anything unusual
<Faerzen_Norstov> or that would point to the existence or location of the "spirit" of his father
<Samstrel> Nothing unusual.
<Samstrel> *There's nothing Faerzen. Try somewhere else. Where would your father spend most of his time?*
* Faerzen_Norstov glides down to the front door and, covering the keypad with his other hand, enters the lengthy security key required to get past the deadlock he put the whole building under
* Faerzen_Norstov enters through the front door, locking it behind him again
* Faerzen_Norstov speaks aloud this time, so both Regent and Abyss can hear him, and if applicable, his Dad
<Faerzen_Norstov> "This whole..... paranormal setup is quite foreign to me I must say. Where does one even begin? I have never noticed anything of the sort before that I would say pointed definitively to the existence of my father's spirit existing in this location, so I find it hard to believe I would suddenly notice him now."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Unless he is actually here somewhere and chooses to do something to 'reveal' himself so to say, I will need something else to aid in my search."
<Samstrel> *Faerzen, what did I tell you. He won't just pop up, jesus. Go somewhere he may have done research or something."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Calm down, there is no need to get worked up about this."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I would hardly venture to say you know significantly more on this matter than I do, unless there is something you have been neglecting to tell me about your connection to the deceased."
<Faerzen_Norstov> ((who is one thinking these things?))
<Faerzen_Norstov> ((Regent or Abyss?))
<Samstrel> *I can feel him in the home, just not close to here.*
<Samstrel> ((whichever one isn't shy))
<Faerzen_Norstov> ((Regent, the crown, it is then))
<Samstrel> ((that, was the shy one))
<Samstrel> ((i can say who it is if you like))
<Faerzen_Norstov> ((no, it's fine, usually we have a protocol setup for this))
<Faerzen_Norstov> ((how about if you put it in astrices like you have been, it's Regent the crown))
<Faerzen_Norstov> ((and if you put it in angle brackets < > then it's Abyss the mask))
<Samstrel> ((got it))
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Apparently being an empath generalizes to sensing the emotions and existence of the dead, as well as the living. I am sorry that you have had to deal with that, Regent, I cannot imagine that would always be the most pleasant thing to sense the emotions and feelings of the dead."
<Samstrel> *He has seemed sad, up until now.*
<Samstrel> *He seems more excited now.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Is there a particular reason you did not mention to me prior to now that I had a dead spirit residing in my house?"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Unless it is simply so common that you do not find that fact to be significant, that seems like a reasonably significant detail to inform me of."
<Samstrel> *He told me not to say anything until you found your mother.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I see."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Well, knowing now that his spirit has apparently been residing in this residence for some time since his passing, which was quite some time ago, I feel even worse about my mother finally removing his room module from this house."
<Samstrel> *He says, Go to the place I would spend the most time.*
<Samstrel> *Or at least, the door where it will lead to*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Hmmmmm."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "My mother had that door sealed off a long time ago as having a hanging door over an exterior opening with a story drop outside was both dangerous and a security risk, but I suppose I can try and work something up."
* Faerzen_Norstov smirks
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I must admit, I have always wanted to try this."
* Faerzen_Norstov walks through the living room and down the half set of stairs into his workshop
* Faerzen_Norstov collects a small handheld multitool, some wires, a large battery, and a metallic flask
* Faerzen_Norstov carries them up the stairs into the living room, and then up one flight of the spiral staircase to the second floor
* Faerzen_Norstov walks down the hallway towards his mother's office and bedroom, but stops halfway in the middle of the hallway, turning to the door that used to go to his fathers room
* Faerzen_Norstov sets down his supplies
* Faerzen_Norstov hooks up the two wires to opposite ends of the welding around the border of the door holding the door shut
* Faerzen_Norstov uses the multimeter to measure some resistances of the door welding and the voltage drop across the battery
* Faerzen_Norstov makes some adjustments and transforms the voltage to be higher
* Faerzen_Norstov connects the transformed battery to the wires, flowing a large amount of current through the welding, heating it up significantly until it glows
* Faerzen_Norstov pulls out the flask and cuts the power to the welding so as to not electrocute himself
* Faerzen_Norstov uncaps the container, steps back, and with a sweep of his arm douses the glowing welding in liquid nitrogen
* Faerzen_Norstov shields his eyes and e-glasses from what he hopes will be a shower of cold metal welding fragments
<Samstrel> The door explodes.
<Samstrel> *He says, Welcome Faerzen.*
* Faerzen_Norstov slowly unshields his eyes, pushing open what remains of the door to look out of the opening to his backyard and firemans pole which descends through the empty space where his fathers room module used to be.
* Faerzen_Norstov looks around the space outside carefully to see if he can see anything that might be his father.
<Samstrel> You see a dark shadow float to you.
<Samstrel> Regent speaks to you.
<Samstrel> *The speaking from me comes from your father, unless indicated otherwise.*
<Samstrel> *He is crying right now, though.*
<Samstrel> You can see the shadow turn into a shadow of a man, sobbing and looking at you.
* Faerzen_Norstov stumbles backwards against the hallway wall in surprise and falls to the ground
<Samstrel> He runs to you.
<Samstrel> *Faerzen, it's okay!*
<Samstrel> *Oh, how you've grown...*
* Faerzen_Norstov begins shaking slightly
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Oh.... oh holy Jurgen fuck... what...."
<Samstrel> *No no, don't be scared.*
* Faerzen_Norstov holds out his arm in a sort of stopping gesture
<Faerzen_Norstov> "No.... No.... just hold on a moment...."
<Samstrel> He stops.
* Faerzen_Norstov shuts his eyes and puts his hands on his temples, rubbing in small circles
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I have seen..... far too many phantoms... shadows threatening to strangle me..... voices in my head telling me to die.... all insanity....."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I need to clear my head."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I need to know this is real."
* Faerzen_Norstov takes a couple long, deep breaths, continuing to rub his head for a couple moments and trying to calm himself
* Faerzen_Norstov opens his eyes after a moment and lowers his hands, taking in again the scene before him
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Forgive me."
<Samstrel> *For what?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "That moment.... just now."
<Samstrel> *It's alright. It's a lot to take in.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I am afraid this game has quite changed the way I perceive my surroundings."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I still......."
<Samstrel> *Though, without this game, we never would have been able to speak again.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I still can hardly even b-believe...."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I t-thought..... being reunited with....... oh god."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I tried so hard with mother..... but this? I don't know if I can bear this....."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I....... I've missed you."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Fuck."
<Samstrel> *It's alright to be upset.*
<Samstrel> *I've missed you too*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I am usually so far from at a loss for words, and here I am conversing with my long deceased father and I cannot possibly think of a single thing to say."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "........."
* Faerzen_Norstov looks down at his feet, still shaking slightly
<Samstrel> You feel a hand on your shoulder.
* Faerzen_Norstov looks up, a single tear running down his cheek
<Samstrel> You see the shadow that looks like your father
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Y...... yet again..... I have no w-way of obtaining any concrete proof that you are who you say you are and-d....... and not a cruel figment of this game......"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "S-so...... I shall operate under the presumption that you are who you say you are."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Because..... I..... I want that to be true oh so badly....."
* Faerzen_Norstov reaches out a hand towards the shadowy figure
<Samstrel> He grabs your hand.
<Samstrel> *Don't be scared, It's me.*
* Faerzen_Norstov jumps slightly at actually being able to feel the shadowy figure of his father
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I..... w-would not say scared........."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "More........" *sigh*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "S-simultaneously shocked... melancholy.... and slightly.... incredulous, to be honest."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I......."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Why is my mind failing to function!!!"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "This should be a simple matter!!!!"
<Samstrel> *You're in shock. It' a natural response.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I am so disappointed....."
<Samstrel> *In?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "When I was younger...... I used to think about what I would say to you if..... you were still here."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I cannot for the FUCKING life of me remember any of it!"
* Faerzen_Norstov sighs, putting his head in his hands
<Samstrel> *That's okay. I'll be around, you have time.*
<Samstrel> *You don't have to know now.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I.... I'm sorry.... I acted up there again. I need to be careful."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "You don't need to see me like this. You don't deserve that...."
* Faerzen_Norstov shuts his eyes, taking another deep breath to try and calm himself
<Samstrel> *I've seen you all your life.*
* Faerzen_Norstov looks down at his hand, trying to steady the tremors
<Samstrel> *I've never been able to show you until now.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "R....really?"
<Samstrel> *Yes.*
<Samstrel> *It's not simple to communicate from beyond the grave.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I.... did not even think it possible."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Even mother had her doubts initially upon hearing that you were here."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "She sents her love, of course."
<Samstrel> *That woman has never believed in anything like this.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I am terribly sorry that she cannot come here in person, but seeing as you have anticipated quite a great deal of all of the recent events, I would be entirely unsurprised if you already managed to know that."
<Samstrel> *She only believed in you.*
<Samstrel> *That's alright. I miss her dearly.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I have many questions about....... well, about being deceased. But I think I shall not ask them."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "As rarely as I say this, this game has presented more opportunities for me to say it than I thought possible and I have learned it is truer than I ever thought: Some things are better left unknown."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Death is a mystery in and of itself to the living, and personally, I would prefer that it remains that way for me."
<Samstrel> *I never knew this game would turn into this. It was never in my research.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Plus, I already have enough brushes with death in this game, pondering it further is hardly anything I desire at the moment."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Death is inevitable for me at some point, there is no hiding that and no point in running from it, but the most I can do is do my best to hedge the odds in my favor of life and make the most I can of the life I have, learning and striving along the way."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "The end of that will arrive when it may, and that is all there is to say on the matter."
<Samstrel> *I don't think your end will be death, Faerzen.*
<Samstrel> *One day, you will understand.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "What other end is there?"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Never mind."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I said I would refrain from asking such questions."
<Samstrel> *Like I said, one day you will know.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I do not wish to know the answer to that inquiry."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "So...... how exactly is it that you are able to manifest yourself here at all? Or that your spirit even 'lives' on?"
<Samstrel> *It seems i'm getting some help from the friend on your head*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "You mentioned that it was the game that enabled you to appear now."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Ah."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Can you do me a favor, father?"
<Samstrel> *No one has been here in a long time. No one would have known.*
<Samstrel> *What is it?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Except in instances such as the inquiry I just made where referring to yourself as deceased and discussing death was necessary, can we continue our conversation completely ignoring the fact that you died? Conversing as though you were alive, standing here beside me? I prefer to remember you that way, and I have had enough of death for the time being."
<Samstrel> *Why, of course. I'm very sorry.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "No, it is not your fault in the slightest. You answered the question I put forth to you."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I simply mean in the future, I would appreciate it."
<Samstrel> *Of course.*
<Samstrel> He sits beside you.
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I know it is at least slightly immature of me to desire such a naive belief for our conversations, but frankly I do not care."
* Faerzen_Norstov puts his hand on his father's upper arm, rubbing it up and down trying to imagine the soft feel of the flannel shirts his dad wore so often
<Samstrel> You feel exactly that.
* Faerzen_Norstov smiles, wrapping his wings around the two of them
<Faerzen_Norstov> "As I am sure you noticed, I aqcuired...... a bodily modification."
<Samstrel> *I did. It's like you're an angel.*
<Samstrel> *I think it would be more appropriate if i had those.*
<Samstrel> He giggles.
* Faerzen_Norstov smiles weakly
* Faerzen_Norstov leans his head against his father's shoulder
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I still..... cannot really believe this is actually happening."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "That you are really..... really truly here."
<Samstrel> *I am here. Is there anything you want to talk about?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I..... I am sure there is."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "It seems to be having a difficult time making it to the surface of my brain at the present, however."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Mother and the creatures attempting to keep her safe informed me you would have much to tell me about this game."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I do have a sprite, which I believe is supposed to satisfy the role of informing me on such matters, but I am nearly 100% positive he is off enjoying himself building some monumental structure so I shall not bother him at the present."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I can summon him at a later time."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "What is it you have to tell me? Perhaps we can start there in an attempt to get the gears in my mind turning again? I am sure I will eventually remember the inquiries I had for you."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "At the present, simply sitting here with you and listening is enough for me."
* Faerzen_Norstov smiles
<Samstrel> *I cannot think either. We don't have to talk about this game. That can come another time.*
<Samstrel> *Though, you know about your quest?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "General overarching themes."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "A couple small details here and there."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "But not much of anything concrete that I can actually act on."
<Samstrel> *I may be able to help with that. You don't have to now, but, you will find what you need in this house.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Mainly the archetypal 'hero' material from popular stories about how I am destined to save the land and how I am the only one who can."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I have also picked up some pieces of information regarding some vaguely described artifacts, but their function is quite unclear."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I have a couple of hypotheses, but I do not have enough evidence or experience to be able to narrow that field of possibilities further."
<Samstrel> *It's always good to have those.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I presume you have more information on this matter then? Would you mind filling me in on the details?"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Mother said you have been studying this for some time. I had no idea that behind all of the 'mountain man' there was actually some academic in you after all!"
* Faerzen_Norstov smiles
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Where ever did you come across your sources of information and why did you dive so full into researching this game?"
<Samstrel> *A good journalist never reveals his sources.*
<Samstrel> He smiles.
* Faerzen_Norstov makes a :| face
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Fine."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "At least tell me why you did not tell mother or I about it?"
<Samstrel> *I researched for your sake. My information was only so extensive. I never knew about anything beyond entrance really. And your quest.*
<Samstrel> *I didn't want you two to panic.*
<Samstrel> *As silly as that sounds.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I cannot necessarily promise that we would have believed you either."
<Samstrel> *Exactly.*
<Samstrel> He giggles.
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Considering that entry into this sadistic game has already occurred, and that there is nothing to be done on that particular front anymore, would you mind filling me in on my so-called 'quest'?"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Perhaps it is time for a reprise of my ever favorite.... 'story time'?"
* Faerzen_Norstov smiles, pulling his father closer
<Samstrel> *Your mother probably has told you all I know. Just riddles for you to figure out.*
<Samstrel> *Do you need a nap, Faerzen? You must be exhausted.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Really? She really seemed insistent that I converse with you about it and that you must have some crucial pieces of information to convey to me."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "You have seen me lately, father. You know a nap is not something I am particularly capable of taking anymore."
<Samstrel> *I'll be here by your side. Just lay down for a while, and we can speak more after.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Father, my other self is simply upstairs. Should I nod off I will simply immediately wake up again."
<Samstrel> *It seems, here would be the only place where you'd be comfortable to nap.*
<Samstrel> *Your sentient objects will wake you if there is distress.*
<Samstrel> *I promise I will not leave.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "The only change will be that I will be a female, and I can assure you, that entire concept is still very foreign to me, even now."
<Samstrel> *Well, that sure is something I am confused on.*
<Samstrel> *I only see you sleep, not turn into other people.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Ah."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Well, I must say that is quite a perplexing aspect of this game."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "There is a different land here in this instance of the game called Prospit. It is actually quite complicated but I will spare you the details."
<Samstrel> *Either way, I am learning new things.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Needless to say, every player of this game has a 'dream self', and every time they go to sleep they wake up as this other body."
<Samstrel> *Seems complicated. It doesn't seem too pertinent to me.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "They are usually identical to the original person, but mine is female for some reson that entirely escapes me."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "So every time I go to sleep, I simply wake up in a different body that is exactly me, but I am the opposite gender."
<Samstrel> *Well alright, I sure don't see your so called dream self.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "It really is very confusing and it addles my mind every time I make the conversion."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "It is upstairs in my bed right now."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "If you cannot see it there, I do not know why."
<Samstrel> *Neither do I. This game is mysterious.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I have been in that body multiple times since arriving here, walking around the house and what not."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Peculiar."
<Samstrel> *Hm. Guess no nap for you.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I shall refrian from falling asleep then because all that will accomplish is me turning invisible to you."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I shall simply take a short rest here, enjoying your company and then we can talk in a moment."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I have dearly missed these hugs."
<Samstrel> *Alright, I'll be here when you would like to talk*
<Samstrel> He lays his head onto yours.
* Faerzen_Norstov continues embracing his father, shutting his eyes and relaxing.
* Faerzen_Norstov sits up straight for a moment and removes the mask on his face
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Ah, I suppose it could be desirable to see my actual face wouldn't it. I apologize, Abyss, this will only be for a moment."
* Faerzen_Norstov sets the mask down beside him and returns to leaning against his father.
<Samstrel> *He says he doesn't mind.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> *Regent, how are you doing?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> *I apologize for simply using you as a messenger pigeon between the two of us.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> *I know that as an empath you are capable and sometimes forced to experience emotions present around you, and at the present moment emotions are, to some extent, running high.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> *Are you okay? Would you prefer we set up an alternative arrangement?*
<Samstrel> *I'm alright, I don't quite mind. He's  nice man.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> *Are you sure? The last thing I want right now is for you to say you are fine when you truly are not, resulting in you enduring unpleasant emotional duress becuase you think it is for the betterment of those around you.*
<Samstrel> *This is quite pleasant compared to what i've endured. Keep speaking to him. He's a very lovely man.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> *Thank you.*
* Faerzen_Norstov returns to spending time with his father.
<Faerzen_Norstov> ----- 10 TO 15 MINTUES LATER -----
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Can we have 'story time' now, father? I highly doubt you have nothing of use to tell me if mother was so insistent that I obtain more information from you."
<Samstrel> *Well, what would you like to know?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "It is possible that you have overestimated the amount of information she would be able to piece together from your research. Even now, she is still attempting to make sense of what you left."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "As such, can we start with whatever 'my quest' is?"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "From what you said previously, it seems as though your knowledge about this game is limited to that anyways."
<Samstrel> *I cannot tell you what it is, as it will interrupt the quest itself.*
<Samstrel> *That is all up to you, Faerzen.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Then what can you tell me, if your knowledge about this game is restricted to entry and my quest?"
<Samstrel> *All I can say, is the dagger is in the place of possible betrayal.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Yes, mother already informed me of that."
<Samstrel> *And the feather, is in a place where your genius began.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I dare say however, you may have misjudged the sadism of this game."
<Samstrel> *That is probably new information for you.*
<Samstrel> *Of course I have. I had no idea what this game was capable of.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Given the amount of pain and betrayal that we have already experienced, nearly every single location in this game is a place of possible betrayal, father."
* Faerzen_Norstov looks suddenly solemn
<Faerzen_Norstov> "As a matter of fact, this hallway right where we sit now has already shown itself to be such a location."
<Samstrel> *I'm not saying there was betrayal. But, think of the act itself. What happens that causes someone to feel betrayed?*
<Samstrel> *And who could cause said betrayal?*
<Samstrel> *It's a riddle, you have to think more critically. I cannot give you the answer.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I know you cannot give me the answer, and I do not wish you to. What I am saying is that there are a multitude of possible answers to that riddle. I previously encountered another such riddle with many possible answers, and solving it was incredibly frustrating."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Betrayal can come from anyone, but it typically stings the most when it comes from someone which is most dear to you."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "From someone that you trust."
<Samstrel> *Well, in someone's life, who would they trust.*
<Samstrel> *Who is the most dear?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Their significant other--if they have one--and their family."
<Samstrel> *You're on the right track. Which would sting more? A significant other, or family member?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Depending on the significance of the significant other, it could go either way. A fiance or spouse would definitely be a more earthshattering betrayal because of the level of committement involved in such a relationship. A girlfriend or boyfriend met in the past month or so, I would say a close family member."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I dare say when it comes to betrayal of significant others, yet again that is where this hallway comes into play."
<Samstrel> *You don't have to think too hard into it. If you were an average man, let's say me. Would I be more betrayed by your mother or you?*
<Samstrel> *Based on actions you both could make, that would make me upset.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Considering mother is your wife and you two have lived with each other for *years* and made a vow to trust each other, a betrayal from mother would have to be far worse."
<Samstrel> *Exactly. And what could she do to make me hurt like that? Like I wanted to grab a dagger?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "It is horrible to even consider. The primary thing I can imagine that would somehow drive you to physical violence against her is if she were to somehow incite physical violence against you."
<Samstrel> *I never said that I would hurt her physically. But, mentally, what would cause me to be that upset?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "There are any number of things! I am not sure what you are getting at here, father. She could tell you she doesn't want to be your wife anymore, she could tell you that you are not my father, she could commit suicide, she could attack you, she could attack me."
<Samstrel> *I don't want you to worry either, your mother is a wonderful woman, and never hurt me.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "The list goes on and on. I wish not to continue adding things to that list of occurrences I dearly hope never happen."
<Samstrel> *As I have said, think of it mentally. What could she do, without physically touching me, or you, to hurt me? And vice versa.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Again, any of the things I listed a moment ago that do not involve physically touching you or me."
<Samstrel> *Nothing you said leads you in the proper way.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "That much is obvious."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "The only information I have to go off of is essentially 'how can you hurt a significant other without physically touching them?' and there are innumerable answers to that question with no way of distinguishing which of them is the desired one."
<Samstrel> *Keep thinking. She doesn't have to say it, but she can do it, and it will hurt me mentally.*
<Samstrel> *Does that help?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Any additional direction would help, yes. So you mean to say what you are getting at is that it is an action she can perform that involves no physical violence whatsoever, but is still a negative experience for you?"
<Samstrel> *Yes.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "The action that most easily comes to mind when examining the failure of romantic relationships that does not involve any physical violence and yet still inflicts emotional trauma is leaving the relationship for someone else. Hiding an affair of some sort or similarly poisoning your relationship by becoming involved with another."
<Samstrel> *Exactly.*
<Samstrel> *Where is the common place for that to happen?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Are you implying that there is a black dagger hidden inside Mother's bed? That sounds like a very strange location for a significant artifact to be hidden. Although, I suppose it was stated that it would be an unexpected location...."
<Samstrel> *Yes, I am implying it.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "In *mother's* bed?"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Seriously?"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "How long has it been there?"
<Samstrel> *It is a figment of the game Faerzen. A part of the quest. It has nothing to do with me, or your mother.*
* Faerzen_Norstov warily looks to his right, at the open door to his mother's bedroom.
* Faerzen_Norstov shivers slightly
<Faerzen_Norstov> "The dramatic irony of this is unbelievable."
<Samstrel> *I know, Faerzen.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Do you?"
<Samstrel> *Now, you need to know the location of the feather.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "This hallway, right here."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "This is where I betrayed Nick. Right in this very spot."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Up until recently, Nick has been sleeping on that very bed that contained the dagger of betrayal."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "There is absoultely no way that is coincidental, I have learned to be incredibly suspicious of coincidences in this game. It must be yet another way this game is one step ahead of me, ready to remind me of my past mistakes and failures."
* Faerzen_Norstov sighs
<Faerzen_Norstov> "What is done is done, and there is nothing to do about the matter other than move on and learn from it."
* Faerzen_Norstov stands up slowly and walks the 5 feet into his mother's bedroom to look at the bed where Nick slept just the night before
* Faerzen_Norstov walks over to the bed itself and attempts to look for a dagger of some sort, starting by looking under the matress.
<Samstrel> You see a silver point sticking out under a pillow.
* Faerzen_Norstov carefully lifts the pillow
<Samstrel> You see a silver dagger beneath the pillow.
* Faerzen_Norstov feels a deep pit in his stomach, as he tentatively reaches out to take grasp it
<Samstrel> It disappears.
<Samstrel> All that's left is a shadow.
<Samstrel> It looks like the dagger, but black.
<Samstrel> *Go ahead and pick it up, Faerzen.*
* Faerzen_Norstov tentatively reaches out for the black dagger
<Samstrel> Your dad is standing in the doorway.
<Samstrel> As you touch it, and pick it up, it turns silver again.
<Samstrel> *Okay, now set it down again.*
* Faerzen_Norstov sets it down
<Samstrel> It turns black again.
<Samstrel> *I assume your mother told you about the black and white dagger?*
<Samstrel> *And you had no idea how there could be both, in one object?*
<Samstrel> He walks to it, and picks it up.
<Faerzen_Norstov> "It was not difficult to surmise there would be some sort of duality."
<Samstrel> *See? It does not change for me, or will for anyone else but you.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "It was only the finer details of that duality that were unclear."
<Samstrel> *That's how you'll know if you have the right object.*
<Samstrel> *They call you the Knight of Light for a reason.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "What does that mean?"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I have gathered that Light is the essence of meaning and knowledge, but I have yet to find anything specific on the topic of the title of 'Knight'."
<Samstrel> *What is a knight exactly, Faerzen?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I can make hypotheses on what Knights are historically, but those only have limited direct applicability here."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "In the past, Knights have pledged their service to a particular cause and then go perform duties as that cause wishes in defense of that."
<Samstrel> *Exactly. What it means, is that you are defending your team, by using knowledge.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Interesting."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "It is my understanding that in the future these titles lend themselves to a player gaining particular abilities relevant to their title."
<Samstrel> *How do you think you'll get those?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I am very unsure of what the extent of these abilities is, however. I can think of some ways knowledge could be used, but having the ability to exercise special abilities beyond what I can do right now honestly kind of frightens me."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I am not sure that I have proven myself a good keeper of knowledge in the past."
<Samstrel> *I can give you this. By completing said quest, you will be closer to these powers.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Yes, I do know how one obtains those abilities and I am not terribly keen on taking that step."
<Samstrel> *I know, but sooner or later, you'll need to.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I know that as well. I simply do not like the prospect of doing so."
<Samstrel> *I don't blame you.*
* Faerzen_Norstov picks up the dagger again
<Samstrel> It turns silver.
* Faerzen_Norstov set it down and picks it up again
<Faerzen_Norstov> *sets
<Samstrel> It turns black, then silver.
* Faerzen_Norstov does so again
<Samstrel> *What are you doing, Faerzen?*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Investigating."
<Samstrel> *Well, alright.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "What is the difference between the dagger in its black form and the dagger in its silver form?"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Clearly there must be a reason it turns silver whenever I pick it up, but what does that do to alter its function?"
<Samstrel> *Once you find the Bastion, you'll know.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "So you are confirming that the Library where mother is is not the Bastion?"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Or is the Bastion a specific location in that vicinity?"
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Information on this has also been quite fuzzy."
<Samstrel> *I am not confirming, or denying.*
* Faerzen_Norstov sighs
<Samstrel> *Your mother will help you after she knows we talked.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "This feather would seem to me to be in the aforementioned Library somewhere."
<Samstrel> *You'll have to go see.*
<Samstrel> *I'll be here, when you need me.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I know that it is submerged in the depths of The Nothing, is in a place of protection, and is in a location associated with my personal interests."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "A library underneath a sea of The Nothing where both knowledge and Mother are being protected seems a likely location. I shall start there."
<Samstrel> *Good idea.*
<Samstrel> *I love you, Faerzen.*
* Faerzen_Norstov embraces his father
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I wish I did not have to leave."
<Samstrel> *You can always come back. I'll always be here.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I know that. However, the promise of future returns does not entirely soften the pain of the departure."
<Samstrel> *If you want to talk to me, you can. Ask your friend on your head.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Does that mean we can communicate at longer range than here next to each other, using Regent that is?"
<Samstrel> *Only so far, but yes. And only if you really need me.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Understandable. I do not wish to mentally tax you and Regent for long distance communications unless it is absolutely necessary."
<Samstrel> *Thank you.*
* Faerzen_Norstov embraces his father again
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I am so glad I could see you again. This has meant a lot to me."
<Samstrel> He embraces back.
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Thank you for everything you have done so far."
<Samstrel> *I am glad too.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "I should take my leave now, I suppose."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Is there anything you would like me to pass on as a message to mother?"
<Samstrel> *Tell her I love her, and miss her dearly.*
<Faerzen_Norstov> "That I shall."
<Faerzen_Norstov> "Farewell for now, father."
<Samstrel> *Goodbye, Faerzen.*