video;

[mirrordarkly]

[[so after a week of aimless wandering and several failed attempts to return to the Dreaming or remove the tattoo on his wrist, the Corinthian finally decides it's time to say hello. Twin black lenses peer thoughtfully down at the communicator, their owner nestled in the shade of some nondescript building.]

It is a curious thing, to be out of place. They have done their best to make us fit, but ill-fitting it must remain for those who had purpose before. Ties are not as easily cut as some lesser materials, and I find these unwanted attempts to bind... [he hums] ...mm, an irritant. I doubt that I'm the only one.

[a pause. The Corinthian glances briefly down at the tattoo on his wrist, glowing in the shadow. He frowns, then returns his attention.]

...I am also aware that there are none here I know, and I am cut off from contacting them. So instead I would have your names and a word on your world, if you would give them. Or not - as you will. But it seems the only thing to do with a communicator is to attempt to communicate; there is no point to hiding in a false world. I will even begin, to make it more comfortable. [he adds, humored:] That is a rare offer from me.

[the nightmare touches a hand to his chest genially.]

I am known as the Corinthian, nightmare of the Major Arcana in service to the Lord Shaper, Lord Dream of the Endless.

And it is good to meet you.

Comments

[slightlyoffchilt]

Would you accept any nicknames? Ian, perhaps?

[mirrordarkly]

Does "Corinthian" take so much effort?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I'm only trying to make you a little more personable.

[mirrordarkly]

Are you always so eager to mold others?
.
Or is it just that I unnerve you so much already?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Would you take pride in unnerving me? Is that why you call yourself a nightmare?

[mirrordarkly]

I call myself a nightmare because it is what I am. Do you doubt me?

As for pride - no. It seems no great accomplishment. But I believe I do, yes.

[slightlyoffchilt]

You are an odd man.

[mirrordarkly]

It will be easier for you the less you consider me as one, Dr. Frederick Chilton. I am a creature of sand and intention.

Yet I would be surprised if I am the oddest you have met in this place. You have spent some time here, haven't you?

[slightlyoffchilt]

[A beat.]

Have you been looking into me, or is it your privilege to know things?

[mirrordarkly]

[he taps on the lens of his glasses.]

I can read as well as any here, and I have had some time to do such. You've come up.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Well if it is a matter of inquiry to my services, Mr. Corinthian, I am more than happy to oblige you.

[mirrordarkly]

How generous.

But I have no need of you. Not in that manner. Still, if you would know me better, I would not mind. Insight in this world could be... helpful. This is my first extended visit to the Waking World.

[slightlyoffchilt]

["Not in that manner", how curious.]

I can do that. Have you any question you feel comfortable asking now? About the... Ah. Waking World.

[mirrordarkly]

Few. I'm sure I'll have more in time. I am most interested in the Porter for now. I doubt that is new, for those brought in to be curious about the means of their summoning.

Our hosts were not eager to speak with me about it, when I first arrived.

[slightlyoffchilt]

This one is not. I believe it is separate from the more communicative -- and potentially more sentient -- Porter of the previous world.

How familiar are you with the Grecian Fates?

[mirrordarkly]

[the nightmare's face darkens. He leans back.]

Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos.

I know The Three. What of them?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Our prior Porter claimed the name of the middle one. Curious, don't you think?

[mirrordarkly]

The Allotter.

That is odd.

[and, he thinks, an explanation.]

And a trespass. Not their first.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Bad blood between you two?

[mirrordarkly]

Old and dried, but not forgotten. They killed my creator.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Creator? In the literal sense, or the parental sense, or something more salacious?

[mirrordarkly]

The literal.

Is that not salacious enough?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Well, I certainly do not know the terms of agreement between yourself and your creator.

[mirrordarkly]

The same as any creator would expect of their creation - obedience. Loyalty. The fulfillment of purpose.

It is a high honor, to know and fulfill one's place in the world. Do you feel you have found yours, Frederick Chilton?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Uh, yes, actually. I wrote and published two bestsellers.

["And I have a hot girlfriend in this world!!" is what he wants to say, but thankfully does not.]