Pre-Intro Threads

[loreandpeace]

[All is dark and cold around you, and your body feels light as you float in the starless black. The only thing you can be sure of is the fact that you are irrevocably dead. That, and the faint sound of music in your ears.]

Comments

[ktenology]

[ somehow not that unexpected I guess but . . . stars? ]

[loreandpeace]

[no stars, only the dark and music.]

[ktenology]

[ stars are better than the dark . . . ]

Hi.

[loreandpeace]

[after a moment another figure floats up out of the dark, a dark-haired woman in old-fashioned clothes.]

Hello.

[ktenology]

I do not know you.

[loreandpeace]

[bowing]

I am a god known as Ranniel. I have stayed you here on your journey to final death to give you an offer.

[ktenology]

[ after a moment, reflects the bow back to Ranniel ]

Why?

[loreandpeace]

Curiosity, for the most part. The offer I mean to make you is one I myself learned of but recently, and I wish to see what will happen if I see it through. You I approach in particular, as it is an offer I think you may find quite interesting, and if another may benefit as I see my curiosity through then so much the better for us both.

[ktenology]

. . . and what is your offer?

[loreandpeace]

There is a place called Kohos, between all worlds and of none. There, it is possible for the souls of the dead to be transformed. You may return to life, gain the power to travel to all worlds, or even, perhaps, become a god yourself. The price for any of these, however, is steep: you must lose your self and begin anew, your memories lost and restored to you piece by piece as you fulfill the tasks of Kohos' gods.

[ktenology]

That is a very high price. I spent my life finding that I had value.

Is this a 'second chance' . . .?

[loreandpeace]

It can be, if that is what you wish.

[ktenology]

Yes.

[loreandpeace]

Then I believe it will be so, wherever your journey in Kohos may take you.

[ktenology]

. . . thank you.

[loreandpeace]

I speak only what I believe, but you are welcome. Have you any more questions in need of answers?

[ktenology]

No, I do not.

[loreandpeace]

[holding out a hand]

Then, if you are ready, take my hand.

[ktenology]

[ . . . takes the offered hand. ]

[loreandpeace]

[The faint music swells in a glorious, rising crescendo as everything around goes white--

...and when Laura next opens her eyes she'll be in the Portal of Chains, remembering only her death and this conversation.]