dreamcrystals | open 💀 third recording

As the undead dragon awakened, it began to exert its influence on the land around it. The former human kingdom it had made its home had been so thoroughly tainted that the illness had essentially become a part of the land's lifeblood itself. Luckily, however, any illness can be countered with the proper medicine, and I am pleased to inform you that I was successful in my plight. The corruption was undone, and the dragon was slain. No longer will its reach spread, and what remains of its influence will slowly be whittled away.

[ If only he could see all that for himself. ]

It was a decades-long process, one that took my entire life. But I am more than happy to discuss details with you in person - I doubt there would be any room left in my notebook if I were to start writing down all the nitty-gritty.

[ That's a joke, because the notebook is technically infinite. ]

But what had caused the dragon to awaken?

... Forgive me, I'm forgetting myself. I'm very pleased to hear that the illness was treatable, and that you were able to quell the blight that had tormented that land. Even if it had become your life's work - it sounded like a worthy calling.

If you have the patience for all of my questions, I'd be delighted to speak with you in person sometime. And, of course, you should feel free to sate your curiosity by asking me anything you'd like in turn.

The natural magical cycle of our world, unfortunately. The dragons awaken every ten thousand years or so to gorge themselves on magic, before returning to slumber. Magic consumed slowly seeps out, and when enough has left their beings, they reawaken. We were simply unfortunate enough to have been born into a time where the dragons were awakening. But yes - that is all in the past now. You'll have to forgive me, as I'll ramble on and on if I've no one or nothing to stop me. We should meet to discuss further. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. And I can tell by your questions, your manner of thought that you are a scholar of sorts as well. I would love to know what you specialized in, and if you're willing to share details.

Don't apologize. I invited your explanation, and as curious as I am, I'm the last person who would stop you at all. This is fascinating, believe me.

I am a scholar, true - a researcher and scientist. My research has been incredibly broad for much of my life, studying various worlds and their magic - especially when it concerns hearts. The light or darkness within them can both influence various phenomena as well as attract them. When I had begun my research, it was rather specifically focused on the darkness within hearts.

Now, however, I am more avidly focused on restoring worlds and studying how light returns to them. The ground work, if you will, is done by other individuals - but the information I can gather and the conclusions I draw is the support I provide for them.

Fascinating. It sounds to me as though your expertise would be quite useful in analyzing the effects of dream and nightmare on the spirits of those residing here in Reverein. Have you encountered much in the way of similarities or correlation? Or does light/dark reflect on the heart differently than dream/nightmare? Your research spans worlds! I insist we set aside some time to meet and discuss this - humans traversing worlds (assuming you are human, and my apologies if you are not) has been of a personal interest of mine since arriving here, and I would like nothing more than to gain greater insight into the phenomenon from an expert.

Do you really think so? That's encouraging. This place on paper would be similar to the 'Dreaming Worlds' my friends had explored - but to be honest, the similarities end there. There's been phenomena here that are far different, and this place also lacks some key features of those worlds they explored.

But, you're correct; on the subject of light and darkness, there are similarities in that they influence dreams. It's not a direct correlation, mind you. Emotions are not 'good' or 'bad', even if we dislike them or they're painful. And these dreams seem to be influenced more fundamentally on emotions. That's what my preliminary research thus far seems to have uncovered.

But light and darkness are different than emotion. Like anything, emotions can drive them - but light and darkness are more about ... choices, more or less. What one does with their fear, or their excitement. One can be very afraid and be filled with light, deciding to work towards helping others - or one can be confident and excited and hurt others instead.

That's a rather simplistic way of putting it - by in large, all people have a mix of both darkness and light in their hearts. It's how that mixture tips in one direction or another that can influence the world around them to a great extent.

... Ah, now I have gotten far more into the weeds in my explanation. Forgive me. I am human indeed. It seems there is much for us to discuss in the future.

So it is not a one-to-one similarity, which is both simultaneously disappointing and invigorating. It would help our understanding of dream/nightmare if it were, but the prospect that these properties are unique to those of other worlds' is just as exciting, and warrants its own respect. Regardless, your research sounds exciting - I have never met another who has specialized in a metaphysical topic like the light and darkness of hearts. But I can see how it might be useful, especially if such a thing plays a big role in the systems of magic where you come from. I would love to have you come by the archives sometime - I can show you what we do and what sort of information we have already, and I would be more than happy to assist you if you're inclined to contribute. It would also be a perfect opportunity for us to continue this conversation further.

[ --WAIT ]

And my name is Trahearne.

I was thinking the same thing. It would be nice and much more practical if I already understood everything that's going on here. And yet, and it's probably selfish, but I'm enjoying the challenge of learning something entirely new.

It's very useful and, I'd say, much more concrete than metaphysical in application. I'd be happy to speak about my work assisting others in restoring worlds. It's been very rewarding, and there is still so much to do in that regard once I wake up.

That's a generous offer, I'd be happy for your assistance. I've found that I'm far better working with others than alone.

My name is Ienzo. It's really a pleasure meeting you, even if not in person yet.

It certainly is not selfish - if anything, it gives those of us who are more used to spending our time among books something to do and think about. All who have come here have gravitated towards things they find more familiar; you are not alone. You have my best wishes that your research is fruitful for when you wake up. The sentiment is mutual! I'm looking forward to meeting you in person, Ienzo.

The same to you - whatever you focus your studies on next, I wish you all the best in the waking world.

[ Oh. Hm. That's a bit awkward.

For a few moments, Trahearne debates saying something, but ultimately decides not to. Perhaps that's something he'll broach with Ienzo when they're a little closer. Just...not now, and not over the journals.

Nonetheless, the sentiment is appreciated. ]

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