AUDIENCE FOR: Alphinaud Leveilleur

[guestservices]

this is a placeholder until you get us a funnier one

Comments

[sageguidance]

[ they don't deserve meanness!!!! ]

Oft find yourself with much on your plate? You must have been the busy sort 'fore you took up this job, then.

[guestservices]

I tend to keep myself occupied! You do, too, don't you?

[sageguidance]

Usually... I am quite used to keeping busy, myself, though I confess my week thus far has been mostly spent reading.

[guestservices]

Even if it's reading, that can still be considered keeping yourself busy! I've spent hours reading things for work.

[sageguidance]

Would that I could say 'tis for more than leisure, myself. Of course, I shan't complain—that we have a library at all is a pleasant surprise.

[guestservices]

What sort of books have you been reading?

[sageguidance]

You say you've read plenty for work, but do you read fiction, as well?

[guestservices]

Oh, some, here and there!

[sageguidance]

Same as well—or... a little more than here and there, really. If I'm not busy with scholarly pursuits, then I quite enjoy a good story, and there are plenty of those available.

[guestservices]

Of all the stories you've read, which is your favorite?

[sageguidance]

Hm...

[ Thinking, thinking. ]

... Ah, yes. When I were young, my grandfather handed me this particular book—a story about the son of a renowned knight who one day was banished from the kingdom in which they hailed. Yet when one day a sorcerer came for his father's life, the son still sought to save him.

I suppose it is something of a childish tale... But I still think back on it quite fondly.

[guestservices]

[they lean forward, curious.]

Why was he banished? How did he save his father?

[sageguidance]

In short, 'twas love, for he was in a secret relationship with the princess who was already set up for an arranged marriage. The protagonist of this story was certainly not a perfect man...

Nevertheless, when he learned of the danger his father would be in, he and a band of comrades set forth to right wrongs. 'Tis a fascinating tale of how one man were able to reclaim his honor, and finally find glory—and to be reunited with his homeland, as well.

[guestservices]

[they are listening to him with rapt attention.]

It does sound fascinating! I would love to read it, someday.

[sageguidance]

I wonder if a copy would exist on our end... If so, I will see about sending it to you. How does that sound?

[guestservices]

If you find something like that, I'd gladly read it!

[sageguidance]

Then search for it I shall next I find myself within the manor's library. 'Tis not as sizeable as the one within the hotel, so it may not be there... But it is worth looking, anyroad.

[guestservices]

It's true it might not be... but who knows? Maybe you'll discover another story you like while you're looking!

[sageguidance]

Oh, no doubt! I have found much there already, but until I return...

[ Alphinaud looks around them. ]

Huh. Our surroundings are quite barren, for a dream.

[guestservices]

Hmm, they are... have you heard of "lucid dreaming," Alphinaud?

[sageguidance]

[ sorry that joke is funny only to me. anyway. Alphinaud nods. ]

Aye—'tis when one becomes aware of surroundings within a dream, as I know it. Though, I cannot say I've ever experienced it ere this moment.

[guestservices]

Mmhm. Some people say if you focus, once you realize you're dreaming, you can affect your own dreams.

[sageguidance]

Hmm...

Ah! Right, I do recall saying I would show you Old Sharlayan if I were able, had I not? Then... It only takes some focus, you say?

[guestservices]

[ :3 ]

That's the theory behind it, anyway!

[alphinaud will find that if he focuses, he can in fact change their surroundings within the dreamscape!]

[sageguidance]

Then let us test that theory!

[ He nods once before closing his eyes, and thinks, focuses...

... And after a long, contemplative moment, the area around them shifts. Instead of the vast whiteness, they now both stand along a pathway that circles around a short cliff, overseeing a large harbor. Behind them is an entrance to a building; to their right, a small bridge leading into a thicker forest area; and to their left, the pathway leads into the heart of the city.

But right where they stand is quite the scenic view. Alphinaud opens his eyes again, looking pleasantly surprised. ]

... It worked!