Backdated to 2 days into the second week of the month of the goat

[papacerberus]

As many of you already know, I retained the ability to discern the will of other creatures, and I have been employing that ability to gain knowledge of the Singer of the corrupted Song. It is a draining process, so I had to split it into two forays, and I reported the first a few days ago. I just finished the second one.

Just for the ease of listeners, this was what I discovered the first time: There were two wills, and one was dominating the other. The dominated will was bitter and anguished.

This time I focused my efforts more deeply on the dominated will. These are the results. The Singer has been...programed by that other will. There is room for disobedience to that programming, but the Singer shies away from contemplating it because of the painful consequences. The Singer also wills for an end, either for healing and freedom from the demands of the other will, or for death and the rest that brings, but does not strive towards those because the Singer believes both options to be impossible.

We can give the Singer hope for an end, and I believe we must. That anguish must be stopped, one way or another. Who is with me, and does anyone have ideas on how to undo programming of that kind?

Comments

[someonetocarry]

Even the Atma forms are strong and quick and good for physical fighting. At least, all of ours seem to be.

Also, generally, if you give somethin' a name like that, I'm gonna assume it's magic. Most folks I know don't go about naming their fighting moves.

[More gentle amusement, there, than wry this time. She comes from a very different culture than a lot of the people Traveling, here.]

[papacerberus]

I believe naming them helped us differentiate and learn them more quickly, really. A sort of labeling system.

[There's amusement, and there's relief. Finally having a plan in motion definitely improves Lupa's mood, and the banter helps.]

I wonder if there's a way to practice fighting under water with less risk of being exposed to the natives.

[someonetocarry]

If we get far enough from the island, sure. I know the patrol routes, I've been on 'em a few times now, I could tell you best where and when.

[papacerberus]

Then I should practice. Would anyone be willing to spar with me?

[There he goes, treating the network like an open radio channel again.]

[someonetocarry]

[Zoe sighs lightly, amused.]

Well, there's always me.

[papacerberus]

[Lupa actually laughs this time]

I was hoping you'd say yes, and also that others would. When shall we meet and where?

[someonetocarry]

Out beyond the reefs to the north of the island. Maybe an hour or two past midday. Should be pretty empty, then, and we can go out further if we have to.

[papacerberus]

I will meet you there tomorrow, then. It will be good practice of my swimming skills as well.