[a heart.]

[antreegonist]

There's a moment of nothing but light and sensation. Someone's looking you over and the scrutiny prickles and burns – it's nearly a physical pain, like fine little hooks digging past your skin, into the very meat of you. I know who you are, it says, and I know what you are, and that you don't have any business here --

“But you do,” says Mithos behind you. He's a tired, steady voice in your ear, a light hand on your shoulder. “I don't know what Dream's thinking, but everyone is welcome here in my heart; just keep in mind it's a real mess right now.”

Your vision clears.

((assume your characters wandered in here through a dream. also join #ihateyouihateyouiwanttocuddle on irc if you can!))

Comments

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

'-'

"Thanks..."

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

Sure. Are you the heart librarian, or something?

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

"No. I'm still the guardian."

He touches one of his bracelets; it turns black.

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

Oh! Sorry, you didn't talk before, and your sword was different...

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

"The heart changed. I have a voice now."

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

That doesn't sound bad.

...you're really tired, huh.

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

"There'll be time to rest later."

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

C'mere a second anyway.

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

He does so readily enough.

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

[good. I'm braiding your hair.]

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

He leans back gently into that, closing his eyes.

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

[gentle about it himself; leaves a hand on top of Guardian's head when he's done, sighing]

You got a hard job if you've got to organize books without resting all the time.

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

A slow smile.

"I go everywhere else too . . . usually."

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

[tugs Guardian back a little, if he's willing; lean on me]

Don't push yourself too hard, okay? If it takes a little longer to get stuff sorted in here, it does. It was one hell of a memory.

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

He does so, looping an arm around you solidly.

"I want to stop scaring my friends."

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

[guess I can put my chin on your head and shift my arm around your shoulders instead, yes good.]

If anyone gets too scared, I'll explain it, okay? ...I mean it. We all trust you to be all right in a little while.

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

"I know . . . that's why I'm fighting hard, though. So it's just a little while. Thanks. . ."

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

Just don't get too worn out! What can I do to help?

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

"To the sides . . . that's cleaning up the memory. Straight ahead . . . mess in general. And True Heart can use company."

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

What do you say, Mithos? Should I visit you right away, or clean up some mess first...?

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

An invisible chin on your shoulder . . .

"I . . . either would really help. But I'd like to see you a lot."

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

You first, then. Which way?

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

"Straight ahead. You'll go through principle and love, first."

Re: [center - knowledge]

[brotagonist]

Sounds good.

[we are sort of a draping tableau right now, I'm kind of wrapped up around Guardian and True Heart has his chin on my shoulder but is invisible?]

Re: [center - knowledge]

[antreegonist]

Yes . . . it's cute . . . he's draping on from behind a bit too, briefly.