*Santek laughs a little*
>I think you might have made them mad.
Quite possibly. I don’t think it’s funny.
>Ah, I probably still have my emotional cues all screwed up. Blame it on the only social contact of the first many decades of my life being the chatlogs of very sarcastic dead ancestors.
Probably. You’ve gotten introspective in death.
>No, that started when I was alive. You talked me into that. Remember?
I don’t really remember most of the stupid shit I said back then.
>You think it was stupid?
I don’t know. I don’t remember. It wasn’t... it didn’t feel like me talking, a lot of the time, not actively, I mean. I just, said things. Mom was gone and home was gone and I’d died and come back again all purple and magic-y and I just... said things.
>And the things you said changed the people around you. Changed me. Changed the world.
I know. Somewhat. Av’s right, I don’t understand all that Heart is, and I don’t want to. I can’t see it helping. I... Some things just aren’t ours to meddle with. I believe that. I don’t know where the line is exactly, but I know there is one. I know there’s a difference between can and should.
>As do I.
You turned down Av’s offer.
>I phrased it as questions because I was curious how they would defend it. But they didn’t. And yes, in truth I was turning it down. Even if Av had said that death was unnatural and I should do whatever I can to avoid oblivion, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. They’re honest, sure, but as biased to believe their own opinion as we all are.
Death happens to everyone. It’s hard to think of something more natural than something that happens to everyone.
>Exactly. And as far as I can tell from my wandering, the dreambubbles only happen to players of the game. Not to everyone.
...I don’t want to live forever. I’m not in any hurry to die, definitely, but... When I do. I want to go where Mom went. And if that’s nowhere, then, that has to be the right thing, in its own way. And if it’s somewhere... I guess I’ll figure that out then. Hm. I haven’t really talked so frankly about that yet. Pretty depressing, aren’t I.
>We all are, sometimes. On a lighter note... I’m glad to have finally met some of your family, briefly. They seem like good, supportive people.
They are. I’m glad they were here. I didn’t think I would be, but I am.
>You should go wake up and give Ribbon that hug.
...was it that obvious?
>To me. But then I’ve known you a while now.
I’m not sure how obvious it is to her. But if I’m not careful, one of these days I might just kiss her. I mean—not without asking first! I have to ask first. But I want to, and I, I haven’t wanted to, to very many people in my life, ever. And... I like feeling this way.
>You go take her, and the rest of your family, and go someplace safe and far away, and spend a very long time feeling that way. That is my Hope for you. A very long time, safe with the ones you love, and feeling that way.
Well, you ARE the Lord of Hope.
>It wasn’t a command. I don’t make those anymore. It was just, well... a Hope. The Hope of the dead for the living.
...I don’t know how to say goodbye to you.
>Well. Perhaps I’ll linger on, and we’ll meet again in a dream. Or perhaps we’ll both end up in whatever happens after actual death. Or perhaps we’ll both pass into oblivion, when it’s time for each of us to do so. So let’s just say, good morning.
Okay... Okay. Good morning, Santek.
>Good morning, Sophie.
*no hug, no tears, just a calm good morning, and a quiet awakening*
>I think you might have made them mad.
Quite possibly. I don’t think it’s funny.
>Ah, I probably still have my emotional cues all screwed up. Blame it on the only social contact of the first many decades of my life being the chatlogs of very sarcastic dead ancestors.
Probably. You’ve gotten introspective in death.
>No, that started when I was alive. You talked me into that. Remember?
I don’t really remember most of the stupid shit I said back then.
>You think it was stupid?
I don’t know. I don’t remember. It wasn’t... it didn’t feel like me talking, a lot of the time, not actively, I mean. I just, said things. Mom was gone and home was gone and I’d died and come back again all purple and magic-y and I just... said things.
>And the things you said changed the people around you. Changed me. Changed the world.
I know. Somewhat. Av’s right, I don’t understand all that Heart is, and I don’t want to. I can’t see it helping. I... Some things just aren’t ours to meddle with. I believe that. I don’t know where the line is exactly, but I know there is one. I know there’s a difference between can and should.
>As do I.
You turned down Av’s offer.
>I phrased it as questions because I was curious how they would defend it. But they didn’t. And yes, in truth I was turning it down. Even if Av had said that death was unnatural and I should do whatever I can to avoid oblivion, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. They’re honest, sure, but as biased to believe their own opinion as we all are.
Death happens to everyone. It’s hard to think of something more natural than something that happens to everyone.
>Exactly. And as far as I can tell from my wandering, the dreambubbles only happen to players of the game. Not to everyone.
...I don’t want to live forever. I’m not in any hurry to die, definitely, but... When I do. I want to go where Mom went. And if that’s nowhere, then, that has to be the right thing, in its own way. And if it’s somewhere... I guess I’ll figure that out then. Hm. I haven’t really talked so frankly about that yet. Pretty depressing, aren’t I.
>We all are, sometimes. On a lighter note... I’m glad to have finally met some of your family, briefly. They seem like good, supportive people.
They are. I’m glad they were here. I didn’t think I would be, but I am.
>You should go wake up and give Ribbon that hug.
...was it that obvious?
>To me. But then I’ve known you a while now.
I’m not sure how obvious it is to her. But if I’m not careful, one of these days I might just kiss her. I mean—not without asking first! I have to ask first. But I want to, and I, I haven’t wanted to, to very many people in my life, ever. And... I like feeling this way.
>You go take her, and the rest of your family, and go someplace safe and far away, and spend a very long time feeling that way. That is my Hope for you. A very long time, safe with the ones you love, and feeling that way.
Well, you ARE the Lord of Hope.
>It wasn’t a command. I don’t make those anymore. It was just, well... a Hope. The Hope of the dead for the living.
...I don’t know how to say goodbye to you.
>Well. Perhaps I’ll linger on, and we’ll meet again in a dream. Or perhaps we’ll both end up in whatever happens after actual death. Or perhaps we’ll both pass into oblivion, when it’s time for each of us to do so. So let’s just say, good morning.
Okay... Okay. Good morning, Santek.
>Good morning, Sophie.
*no hug, no tears, just a calm good morning, and a quiet awakening*
*Sun is starting to come up! Hope you haven't spent all night playing around with your new Knot!*
*Morning; Family mere rooms away. A message awaits on Sophie's computer*
{
*Morning; Family mere rooms away. A message awaits on Sophie's computer*
{
See more
Island Testing is complete. It was tricky to pin down, but aside from disliking actively malicious people, The Caretaker doesn't seem to want to let in GT individuals. It does seem theoretically possible to talk your way past that restriction though, So it's worth a potential visit.
I've also got you a DTS Download code for handheld Transporters.
Clicking it will get a set of 6 sent to the computer location.
They were tricky, but I was able to copy a far more effective design.
These are far more limited than the original, only able to shift from your last position and the 'entrance' to The Island.
The safety of these devices is ensured, so there is no need to worry about things like 'what happens if something is put where I had last been and I shift back' and such.
Download is Here: revision/latest?cb=20160216044230
Msg me back if I've missed anything or if you have any questions.
}
Island Testing is complete. It was tricky to pin down, but aside from disliking actively malicious people, The Caretaker doesn't seem to want to let in GT individuals. It does seem theoretically possible to talk your way past that restriction though, So it's worth a potential visit.
I've also got you a DTS Download code for handheld Transporters.
Clicking it will get a set of 6 sent to the computer location.
They were tricky, but I was able to copy a far more effective design.
These are far more limited than the original, only able to shift from your last position and the 'entrance' to The Island.
The safety of these devices is ensured, so there is no need to worry about things like 'what happens if something is put where I had last been and I shift back' and such.
Download is Here: revision/latest?cb=20160216044230
Msg me back if I've missed anything or if you have any questions.
@) *nope, they slept enough of the night. Buuuut they woke up before Hamnet did, and for once aren't bothered by it, because the knot gives them something to do*
[]) zzz...
*she opens up her laptop first thing, and the message... not the best news. She gets out of bed quietly, off to find if Valdis, Ribbon, or Dots are awake yet and to gather them in one of the rooms to talk before the kids wake up*
[]) zzz...
*she opens up her laptop first thing, and the message... not the best news. She gets out of bed quietly, off to find if Valdis, Ribbon, or Dots are awake yet and to gather them in one of the rooms to talk before the kids wake up*
|/=@] *Valdis is up, speaking quietly to Ribbon, who seems Full of energy!*
|/=@] we should figure out how to tell them first, and we don't even know if we all can go. we should figure that out first before saying anything about it.
0~0 mmh- makes sense- ! 0u0 goodmorning sophie! ^u^ *trying to keep quiet... But the natural joy of feeling perfectly rested after so long is keeping her quite bubbly*
*Dots is, in the downstairs bedroom. It'll be a trip past your Bedroom to get down there, if Sophie & the others are to risk you possibly being awake already*
|/=@] we should figure out how to tell them first, and we don't even know if we all can go. we should figure that out first before saying anything about it.
0~0 mmh- makes sense- ! 0u0 goodmorning sophie! ^u^ *trying to keep quiet... But the natural joy of feeling perfectly rested after so long is keeping her quite bubbly*
*Dots is, in the downstairs bedroom. It'll be a trip past your Bedroom to get down there, if Sophie & the others are to risk you possibly being awake already*
*she’s in no mood to hesitate* God tiers. LMS says the Caretaker doesn’t like god tiers. He thinks we might be able to talk our way around it, but... *one hand is involuntarily clutching at the front of her dress* That’s me, and Onponn, and I think Dots and Mack might be too... We could get you to safety, though. And the kids. We can do that. He sent a link to get transporters.
[]) *hasn’t heard anything yet. It’s nice to slowly wake up at your own pace...*
@? *a particularly puzzling bit of the knot, it won’t pull like it seems it ought to...*
[]) *hasn’t heard anything yet. It’s nice to slowly wake up at your own pace...*
@? *a particularly puzzling bit of the knot, it won’t pull like it seems it ought to...*
*it's sure to pull some other way. maybe this little loop here will change things there?*
^u^ 0~0 *uh-oh... sounds bad...* hmm. maybe we should try talking to them first? figure out what they're like? and maybe ask what specifically they don't like about, gt? it shouldn't take to long to at least get an impression of them.
|/=@] *And ~6/7ths of Valdis didn't stop being an heir; though Valdis is surprised by one part of that statement* we're bringing onponn and the others? i had thought that we were not involving them in this...
|/@~] though i wouldn't be surprised if av has already given them some sort of different offer.
*Downstairs, Dots starts getting up; wandering to the next-door kitchen in a bit of a recent waker fog. mmmh... breakfast... ... ? leftover lasagna? no thanks; not right now*
^u^ 0~0 *uh-oh... sounds bad...* hmm. maybe we should try talking to them first? figure out what they're like? and maybe ask what specifically they don't like about, gt? it shouldn't take to long to at least get an impression of them.
|/=@] *And ~6/7ths of Valdis didn't stop being an heir; though Valdis is surprised by one part of that statement* we're bringing onponn and the others? i had thought that we were not involving them in this...
|/@~] though i wouldn't be surprised if av has already given them some sort of different offer.
*Downstairs, Dots starts getting up; wandering to the next-door kitchen in a bit of a recent waker fog. mmmh... breakfast... ... ? leftover lasagna? no thanks; not right now*
@? *this little loop... hm, interesting. Seems to become a completely different knot when you pull it in certain ways, instead of coming undone*
[]? Mmn?
———
Of course, we at least have to make our case, need to check them out and let them have a look at us, that’s responsible... And, I don’t know, Av mentioned Onponn and the others last night and now it’s in my head. Though I guess it was there before, a bit... Onponn’s been a part of my life here in the fold almost since I arrived. I’ve only known Dots longer. And, I’m still wrapping my mind around leaving, running away again... though, you’re right, it’s the wise thing to do, at this point.
Do you think we shouldn’t involve them? Even leaving out my feelings about it... they’re the only friends Hamnet and Factor have ever known. And I’m not sure our kids really took to the idea of leaving the mine. Let alone going further away.
[]? Mmn?
———
Of course, we at least have to make our case, need to check them out and let them have a look at us, that’s responsible... And, I don’t know, Av mentioned Onponn and the others last night and now it’s in my head. Though I guess it was there before, a bit... Onponn’s been a part of my life here in the fold almost since I arrived. I’ve only known Dots longer. And, I’m still wrapping my mind around leaving, running away again... though, you’re right, it’s the wise thing to do, at this point.
Do you think we shouldn’t involve them? Even leaving out my feelings about it... they’re the only friends Hamnet and Factor have ever known. And I’m not sure our kids really took to the idea of leaving the mine. Let alone going further away.
|/=@] ... i can go to onponn's home and talk to them about it while the two of you go to the island. i'll also ask dots to prepare breakfast, for if hamnet and factor wake while we are out.
0~0 *a part of Ribbon dreads the idea that, if Onponn chose to go to 'The tree of life', or some other place, that Onponn might not be there... she puts the thought aside to focus*
0_0 it could get to be very lonely out there for them, even with all of us. i hope onponn will try to visit. 0~0 ... where is the 'link' for the transporters?
*leftover cake? few days old, but it kept well. it'll be nice... ... ! Ah! last night! Dots snaps fully awake, and starts headed for upstairs*
0~0 *a part of Ribbon dreads the idea that, if Onponn chose to go to 'The tree of life', or some other place, that Onponn might not be there... she puts the thought aside to focus*
0_0 it could get to be very lonely out there for them, even with all of us. i hope onponn will try to visit. 0~0 ... where is the 'link' for the transporters?
*leftover cake? few days old, but it kept well. it'll be nice... ... ! Ah! last night! Dots snaps fully awake, and starts headed for upstairs*
*...it's easy to forget, when your life involves only really being connected to a few people, in a few places, that other people exist more with the rest of the world than you do*
Yes. Thank you, Valdis. I... *looking down at her dress* Do you think I should change? I don't have anything else, except the swimsuit... Or, is it better to be all honest, to - *she grimaces, the phrase is just too obvious not to use though* - to wear my heart on my sleeve, as it were?
[;]? *ah, sunlight in through the window*
@? *ah, good, Hamnet's awake*
Yes. Thank you, Valdis. I... *looking down at her dress* Do you think I should change? I don't have anything else, except the swimsuit... Or, is it better to be all honest, to - *she grimaces, the phrase is just too obvious not to use though* - to wear my heart on my sleeve, as it were?
[;]? *ah, sunlight in through the window*
@? *ah, good, Hamnet's awake*
|/=@] I'd guess that if it's GT specifically that they don't like, that they will have some way to know. |/~@] |/=@] Honesty may be the way to go here, but, I would also not share any more than necessary.
0~0 *Ribbon really, Really hopes that whoever the island manager is, that they are at least seemingly reasonable... She hopes that the worst-case scenario is nothing more than leaving while understanding why they are not allowed in*
[!~!] *starts passing by the balcony you have that looks down the stairs; Dots stops near the top to look in and see how you are doing, near-whispering a quiet 'hello?'* [!u!]
0~0 *Ribbon really, Really hopes that whoever the island manager is, that they are at least seemingly reasonable... She hopes that the worst-case scenario is nothing more than leaving while understanding why they are not allowed in*
[!~!] *starts passing by the balcony you have that looks down the stairs; Dots stops near the top to look in and see how you are doing, near-whispering a quiet 'hello?'* [!u!]
Yes. Of course not. *seeing Dots by the stairs down the hall, she motions for them to come over. Then she gets her laptop out again to find the transporters*
@? @) goodmorning.
[;]) mmn.
@? @) goodmorning.
[;]) mmn.
[!~!] [!u!] *smiles and nods for you, before proceeding down the hall to Sophie, Valdis, & Ribbon*
0~0 *Ribbon goes to peek over Sophie's shoulder at the screen. Ribbon kinda wonders how exactly clicking a link could cause things to get made, but, doesn't exactly question it* there, near the bottom... maybe we should ask lms what the caretaker doesn't like about GT?
|/=@] *Valdis figures to explain the current version of the plan* we're thinking that Ribbon and Sophie will check the island, while I go to talk with Onponn... would you be able to make sure that Hamnet gets something to eat? andwe should maybe get a sun-light for Factor soon.
[!u!] sounds ok to me. [!~!] also, they've just woken up. [!u!]
0~0 *Ribbon goes to peek over Sophie's shoulder at the screen. Ribbon kinda wonders how exactly clicking a link could cause things to get made, but, doesn't exactly question it* there, near the bottom... maybe we should ask lms what the caretaker doesn't like about GT?
|/=@] *Valdis figures to explain the current version of the plan* we're thinking that Ribbon and Sophie will check the island, while I go to talk with Onponn... would you be able to make sure that Hamnet gets something to eat? andwe should maybe get a sun-light for Factor soon.
[!u!] sounds ok to me. [!~!] also, they've just woken up. [!u!]
Good thought. *types a brief message: "Got any ideas/hints why the Caretaker doesn't like GT?", and hits send* *and then hands the laptop to Ribbon* Give me a moment, I'd like to say good morning.
[]) *still just lounging there. Best way to start a morning, really.*
@) *maybe this loop here... and that one there...*
[]) *still just lounging there. Best way to start a morning, really.*
@) *maybe this loop here... and that one there...*
0u0 *goes to carefully set the laptop aside; Ribbon wants to say goodmorning as well*
^u^ hello sleepyheads- it's a wonderful morning!
|/=^] Did you sleep well?
[!u!] [!~!] *thoughts go to her PAL. She hopes it's ok to bring*
*LMS replies back 'shortly'. though it might have taken a bit more effort on their end*
{
^u^ hello sleepyheads- it's a wonderful morning!
|/=^] Did you sleep well?
[!u!] [!~!] *thoughts go to her PAL. She hopes it's ok to bring*
*LMS replies back 'shortly'. though it might have taken a bit more effort on their end*
{
See more
took a while to work the information out of them, but I've got an answer.
GT is considered 'artificial ascension'.
'The Island' is designed for those who might try for 'natural ascension'.
By studying the great mysteries of Reality, & reaching absolute comprehension of any one Aspect, one might develop a sense for their connection with their 'true self'.
'The Island' happens to be made for the comprehension, of comprehension; understanding; knowledge... Light in this case.
But it still makes for a nice place for anyone not interested in spending their life studying Everything.
the 'natural' option takes hard work, perseverance, and such...
while the 'artificial'... Well. you already know what had to happen to you to reach it.
The idea of sacrificing one's self to try and get closer to their 'true self'...
frankly, they find it to be a very backwards and off-putting way to go about it; everything about the 'artificial' seems just plain wrong to them.
I'd try to argue in your favor, but they seem to take each individual... 'individually', on this matter.
}
took a while to work the information out of them, but I've got an answer.
GT is considered 'artificial ascension'.
'The Island' is designed for those who might try for 'natural ascension'.
By studying the great mysteries of Reality, & reaching absolute comprehension of any one Aspect, one might develop a sense for their connection with their 'true self'.
'The Island' happens to be made for the comprehension, of comprehension; understanding; knowledge... Light in this case.
But it still makes for a nice place for anyone not interested in spending their life studying Everything.
the 'natural' option takes hard work, perseverance, and such...
while the 'artificial'... Well. you already know what had to happen to you to reach it.
The idea of sacrificing one's self to try and get closer to their 'true self'...
frankly, they find it to be a very backwards and off-putting way to go about it; everything about the 'artificial' seems just plain wrong to them.
I'd try to argue in your favor, but they seem to take each individual... 'individually', on this matter.
@) yeah. hamnetdidtoo.
[;]) mmhmn.
*she leans against the bed, putting a hand on Hamnet's arm right by where Factor's looking out from*
Go ahead and take your time getting up, if the two of you agree on it. No rush. We've got some grown-up errands to run, but we'll be back. And Dots will be here if you need anything.
@? @) okay. *wonders a little what grown-up errands are, but isn't super curious, especially since they have about half their attention still on the knot*
[]) *nods a little*
[;]) mmhmn.
*she leans against the bed, putting a hand on Hamnet's arm right by where Factor's looking out from*
Go ahead and take your time getting up, if the two of you agree on it. No rush. We've got some grown-up errands to run, but we'll be back. And Dots will be here if you need anything.
@? @) okay. *wonders a little what grown-up errands are, but isn't super curious, especially since they have about half their attention still on the knot*
[]) *nods a little*
^u^ *Ribbon goes to give you a light hug; not wanting to mess with your rest, but also wanting to hug* Love you
|/=^] *wanting to keep it as mundane sounding as they can,* I Just have to pop on over to Onponn's home to talk.
[!u!] I'll have breakfast ready for you when you get up. *Dots is also going to look into possibly getting her PAL to form a sun lamp from its amorphous arm-blobs; 'breakfast' for both of you*
|/=^] *wanting to keep it as mundane sounding as they can,* I Just have to pop on over to Onponn's home to talk.
[!u!] I'll have breakfast ready for you when you get up. *Dots is also going to look into possibly getting her PAL to form a sun lamp from its amorphous arm-blobs; 'breakfast' for both of you*
@) loveyoutoo.
[]) mmhm.
*she gets up and goes back to retrieve the laptop, seeing the message as she does so. It's... reassuring, in a way. It's a reason that makes sense to her at least. The kind of person who seeks out God Tier, she doesn't want near her family, either, generally speaking. And if the Caretaker gives her a chance to explain her lack of choice in the matter...*
[]) mmhm.
*she gets up and goes back to retrieve the laptop, seeing the message as she does so. It's... reassuring, in a way. It's a reason that makes sense to her at least. The kind of person who seeks out God Tier, she doesn't want near her family, either, generally speaking. And if the Caretaker gives her a chance to explain her lack of choice in the matter...*
0~0 *Ribbon follows, shoulder-looking to read the screen* 0u0 well- at least they sound somewhat reasonable. 0~0 should we click the link then?
|/=^] *Valdis sticks around a moment more, before also turning to leave your room. They hope the Talk with Onponn goes well*
[!u!] *And Dots is ready to; she'll be keeping an ear out for you as she goes to prep a meal and talk with her PAL*
|/=^] *Valdis sticks around a moment more, before also turning to leave your room. They hope the Talk with Onponn goes well*
[!u!] *And Dots is ready to; she'll be keeping an ear out for you as she goes to prep a meal and talk with her PAL*
*there's a certain irony, or deja vu, or something along those lines, to staring at a strange link on the computer screen that someone messaged to you* *but like she said, she trusts LMS to be helpful*
Yeah. *she clicks the link*
[]) *it's rare they aren't being pushed to get up*
@) *and rare that Factor doesn't mind, yet*
Yeah. *she clicks the link*
[]) *it's rare they aren't being pushed to get up*
@) *and rare that Factor doesn't mind, yet*
*the link responds, and 6 small objects begin to take form directly infront of the computer*
*each object seems to be about the size/shape of a small rubix cube; Red, with a single yellow spot on one side... very minimalist...*
0~0 ? not much of a instruction booklet to go with them huh- let me see.
*Ribbon picks one up, & with nothing immediately happening to her, gives it a good look around before, first bumping the yellow spot gently in passing to test how sensitive it is, & then jabbing her thumb right into it*
-shwom-
*with an odd sound, Ribbon seems to disapear into a thin beam of light, and, a brief moment later return just as quickly*
-wom-
(|)_(|) oh- sorry!!!
-n- I didn't think it would just, 'go'.
0~0 I thought there might be a menu or something- just trying to turn it on...
uh- well, I got a brief look over there, anyway... 0u0
0~0 didn't really look like an island... Must've been somewhere underground... some kind of concrete tube...
and... ... The guardian person... looked to be quite large. I think they were sleeping- hunched over infront of a door... I really hope they're friendly... 0~0
*Ribbon is excited, cautious, and full of energy... a slightly odd combination that is leaving her a tiny bit frazzled & quick to talk/act*
*each object seems to be about the size/shape of a small rubix cube; Red, with a single yellow spot on one side... very minimalist...*
0~0 ? not much of a instruction booklet to go with them huh- let me see.
*Ribbon picks one up, & with nothing immediately happening to her, gives it a good look around before, first bumping the yellow spot gently in passing to test how sensitive it is, & then jabbing her thumb right into it*
-shwom-
*with an odd sound, Ribbon seems to disapear into a thin beam of light, and, a brief moment later return just as quickly*
-wom-
(|)_(|) oh- sorry!!!
-n- I didn't think it would just, 'go'.
0~0 I thought there might be a menu or something- just trying to turn it on...
uh- well, I got a brief look over there, anyway... 0u0
0~0 didn't really look like an island... Must've been somewhere underground... some kind of concrete tube...
and... ... The guardian person... looked to be quite large. I think they were sleeping- hunched over infront of a door... I really hope they're friendly... 0~0*Ribbon is excited, cautious, and full of energy... a slightly odd combination that is leaving her a tiny bit frazzled & quick to talk/act*
Moderators: SanityFallen dave_pod