[Walkabout - Week 4] ...oops.

[willyousee]

[Alcuin sounds contrite, but not precisely sorry, per se.]

I, ah... seem to have started a trend among the children. One of them had a terrible nightmare, so I made them a dream catcher. Now all the children in the household want one. I expect word of it will spread through the children's ranks fairly quickly. They seem to be treating it as a grand secret, however, at least from the adults, so perhaps it will stay quiet?

I thought it only fair to give people warning that you may be asked for one. I can teach others to make them as well, if you like! I am not certain if we can teach the children to make their own, however.

Comments

[fearinahandfulof]

So you have to be in physical contact with it?

[willyousee]

No. It helps, but if it is close, say on a nightstand, or hanging on a bedpost, it will affect the closest sleeper.

[fearinahandfulof]

So proximity is an important factor...

[willyousee]

Yes it is. It cannot be left across the room and be expected to function for the creator.

[fearinahandfulof]

So it would need to be small enough to be kept on one's person.

[She thinks for a moment.]

Can larger ones hold more, or does that not matter?

[willyousee]

The size of object does not appear to have an impact on its capacity, no. And if you wished to have something large to simply leave in your usual sleeping place, that would be fine, but were you to be caught away from it, its effect would not reach you.

[fearinahandfulof]

That makes sense.

Can you have more than one, or would that confuse things?

[Not that she'd want more than one, but she's curious.]

[willyousee]

I am not certain yet. I want to try doing so in case the children cannot make one themselves, or do not have a good item to use. But the one I created with her last night seemed to function perfectly well.

[fearinahandfulof]

I'm glad. That it worked, I mean - not that they're having nightmares.

[She's not surprised that they're having nightmares.]

[willyousee]

Yes... Perhaps I ought not to have, but I could not stand idly by. No child deserves that. Their lives are too difficult already.

But it is a simple enough process, and having worked I think I will set about providing them for as many as I may.

[fearinahandfulof]

I think that's a good idea.

[Bad enough that the adults are miserable all the time. The children shouldn't have to be, too.]

[willyousee]

[Brief, startled pause. Then he sounds touched.]

Thank you, Cassandra. I appreciate you saying so.

[fearinahandfulof]

Do you need help with them at all? I could find materials, or make them...

[willyousee]

I had not thought... Yes. Please. I was thinking perhaps small rings? Ones that might be worn on the hand, or upon a chain? Something that they could take with them as they grew. But if you have other ideas, please, by all means!

[fearinahandfulof]

What should they be made out of? There are metals, but something like gold might be... too much?

[By which she means someone might think it sinful and react accordingly.]

[willyousee]

No, you are right. Not gold. Perhaps wood, or stone, or steel? It should be smooth and with rounded edges, so that they do not hurt themselves. Wood may be the best choice. The magic will keep them from cracking. The only thing they need fear would be flame.

[fearinahandfulof]

And it's lighter than stone or steel. Although some might find the weight of the stone a comfort, instead...

[Maybe?]

[willyousee]

Why don't we make a variety, and then the children may choose which they prefer?

[fearinahandfulof]

That would work, I think... Would different colored stone be all right, as long as they're not jewels?

[willyousee]

I don't see why not! I think they would enjoy that! I may add carved designs in the wood.

[fearinahandfulof]

We could probably do that with the stone too, although I don't know if I'm the person to do that.

[An artist she is not.]

[willyousee]

If we have the extra time on our hands, certainly! [He laughs, sounding far more cheerful and relaxed than he has all month.] Thank you, Cassandra - this may just be fun as well as helpful!

[fearinahandfulof]

You're welcome.

[Cassandra's feeling a bit better now, too. This has been a difficult walkabout for her, as well.]

Should we meet in Liminal Space somewhere?

[willyousee]

Certainly! I shall need some time to allow my portals to recharge, but I believe that ought to be finished in some two hours or so, if that is convenient for you.

[fearinahandfulof]

I'll be here.