Patchwork Universe

Kalyndis · Average Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 64 Location: Kerya

"You say this land is no longer where it once was? So where is it now? Is this one of the messes you clean up?"

The Janitor · Posted: 31 Mar 2004 05:55 pm Post subject:

"As to where it is now, that is a bit of a tricky philosophical question, and one probably better answered by others."

"The rearrangement does indeed sometimes cause a mess that needs cleaning up. In fact, I suspect there might be a further rearrangement going on as we speak."

Kalyndis · Average Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 64 Location: Kerya

Kalyndis smiles sagely.

Ah. This is obviously some sort of extremely elaborate riddle. He cannot really mean they are rearranging the continent -- for that is surely beyond even the elders' powers.

"Could you tell me, honoured Janitor, where I might find the philosophically inclined others of whom you speak?"

The Janitor · Posted: 03 Apr 2004 10:11 am Post subject:

"Well, you might try Jones' place, which you can usually find near the place where the arrows lead."

The man gestured back to the arrow he had left, which mysteriously now seemed to be pointing north.

Kalyndis · Average Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 64 Location: Kerya

"Very well, I will visit this place. By the way, if there's anything I can do to assist you in cleaning up these messes, please let me know."

Even to someone not experienced in reptilian physiognomy, Kalyndis's features display a cheerful and earnest desire to be helpful.

The Janitor · Posted: 07 Apr 2004 06:50 pm Post subject:

"Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Let me know if things continue to prove confusing. Now, if you will excuse me, I'd better attend to some of the other matters that have come up."

The man waited to see if the reptile had any further comment before he left.

Kalyndis · Average Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 64 Location: Kerya

"But of course! Don't let me delay you from your work." Kalyndis smiled and bowed his head, standing still as the Janitor walked away.

So, the arrow points to a place. Like an artificial landmark, I suppose. What a curious idea.

Kalyndis · Average Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 64 Location: Kerya

Having politely waited till the Janitor was out of site, Kalyndis began walking north. Every now and then he would stop to admire a flower or a dewdrop or a trail of ants, so it was some hours before he arrived at the wall of mist.

The Janitor had a human shape, so perhaps I should take one too. I wouldn't want to startle his flock needlessly.

With a shake, he rearranged himself into the shape of a young male human with a mass of untamed copper-red hair. Having checked to make sure he had the right number of fingers and toes, he walked forward into the mist.