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* Michelle lives in a cottage outside the city walls on the edge of town. * Aldis sits back onto thin air, sipping from a glass of Arabellan red that's appeared in her hand and waiting for Michelle to fish out her keys and unlock the door. * Michelle holds the door open for Aldis, the door opening into a small sitting room. The room is furnished with a couch, a couple of chairs, and a few small tables. A small fire is light in the fireplace, and a few lamps are scattered about the room. The overall effect is warm and well lived in. * Aldis looks around the room and nods once, approvingly. "Very nice. Add a few jars of adder's tongues and a homunculus or two, and I could call it home." * Aldis glances quickly at Michelle and smiles hesitantly. "I was kidding. About the homunculi, I mean." * Temire walks into the room through a door on that appears to lead to the kitchen. "Hello Michelle. Oh we have company." Temire bows to Aldis. "Can I get you anything milady?" * Michelle closes the door. "Please, have a seat." <Aldis> ::smiles at the young girl:: You must be Temire. Thank you, I'm fine. ::indicates the soap-bubble glass half-full of wine in her other hand as she selects a medium-soft chair near the fire:: I'm Aldis Ferinsdottir. Lisl's mother. <Michelle> Temire why don't you bring out some tea. Oh, and the Sembian brandy. * Temire looks a little surprised and worried but returns to the kitchen. <Aldis> ::smiles again, and watches Temire move into the other room:: I thought of another question to ask...would you prefer I wait until... you've had a moment to explain? ::keeping her voice soft:: * Michelle sits in the other chair and waits for Temire to return. <Michelle> It would probably be easier that way. <Aldis> ::nods and turns her head to inspect more of the room before turning her head back:: I recognize her now. She seems like a very... unusual choice for a swordswoman's apprentice. * Temire returns carrying a tray with a tea pot, a crystal decanter, three tea cups on saucers, and three snifters. <Temire> May I join you two? <Michelle> Yes, I have some important matters to discuss with you. <Aldis> ::smiles at Temire in a reassuring, motherly fashion:: Besides, Sembian is always best enjoyed in company. * Temire sets the tray on the table in front of the couch and then sits down on the couch. * Michelle spends several moments collecting her thoughts. * Aldis takes a last sip of the red wine in her glass and then opens her hand, watching the glass tumble downward-- and disappear, with its entire contents, before hitting the floor. Aldis grins sheepishly. "My apologies. I'm always tempted to do parlor tricks when in company." * Temire looks startled by Aldis' trick, "I've seen Yohko do that with herself, but never with an object." <Michelle> Temire, you've met Yb haven't you? <Temire> No, but I've heard the stories from everyone. They make her sound like the embodiment of every mad mage a tale was ever told about. <Aldis> ::grinning:: What, dropping herself and disappearing? I'm a mage by trade, Temire. I didn't mean to alarm you. <Aldis> ::laughs at Temire's response, and covers her mouth with a small smile:: <Temire> Yeah, I've seen her drop from tree and cliffs and then halfway down she vanishes. ::Temire thinks for a moment:: Master Yohko says she doesn't use magic though. I wonder how she does it. <Michelle> You know that Yb suffers from multiple personality syndrome? <Aldis> ::mutters something about "eastern tricks," and covers a grin by picking up a cup of tea and sipping from it delicately. * Temire blinks at Michelle, "What's that?" * Michelle sighs, "Multiple personality syndrome is a mental disorder that causes someone to think that they're different people at different times." * Temire thinks for a few moments, "That sounds like being moon... I mean crazy to me." <Aldis> ::raises an interested eyebrow:: What had you been about to say, Temire? * Michelle smiles slightly, "It's a particular kind of insanity. The point I want you to remember is that some people have more than one personality inside the same body." * Aldis looks as though she'd like to say something, but settles back into her chair and sips her tea instead. * Temire looks at the floor sheepishly, "I was going to say moon touched. But Mistress Michelle said that I shouldn't use that term because it wasn't the moon that caused the madness, and that there are many people who receive Selūne's gifts who are not mad." <Michelle> Now, clear your mind like Yohko and I taught you. <Aldis> ::smiles and nods, murmuring as she takes another sip:: The moon is a harsh mistress, as they say. You make an excellent pot of tea, Temire. * Temire sits up a bit straighter and closes her eyes, taking slow, measured breaths. * Aldis cocks her head and glances from teacher to student. * Michelle waits for Temire to finish. * Temire opens her eyes and looks at Michelle, "I'm ready." <Michelle> Temire, what do you think Yohko and my relationship is? * Temire looks startled, then embarrassed, "I...I..." * Michelle nods her head encouragingly and gently says, "Please answer the question." * Aldis looks away, an amused smile on her face. * Temire glances at Aldis, then lowers her head, "I think you're both lovers of women." <Aldis> Ah, youth today...little difference from the past, I fear... ::covering her eyes with one hand and shaking her head gently:: <Michelle> Then how do you explain my infatuation with Jaret? * Temire looks up and tilts her head to one side, "I'm not sure." <Aldis> ::glances up and smiles impishly:: Or Yohko's, for that matter. * Michelle shoots a glance at Aldis, then turns back to Temire. "What makes you think Yohko and I are lovers?" <Temire> Well you share the same bed. <Aldis> ::deadpans:: It sounds perfectly logical to me, Michelle. <Michelle> Have you ever heard us making love? * Michelle shoots another glance at Aldis. * Temire gulps, "No." <Michelle> Have you ever seen Yohko and I in the same place at the same time? * Temire thinks for a moment, then gets a puzzled look on her face, "No." * Aldis perfects the art of looking perfectly innocent and wryly amused at the same time. After all, she's had centuries. <Michelle> Now, if you've never seen us together, despite living in the same house, what would that imply? * Temire thinks for a while, "That you're the same person?" <Aldis> ::opens her eyes slightly wider in surprise, and glances at Michelle:: You were right, she *is* quick. <Michelle> You don't sound very sure of that answer. Why not? <Temire> Well, you both look so different. I mean, you'd have to use magic to be the same people, but Yohko says she doesn't use magic, and you've never mentioned knowing any shape changing magic. * Temire thinks a moment more, "Though you do practice a lot of moon magic, and you've said that the werecreatures draw there power from the same source as you draw your moon magic from. Are you and Yohko some new kind of werecreature?" * Temire is definitely looking scared. <Aldis> ::raises an eyebrow:: Have you met so many werecreatures, little one, to fear them so? * Temire shakes her head, "I've never met any werecreatures, but everyone knows the stories." * Michelle waits a beat to let the information sink in. <Aldis> ::lifts an elegant shoulder:: I've heard many stories, enough to know that not *all* werecreatures are feared. Rakshasas, for example. They are often well-respected, in their home climes. * Temire blushes, "Is this like when Michelle told me I shouldn't be afraid of Xarroch because he was a reformed demon?" <Michelle> Yes, though it's far more common to meet friendly werecreatures than it is to meet friendly demons. <Aldis> I've heard enough gossip, as well, to know that very little of it is worthy of notice. ::smiles and nods:: Aye. It's wise to be wary in his presence, but it can be equally dangerous, child, to take offense before any is offered you. <Michelle> However, Yohko and I are not a werecreature. Though Lisl seemed to find that the easiest way to grasp the concept. <Aldis> ::looks sharply at Michelle:: Well, it is a concept more are familiar with. * Michelle sighs, "Temire, Yohko and I are two different people. However, only one of us can exist in the world at any given time. There are others as will, but it tends to draw attention if too many of us are wandering around. * Michelle glances at Aldis, "I'm starting to understand why Lisl doesn't visit very often. Are you always that protective of her?" * Temire gets a frustrated look on her face, "I'm confused. You and Yohko are the same person, but you're not. I don't understand." <Aldis> ::looks mildly offended:: Lisl, as you and I well know, is more than capable of taking care of herself. There are times, perhaps, when she does not guard confidences as well as she should. ::giving Michelle another glance:: * Michelle sighs and thinks for a moment, then raises her hands, in one she has a small light spell, in the other a small darkness spell, "These two spells are different, correct?" * Michelle rolls her eyes and looks back at Temire. <Temire> Of course. * Michelle moves her hands so that from Temire's perspective the light spell hides the darkness spell, "Which one do you see?" <Temire> The light spell. * Michelle reverses her hands, "And now which one do you see?" <Temire> The dark spell. * Michelle puts her hands together and the two spells annihilate each other, "And now which do you see?" <Temire> Neither, they're both gone. <Michelle> Why? <Temire> Because you put them together. <Michelle> What happened when I tried to put them together? <Temire> They canceled each other out. <Michelle> Yes, but why did they cancel each other out? <Temire> Because you put them together. <Michelle> You're following a circular argument Temire. What does it mean when you put two objects together? <Temire> It means they're touching one another. <Michelle> Can two objects be closer together than merely touching each other? * Temire thinks for a moment, "No?" <Michelle> Why not? <Temire> I don't know. * Aldis leans back and sips her tea, watching Temire's face. <Michelle> Yes you do, you're just afraid of being wrong. Why can't two objects be closer together than just touching? * Aldis sits forward suddenly. "May I ask her a question?" <Michelle> Certainly Aldis. <Aldis> Temire, what is it about you that makes you *you*? * Temire blinks at Aldis, then shakes her head a few times, "What does..." * Temire blushes again and lowers her head, "I don't know." <Aldis> ::smiles gently:: It's alright to make guesses, I'm only trying to help you understand, not to judge you. If you lost your arm in your battle, would you still be Temire? <Temire> Of course. * Michelle starts to get a worried look in her eyes. <Aldis> If a mage transformed you into a...I don't know, a turtle...would you still be Temire? * Temire thinks for a moment, "I don't know. Some of the stories say that when mages transform people they stay people even though they don't look like people anymore. Other stories say that they actually become the animals or monsters that the mage turned them into. <Aldis> ::cocks her head:: Fair enough. But...hmm, let me ask this a bit differently. Would you say that what you *are* is limited to what you look like? When you look like an old woman, you'll still be Temire, will you not? <Temire> Of course. Mages couldn't turn themselves into hawks and cats and things if they didn't stay who they are. I guess that means that it's the mind that makes someone who they are. <Aldis> ::nods:: Now...you know that a person's mind, their soul even, can be moved to other containers? ::smiles:: My old nanny-- many hundreds of years ago it was now-- told me fairy tales of witches who collected souls in a bottle. You understand? <Temire> Yeah. <Aldis> ::nods again, and pauses to sip her tea:: Now...what do you think would happen if two souls-- or more-- were caught in the same bottle? *Who* would that bottle be? <Temire> Wouldn't that be like demon possession? I guess that would mean that the bottle would be all of them, but you'd only ever get to see the strongest of them. <Aldis> ::nods, and glances at Michelle:: What if the souls were of about equal strength, or if they somehow agreed to cooperate with one another, to share the bottle with each other? * Michelle smiles. * Temire glances between the two, then spends some time thinking. <Aldis> ::leans back in her chair, pausing to drain her cup of tea as she smiles at Temire over the rim:: <Temire> So Yohko and Michelle are two different souls, trapped in the same body, and they've come to some kind of agreement about sharing the body. But the body looks different depending on which one you can see, like pouring different liquors into the same decanter." <Aldis> ::smiles broadly at Michelle:: You've got quite an apprentice here, Michelle. I *do* hope you give her some magical training...I think she'd do well with it. * Michelle smiles happily, "Thank you Aldis. I never could have explained it as well or as simply as that." * Michelle smiles at Aldis, "I've thought about it on several occasions, and she has made an inquiry or two, but I ultimately had to agree with Yohko, it's better to make certain she has adequate skills to defend herself with before letting her pursue every fancy that strikes her." <Aldis> ::waves a hand:: I've been wrapping my mind--and apprentices' minds--around concepts as strange as this for centuries, Michelle. I'm always happy to spare some poor soul more confusion than necessary. ::Aldis looks up as a knock sounds on the door:: * Michelle closes her eyes for a moment in concentration, then opens them smiling, "It seems your daughter has tracked you down. Or coincidence is working in interesting ways. Shall I let her in, or do you want to sneak out the back first?" * Aldis smiles delightedly. "Oh, do let her in. I'm sure she'll be delighted to see me." * Michelle stands and walks over to the door, opening it. "Hello Lisl, please come in. We were having the most fascinating conversation with our guest." <Lisl> ::peering inside:: Guest? I just came to ask if you'd heard from... Temire... MOTHER??? <Temire> Hello Lisl. <Lisl> Temire? ::looking remarkably confused:: Mother, did you plan this??? * Aldis laughs delightedly. "No, dear, but the look on your face makes me dearly wish I had. Do come in and sit down. We're having the most interesting discussion about magical metaphysics. * Michelle closes the door behind Lisl. * Michelle shakes her head, "I suppose it couldn't translate any other way." * Lisl numbly takes a seat on the other end of the couch from Temire, unconsciously moving to smooth down a skirt she's not wearing. <Aldis> ::arches an eyebrow:: Translate? * Michelle quirks an eyebrow, "Can I get you anything Lisl?" <Lisl> ::muttering under her breath:: Got any 'kick? ::louder:: Tea would be fine, thanks. <Aldis> ::smiles warmly:: It's so good to see you well, daughter. I was a little worried when you didn't come to the Hall earlier. * Michelle turns to Aldis, "Oh. On the world I originally came from the word metaphysics originated with an ancient philosopher named Aristotle. He wrote a great many books, one of them named metaphysics, which at the time simple meant the book after physics. However the title became associated with the content, and from there passed on into the language." <Lisl> ::starting to recover a bit of her poise:: I was...out on a hunt. * Temire quickly pours a cup of tea for Lisl and hands it to her, "Here you are Lisl." * Michelle sits back down. <Aldis> ::raising both eyebrows:: Interesting. And the book pertained to matters of the spirit, then? <Michelle> I never read it, but that was the impression I was given. <Lisl> ::accepts the cup with a small smile:: Thank you, Temire. ::blinking a couple of times:: Temire... actually, I came here to ask about you. You didn't come to any harm after you left... umm... so suddenly on Monday, did you? I was worried. <Aldis> ::nodding:: Actually...might I ask my question, now? * Temire blushes again, "I'm sorry. I just didn't know what to do when Xarroch started talking to me. So I ran." * Lisl takes a sip of tea, little finger delicately extended, eyes wandering from Temire's expression to the look of camaraderie between Michelle and Aldis. * Michelle blinks, "I'm sorry Aldis, I've completely forgotten what your question was. By all means ask. This certainly seems to be the night for revelations." <Lisl> ::putting the cup down with a light clink of chinaware. "We would never let him hurt you, Temire, if it were in our power to stop it. ::glancing at Michelle:: And believe me, most of the Hall Masters have considerable power. <Aldis> ::cocking her head to one side:: It's alright. I'd meant to ask...I've been trying to understand your... existence a bit better. Tell me, do you have any memories that extend back *before* meeting ::frowns for a moment in recollection:: Brad? * Temire hangs her head, "I wasn't thinking very clearly at the time. I just knew I was in the same room as an infernal and that he could do anything he wanted to me and there wouldn't be anything I could do about it, so I just hoped he wouldn't notice me. And then of course, he did." <Lisl> ::quirks her mouth wryly:: It's an understandable attitude, Temire. Just bear in mind that attitude is half the battle when you're dealing with infernals, and you'll be fine. ::grinning:: If it makes you feel better, I think Xarroch was a little distressed, too. He's been practicing at being polite, you know. <Michelle> No. It's like I said earlier. Our memories are a single continuous track. We can remember being very confused because we thought we were Brad, but we were in Michelle's body, but not the other way around. * Temire leans back on the couch and examines the ceiling, "That means I'll have to apologize to him." <Aldis> ::rubs her chin:: So there are no recollections of your life before? Did it *feel* like there was a life before? Where there people who knew you, even if you didn't know them? <Lisl> ::grins wider:: I think apologies on both sides are necessary. <Michelle> Not once. I've even had instances where I appeared on a new plane and was mistaken for a divinity because I appeared out of thin air at the "appointed" time. <Aldis> ::looking mildly startled, and then examining Michelle a little more closely:: And are you certain you're not one? <Lisl> ::covers a small laugh at her mother's comment:: <Michelle> Depends on your definition of divinity I suppose. <Aldis> ::shrugging one shoulder:: Nine is quite an accomplishment by any standards. <Michelle> Particularly if your analogy was accurate. <Aldis> Analogy...oh, you mean sharing the bottle? <Michelle> Yes. ::Michelle smiles:: <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: Mother, have you been sharing around the elvish again? * Michelle quirks an eyebrow at Lisl and giggles. * Temire blinks at all three for a few moments in utter confusion. <Aldis> ::chuckles:: No, Lisl. It was just an example. :;glancing at Temire:: Michelle was trying to explain her... condition to Temire here. Before Temire drew the wrong conclusions on her own. <Lisl> ::exchanges a look with Aldis:: Ah. A night for revelations, then? * Lisl takes another sip of tea, examining Temire over the rim of the cup before replacing it in the saucer. "Good tea."" <Aldis> ::lifts a shoulder:: As you like. <Temire> Thank you. Master Yohko and Mistress Michelle say that tea is honest and reflects the mind of the person who prepared it. <Lisl> ::thinks a moment before replying:: She would say that. ::glancing at Michelle:: Perhaps tea-preparation should be an interview requirement. ::chuckling:: Tho' I never would have gotten the job...I make a lousy pot of tea. * Michelle giggles, "Well I suspect all the barkeeps have their failings. Be thankful yours is such a minor one." <Lisl> ::grinning at Michelle:: I won't share with you what Sealgair said about my bookkeeping skills, then. ::rolling her eyes:: * Michelle brightens, "You helped Sealgair keep the books. Thank heavens. Moon Dancer's come close to tearing the place down a few times trying to keep the books." * Lisl takes another sip of tea. "Well, I did my part, on my nights...I wouldn't call myself good at it by any stretch. I'm a fighter, not a bookkeeper. * Michelle giggles, "I don't think the Hall has ever had someone who was a barkeep by trade." <Lisl> ::puts down her cup, crosses her arms, tilts her head back, and thinks:: Hmmm.... fighter, fighter, paladin, ranger, mage, w--- ummm.... fighter/priest... no, I think you're right. <Lisl> And what do we have now? ::frowns slightly:: What *is* Nacheyla, anyway? She was asking the strangest questions... <Michelle> She's an undead hunter. I'm not certain what abilities she has to back that particular profession up with, but she certainly isn't a barkeep. <Lisl> ::widens her eyes:: Oh! Ummm...oops. <Michelle> Oops? * Michelle quirks an eyebrow. <Lisl> ::looks a trifle shame-faced:: Well, she seemed so *interested* in meeting Tyl when I said Tyl was being followed by a pack of bloodsuckers. Just as well I didn't tell her where she lived. <Aldis> ::stirs in her chair:: You've been having undead problems on the Hall? * Michelle smiles, "So you felt compelled to tell her that Tyl'gainia was friends with the vampires. Yes, I had to straighten that out earlier this evening." <Lisl> ::looks surprised:: I didn't tell her Tyl was friends with them... well... only in the most sarcastic of terms, I assure you. <Lisl> ::quirks her mouth:: Trust me, I don't like setting hunters on *anyone's* tail... once they get an idea in their heads, they tend to be rather... well... single-minded about it. <Michelle> Not really. As I understand it, Tyl'gainia acquired a book that every vampire and their uncle wants. So every few months a group of them pays her a visit. Wound up setting her house on fire last time. * Aldis covers a sudden cough. <Lisl> I thought that was Bai? <Aldis> A book? A vampire spell-book, perhaps? Or a sacred text? <Aldis> ::frowns:: I didn't think the vampires *had* such. Are they from... this realm? * Michelle glances at Lisl, "I think we just need to remember that Nacheyla takes matters concerning undead VERY seriously. I was making a joke about the ghost of that viscount that died recently with Adiethian and she thought she'd found something to hunt down." <Aldis> ::raises an eyebrow:: Bai? What did he have to do with this? <Lisl> MO-ther! I told you, my-- ::glances quickly at Temire:; disagreement with Bai was a misunderstanding. It's all clear now. <Michelle> As I heard the story, Bai's sword is actually made from a piece of the Sun from his world. When he used it on the vampires, they apparently went up like Roman candles and set the draperies on fire, which set the walls on fire, and so on and so forth." <Lisl> ::looking at Michelle:: And if Nacheyla wants to hunt that old b---bothersome person, she's more than welcome. He's caused us and ours enough trouble. <Michelle> As for the book itself, I have no idea what it contains. I heard that Bai read it but wasn't able to make much sense out of it. <Aldis> ::compressing her lips into a thin line:: So Bai was merely killing the vampires when this happened. ::looks thoughtful:: Well, I suppose that's as may be. * Michelle sighs, "I'll have to tell you what Adiethian told me later. I don't have any clue what to do about this mess, though I'm half a mind to drop the whole mess into Jelarthna's lap and make him sort it all out." <Aldis> ::nodding to Michelle and giving Lisl a steady look:: I think I'm going to have to get to know this young man a bit better. Especially if he's given his heart to Lini'leah, now. * Michelle glances curiously at Aldis, then turns back to Lisl, "You can tell me all about this misunderstanding you and Bai had at the same time." * Michelle smiles, "You might not have to if they keep missing each other like this." <Lisl> ::nodding shortly, and giving Temire a somewhat apologetic glance:: Well enough. But perhaps...not right now. <Aldis> I never trust to things like that. The inevitable always happens. * Temire looks around clearly frustrated that secrets are being kept from her, but also fascinated by what she does understand. <Lisl> ::looks at Temire squarely:: From what I understand, you've had more than enough to shock you this evening, young lady. <Lisl> Speaking of which...Mother, *why* are you here? * Temire nods her head vigorously, "Yes... But the half of the night I would normally spend sleeping is going to be spent trying to figure out what youall are talking about." <Aldis> ::leaning back and smiling:: I thought it would be nice to pay you a visit, daughter. Is that so horrible? <Lisl> ::looking back at Temire:: As long as you don't go jumping to conclusions as you did with Xarroch, I'll count myself satisfied. * Temire sheepishly looks at the floor. <Lisl> ::taking a sip of tea and looking back at Aldis like she would very much like to say "yes":: No, of course not, Mother. But a bit of advance notice would be nice. And it still doesn't explain why you're *here*. <Aldis> ::grinning at Lisl, and showing the others in the room from whom Lisl inherited her feral grin:: But it's so much *fun* to surprise you, Lisl. ::chuckling slightly before sobering:: But honestly, I'm *here* because I met Michelle at the Hall while I was looking for you, and I couldn't pass up the research opportunity. <Lisl> ::glances from Michelle to Temire to Aldis:: Then why-- ? * Michelle smiles at Lisl, "Don't worry Lisl. I'm interested in finding out more about my peculiar situation. And Brad misses being able to discuss research with someone." <Lisl> ::frowns:: Brad? I don't think I've met him. He's another, like ::glances briefly at Temire:: like Yohko and Felice and...who was the gentleman I met? <Michelle> Oh, I figured if I was shifting forms and having the kind of frank discussion that will really be necessary for an all out research effort then Temire would piece things together on her own. I figured it was better to explain it to her. <Aldis> One of the reasons I came here particularly was to meet Michelle's others. * Michelle thinks for a moment. <Lisl> ::looking frankly at Temire:: So how do you feel about it? * Temire thinks for a moment, "I think we should set out on a quest to free them all." <Lisl> ::looks puzzled:: Free them all? ::looks from Michelle to her mother:: Am I missing something? <Michelle> Oh, that's right. You met Yamato briefly. I'm not certain I'd call him a gentleman. <Lisl> ::shrugs:: I've learned to acquire broader definitions of some things than most people. * Michelle quirks an eyebrow at Temire. "I'd be frightened if I hadn't had the same thought on more than one occasion myself." * Aldis covers a small smile. <Aldis> ::quirks an eyebrow:: Was my analogy perhaps more true than I thought? <Aldis> I was merely seeking a circumstance she might be familiar with. <Michelle> Yamato wants out, and doesn't care what it costs. I'm not sure Brad could survive without the rest of us though. Beyond that, I'm not sure. <Aldis> ::crosses her legs:: Do you know what caused Brad to go planes-hopping in the first place? Was it at his own will, or another's? <Michelle> As far as we've been able to tell it was a complete and total fluke. <Aldis> ::narrows her eyes:: A fluke? An accident, you mean? Spontaneous, or was there anything that might have triggered it? * Michelle tilts her head, "I suppose if the accelerator somehow managed to achieve FTL that could have done it. Then again, just about anything could have happened if the accelerator achieved FTL. But that shouldn't have been possible. Hell, I'd have known if someone was even trying." <Aldis> ::shakes her head:: I'm sorry...accelerator? FTL? I don't know these words. <Lisl> ::shakes her head as well, at her mother's glance:: Accelerator, I know...but I don't think I know it the way she means it. <Lisl> FTL I don't know at all. <Michelle> Okay, in the world Brad grew up on, there wasn't any magic. Instead they had science. Brad worked at a particle accelerator, which is a device which makes small particles move very very faster. FTL means faster than light. In theory, nothing can travel faster than light. On the other hand, no one has any way of predicting what might happen if you did. <Lisl> A world of science, I've been to. Mine was called Earth...or...::brow clouding:: At least, it was *an* Earth. The way I understand it, there can be a number of copies, right? <Lisl> I met someone there who claimed to be my Creator...I don't know, but she knew so much about me... about.. ummm... dad. ::glancing at Aldis:: I told you about her before. * Aldis nods. * Michelle smiles at Lisl, "Yes. In principle there are an infinite number of copies. Moon Dancer and Brad come from two different Earth's. Tyl'gainia's vampires also seem to come from some Earth. <Aldis> ::leans forward with raised eyebrows:: So, they're *not* vampires of our realm, then. ::nods:: That makes more sense. <Lisl> Two different earths? And if the one I visited to was another, how many ARE there? <Michelle> As I said, in principle there are an infinite number. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I'll take your word for it. But this is why I leave the magical theory to my mother. * Michelle shrugs, "This is one place where magic and science overlap nicely. Probably the reason that cosmology was the scientific branch of religion for so many thousands of years before becoming the philosophical branch of science." <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: That's just so many words to me, so, whatever you say, I guess. * Aldis nods with seeming understanding. * Temire tries to stifle a yawn. <Aldis> ::echoes Temire's yawn and glances at her with guilty sympathy:: Oh! Poor child...it's very late, and you've had a lot to deal with already. And I've had a long enough journey today. <Lisl> ::quirks an amused eyebrow:: You walked? <Aldis> I walked. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: <Michelle> Off to bed with you Temire. I can clean up the dishes. * Temire stands up and curtseys to Aldis, "It was a pleasure to meet you Mistress Aldis. Goodnight." Turns to Lisl, "Goodnight Lisl." Temire disappears into the kitchen, and from there can be heard climbing the stairs. <Lisl> Mother...? What were you planning to do? Your bedroom's always ready for you, tho' it's liable to be a little stuffy right now. Or...Lini's away for a time again. You could use her bed. ::grinning a little:: I'm sure she'd think twice about killing you if she found you in it. <Lisl> ::looking up:: G'night, Temire. Sleep sweet. <Aldis> Goodnight Temire, it was very nice to meet you as well. Have a good rest. <Aldis> ::grinning wryly at her daughter:: I know to take precautions when I use Lini's room. She startled me enough the *first* time. * Michelle quirks an eyebrow, "I definitely haven't been in the proper gossip circles." <Lisl> ::grins:: Family humor. <Aldis> ::matching her daughter's grin:: Lini is my niece by blood, but she is also my daughter by adoption. She was raised in a rather... perilous environment, so her instincts are typically to stab first, ask later. * Lisl chuckles. * Michelle shakes her head, "The Hall was certainly a lively place under Sealgair." <Lisl> That it was, indeed. But, I admit, we've got a more exciting family than most, I think. * Michelle giggles, "That seems a reasonably safe bet. But I'd be careful. If Tyl'gainia has her way she and Jelarthna will probably be giving you a run for your money." <Lisl> ::smirks:: Not 'til they start having kids, I think. <Lisl> Besides, if I haven't bit Jel yet, after everything he's pulled, I don't think I'll ever be tempted to. * Lisl glances self-consciously up the stairs with a look of chagrin. * Michelle shakes her head, "Don't worry. Temire's too tired to eavesdrop." <Lisl> ::quirking a smile:: Unless she's "staying up half the night wondering." <Aldis> ::smothering another yawn:: Oh, I'm so sorry...it *is* getting late, though. ::looking at Lisl:: Perhaps I'll risk Lini's bed tonight. ::shakes her head:: I'm not as young as I used to be. <Lisl> ::makes a face:: You and me both. Mother, you'll be old when *I* am. * Michelle smiles, "You're welcome to stop by any time and we can continue our discussion then. Now that Temire knows it won't be as difficult." <Aldis> Hmph. I wish I could be certain of *that.* ::looking at Michelle:: I thank you. I think, perhaps, it would be best if we discussed this further at some other time. ::thinks a moment:: If I don't see you before week's end, I believe the Hall is still open for business on Firstday? <Michelle> Yes it is. <Aldis> Then if naught else, I can meet up with you then. ::grinning impishly:: I never pass up an opportunity to embarrass Lisl in front of her friends. * Michelle giggles and smiles sympathetically to Lisl. <Lisl> ::shaking her head:: MO-ther! ::sounding as if this is an OLD tease:: <Lisl> It's alright. It wouldn't be a family if we didn't find subtle ways to torture each other. * Aldis wrinkles her nose at Lisl. <Lisl> Ready to go, Mother? * Michelle shakes her head, "You have a very unusual, if highly accurate way of putting things Lisl." * Aldis stands. "If I'm not, will you carry your old mother home?" * Michelle rises to see Lisl and Aldis to the door. <Lisl> ::grins:: I do my best. And I'm not carrying you *this* time. You'll just pull that Christobal's Weight thing on me again. * Michelle giggles, "I don't want to know." <Lisl> ::slaps both knees and stands up in one quick push, moving to her mother's side and giving the slimmer woman's shoulders a quick squeeze:: <Lisl> No, no, you don't. ::rolls her eyes:: * Aldis looks angelically innocent and put-upon. <Lisl> Time enough to go. Be well, Michelle. I'm glad to see that Temire's safe and sane. ::looking more serious for a moment:: I *was* worried when she ran Monday night. ::glancing up the stairs:: She's got enough to think through without my help, I think. ::nodding firmly:: * Aldis gives her daughter a doubtful and somewhat concerned look, but says nothing. * Michelle smiles at Lisl, "She tougher and brighter than she thinks. But you're the only one who can decide that you trust her with your secrets. Or your life." * Aldis turns to Michelle. "Good night. Thank you for your hospitality...and your trust. ::smiling:: <Lisl> Aye, I know. ::nodding:: I think I'll wait 'til she knows herself a bit better, before she needs to know more of me. * Michelle curtseys to Aldis, "As I said before. Nothing could speak more eloquently of your trustworthiness than your daughter." <Michelle> Goodnight Lisl, Aldis. Sweet dreams to both of you. * Aldis shrugs gracefully and eloquently. "She is my daughter." <Lisl> ::face reddens a little, and she turns to the door. "Sleep sweet, Michelle. I'll see you Monday." <Aldis> ::nods:: Monday, if not sooner. ::with a glint in her eye:: I'm still most interested in meeting your companions. <Michelle> Many of them are most interested in meeting you as well. <Aldis> ::lifts an eyebrow and opens her mouth to say something, but things better of it:: Later, then. ::nodding her head in salute:: |
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