crystal.

[tadpoled]

FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER:Tav
RECIPIENT: All! With a private note for Stephen Strange and Cosima
NOTES: None atm!

[Tav takes a deep breath before beginning. His nervousness is palpable, even before he speaks.]

I am pleased to say that, thanks to our research department— specifically Strange and Cosima—, I have been cured of my…. malady. I have passed a month since my curing with no issue.

I can only hope for a second chance to make a better first inpression.

For those that do not know me, I am Tav, a druid and cleric, who splits his time between the infirmary and rebuilding our garden. And, speaking of our garden, if anyone needs any particular seeds collected or grown, feel free to let me know.

[Private to Strange and Cosima]

I believe I owe both of you a drink.

Comments

[cozen]

I am glad to hear you are doing better. How did you manage it?

[tadpoled]

Cosima and Strange found a way for me to go into the Fade and fight that part of myself.

[cozen]

Oh, right, of course,

[ with some amusement. like why not. why not that. weirder shit has happened. ]

[tadpoled]

That's what I thought as well when they first proposed it.

[cozen]

I am glad it seems to have worked. How do you feel? Different?

[tadpoled]

My mind is much quieter, feels more my own.

[cozen]

Good. And do you still feel, [ what's a word, ] whole? Do you feel like you're missing something that should be there? Or more like you have removed a thorn?

[tadpoled]

Much like a thorn. That’s an apt comparison.

[grindset]

You fought your affliction?

[tadpoled]

It's a touch more complicated than that, but, in short, yes I did.

[grindset]

Without going into specifics,

[because, though he wants to know Everything, Right Now, he himself would rather chew a big mouthful of dirt than specify his own conditions to some guy,]

what happened?

Private

[tadpoled]

[Tav pauses a moment, a little confused by the interest in how he fought his 'condition.']

I had... another version of myself. A dangerous version. I went into the Fade to kill it.

private(∞);

[grindset]

[Well. This is more specific than he was expecting—not that he'll complain.]

This... version of you... did it accompany you through the rift, or was it acquired here?

[tadpoled]

It came with me through the Rift.

If I may ask, do you suffer a similar “ailment?”

[grindset]

Not that I'm aware of, no.

[tadpoled]

Oh. Simply interested?

Or do you need any other sort of healing? I've healing magic if so.

[grindset]

Not at the moment, thank you.

[Technically true. Then again, this is the voice of that scrawny little guy who coughs all the time, so opinions may vary.]

But yes, what you've described—it is interesting. Encounters with spirits and demons are fairly common, especially these days, but one's own self? This is the first I've ever heard of it.

[tadpoled]

I never thought a think possible, either. I feel my mind is much quieter and peaceful with that part of me defeated.

[grindset]

Yes... if it was distressing enough to warrant destruction, to lose it must be a great relief. And that's all you've noticed, the peace? Nothing... undesirable?

[tadpoled]

I do feel there is a gap in my magic, something missing. I won’t know more unless I practice.

[grindset]

As is typically the case with practice.

[Already he's making a note to follow up on the case record he hasn't even found. Yet.]

[tadpoled]

That is true. It is nothing to be alarmed about yet.

You know, I don’t think I’ve gotten your name yet.

[grindset]

It's Viktor. Research division.

[tadpoled]

So you must know Strange and Cosima well, then.

[grindset]

Well enough not to be surprised they were involved. That is to say, you're in good hands.