New Sentimentality (Day 208)

"Who are you? What are you?"

I am a resident of this great forest, just as you are. You have overstepped your bounds, however. I am not altogether inhospitable, but I must warn you that this is not a safe place for humans--even for those as talented as yourself.

"But you're not human."

Of course I am not. You are sheltered from the outside world--for good reason, likely. There is much you do not know.

"I feel like I don't know anything."

Soon you may feel it would be better that way. I am willing to answer any questions you might have, although it is likely you will not be satisfied with my answers.

"Why do you say that?"

It is difficult to explain. Conveying certain concepts to you is--it is beyond me. Communicating in this way is strange. It is foreign to me. 

"How do you--how do you communicate with your kind?"

We do not speak, of course. I am not speaking now--yet you understand me, correct?

"In a manner of speaking, I do. It's like... it's like you're projecting your voice into my head."

I have no voice. Perhaps you have invented a voice that allows you to better understand me. It would not surprise me to learn that an individual of such talents would be capable of doing so--even if you are not precisely aware of how you are accomplishing it.

"You're right. I don't know how I do anything that I do. It comes naturally--but it's still unpredictable. And sometimes it's. . .it's terrible."

You possess a great power. It is my belief that you a very important person. Your actions will affect the lives of many people around you--moreso than perhaps anyone you have ever met. 

"Is that a prophecy? Can you see the future?"
 
No. That is--I cannot say. The future is not like the past--it is not set in stone. Anyone can see the possibilities if they look hard enough. I cannot say what will happen to you, but it is reasonable to assume that you are an important figure. I will not speculate further.

"Are you alone here? Where are your people?"

Forgive me, but I would rather not divulge that information. I do not believe you to be an evil person, but it would regardless not be wise for a human to have that kind of information. Suffice it to say that I am here because I noticed you. You are a figure that positive emanates energy. You are a shining beacon to all creatures of the Strand. You will be able to go nowhere without being noticed.

"And where is it that I'm going?"

You do not know? You are being drawn unerringly to something. I knew you would come this way because your journey has been very deliberate. If you think on it for just a moment I'm sure for you it will be just as clear.

"I . . ." Terakiel stopped to consider the words reverberating in his head. If he were to really concentrate, he realized he didn't hear much of a voice at all. It was like he was reading words from a page and imagining a personal narrator. Still, the thoughts and ideas being imparted to him were crystal clear and unmistakable. What was he moving towards?

I cannot say why you are doing so, but it seems to me that your goal is quite clear. You are closing off the Gates to the Exod. 

"The Exod? You mean the planar stones? I. . .that's what brought my--my traveling companions here. I brought them here and now they're. . . I don't know where they are."

That is certainly interesting. You have brought other humans to this place--this forest untouched by man for centuries. And yet you feel you have no control over your actions. I must wonder--are you truly responsible for what you have done? 

"I. . .I don't know. What do you mean?"

It is my assumption that you are being controlled. Although it is certainly possible that you are mostly in control of your actions--I feel you may be being given external suggestions. Why this might be happening, I cannot say. It is entirely too coincidental that you have traveled specifically to two planar stones and destroyed them in sequence. This cannot be a random occurence.

"But. . .why would someone do that? How is that even possible?" Terakiel groaned. There was so much he didn't know.

Many things in this world are possible, likely more than you'll ever realize. I am merely suggesting a possibility. Just as outside forces exerting an influence on you is a possibility, so too is the possibility that your actions were entirely random. If you find yourself coming upon the path of yet another planar stone, however--you may wish to consider what is happening. 

"I don't care about the planar stones right now," Terakiel said honestly. "I just want to find my traveling companions. I brought them here. I'm responsible for them. I have to make sure they make it back home."

That is admirable. I can tell you that I believe strongly they are still alive, but finding them will be quite difficult for a human. This forest is--it is not what it seems. It has a way of twisting the eye. It does not exist entirely on this plane of existence.

"What? What do you mean?"

Forgive me. As I said earlier, some concepts are difficult for me to explain. I can try to help you find your companions if you like. I am concerned it may not be in my best interests to trust you--but you seem genuinely concerned for your companions. The least I can do is offer my aid. 

"Thank you. I really appreciate your assistance," said Terakiel, relieved. "Maybe you can help me figure out this situation. You are welcome to accompany us as long as you like."