Welcome back.

Thank you! ^w^

It was great working on this with you. Thank you for writing it with me.

It is always a pleasure to weave a story with you ^^

*shudders...

That man stared into the Abyss and brought it down on himself, but you, Acrathia... you *are* the Abyss. I don't mean that in a judgemental way... I remember the debate we shared in Auris' presence. Perhaps I did play down then the past inflictions that drive your current ambition, but the horrors you must have witnessed to have become so impassive and ruthless in the pursuit of appropriate punishment...

This is why I keep such a tight control over my own psyche. The unicorn is satisfied at justice being served; I cannot begrudge him that instinct, given how many human ones our dual nature has clashed over. But I could never imagine becoming so cold and dead inside in order to stay detached and focused... I would never have the strength. I don't think I would ever want it. You have a newfound respect from me, as well as a underlying dread... maybe that's what you were after in the first place.

Acrathia: *Gives a bow.* I am fairly confident that you meant what you have said to be a complement. Know that regardless of your intentions I take it as such. I hope that your new found dread has not dissuaded you from working with me, for I am quite intent on hearing your proposal...as well as helping you with your little problem should you so desire

I haven't forgotten.

Tell me truthfully though, Acrathia... what would you make of me, were I still a human being?

Acrathia: *Contemplates the question for a moment* I have not known you long as a human, but if I had to go with my straightforward impression of you. I would say that you are a reasonably cautious man, who relies on logic in a logicless world. I would say that there is a strong sense of adventure just beneath the surface, but it has been pushed down due to what is likely a multitude of reasons. Fear of danger, fear of being misunderstood, fear of humiliation, a long line of peer mockery, and authority figures disregarding your passions. Your time here has been unnerving, and you are distressed by your abrupt and unwilling transformation, but there is a part of you that is having the time of his life, and is thrilled that he got to experience something like this in the short time he is afforded.

*she conjures an ornate chair and sits leaning back in it.* was I somewhere in the right ballpark?

*raises an eyebrow...

Uncanny. Where did you earn your psychology degree?

I also took pride in my former life in being a pragmatist, but without the belief that the ends justifies the means. That pragmatism grants the unicorn new pathways of moral and intellectual activity to explore, while the latter is the reassurance that allows me to lead him there, hesitant though he may be at first.

Acrathia: *Laughs bitterly* Why I received my degree form the University of Thousands of Years of Human Observation! The facilities were often lacking, but the course material was invaluable, I highly recommend it! *Laughs some more*

I have seen your type on occasion after the fall of Atlantis. Often in the old atlantian mage bloodlines. After magic all but completely faded in the mortal world, lost and wayward youths that that were too smart for their own good, and always looking to the horizon in search of something they couldn't quite describe or even fathom.

I'll take that as a compliment as well, though the unicorn's instinct into the nature and 'rules' of magic has been invaluable there. The transfer of insight and knowledge has been a two-way street. Not meaning to brag, but with the two aspects combined I outwitted the so-called MOOTF once, I can do it again if I have to. Regardless of his fae power and tenuous relationship with the rule book, he's still motivated by grudges and whims. As long as he thinks and acts on the spur of the moment and doesn't bother to adequately plan ahead, I can perform mental gymnastics around his ilk; let him think he's scored a victory when he manifestly hasn't, and he won't even know it.

Acrathia: Interesting. Do you anticipate outwitting the Unicorn Council in this manner as well? Or do you believe that your unicorn side is at a disadvantage for not having existed for very long?

There will be no deviousness or disingenuous pointscoring with the Regency - straightforward forthright honesty is the only way to approach this. Plus the unicorn side wouldn't accept any other way.

You're back! I was starting to worry a little.

Sorry to worry you! ^^'

poor Lampwick...

He's really been through the ringer

yup. Maybe if he’s lucky hell end up with Pinnoch’s family...

Perhaps ^^

Welcome back, Dearshul! It appears that prophecy has indeed borne fruit. I wonder, though. What led to the island finally crumbling to such ruin? Was he plucked out of time when it was in its prime, then returned after the curse had been remedied as best as possible? I see that Azura has clearly had a hand in this as well. Still, a mad spirit is a dangerous one. He could easily become malevolent in nature, with the capacity to cause harm, should he gather enough power. He'll definitely bear keeping an eye on. Then again, I suppose his grave is on the isle itself, which means he wouldn't be able to reach anyone. He's not going to have a good time when the wild hunt finally comes for him, that's for sure.

And Moth ... oh, Moth. I thought she had simply cast a curse to make the boys change. I didn't realize she'd taken a natural magic and twisted it so. Those poor boys.

Thanks, Omni! ^w^ What started the decline of il paese is something I can't disclose yet, but I think you'll find it fitting when I eventually let it slip. >w>

He certainly could, but under the Captain's watchful eye I doubt there will be much to worry about. And, as you say, the mad spirit wouldn't stand a chance during the Wild Hunt.

Such power should not fall so easily into inexperienced hands. v_v

Acrathia: The sheer weight of the shard should keep him anchored to his grave. His presence and the despair will likely keep others away from the island to repeat the atrocities commited by the coachman. If it puts you mind at ease I can ask Imoldra to place powerful ward for extra reassurance.

That might be a good idea, just to be on the safe side. Magic has a tendency to call certain people, even when the best measures are taken against it.

Acrathia: I will speak to the good captain, as well as Imoldra, and ensure it is done.

Thank you, Lady. *bows*

Those best measures are frequently four teenagers and a dog in a hippie van.

Oh, you mean the god who walks among mortals in the guise of a shambling weed addict with the munchies and his faithful cu sith? Too true. And, of course, his three mortal friends, each of whom was endowed and entrusted with a fragment of his original self, before he took mortal form.

And they represent the trifecta of mysterious fae beings, the Jinkies, the Jeepers and the Zoinks.

No, he retained the loyalty of the Zoinks for himself. He gave the glamour and courage to the male, along with a blessing for glamour so the mortal can always feel confident.

Wow. That was powerful. Congratulations to both of you for that fantastic story!

Thank you for the kind words, as always ^w^

^w^