Far Side of the Aurora Borealis

[applesaucemod]

Congratulations, dreamers of Manhattan - you get to go to Oxford! It's probably not the Oxford with which any of the dreamers are familiar, though. This one is a bit… different.



The dreamers will find themselves in Jordan College, the oldest and grandest of all the colleges in this version of Oxford, a rambling structure that includes dining halls, libraries, classrooms, chapels, courtyards, a botanical garden, and an extensive network of cellars and tunnels beneath the ground. There are plenty of places to explore!

Sharp-eyed dreamers might notice some subtle architectural quirks. Doors look larger than they'd need to be for solely human use, and every staircase has a little ramp built in - not large enough for a wheelchair, but large enough for, say, a small, scampering animal.

And speaking of - the dreamers are a bit different here, too. Upon arrival, they will realize that they now possess dæmons: physical manifestations of their souls. Be gentle with them; they're undoubtedly confused by being suddenly made manifest. They come with all the side effects and complications inherent with dæmons. They can't travel more than a few yards from their person without it being painful for both parties… and it probably won't take the dreamers long to realize they shouldn't be touching one another's dæmons, what with the shared sensations and all. Still, it's a rare opportunity for the dreamers to chat with their own souls - and the souls of others.

What could possibly go wrong?



[Mod note: you know the drill. All players and characters are welcome, regardless of whether they're current members or not. Characters will remember or forget any and all dream events at players' discretion.]

Comments

[wildmage_daine]

Likewise, Daine and Coromotto have become fast friends. They're having a grand old time exploring the old buildings that remind her - just a little - of the royal palace. Plenty is different, of course, but every now and then she'll round a corner and swear she's back in Tortall.

She finds Aly in one of the libraries - not the first one she's stumble across, but one of the cozier ones. It doesn't surprise her to see that Aly's also acquired herself a not-animal, nor does it shock her to see that it's a crow.

"Hullo, niece," she says playfully (after glancing around to make sure they won't be overheard). Coromotto rears up to put his forepaws on the back of Aly's chair, and snuffles at the crow by way of greeting.

[aly_brighteyes]

"Hullo, Aunt," Aly says in much the same tone, smiling as she extracts herself from the plush armchair where she's been reading. As she stands, Angeron flutters loose and lands on Coromotto's withers, bending down to peck and preen lightly at his ears.

"This is rather new and exciting, I'd say."

[wildmage_daine]

Coromotto turns his head to playfully snap at the air beside Angeron, though he keeps a careful distance, not wanting to hurt the bird in earnest. He drops back to the ground, gently enough to avoid dislodging the crow, his tail wagging broadly.

"It certainly is," Daine agrees, watching the two creatures. She can feel the crow's closeness to Coromotto, but it's not at all unpleasant. It's more like an echo, or a reflection, of the closeness she shares with Aly.

[aly_brighteyes]

"Apparently, I've something of an affinity for crows. It's a terrible surprise, don't you think?" Aly asks. She reaches out an arm and lets Angeron hop on. Despite his talons, he is careful as he scoots along her flesh to land on her shoulder.

"You're being pert again," he reminds her, nipping lightly at her ear.

[wildmage_daine]

"Oh, yes," Daine says with an overly solemn nod. "It's as hard to believe as mine for wolves."

Coromotto pants up at her, sharing in her amusement. Then, to Aly and the crow, he says, "I'm Coromotto."

[aly_brighteyes]

"Angeron," he replies, nodding from Aly's shoulder.

"Trick!" adds her Darking from around her neck, as if afraid it's been forgotten.

"Yes," Aly agrees, touching them both gently with her fingertips. "Angeron and Trick. I'd never forget you."

[wildmage_daine]

"And Secret!" says a little voice near Daine's wrist. The darking pokes out its head, and Coromotto gives it a curious sniff.

Introductions complete, Daine turns her attention to the numerous shelves. "Find anything interesting?" Raising her eyebrows, she adds, "Maybe there's something here that explains why we've got these companions, now."

[aly_brighteyes]

Aly shrugs, "I suspect we're dreaming again. I've had so many waking dreams thanks to Kyprioth I've learned what it feels like."

It's a bit of a sad thing too, as she knows that waking will mean losing Angeron.

[wildmage_daine]

"Well, yes," Daine agrees. "But that doesn't explain this." She reaches down and strokes Coromotto's ears for emphasis. This feels like more than the rift's usual dream mischief, somehow. It's one thing to turn folk into animals, and quite another to give them… whatever, exactly, Coromotto is.

[aly_brighteyes]

"Isn't it obvious?" Angeron says. He reaches up and preens a stray lock of Aly's hair, tucking it behind her ear. "We're you. In a fashion. Haven't you ever wanted to speak to your own soul?"