Posted by Ingvar(VIP) on August 9, 2000 at 23:38:23:
In Reply to: For shits and giggles posted by Avendella on August 9, 2000 at 21:04:08:
[I didn't get the first half of this conversation logged.... as a setup, shortly after finding out about the utter destruction of Avendella's soul, Ingvar sought out one of her friends (Shenara) to speak privately. (See the Archives in the siderbar for a description of what happened to Avendella.) As a little background, Ingvar first noticed Avendella when she turned against her elvish culture to explore the art of necromancy.... it was parallel to his own life in many ways. At first, Ingvar came to her with his usual philosopher stuff- what drove you to do what you have done? What he was really asking was: "Is there someone else who knows the pain of being truly alone?" Avendella eventually came to understand this, even though Ingvar tried outwardly to hide behind being Mr. Unyielding Voice of the Scarab, and never explicitly outlined his desire for a counterpart who was as willful and driven as he. I was trying to develop a tragic flaw of sorts within Ingvar- allowing little hints of un-Cultish feeling to bleed through from time to time, but I felt I had to do it slowly if it was to be believable.]
Shenara nods and looks up at you with eyes slightly dimmed.
Ingvar paces... looking sternly towards the ground.
You say 'As you have likely noticed.... my life is a difficult one. I do not ask for better, for it is the way things are.'
Shenara nods slowly.
You say 'I stand before you today as Ingvar Vittfaren, not as anything greater or lesser.'
Shenara looks at you.
Ingvar carefully folds his scarlet and black robe, and places it at his feet.
You say 'Avendella..... '
Shenara watches you, unsure.
Shenara nods again.
Ingvar looks... unsure. It is unusual, to say the least.
You say 'I would have taken her place. That is all I will say.'
Shenara sighs and nods then after a moment's pause...
Ingvar sullenly gathers his robes again.
Shenara leans forward and gives you a gentle hug.
You say 'That is the last I will speak of such.'
Shenara whispers 'as would i have.'
Shenara nods and pulls away.
Shenara says 'i understand'
You say 'As for the Maran.... I have opposed their doctrine for as long as I have heard it... from the very day I encountered Khiravn as a youth.'
You say 'There are those who call me the Unyielding. They know nothing of what truly is within me now.'
You say 'May they burn me to ashes, I will rise and clog their throats.'
You say 'May all of Thera bear the sign of the Phoenix... they will feel my Hammer.'
You say 'I stand more alone than ever this day. So be it.'
Shenara says 'you will not stand alone.'
You say 'There is little I can do about things past. But the Aspect of the Flame calls from within more strongly than it ever has.'
Shenara says 'indeed...what is done is done....'
You say 'For now, I will meditate. Your information has been.... welcome.'
Shenara says 'her life is gone..... as is her....her soul'
Shenara growls.
Ingvar begins to step towards you, arms slightly apart, then halts, and straightens his robes.
Shenara says 'that coward didn't even give her the chance to redeem herself'
Ingvar nods slowly.
Shenara gives you a slight smile, and nods, understanding.
You say 'I depart, scholar. Remain strong.'
[Snip some walking]
Shenara tells you 'Ingvar....?'
[I walk back.]
You say 'Yes?'
Shenara says 'I will tell you this...'
Shenara takes one of your hands.
Shenara says 'though she would not say..'
Ingvar listens, and allows your grip.
Shenara says 'as her friend, I knew'
Shenara gives your hand a squeeze.
Shenara nods and lets go.
Shenara says 'do you understand?'
Shenara puts her palm against your chest.
You nod.
You say 'Too well.'
Shenara says 'you two were so alike.'
Shenara sighs.
Shenara says 'so much alike'
{I walk off, silent.)