Heroica RPG - Quest#92: The Prophetess and the Warrior

[Zepher]

"You'll forgive me heroes," calls Hinckwell from the shore, "but I don't like talking about it."

And then the ship is off and out in the water. Captain Lane steers with a certainty and Doc Daneeka fiddles with his device.

"Monk, it seems like you're a man who knows a ship and of the Bonaparte fleet," says Lane as he navigates. "I know that your organization has been tied up with us before. Tell me about the rumblings in the ranks."

"Visions are strange, dear Tarn. They aren't like normal sight. You feel energy, you catch glimpses. It is strange and terrifying to wield that much power. I have conversations with people twice, and sometimes I see something that doesn't come to pass, and yet for me it did." She looks at the warped old wood: "I'm not explaining well, I apologize. It is impossible to explain until it happens to you, I suppose. I wish I could help you understand. Talking to the Oracle is quite an experience - until then I had never met anyone else with the gift of sight."

"Mage, come here." Daneeka turns towards Arthur. "I have heard your dislike for the Ji Pei. May I inquire why?"

[Palathadric]

"Monk, it seems like you're a man who knows a ship and of the Bonaparte fleet," says Lane as he navigates. "I know that your organization has been tied up with us before. Tell me about the rumblings in the ranks."

"What do you mean by 'rumblings in the ranks'?" I query.

Maybe I'm just tired, but I really don't understand what you mean, Zepher.

Edited February 9, 2014 by Palathadric

[Zepher]

OoC: Sometimes I make up sayings and assume everyone will understand them.

"I'm out on the seas very often, but I'm not blind to Eubric. Your Hall holds a great deal of power. I want to know how you and other folks feel about my employer. Believe it or not, Nemo and Hestia are good people who I care for, and also who pay me and allow me to sail. I know that Heroica has saved them from danger more than once, but I want to know what would happen if push came to shove." Captain Lane turns the wheel slightly. "Eubric is the ever changing city, and I can feel a new wind coming in. The houses aren't all friendly with one another. We all have our loyalties."

[Flipz]

OOC: Not sure where Arthur brought up an anti-Ji Pei sentiment, so I'll assume Daneeka means "your" as in Heroica's/the party's.

"Mage, come here." Daneeka turns towards Arthur. "I have heard your dislike for the Ji Pei. May I inquire why?"

Arthur glances at Pretzel momentarily, then lowers his voice so the Bonaparte captain can't hear. "Well, not me personally--I'm all for progress, and against the...shadier practices I've known the Bonapartes to get involved in. But I've also learned--particularly since becoming a Mystic Knight--that diplomacy has nothing to do with presenting the truth in an attractive manner and everything to do with telling people what they want to hear. The Hinckwells, the Bonapartes--I despise the both of them, because they tell people they're looking out for them and doing what's best for them while simultaneously putting a knife in their back in the name of profit." The last word he nearly spits out, so heavy was his disgust. "The Ji Pei--they seek to innovate, to bring a new future to the common man, and the Shadeaux...well. I won't pretend they're sinless, but to me they boil down to a small but loving family, persecuted by the world, just trying to carve out a place for themselves where they can live in comfort and peace. I can respect that...not to mention that they've sided with Dragons, some of the wisest beings in the world. That they share such a close relationship speaks volumes in their favor, in my book anyway."

Edited February 9, 2014 by Flipz

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn looked around to make sure the others were talking before taking Ella's hand and speaking softly but earnestly. "I would love to experience what you do... One time only, though. I am not sure I would be strong enough to have the visions all the time. You are a wonderful person, Ella."

[Palathadric]

"I'm out on the seas very often, but I'm not blind to Eubric. Your Hall holds a great deal of power. I want to know how you and other folks feel about my employer. Believe it or not, Nemo and Hestia are good people who I care for, and also who pay me and allow me to sail. I know that Heroica has saved them from danger more than once, but I want to know what would happen if push came to shove." Captain Lane turns the wheel slightly. "Eubric is the ever changing city, and I can feel a new wind coming in. The houses aren't all friendly with one another. We all have our loyalties."

"I have to say that our hall is not quite like your houses. The houses are composed of families and their subjects the hall...well, it's just a group of individuals thrown together for many differing reasons. I have to say that I don't much care for the hall's policy of being open to anyone who wants to join. It's a bad business. I didn't think that way when I originally joined Heroica, way back in the day, but then again we didn't have demons, undead, and all manners of abominations traipsing the halls then either. The corruption of Eubric has grown a lot deeper since then as well. So the two factors combined makes for a set of strange bedfellows, if you will. If push were to come to shove. I doubt you could count on Heroica, as a whole, standing for your house. There are no doubts those who will, but there will also be those who won't. They're a mixed bag. I daresay that even if the veterans were to order all the heroes to stand by the Bonapartes there would be many who would refuse. It's a strange business.

As much as it may appear united on the outside, although I'm really not sure how many people actually see it that way, Heroica is a rather divided organization, just as divided as an organization can get in actuality. Heck, in one of the last parties I lead, we attacked some Wolfgang members who were stealing from a community. It was a tough fight, and in the end I sacrificed my consciousness to help our party gain the upper hand and defeat the Wolfgang and what do you know: next thing i'm waking up and I found out that my party let the Wolfgang members go. They had some Phoenix Essences with them, but none bothered to use one on me, instead they used it to revive one of the Wolfgang members. Bah!"

I spit into the ocean. Less than pleasant memories.

As for myself, I can't say I've had much dealings with your house before, which is unfortunate. The Bonapartes seem to be the only house doing noticeable good for Eubric. Some would say the Guild of Invision as well, but many of their mixtures are more poisonous than anything else."

[Zepher]

OoC: This is just RP for a bit. When y'all get done with it, just say so in an OoC comment and we'll continue the story - but again I'm not in a rush and we're almost done anyway and we've got a bunch of fun heroes and NPCs on a boat, so why not!

To Arthur

"I apologize. I did indeed mean to ask your Monk's issue with the Ji Pei. I do not represent the company, nor am I employed by them, but we have a dialogue. I believe that many people misread the Ji Pei. They are not against helping other researchers, in my experience, they just wish to recieve help in return."

"I do not distaste for the Bonapartes or Hinckwells. My fellow employee Captain Elba worked for the Bonapartes, and I respect his character greatly. The Bonapartes and the way that they behave as a family has a profound impact on them. And Captain Lane is a kind and direct man thus far. The Hinckwells, both Heinrich and Henry, are friends of my employer. They are tight-lipped and proud men. They come from an old family. It makes sense to me. They behave as I'd expect."

"The Shadeaux are a young family. We do not know what they have in store for the city yet. I appreciate your respect for the Dragons. The old races have much to teach the younger ones." The Sayyip looks at the waters. "Do you wish to find this book of the Princess'?"

To Tarn

"It is a strength that comes from the vision, not a vision that comes with strength, if you understand what I mean." She smiles wanly. "Mallelio, when he began being my teacher, didn't know what to tell me about my visions. I was very distraught, very young. One time, while my father was holding court, I had a vision that terrified me so much I can't remember it any longer. I forgot the future-" she muses and smiles slightly again before returning to her tale. "Victor, before he was an Ambassador or Emperor, was an advisor to my father. I was wide-eyed, frothing at the mouth. He took me out of the room. He told me that I had two options. I could be weak and allow the visions to rule me, or I could be strong and rule the visions. He presented it as a choice. A true Dastan man."

Ella rubs Tarn's hand. "I think you too would choose to be strong, Tarn. You always do choose to be strong. This would just be a different challenge. Maybe you'll get a vision one day. We don't know how the world works, really. Even I, who can see so much, knows so little."

To Monk Pretzel

"A ship is more like your Hall then the Houses. The Bonapartes hire men. We are all here for differing reasons too. Hel, look at this ship! But I thank you for your honesty." The Bonaparte spits over the railing. "Most heroes- most men- wouldn't be brave enough. I respect that."

"The Wolfgang haven't taken to the seas yet, so they're not so much domain, but that doesn't mean I don't hate them. The Bonapartes were assaulted in the Hovels - I know it was the Wolfgang behind it, even if they decapitated some other folks. I meant what I said - the Bonapartes aren't a damn family, but that doesn't mean that we are disloyal to our employers. I work for the Bonapartes because they're a good family. If they got to Nemo, they'd be hearing from me, I can promise you that."

"Have you ever thought of cleaning house in your Hall? Would those Veterans of your's listen to you if you asked them to consider it? Seems to me that having demons wandering around casts you all in a poor light."

[Flipz]

OoC: This is just RP for a bit. When y'all get done with it, just say so in an OoC comment and we'll continue the story - but again I'm not in a rush and we're almost done anyway and we've got a bunch of fun heroes and NPCs on a boat, so why not!

To Arthur

"I apologize. I did indeed mean to ask your Monk's issue with the Ji Pei. I do not represent the company, nor am I employed by them, but we have a dialogue. I believe that many people misread the Ji Pei. They are not against helping other researchers, in my experience, they just wish to recieve help in return."

"I do not distaste for the Bonapartes or Hinckwells. My fellow employee Captain Elba worked for the Bonapartes, and I respect his character greatly. The Bonapartes and the way that they behave as a family has a profound impact on them. And Captain Lane is a kind and direct man thus far. The Hinckwells, both Heinrich and Henry, are friends of my employer. They are tight-lipped and proud men. They come from an old family. It makes sense to me. They behave as I'd expect."

"The Shadeaux are a young family. We do not know what they have in store for the city yet. I appreciate your respect for the Dragons. The old races have much to teach the younger ones." The Sayyip looks at the waters. "Do you wish to find this book of the Princess'?"

Arthur shrugs. "The only Bonapartes I've known have been thoroughly dishonorable men and women, taking bribes and stealing from the Ji Pei for their own gain. I've not heard anything negative of the Ji Pei, aside from hypothetical fear of the future. My experience with the Hinckwells haven't been quite as bad, but there was a Hinckwell lad--Roderick was his name--who many years ago persuaded a young woman with much potential to take the first steps on a dark path--a path that later destroyed her. The fact that he later got himself possessed by a mad god and tried to kill me and my party didn't improve my opinion, either, nor did Heinrich's behavior when I met him at the Foundation Day ball. Lyren seems a decent sort, and I didn't get much of a read of his mother at all, but the rest of the family?" He shrugs again, his mouth drawn into a thin line. "Just because it's expected doesn't mean it's right."

"As far as the book? I'm very interested in old, lost knowledge--sometimes to the point where it gets me in trouble, but that's curiosity for you I suppose. To tell the truth, though, my primary interest in this expedition was Princess Ella." He glances forward at the happy couple. "The Prophetess and the Warrior--if ever there were a modern-day incarnation of that pair it's those two. She sees the future, thanks to a connection to what they called the Spirit Pools in Dastan. I've had vivid night terrors myself, as long as I can remember, but I always chalked them up to just that--bad dreams. When I was told--in a vision, no less--that I might also have such a connection, I immediately thought back to the princess I'd once saved. I'm hoping at some point we'll get a chance to talk--even if briefly--about how I can tell if my dreams are the real thing or just imaginary specters. And how to interpret--if these visions are real, and really tell the future...well, on the surface, it looks pretty bleak. I'm really, really hoping they're wrong."

"Speaking of employers, who exactly is yours? If you don't mind me asking."

[Rumble Strike]

OOC: A bit of RP time is always good!

Tarn smiled at Ella, looking into her eyes and holding the stare as he felt his stomach do somersaults. He felt at peace with her, and so decided to tell her of his past.

"You are always so sure of the person I am, even when I doubt myself. I have only known one other person who has so much faith in me; my Master, Rystael."

Tarn's voice lowered, it was clear he only meant Ella to hear. Hiis words are halting and spoken slowly, as if he is almost reliving them.

"When I was a very small boy, a band of raiders came to my village and killed everyone in it. My family were slaughtered. My mother, she had heard the sounds of the commotion outside, and had hidden me in under a table to keep me safe. I tried not to make a sound. I couldn't cry and wail, I couldn't call out to my family, I had to be silent or I would be found.

I could hear the men killing - the sounds of swords slicing flesh, the screams of pain. I heard it all.

I would have been safe, though, had the raiders not been setting fire to everything. It seemed I was under there a long, long time, silent tears running down my face, too frightened to move. I could not comprehend such horrors fully at such a young age, but I knew something was badly wrong.

Eventually the fire came for me. It had consumed most of the house. I was still petrified. I could not move my body, no matter how much I wanted to. I could feel the heat against my skin and hear the sound of the flames. And the smell.

Then an old man came striding through the flames. It was as though he could not be touched by them. He took me in his arms, told me that he would keep me safe, and took me out of there unharmed.

That was Rystael. He is a cleric in the Valco monastary. He raised me like his own son.

I can never repay him for saving my life that day, nor for his wisdom and kindness since."

This was perhaps the most Tarn had spoken at once in many years, and he had not told anyone in the Hall of his past before. Tears moistened his eyes as he finished his tale.

OOC: Pictures of the horrible event are ]here, if you did not see them before as part of the second anniversary.[/color]

Edited February 11, 2014 by Rumble Strike

[Palathadric]

I'm very interested in old, lost knowledge--sometimes to the point where it gets me in trouble, but that's curiosity for you I suppose.

Heh! Wish Pretzel could hear this.

"A ship is more like your Hall then the Houses. The Bonapartes hire men. We are all here for differing reasons too. Hel, look at this ship! But I thank you for your honesty." The Bonaparte spits over the railing. "Most heroes- most men- wouldn't be brave enough. I respect that."

"The world needs to hear the truth, in this dark age more than ever. One of the major flaws of the houses is that each one is afraid of the others. Each one has to be politically correct in its own way so as to not offend the others and stir up a massive problem and it ends up creating a state with not much progress and where no progress is there is decline. The most worrisome thing though is that there are those who are using this to their own advantage: the Wolfgang, for instance, even the Ji Pei. To a certain extent, I like the way the houses run. With the balance of power comes the certainty that if one of them has a downright evil leader, there will be little chance for him...or her, to cause a whole lot of problems. However, the danger, as I said before, is that someone else will use the stagnation to seize power themselves. I'll be honest with you. Sometimes I do wish we had a king who would be in complete control and give Eubric peace and freedom from the villains and demons strolling casually on the streets. But every coin has two sides I suppose..."

"The Wolfgang haven't taken to the seas yet, so they're not so much domain, but that doesn't mean I don't hate them.

"I'd imagine they'd have a hard time doing so with the Bonapartes monitoring the waters as closely as they do. I suppose that's another of the benefits of the Bonapartes. Not only do they keep Eubric free from outside invasion, but they also contain Eubric's evil to ensure that it does not spread to the rest of the world."

I chuckle at the thought.

The Bonapartes were assaulted in the Hovels - I know it was the Wolfgang behind it, even if they decapitated some other folks. I meant what I said - the Bonapartes aren't a damn family, but that doesn't mean that we are disloyal to our employers. I work for the Bonapartes because they're a good family. If they got to Nemo, they'd be hearing from me, I can promise you that."

"Really? God forbid! I do not recall hearing of such an assault. That is very worrisome indeed. If the Wolfgang think they are in a position to challenge the Bonapartes then their threat may already be far more serious than I could have imagined. Surely, if such a thing happened the houses would group together to destroy the Wolfgang...clearly that hasn't happened. It almost leaves one wondering if the Wolfgang have the support of one...or a few of the houses. When did this incident occur?"

"Have you ever thought of cleaning house in your Hall? Would those Veterans of your's listen to you if you asked them to consider it? Seems to me that having demons wandering around casts you all in a poor light."

I frown and cock my head for a moment in thought.

"I do not know. The veterans whom I have met are decent people, but I'm not even entirely sure where they stand. One of them I saw in a bar drinking with an orc. Another I saw conversing..."

I trail off, thinking better to avoid speaking of the Copper Fox's interaction with the Wolfgang member.

Besides, it may have just been a covert operation.

"I think 'cleaning house' as you said, would go against one of Heroica's fundamental foundations. It would change things drastically. Besides, I don't think these veterans would want to change any of the structures laid out by the original veterans. Then again, I don't the original veterans would have ever thought of the possibility that the undead would be allowed free reign in Eubric much less in the Hall itself. I'm sure it's something that could be discussed, but the veterans are very busy themselves and apart from the Copp...training master, it's rare to meet them at all. Even so, they have an orc as a barmaid and a monkey as a librarian, so I sometimes wonder where even they stand. At least those I have met seem respectable enough though..."

[Zepher]

"Speaking of employers, who exactly is yours? If you don't mind me asking."

"I judge men on an individual basis. The Bonapartes? The Hinckwells? They are just names that represent a number of individuals."

"As for your visions - we all have dreams. Until you see something that comes true, I would not put any credence in them. But I am not the sort to consult on matters of magic. Do not allow me to prevent you speaking from the Princess Ella if you wish to. I am not one for royalty anyway."

"I work for Master Guffington. He is much younger than I, though old for you humans. He is my favorite of my employers thus far. I do not know what I will do without him."

"I can never repay him for saving my life that day, nor for his wisdom and kindness since."

OoC: I remember it! Don't worry!

"That is a tragedy I can't relate to, can't imagine. I am deeply sorry for your lose." Ella is quiet. "I- I have had a privileged life in that regard, I know. My common people suffer, and I wish to save them. But I do not know what they go through. The only thing I can equate it to is the sack of Drakencourt, and I never felt truly unsafe during that." A pause. "I'm sorry to turn it to myself. That was unfair. I believe you do repay him every day with the noble deeds you do."

To Pretzel

"A while ago. A year or so."

"Well, I'm glad to have met an honest hero then." Captain Lane concentrates on steering. It appears he needs to concentrate on the sea - perhaps the Monk can talk to U'Voros or join one of the other conversations?

[Flipz]

"I judge men on an individual basis. The Bonapartes? The Hinckwells? They are just names that represent a number of individuals."

"As for your visions - we all have dreams. Until you see something that comes true, I would not put any credence in them. But I am not the sort to consult on matters of magic. Do not allow me to prevent you speaking from the Princess Ella if you wish to. I am not one for royalty anyway."

"I work for Master Guffington. He is much younger than I, though old for you humans. He is my favorite of my employers thus far. I do not know what I will do without him."

"The Guffington of Guffington Manor? I know the place well. Did you know it's built on a Spire of Chaos? I drained a fair bit of energy from it a year ago last Grogmas, while we were fighting rampaging Pongcanae and Chaos Beasts of Zoot." Arthur clenches and unclenches his left hand unconsciously, the conversation bringing back memories of that night.

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn nodded as Ella replied. "That is why I studied hard under Rystael, and listened carefully to him. He is a good man, a wise man. When I came of age, I knew I wanted to see the wider world, and see if I could prevent evil things happening to others, to save them from suffering as I did.

Once I heard of Heroica, I knew that was where I wanted to go, to try and help people. Rystael encouraged me to go. He knew that was my destiny.

I have been with Heroica over two years now, and been to many different parts of Olegaia. I have helped many people, but failed some too, as you know.

The death of Constance was a hard burden to bear, and only with your help did I overcome it. And then later we failed a Quest and lost Jun Ji Pei. Again, it was a hammer blow to me, and again, you helped me see that I would overcome, and prevail against those who held him.

I owe you so much, Ella. You help me to be a better person."

[Palathadric]

I'm ready to move on whenever the others are.

I step away from the sailor as he steers the ship. Moving over to the edge of the ship, I peer over the rail at the sea below.

"Any change for fishing in these waters?" I ask.

[Flipz]

OOC: I'd appreciate a chance to continue this conversation with Daneeka and maybe chat a bit with Ella as well--especially since I'm not in a good position to concentrate on battles this week--but if the others want to move on, I understand. If it does come to a battle, Arthur's in Rumble's hands, since I can't guarantee an action every 24 hours.

[Rumble Strike]

OOC: I know Tarn is hogging Ella at the moment but I'm nore than happy if Arthur wants to cut in. Tarn has said his piece, really.

[Zepher]

"The Guffington of Guffington Manor? I know the place well. Did you know it's built on a Spire of Chaos? I drained a fair bit of energy from it a year ago last Grogmas, while we were fighting rampaging Pongcanae and Chaos Beasts of Zoot." Arthur clenches and unclenches his left hand unconsciously, the conversation bringing back memories of that night.

"Yes, the Grogmas night," rasps Daneeka metallically . "There was much happening in the city. My studies have never focused on Chaos, though it does not shock me that the Manor is built on a spire to an old Temple of Chaos. It is in Guffington's character to build his Manor there. My own studies came to an interesting head that night as well. Much power in the city, much energy. Ancient old energies. But that is a tale for some other time."

"The death of Constance was a hard burden to bear, and only with your help did I overcome it. And then later we failed a Quest and lost Jun Ji Pei. Again, it was a hammer blow to me, and again, you helped me see that I would overcome, and prevail against those who held him.

I owe you so much, Ella. You help me to be a better person."

"I owe you much too, Tarn. I do not know how to phrase this without sounding offensive either - it is strange, I can deal well with the royalty of neighboring countries, but give me a hero of Valco and I hardly know what to say without sounding a fool - I did not ever know, for sure, that there was goodness in the common man or woman before I met you. I don't mean common as an insult, or as a reference to your upbringing, but rather just as us mortals overall. But you believe that the world is, as a whole, good, and that you are good within it. I never knew that before, I don't think."

"As for burdens of the past..." Ella sighs. "It is a question for someone older and wiser than me. Do we forget the past, do we live in it, is there a place between those two extremes?"

I'm ready to move on whenever the others are.

I step away from the sailor as he steers the ship. Moving over to the edge of the ship, I peer over the rail at the sea below.

"Any change for fishing in these waters?" I ask.

"Perhaps, but you're just as likely to run into any sort of sea beast. There have been weird rumblings, recently, among sea folk from all over - Strivvi, the coasts of Dastan, the High Kingdoms. I heard tell that the Dragons of Dastan are once more growing in numbers- sea monsters are doing the same, so I hear."

[Palathadric]

"Heh! Maybe we should hook up one of those fell beasts so there will be one less in the ocean."

I take a seat.

"Too bad the princess is with us," I mumble.

[Palathadric]

OOC: I'd appreciate a chance to continue this conversation with Daneeka and maybe chat a bit with Ella as well--especially since I'm not in a good position to concentrate on battles this week--but if the others want to move on, I understand. If it does come to a battle, Arthur's in Rumble's hands, since I can't guarantee an action every 24 hours.

I have no problem waiting. I'm in no hurry to go anywhere. I may talk to Ella later too, but right now I can't think of any way that Pretzel would initiate conversation and I'm not sure if I have anything to talk about. I'm all wrote out.

[Flipz]

"Yes, the Grogmas night," rasps Daneeka metallically . "There was much happening in the city. My studies have never focused on Chaos, though it does not shock me that the Manor is built on a spire to an old Temple of Chaos. It is in Guffington's character to build his Manor there. My own studies came to an interesting head that night as well. Much power in the city, much energy. Ancient old energies. But that is a tale for some other time."

"I look forward to hearing it. I and my people have an...interesting history with Chaos." Sensing the conversation was over, Arthur takes a step back and glances toward Tarn and Ella, who were still chatting like old confidantes. Noticing that Pretzel seemed unoccupied, he wandered aft towards him and the captain. "Look at those two, thick as thieves. They've hardly stopped since we met up, have they? If we're not careful, next thing you know they'll be asking our friend the captain to officiate the wedding." He grins to indicate he was kidding.

OOC: Daneeka's free for a Ji Pei vs. Bonaparte chat if Pretzel is interested. I'd still like to talk to Ella before we move on.

[Rumble Strike]

"I know that the past is a prison with no escape, if you let it claim you. That is why I try to live in the moment. But unlike the rest of us, you, dear Ella, you must always live partly in the future too."

Tarn smiled at Ella again, more wistfully this time. "I have monopolised your time, princess. Apologies. My companions may wish to talk to you also."

Tarn bowed, with a glint in his eye, and stepped away from the princess. He stood by a railing, and watched the sea being cut through by the ship.

[Palathadric]

OOC: Daneeka's free for a Ji Pei vs. Bonaparte chat if Pretzel is interested. I'd still like to talk to Ella before we move on.

I don't think Pretzel has spoken to either Daneeka or U'Voros outside of battle, and I doubt he has any intention of doing so.

I draw the Muckraker from its scabbard and inspect the blade diligently. Despite it being a powerful weapon, it's a rather hefty one.

Haven't used it up until now hardly. Perhaps I should pass it on as sometime.

I rub the blade with a cloth to make sure it keeps its sheen.

[Zepher]

"And yet the past - the Prophetess of old - is in my vision of the future. How strange is that?" Ella smiles wanly. "Arthur has never struck me as the shy type. I'm sure he'll talk to me if he wishes to."

[Flipz]

Seeing Tarn walk away from Ella, Arthur hears his own name spoken and moves over next to the pair. "I shouldn't be surprised you knew I wanted to talk, and yet I am." He exhales heavily, wondering how to phrase his request. "I'd like to know--how can one tell the difference between dreams and visions? And...if my nightmares aren't just figments of my imagination going bump in the night, then how can I keep them from coming to pass? Or is it even possible to change the future, once you've seen a vision of it?"

[Zepher]

"You can tell the difference. Dreams are dreams. Visions are visions. I know that isn't much help, but if you have the gift, you will know. As for the future - it is never quite fixed. Besides, visions are never exact. They are feelings, sensations, not stories, not events, exactly. We can make guesses as to what may pass, but we'll never be sure until it happens."