011

[blackbladebitch]

To those who I encountered during the flood, let it be known that I bear you no ill-will for anything that passed.

[And that's all he really wants to say on the matter.]

[Private to the Admiral]
I require the following ingredients from my home world: [And here follows a list of various herbs and such from Melniboné.] I require as well a charcoal

Comments

Private

[gloriesinchaos]

Ask.

Private

[blackbladebitch]

Art bored, my lady?

Private

[gloriesinchaos]

Always, Warden. I would ask if you planned to entertain me, but you've already been doing so well at that, of late.

Re: Private

[blackbladebitch]

[He's just going to ignore the second half of that sentence.]

In fact, my lady, I have an entertainment in mind for thee.

I have not told thee, I think, of the dream-couches of Melniboné.

Re: Private

[gloriesinchaos]

[Man, you trip a guy down one staircase...]

You haven't. Go on.

Re: Private

[blackbladebitch]

It is a means by which the Bright Emperors of Melniboné have undertaken certain elements of their education. Under the influence of certain potions and spells, one slumbers-for a night, say. But in that night, one may live a lifetime, or a thousand lifetimes. One wakes with but a dream-memory, but the experience and the lessons of the dream remain, deep in mind and soul.

Private

[gloriesinchaos]

You intend on teaching me a lesson, Warden? This sounds less than entertaining.

Private

[blackbladebitch]

I did mean "entertainment" when I said it, my lady.

The use of the dream-couch magic for frivolous purposes is discouraged, but we are not in Melniboné, and I believe thou wouldst enjoy a time, even in dreams, of unfettered play. Especially as I do not wish thee to cause mischief amongst the populace here.

Re: Private

[gloriesinchaos]

Play? Do you think I'm a child? Creating the illusion of chaos is meaningless to me.

Re: Private

[blackbladebitch]

Ah, forgive my poor choice of words. I should not like to give the wrong impression. Some claim that these worlds we visit in dreams are true worlds, after all-that the dream-couches are no illusions or visions, but actual travels.

Indeed, perhaps this was a poor suggestion.

Re: Private

[gloriesinchaos]

[Looooong pause.]

Liar. You would no sooner run the risk of setting me untethered on a true world than you would risk returning my powers to me here and now.

[Shorter pause.]

Who chooses the venue of these dreams?

Re: Private

[blackbladebitch]

The sorcerors of the Dreaming City have recorded the means by which a world may be chosen. There is a certain element of chance in the matter, it must be said, but some focus may be obtained with care.

Private

[gloriesinchaos]

And if I were to choose the Barge?

Private

[blackbladebitch]

[There's a pause before Elric answers, because he has to actually go do RESEARCH.]

You might find yourself in some past of the Barge, or the far-flung future. Or perhaps aboard another version of the Barge, in another universe and time.

Re: Private

[gloriesinchaos]

[She pauses herself, because that's not perfect, but who wouldn't take the opportunity for a consequence-free dry run before coming back to plunge the Barge into ACTUAL chaos?]

Then I think I might take you up on that generous offer, Warden.

Re: Private

[blackbladebitch]

[Gotcha. Elric hopes that this plan is not as insane as it sometimes feels.]

You have time to consider. It will take me several days to complete the necessary arrangements.