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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Dec 19, 2007 19:49:32 GMT -5
D'rorah, giving up her stiff, formal posture for a glimmer of a half-second, slumped into the chair Zane offered her. "My apologies Mister Bishop. I suppose something in the offensive nature of defense sparked within me a primal urge to suddenly destroy the world," she joked half-heartedly. Her posture had already straightened, resuming it's normal stiff appearance as she sat up in the chair. "Perhaps you are correct... it would be best if I rested a bit. As my father would have said, I spend far too much time doing anything other than sleeping."
She had seen the fear in Zane's eyes and wondered at it. He didn't seem the sort to be very easily frightened. "What did you see, if I might ask?" she finally ventured, curious to know what had taken place that had caused him to be so frightened.
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Post by mallan on Dec 19, 2007 20:33:21 GMT -5
Mallan deciding that he needed to begin practicing his spellcraft and defense, but also realizing that he was still an incredible beginner, started off towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom in the hopes of being able to watch the other students and gain some insight. As he neared the classroom he could hear spells being performed and grew a little excited. He ran up to the door and opened it finding what seemed to be a Slytherin standing near D'rorah, who seemed a little distraught at the moment. Sympathy washed over for a moment until he noticed Professor Archer looking at him with a questioning face.
Hello again Professor Archer. I seem to have a knack for interrupting your classes. Would you forgive me again? (Mallan gained an apologetic expression) I am a beginner at this and was hoping to sit in the class and watch; perhaps gaining some insight. Would that be alright?
He waited at the doorway embarrassed and contemplating just turning around and leaving, as was probably noticed by him slightly shifting in the direction of the door.
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Dec 19, 2007 20:45:27 GMT -5
As he leaned on a nearby desk Zee watched intently as Dee lowered herself into the seat. The momentary lapse in the strict formality of D'rorah's posture again surprised him, though not so much as her uncharacteristic viciousness had. Given the previous inconsistency, this minor breach seemed somehow appropriate. His crooked smile materialized at her reciprocation of his humor. Truly he was glad she was well enough to speak with him in such a way that he imagined she did with few others. Zee realized that despite his great concern that she would discover his duplicity and the discomfort he experienced around her, he rather enjoyed spending time with D'rorah. While not of as great import as Wysteria, his relationship with D'rorah had become nevertheless precious to him.
This day is just full of surprises isn't it? I do hope you see the foolishness of hoping for a true friendship with the woman who would kill you if she knew everything about you. Almost as foolish as hoping for romance with a woman who might not kill you, but would surely wish nothing to do with you. Ready to take me back yet?
Willfully ignoring the disturbing thoughts, Zee instead focused on D'rorah's question. The answer that immediately came to mind was "paper-wrapped straws." That was an inside joke with Wysteria though and would not make any sense to D'rorah. He also considered the response "My doom," but that was a little too close to the truth. Zee did not wish to leave any indication that she had a reason to wish him harm.
"Your eyes darkened once more, this time completely. That effect alone was somewhat unnerving. There was also an . . . aura of sorts about you. At least I thought there was. The area around you darkened as well, though not as intensely and . . . I may have imagined it as no other seems to have noticed. I only saw it for a moment."
Zee leaned forward and lowered his voice.
"It reminded me of the Shadows in the Forbidden Forest. All in all your appearance suggested that if you sent a curse my way, it would not have been something as elementary as a conjunctivitus curse. I'll accompany you."
It was not an offer, but rather a statement as Zee suspected that if he had asked her she would have turned him down. He stood and strode over to Professor Archer to inform the man of the situation.
"Professor? Miss Philosophy is not feeling well. I believe she is merely fatigued but I'm going to escort her to the Ravenclaw common room. I'll come right back."
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Post by Alexander Archer on Dec 21, 2007 3:49:56 GMT -5
Observing primarily the actions of both Zane and D’rorah, who seemed to be the most active participants in the class, he smiled lightly at their exceeding abilities. Disappointed that only a few other students were participating, he grimaced lightly; an action that was almost indiscernible to the unperceptive eye. Looking around the class, it was a moment before he registered that D’rorah seemed to have weakened; her actions were certainly indicating that was the case, anyway. As Zane approached him, he nodded. “Of course, Mister Bishop. Class is about to end anyway, so be sure to take your things with you,” he commented lightly, his eyes focusing back onto the Ravenclaw prefect to make sure she was alright. She didn’t appear significantly injured or upset about anything, so he assumed it could be the stress or pressure of having Dylan to worry about.
Noting the entrance of a student he had seen only once before in class, the second late arrival for the boy, and he regarded the Gryffindor for a moment. “The Headmistress has informed me of your situation, Mister Baine, so I’ll refrain from deducting points. I’ll thank you to be on time from now on, however, to prevent disturbing my classes.” His voice was lacking the usual tone taken with late students; Caira had indeed informed him of the slight inabilities of the boy, but he would not tolerate another late entrance from him, no matter how new he was.
“Right, wrap it up everyone,” he commented to the few who had actually been doing anything. Seeing the class should end in but a few moments, he refrained from attempting to get them all active; there would be very little, if no, point, in all honesty. Beginning to collect his things together, he glanced back up to the class to ensure that they were going about leaving.
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Post by mallan on Dec 21, 2007 13:20:49 GMT -5
Disappointment washed over Mallan as he stood there listening to the Professor’s response. Would be his luck to get a little lost and miss the class. Granted, he did appreciate Professor Archer’s mercy in not subtracting points from his house. He doubted the Professor would have, but if he was wrong and he had caused a loss in points, he believed he would not be in the good graces of those in his house that worked hard for those points.
(Showing appreciation and an obvious disappointment, Mallan replied)Thank you for your mercy in this Professor Archer. I will not be late again. Though I’m sorry to hear, and regret, that the class will be ending. Well, in any case, until next class. (Mallan nodded and turned around to leave)
Turning around, Mallan stepped outside the class and slightly to the right, waiting for D’rorah to see if he could accompany her wherever she might be heading. He was hoping to be able to have her help him with a few spells that he was having trouble with. At taking another look into the class and seeing D’rorah, he doubted that he would have a chance today. With more disappointment, Mallan started leaving for the library to help take his mind off things and actually get something done.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Dec 21, 2007 19:31:41 GMT -5
At Zee's statement that D'rorah appearance had reminded Zee of the Shadows in the Forbidden Forest, D'rorah's eyes narrowed slightly in thought. The effect was thoughtful in a somewhat flabbergasted way, as though she was certain he must be wrong about what he had seen. Of course, she had a feeling it meant that the taint of the Shadows which had attacked her was slowly growing stronger. She damned Mordred for leaving her. In history, it was a rare occurrence that an Elemental Master would find his Shadow Warrior to begin with. Instances where a Shadow Warrior was abandoned by her Elemental Master were limited to two in her research... and both of those Shadow Warriors had turned to the side of the Mage, their emotions abandoning them completely without an Elemental Master to anchor them.
Of course, none of the reading had mentioned the phenomenon Zee described with her eyes, but perhaps that shouldn't be so surprising. She was about to protest his taking her back to the common room, but found that he had already risen and was asking the Professor before she had time to properly react. And then, she had risen from her seat and begun gathering her things almost without thinking about it as thoughts of her own possibly imminent corruption swam in her head.
She fell into step with Zee, nodding politely in acknowledgment of Mallan, whom she remembered from Ollivander's. He seemed to be waiting to ask her something, but then quickly disappeared. Deciding not to worry with it for the moment, she allowed herself to be led from the classroom. Even if she didn't feel particularly in need of rest, it couldn't be safe to remain there with this anger coursing through her. She had it under control now, but it would certainly be best to remove herself from the situation for a bit to give it time to abate more fully.
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Dec 22, 2007 1:40:14 GMT -5
"Thank you Professor."
Nodding and smiling appreciatively, Zee returned to D'rorah to find her ready to depart. Quick-stepping across the room to his own bag, he grabbed it and met the Ravenclaw Prefect at the door of the classroom. As they exited together, Zee likewise caught sight of the Gryffindor who had shown up even later than he for Astronomy. Zee couldn't deny he was pleased to see the other boy walk off. He wanted to talk to Dee about things that would not be possible to discuss in the presence of another.
As they left the general crowd of students leaving class, Zee turned to face Dee, though he kept up his stride.
"Miss Philosophy . . . D'rorah, I'm more than slightly concerned for your wellbeing. Whatever it is that is happening in you is growing more severe and I don't believe you can control it alone. I am loathe to pressure you to tell me things you've clearly decided against, but I'm certain that if I were to wait for you to decide on your own to let me help then you would be driven into madness or the grave before you spoke up."
Zee was amazed at the sincerity of his concern. He knew he would risk his own life to protect Wysteria's, but D'rorah's? He was beginning to suspect he would, and that perhaps it had something to do with the pain he'd caused her through Dylan. Perhaps he felt he owed her his life for the damage he'd done to hers, though he wasn't about to give it in the fashion she'd want were she privy to all his memories.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Dec 22, 2007 15:00:55 GMT -5
D’rorah listened to Zane’s expressed concern without interrupting. This was a far cry from Falstaff’s. There she had been shunned by her peers, derided by unimaginative classmates who could not see that the research she did was rooted in the goal of protecting people from such horrors. She had a very strong sense of right and wrong, combined with an uncommon ability to discern the many shades of grey which permeated the world. Her manner of being emotionally closed off from others did not help matters any. Of course, having been shunned only served to perpetuate that closed off emotional manner.
And answering the question he had asked would be akin to admitting a weakness, admitting that in order to maintain the calm emotional state she had become so accustomed to growing up, she would have to rely on the presence of her Elemental Master as an emotional anchor. It still bothered her, to be honest. Of course, without the ability to allow him to anchor her emotions, she would not be capable of separating her emotions to fight shadows. Still, she loathed the idea that ever since the initial Shadow attack, she had struggled to cling tightly to her own emotions.
Finally she shook her head a bit. "My apologies Mister Bishop, but the information you seek is not mine alone to tell," she replied quietly. "While I appreciate your willingness to help, there is honestly nothing you are capable of doing which might be of any benefit. I suppose Mister Cooper's injuries and subsequent convalescence have taxed my emotional state far more than I am willing to admit. As you guessed before, he and I are much closer than friends... and his emotional state since the night of his attack has been a bit... straining to deal with."
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Dec 22, 2007 20:38:29 GMT -5
Not hers alone? Then indeed there is some connection between her and the others who are involved in this covert conflict. Some of them at least. Alessandro? Likely, they're both in the same house. Keaira is also a Prefect and clearly connected to Alessandro. Wysteria . . . I still don't see where she fits. She is also a Prefect but I've never seen her . . . ah. She did mention that Alessandro was her best friend. Hmm . . .
Zee's crooked smile only half hid his frustration at D'rorah's refusal to divulge everything. He was not surprised however and the smile was still sincere despite his frustration. She had at least confirmed her relationship with Dylan. That showed some increase in trust at least. Zee wasn't certain it was in D'rorah's best interest to trust him. Conversely, he was no longer certain it was in D'rorah's best interest to not trust him. He would have to set some time aside for setting new goals for his relationships. Getting everyone to trust him so that he could easily turn on them at the opportune moment had lost a great deal of its appeal.
Zee's tone at his first sentence clearly communicated his mock offense, as did the smile he still wore.
"Your profession of my complete impotence in this matter is most appreciated Miss Philosophy. I am sorry about the situation you and Mr Cooper have found yourselves in. It must be difficult for you both. He may be difficult to deal with in his current mental state but, if I may offer some advice, don't pull away. It would not be good for either of you."
Zee of course was hoping someone would give Wysteria similar advice one day, though he somewhat doubted it. Zee's pragmatism kept him from being optimistic more often than not.
"I do honestly appreciate your trust in telling me what you have. Of course your persistence in being cryptic about that which you haven't told me only heightens my concern and curiosity."
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Dec 22, 2007 21:26:16 GMT -5
D'rorah nodded at Zee's insistence that she not pull away from Dylan. She had been steadfastly standing beside him since he had first informed her of his incapacitation. She was in a far better position than most to understand the emotional turmoil of having one's physical appearance suddenly and radically altered. She had chosen to cover the scars on her arms to save her from people's questions and curiosity. And later, when she had been taken to the Shadow Realm after being capture during the incursion in the forest here at Hogwarts, when similar scars had found their way all over her body at the hands of the Mage and her minions, she had altered her robes even more, carefully ensuring that her collar was firmly fastened to her chin and that the robes which fell to her ankles were supplemented with new boots which rose to her knees, underneath which she normally wore leggings. Being able to deal with the reality of such scars didn't necessarily mean that she would ever be ready to bare them to the world.
"Trust me Mister Bishop when I say that there are some things you would prefer not to know. I protested that fact myself not too long ago, certain that there was no instance in which I would ever prefer ignorance. But in some things, even a mere flicker of knowledge is enough to draw one into a conflict one might not yet be prepared to face."
That revealed a small bit more, but not enough to do any harm at all. The real danger as she saw it was in revealing particulars. Anyone who had been awake since the beginning of the school year was well aware that a conflict was building. The very air itself was tense with the promise of the battles to come. But perhaps...
"Your earlier assessment was correct," she added after several moments of thought. "There is something to do with Shadows in all of this. You would do well to learn more of them through the materials available in our own library." Of course, he wouldn't find much at all in English, just enough vague history to give him an idea of the basic framework in the Shadow Wars. Perhaps she would reveal her status as a Shadow Warrior to him at some time... she would have to speak with the others first, to determine whether they thought he might be a valuable asset to the side of the Lightfighters... and whether or not they felt he could be trusted.
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Dec 24, 2007 22:05:36 GMT -5
Zee had begun nodding almost before D'rorah even spoke. Clearly he had not expected much of a revelation from her. His grin turned into more of a smirk and held less mirth than it typically did, though there was still the hint of amused detachment there.
"Trust you, Miss Philosophy? When you clearly haven't extended me the same courtesy? Well, that is perhaps unfair. You have allowed me full access to your research. At least your Unforgivable Curse research, but if I was willing to go through all the hassle, I likely could have acquired a copy from America anyway. Still I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I shall try to get that back to you soon. I sadly have had little time to consider it of late, with all the other excitement that has been occurring.
"While I would never consider accusing you of bearing false witness, and though it may reveal me to be an arrogant fool, I must disagree with your assessment that you could deliver unto me knowledge I would regret possessing. You say I may be unprepared for where it will lead, but in my experience, the more knowledge one has, the better prepared they are. And I myself am prepared for anything I think the universe likely to throw into my path. And for that which I am unprepared for, I will adapt to."
Zee's smirk widened slightly as he shrugged apologetically. He knew his statements were arrogant in the extreme but he truly believed them. By his estimation he had done a marvelous job of preparig for and adapting to all that had happened lately in his life. Remorse or no, he couldn't deny some bit of pride at the fact that his attack on Dylan had been so masterfully executed that even D'rorah had no evidence, or even suspicion it seemed, that his was the culprit.
Zee's eyes widened almost imperceptibly when D'rorah did reveal something, though it wasn't anything he didn't already strongly suspect. His expression grew serious, an occurrence that was not common.
"Why my dear I have already exhausted the library's supply of information on the beasts. That which I could easily understand at least. I began researching them as soon as I learned of the interest they held for you. I suspect there is far more knowledge that is not written in English, and I suspect you are aware of such.
"Please do not take this in a threatening manner as I do not intend for it to be so. I merely wish to be clear. Whether you grant me any more information or not, I will learn much more of this Shadow War than you likely are comfortable with me knowing. I may not have your expertise with linguistics, but the runic tongues are not unknown to me. They will simply take some time for me to translate. I have Slytherin wit and resourcefulness to aid me, Miss Philosophy. I will be satisfied. The only question is if my learning will be on your terms or my own."
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Dec 24, 2007 22:48:00 GMT -5
D'rorah's expression grew shrewd as Zane responded. "Threat or no, Mister Bishop, you certainly make it seem like such," she replied, her eyebrow arching slightly. "If you would care for my help, I would suggest that the runic languages are not the proper place to begin, first of all. The scribes who have maintained the information you believe you are prepared to seek disdained the runic languages, believing them too volatile for the storage of information. Most of what you seek you will not find in the Hogwarts library at all, restricted section or no. Officially, the Ministry disavows the existence of Shadows and anything to do with them. Dementors they accept out of the necessity of using them to guard Azkaban. However, other creatures from that realm are more difficult to study. Shadows themselves, having no solid form can only be captured by very specific means..." she paused, glancing at him meaninfully, "and the Ministry persecutes those who have any power against Shadows, too afraid of what they cannot control to admit to its existence. Much the same occurred during the rise of Voldemort so many years ago. The Ministry, fearing its own powerlessness, refused to acknowledge the rebirth of Voldemort until it was nearly powerless to stop him."
She regarded Zane for a long moment. This slightly more brazen side of him was something she had only guessed at from his demeanor, but had not really witnessed before. How well could she really know someone like Zane? He seemed entirely composed of a facade... not that she was in any position to judge against that. Her own appearance was largely a facade... one that even those close to her rarely had a glimpse past.
"I shall be very straightforward with you, Mister Bishop. I have absolutely no reason to trust anyone who is not useful to me. Unless you are able to offer me compelling and convincing evidence that you are useful to me, I shall leave you to your own research, whatever meager information you may be able to gather from the library." Her gaze suddenly became piercing. "Are you prepared to offer compelling evidence of such a thing?" The look in her eyes suggested that she would know if he was lying. Normally she would not turn her telepathy against another, but circumstances of late were far from normal and she absolutely would not risk revealing anything of the Lightfighters to anyone who might be a servant of the Mage.
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Dec 25, 2007 0:07:12 GMT -5
Damn! She seems to hold every advantage. I should have done away with this creature when I first had the chance.
Not for the first time, Zee wished he had disarmed D'rorah and cast her powerless form from the Astronomy tower when she had first given him a tour of the castle. It was a passing flash of anger and annoyance however and Zee dismissed it quickly, feeling more aggravated with himself and his brash claims of potency than D'rorah. Through it all he merely returned her stare blankly. After a few moments he chuckled and leaned against a nearby statue.
"That would certainly be classified as 'straightforward.' I suppose you are honest, if not open. Some would call honesty virtuous. Look at that, we've found a nonacademic virtue for you. Maybe there are some out there for me as well. You also seem overly suspicious. Did you just accuse me of possibly being with the Ministry of Magic? Now that's just absurd Miss Philosophy. Why would the Ministry wish to infiltrate the school as a senior Slytherin student? Although perhaps they would attempt such a hopelessly doomed plot. At the risk of sounding anarchic, I've never thought the Ministry was much good at or for anything."
Zee was honestly terrified of the look D'rorah was giving him. His return to his typically nonchalant, joking manner was little more than an attempt to hide that fear. He was confident in his ability to keep her out of his head, but if he was to get anywhere . . . Zee cursed his inability to simply let it go. He had to know more, but how could he possibly risk allowing D'rorah to see his thoughts?
"So I must prove my usefulness? Miss Philosophy you are already familiar with my stunning intellect and impressive wit. My dashing good looks are really only of use to me I suppose, so in the interest of modesty I'll refrain from mentioning them. What possible proof could you further ask of me?"
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Dec 25, 2007 0:27:57 GMT -5
"Proof, Mister Bishop, that you can be trusted. Proof that things I reveal to you will not result in my untimely demise or the demise of those I work with," replied D'rorah simply. As they spoke, they reached the door of the Ravenclaw common room. D'rorah distractedly answered the riddle offered by the brass door knocker, entering through the door as it swung open. Her gaze swept around the common room as the door closed. She spun on her heel to face Zee.
Something about him slightly unnerved her. Her gaze, still assessing, was also thoughtful for a moment. "So then, Mister Bishop, shall we begin your tutelage? Or do you prefer to muck through the runic texts in the library for the remainder of the year learning the same history that is available in the runic texts? Why should I trust you?" she challenged. "And I should make it clear that my perception of your own sincerity is paramount in determining whatever may happen next."
She looked rather intimidating now. Though she was never one to slouch, she seemed every inch of her 5'11' frame as she stood before him, stance tense. There was no doubt that every word she had spoken was deadly serious. "If you were forced to choose ultimately between Light and Dark, which side would you choose, Mister Bishop?"
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Dec 26, 2007 2:31:11 GMT -5
Zee lost his smile but kept his features calm. While he certainly would not allow anyone, especially D'rorah, free reign of his mind, he did not wish to communicate the fear of her gaining such. No, he could merely claim that he believed strongly in the sanctity of privacy. That wasn't likely to deter her, but it would at least give him some plausible excuse.
"Miss Philosophy, you may find this hard to believe given my brilliance, but I do not fully understand the question. I assume by "Light" you mean yourself and your allies, whomever they may be, though I suspect Keaira O'Connell and Alessandro Darko, and likely Dylan Cooper and Wysteria Edwin as well. There are quite possibly others. "Dark" though confuses me. Do you mean the Shadows? Because surely you must mean more than simply those vile beasts. In all the infernal, why would anyone ever choose to side with such monstrosities? If they are this "Dark" you speak of then I can quite honestly state that I choose the "Light," despite less than friendly initial reactions from more than one of its members."
Zee was hopeful, though not at all convinced that this would be an acceptable response. It was however completely honest. He wasn't sure how she would know this however since he didn't even slightly relinquish the tight shield he'd put around his mind. He didn't know the extent of D'rorah's mental powers but he fully expected they were great. He would not risk her being able to ride one stray thought through a chink in his armor and thus get access to all his thoughts and memories. However sincere he may be in his desire to no aid the wicked things lurking in the forest, it would be truly apocalyptic for her to learn all he knew.
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