guestservices | AUDIENCE FOR: Alphinaud Leveilleur

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.

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

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.

[they lean forward, curious.]

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

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.

[they are listening to him with rapt attention.]

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

[ 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.

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

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?

[ :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!]

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!

It did!

[vulpecula claps their hands together, sounding delighted.]

And what a view this is, Alphinaud. This is amazing!

Isn't it?

[ he beams. ]

This is it—my homeland of Old Sharlayan. When classes were done for the day, back when I was still a student, my sister and I would oft take this path on the way home. [ he gestures out to the wooden seating area ahead of them in view. ] She was friendly with the owner of the local eatery and frequented his establishment, so I joined her plenty as well.

Is that so?

[hm! they stroll forward a little to get a better look at the seating area and looks around.]

What sort of food did they serve, there? What were your classes like?

Classes were challenging, that much is certain, but I would not have it any other way. Those who attend the Studium are fortunate to have the best scholars in all the lands as their professors, and I doubt my knowledge would not be where it is without them.

[ He too takes a few steps forward, instinctively careful not too get too close to the ledge. ]

The Last Stand, it is called, serves a good variety of dishes—its coffee and sandwiches are quite liked by many, and I recall that Alisaie enjoyed the hamburgers, though its crab soup is popular as well. Its owner did attempt to vary up its menu from time to time, as it is the only eatery in all of Sharlayan.

How interesting...

[huh! nerds. well, at least he seems happy about being a nerd.]

The owner must have been a talented chef, to have so many different types of dishes to put on the menu. [...] Although I guess if it's the only restaurant here, he wouldn't have had to worry about competition...

[ He is a very content nerd. ]

Hah! If you wonder, the food is delicious, but it is... very typically Sharalyan for no competition to spring up, indeed. For all the good the city has to provide, it is infamously known to care very little of the culinary arts...

The owner has mentioned to my sister that the Last Stand was established purely because he was so frustrated by the lack of quality food to be found here.

I see! Well, that's admirable, wouldn't you say? He noticed something that bothered him, and he took steps to deal with it himself instead of just making it someone else's problem.

I like people like that. It's a shame I can't sample his food!

[ with a small laugh: ]

I don't suppose I can simply will it into existence here?

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