Patchwork Universe

Kao Sheng · Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:27 am Post subject: A Distinguished Visitor

A little way from the village, the well-worn path passed through a shimmering veil of mist. On this occasion, the mist shimmered, and a figure appeared...

Arnora · God Joined: 29 Feb 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Yggdrasil

Arnora appeared and looked around here. The mist in the doorway had not surprised her, she had after all recognised Kao Sheng as a god.

The land around her seemed pleasant and peaceful. She turned to look behind her and await the arrival of Kao Sheng.

Kao Sheng · Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:38 pm Post subject:

A few moments later Kao Sheng also emerged from the mists. He looked about briefly, as if to check that everything was in order, and bowed once again to Arnora.

"May I bid you welcome," he said formally. "This is the land surrounding the Village of Wu-Whei, which lies just a short distance along this auspicious path. Further, I must of course sincerely apologise for the appalingly inadequate hospitality which is thus presented, but since the matters which must be discussed are of an unusually sensitive nature, it may perhaps be ultimately preferable to consider sanctuary as a more immediate concern than physical comfort."

His introduction concluded, he began to lead the way along the path.

"Undoubtedly you have many questions," he continued, "To some of which I hope to be able to provide answers. Before this regrettably inelegant person presents further offence to your distinguished ears with his poorly thought-out ramblings, is there any matter in particular which you might wish him to urgently address?"

Arnora · God Joined: 29 Feb 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Yggdrasil

Arnora did indeed have many questions or thoughts about recent events. But it was difficult to know what to ask and the recent strange feeling from Yggdrasil was still tugging at her.

"If you will forgive my reticince, I would much rather hear what you have to say and then ask any questions which have not been answered. I think that it would be easier to form the questions in my mind that way."

Kao Sheng · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 10:12 pm Post subject:

"Then it shall be as you wish," he replied. "Perhaps it would be advantageous to begin with the matter of the World Tree, which must even now be imposing a number of questions of quite unacceptable gravity upon your enlightened mind.

"You need not have any concerns regarding the worlds outside, because the truth must ultimately be made clear that the World Tree which may be perceived to the south of this area is not in absolute truth that which exists in the worlds beyond, but rather that which exists as a part of you. So it is with each of these areas which are by common convention named 'patches', each being the manifest totality of one individual, entire and complete within themselves. However, the physical dimensions in space of each patch being entirely insufficient to present the divine greatness of Yggdrasil, you may have recently experienced some inconvenient limitations upon your natural potential..."

As Kao Sheng spoke, the path began to wind through cultivated fields at it approached the village proper. The people working there looked up as they passed, stopping to bow towards Arnora, and generally ignoring Kao Sheng almost entirely.

"Please allow this one to provide his most sincere assurance that even as we speak, in the light of your unique position amongst the other persons currently present in this Universe and with the influences of certain other factors, the tireless efforts of the one known as The Janitor are bringing to fruition certain plans with the objective of correcting this highly regrettable and entirely inexcusable oversight. Once this is done, you may feel somewhat restored, although the matter of the roots will remain unresolved: In this matter, the feeble and poorly composed schemes of one such as the person who is now speaking would undoubtedly be quite unacceptable when compared to the glorious clarity and profound insights that would assuredly be represented in the far-sighted plans of your honourable self."

The village came into view. Thin trails of smoke rose from the houses, children played in the streets, men and women went about their daily routine, and everyone stopped what they were doing and kowtowed respectfully before their newest visitor. Occasionally someone nodded at Kao Sheng, and he nodded back.

"To follow from such immediate concerns, it would of course be appropriate to discuss the wider issue of the purpose of this construction, and the presence of so many distinguished notables as a part of it."

At this point, he slowed his pace somewhat.

"It must be admitted by this incapable person that he is unable to reveal this information, even to your incomparable self, for he is bound by an oath of a most serious and sober nature specifically not to reveal it. He would continue to say, however, that this unfortunate state of affairs is not of his own choosing, and would further, albeit with great hesitation, presume to ask for your most generous assistance in arranging for this constraint to be removed."

Arnora · God Joined: 29 Feb 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Yggdrasil

"It is reassuring to know that the worlds I have left will not suffer the apparent removal of the world tree. I am somewhat intrigued as to how the creation of such a 'patch' works and how it may be tied to a person such as myself but I think I will accept that it is as it makes my general thoughts on all this easier.

When I first arrived in this place and met your noble self and Karl in the land of shifting plants I recognised you as someone who in my land of origin would be called a god. I have heard several references to you and others as such since then. I have also seen that you were in some way constrained from acting against those beasts around the Tavern. You have just told me that you are also bound by an oath from telling me more about the situtaion I now find myself in.

Would it be permitted for you to tell me who binds you with this oath and anything further about the completion of Yggdrasil in this place? Am I in someway affected by the removal of some of the constraints on the world tree? I have in the past been closely linked to it's influence and connection with the world.

And most importantly how may I aid you?"

Kao Sheng · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 11:17 pm Post subject:

Kao Sheng listened patiently.

"If such a course will be acceptable, this one will address the matter of the World Tree to begin with," he said. "It may be observed that one of the defining elements of the patchwork structure is that only a relatively small volume of space is conventionally presented in physical actuality, with the result that anything not so presented at a given point in objective time exists instead in terms of somewhat less precise conceptual abstraction. The consequence of this approximation is naturally that as an entity becomes more complex it can no longer be correctly represented in the abstract, and it need not be said that the World Tree itself may be considered in this manner.

"Once the operations of the Janitor have been concluded, it may therefore be hoped that the Tree as it is presented to the south will become stronger, and that this strength be passed on to you accordingly: However, the connections to the world to which you allude will have to be remade according to your own judgement and design, with which this incapable person would not presume to interfere."

Proceeding now towards the centre of the village, Kao Sheng directed his steps towards the inn, choosing to wait until they were seated at a small table outside before he broached the next subject.

"At the start there were five of us," he said with great solemnity, "Those who have taken the names of Yarrow, Justice Paine, Mustardseed, the Janitor, and myself. There was, it must be admitted, a disagreement between us in those early days, regarding whether the matter of the purpose of this Patchwork Universe should be disclosed to the persons therein: Whilst I believed that this was a state to be actively pursued, and the Janitor retained a dignified disinterest, those who remained believed that the matter should be kept secret. At that time I entertained hope that those who chose to observe the universe for what it was might naturally come to the correct conclusions regarding its purpose, and so it was that I consented to to keep my silence. That is the origin of my oath."

Hi Seng the innkeeper kowtowed his way forward and directed his most ingraciating smile towards the Lady Arnora as he laid out two simple cups and a small pot of green tea. Once had departed Kao Sheng raised his cup and contemplated it thoughtfully.

"Regrettably, my hopes were apparently misplaced," he said sadly. "Those who arrived first devoted their attention less to observation and enlightened speculation, and more to hostilities, unreasoned disagreements and general unproductive belligerency. However, the Unutterable Oath cannot be lightly cast aside, and for a time, I was unable to proceed. It is only with your distinguished arrival that the possibility of gathering further support became evident."

Arnora · God Joined: 29 Feb 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Yggdrasil

Arnora thanked the Inn Keeper for the tea and considered what she had learnt so far. The Oath that troubled Kao Sheng did indeed seem tricky to get around. at first it seemed sensible, it would indeed make sense for the origin of things to not be disclosed to the inhabitants but a great deal of the current conflict could be resolved if the reasons for the collection were explained.

"You have indicated that through the extension of Yggdrasil towards something resembling the original positioning of the tree that I myself my be enhanced and able to do more in these different worlds that I have done so far. I have not tried to do much beyond a few things I would expect to be able to do in my world.

You wish me to help you because I have not sworn this Oath and can interfere? Or would you wish me to help in a different way?"

Kao Sheng · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 8:15 pm Post subject:

"Whilst the terms of the Oath prevent me from disclosing certain truths even to one such as your august self, should you discover an alternative means with which to disseminate the relevant material, this incapabable person would gladly provide his admittedly inadequate blessings to the project," Kao Sheng replied.

"To this one, the only solution that would currently appear to present itself to his unfortunate dilemma would be to seek sympathetic allies of a most generous nature, and with their dignified assistance bring discreet and entirely civilised pressure to bear upon those presently in opposition, and thus facilitate the lifting of the Oath."

He paused for a moment to sip his tea.

"Needless to say, the will and strength of three may be matched by a similar will," he continued. "Once your restoration has been accomplished, and indeed this person perceives that the first step upon this glorious journey is even now made manifest, then the opportunity might be presented for an alliance of two to be brought into being. Beyond that auspicious beginning, there are at least two further possibilities, each of course dependent upon the consent of those involved and the well-intentioned efforts of those who may attempt to persuade them of the justice of their enlightened cause."

Arnora · God Joined: 29 Feb 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Yggdrasil

Arnora sipped her tea. It was actually rather a pleasant drink. While she considered Kao Sheng's words she hoped he wouldn't mind a slight deviation in topic.
"I'm sorry if this is a strange deviation from our current topic of conversation but whilst considering your words I would also appreciate it if there was an individual of the plant this drink is derived from that you could spare for me to take with me on my return to Yggdrasil. It is a drink I would like to have available in my home I think.

In reference to our conversation I think that I would be honoured to consider myself you ally and I shall spend my time aiding the other inhabitants of this place. I had already intended to do so to the extent that I was able but I am now in better position to do so. I look forward to future conversations with you. Hopefully over time there will be more you are able to tell me"

Kao Sheng · Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2004 3:44 pm Post subject:

"Such is also the hope of this unworthy person, who offers his most sincere thanks for your enlightened understanding and generosity," Kao Sheng replied. "Likewise he would indeed consider it a greater honour than any he has hitherto been fortunate enough to receive to speak of the sublime and incomperable Lady Arnora as a friend and ally."

Pausing briefly, he gestured towards the inkeeper, who duly made his way to the table.

"O versatile Hi Seng," said Kao Sheng, "Ever alert as you are for the opportunities to engage in profitable trade, would it be possible for one of your most honoured customers to purchase a single plant, of that distinguished variety which gives rise to the leaves used to prepare this exquisite beverage?"

"All things are possible, O often impecunious Kao Sheng, if the balance may be seen as favourable, or the cause is worthy," replied Hi Seng. "It being the case that your request is undoubtedly made on behalf of your exalted guest, this humble merchant will dedicate his efforts to procuring such an article, confident in the knowledge that your incomparable sense of honour and continuing acceptance of the shelter of my unworthy roof will, together, ensure that appropriate recompense is ultimately made."

"So it shall be in the eyes of heaven, where even the most poverty-stricken peasant may aquire wealth proportionate to his virtue," Kao Sheng declared smoothly. "Obtain for this glorious lady such an item, and doubtless blessings shall follow in your virtuous footsteps."

"In the humble appreciation of the unfortunate truth that this unworthy one may be undeserving of such regard and may instead receive what little reward he may be due in the simple earthly form of cash, it shall be done forthwith," Hi Seng concluded, before he withdrew.

Kao Sheng gave Arnora an apologetic smile, and began to count out some coins onto the table.