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 Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2013 8:07 pm
The shop was much as Abel would have remembered from the first time he had met “Granny Spiderlegs,” the mysterious woman who had given him a dream catcher not so long ago. In the twilight hour, there were wall scones flickering and sending flashes of color along the walls. From the front windows of Granny's store, however, there seemed to be no one home. The apartment above the shop was dark, and only when he would approach the front door would he notice the elderly woman sitting in the shadows of her storefront. Her rheumy eyes were coy as she regarded him with a soft chuckle and a smile, nodding as she rose to let the young man inside.
“Welcome, Abel Jensen.” She moved with a spryness one wouldn't expect from a thin woman with frail bones. “It is good to see you again.”
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Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2013 8:47 pm
Thin, pale fingers played idly with the object held within their grasp, a cautious gaze wavering about as the young man attempted to remember his way back to the apartment-store of the illustrious Granny Spiderlegs. He had chosen to stay away from this neck of the woods ever since his last visit, rather cautious of the strangers that walked by. But who wouldn't be on their highest guard in downtown?
Thankfully though, pure instinct was able to draw Abel back towards the only quaint seeming section of the area, giving a relieved sigh as he went to open the door. However, the shadows that seemed to lift and reveal the elder had made him quite startled, causing him to jump before noticing who it was. "Ah-- There you are!" Abel said, giving a smile to the other. It should be noted that, no matter how cheery his disposition was, there definitely existed an undertone of pure fatigue. And there was no doubt of such an appearance's cause. "It's great to see you, in fact, I have something that might pique your interest." The hand holding the item, revealed to be a dream catcher, rose gradually to be within the other's view. A glance was cast down at the object, a mental shiver giving way before he looked back at the woman. "Care to examine it...?"
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Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2013 9:50 pm
Granny's eyes lit up as Abel jumped, his eyes darting around the area in search of the source of the disembodied voice. Her smiled turned nearly mischievous as she chuckled, inviting him into the shop where she could see the dream catcher more clearly as well as offer the young man a place to stay in that time.
"A nighttime visitor, I see," she mused as she shut the door, a small bell chiming with the action. She held out a pale hand webbed with spider veins and nodded, taking the catcher when Abel would let her. Her mouth pursed thoughtfully as she ran a finger along the frame, then traced the pattern. She had her suspicions of what plagued Abel, but what she knew and what he must admit to were two entirely different matters.
"And how are your dreams? Do you still have the nightmares that haunted you?"
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Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2013 4:40 pm
He gave a light-hearted chuckle at her comment, a lengthy sigh being given as the usually energetic male made his way into the store and carefully plopped down on the familiar wooden chair he had acquainted himself with on the first visit to the store. Ah yes, he could surprisingly remember quite accurately the scene in which he had acquired that dream catcher...hoping that it would actually do something but finding that the situation had only worsened after the fact.
"Yea, I am...are you sure that device of yours isn't broken or anything? I mean, technology so outda-- uhm, unique, probably isn't going to do much about the situation. Perhaps I should seek some sort of neurologic professional..." And at this point, that truly did seem to be the only situation. It's not like Abel was going to constantly keep running around in circles in both 'worlds' because of this constant nightmare he was having. It was draining him! And he was already weak enough as is...it's a surprise he hasn't needed to be hospitalized yet! Though...maybe he really shouldn't have expected as much from a simple wooden device? Ugh, where's the Tylenol when you need it, all this thinking is even worse than dreaming at this point!
It was then that he lowered his head onto the table with a groan, continuing to consider any other option available at this point. "Call me a skeptic, but I really do doubt this whole 'dream catcher' idea..."
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Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2013 6:58 pm
Granny raised her brows at Abel's stuttering remarks, her eye twitching as he called her dream catcher both “technology” and “outdated.” The woman snorted and shook her head, smiling instead like a cat catching sight of a mouse when she looked at the young man.
“No neurological study is going to help you now, Abel. Technology cannot touch the spiritual, and that is exactly what you have here.” She tapped one finger against the frame of the catcher, a slight sound that might have been musical echoing.
“It's only going to be harder to grasp if you look to science for an answer. The reason your dreams have not changed is because they are not mere dreams, such as you believe. Your nightmare has attracted the attention of an Oneiroi, a dream spirit. It needs you now if it is to grow.” She sighed and shook her head, looking out the window for a moment as she recalled others she had met in this same situation.
“You may find the spirit has a liking for you, given time, but even if you do not want it, it cannot leave. It is not strong enough to do so yet. It needs a dreamer, just as you need dreams, and nightmares as well. It needs you to dream to grow strong.
“It is unfortunate, considering the vision you have told me. I understand how it feels to relive the same terror night after night. Unfortunately, now that it has attached itself to you, it will take time, and fighting it will make your nightmares worse. Trying to prevent it from gaining strength will result in nightmares far worse than you could ever imagine.” She paused, pursing her lips as she walked over to a drawer that held scissors, thread, and beads.
“I can rework this catcher for you, Abel. I can make it so the nightmares grow stable, that your symptoms will not be so severe. It will have another way to focus its self, its spirit, into another object that will You will be able to sleep through the night, but until this spirit is free, there is no way to stop the dreams themselves.” She paused, looking at him as she waited for an answer. Her pale eyes were not without sympathy.
“It will get worse before it gets better, but it it will improve. Who knows, perhaps there is a reason you, out of so many, were chosen.”
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Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2013 7:39 pm
Felling both bad for what he said but confused by what Granny had retorted with, Abel did not know what to do besides stare at the aged woman with a baffled gaze. Figuring that he had just basically insulted both her and basically everything she stood by, the boy had thought that he was going to get quite the lashing. But instead, he was met with yet another whimsical response that made no sense, especially to one who was more keen on sticking with true sciences. And even more skeptical when it came to the term 'Oneiroi'. "One-what?" Spirits? Dreams? This definitely wasn't what he expected to gain from the trip, nor helpful information. Though at this point it only seemed like what he could do was attempt to hear the elder out.
"So... what you're telling me is that I am basically the vessel for some other worldly... 'spirit', and it's able to both grow and manipulate my dreams? And, in order to truly be rid of such a creature I have to allow it to stay within me?" Does it look like he had the word 'Incubator' stamped on his forehead? "But also, no matter how much I disapprove of its existence...I still have to house it? That must be illegal on some standard! That's like, being a squatter in someone's own body...like a parasite! And what's worse is that it feels like one...are you sure that...that it's not simply some virus or something...something that can be cured with medicine???" No matter how much he tried to deny the validity of such a claim, there was that eerie tone that the woman had used that spoke more to him than the words she said had. Perhaps...he should try and give her words another chance? At least to see how things would go. And if not, a lawsuit could always be in order, right? No, because no matter how much he tried to reject what was told, Able was more than positive of the unfortunate truth that was laced in Granny's words, no matter how much he tried to reason with himself otherwise. This had to be done, and there was no way around it.
Propping both his elbows up and carefully placing his face in his palms, the Dutchman gave another utterance to sound his exhaustion, slowly nodding as his fingers worked to message the headache by rubbing his temples. "I hope the reason is good enough...or even worth it in the end. And please, do anything you can...I mean... I really don't mind the nightmares. I'm honestly curious about them and that call that never seems to stop but, it's just the difficulty of getting back out of them that' so draining." If one had known Abel, it wasn't hard to tell that he had a thrill for adventure, one that sparked his imagination and caused him to want to further improve on the skills his father taught him. But how was that to be possible if he could only mindlessly wander in the blizzard with nothing more than the outfit he fell asleep in? Even after the 'dream' was over, it'd take quite awhile to get over the frostbite from the previous night's excursion. "Perhaps you can do something to aid in shortening their length? I'd be grateful if that's possible." Hopefully the woman had more tricks up her sleeve...
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CrispyWonderMint Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2013 8:34 pm
The woman took in Abel's rambling with raised brows, but didn't say anything. It was clear that he'd insulted her on more than one occasion, but if she was going to lash out or demand an apology, she seemed to be holding back. Perhaps she was waiting for something.
"The length of your dream will adjust itself in time," she informed him. She crouched under the desk, disappearing from sight entirely. Her voice had a strange echo so close to the ground.
"You could call them a parasite, I suppose. Usually thy are not aggressive and do not take more than they need, but there are always exceptions to the rule." She paused for a moment, the entire room falling silent before he heard wood scrape. It sounded vaguely liek a drawer being moved.
"Yours doesn't seem to be one of them. Count yourself blessed." She straightened, smoothing imaginary wrinkles from her full length skirt before setting a crystal snowflake among her tools.
"There are many reasons you may have such a guest. A message to be given, a warning, perhaps some form of insight. You cannot know until you step forward." Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him, then her expression relaxed into a dry smile.
"I suppose you are fortunate to appreciate exploring such a vision night after night. Many would not."
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Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 9:06 am
There was always that wary feeling that Abel got whenever the woman would disappear for from his sight, those pauses and eerie silences bringing about the same chill that rest would consume him in. It was always those moments where he'd begin to question things, debating even further how sane of an idea it was to consult such a strange woman on such a matter. But what more of a choice did he have? She seemed to be the only one intelligent enough and, as much as he hated to admit it, further insight on the matter itself. Sure everything was strange and foreign but, so were most of the things one learned through their time. It was just one of those moments where Abel would need to dive headfirst into the situation and hope everything would truly turn out ok.
"I hope you're right then..." He said, casting his gaze upon the various new items she now had. "It's funny...you have a snowflake there...and well, that's..always seemed like the main scope of my dreams..." Coincidence, he didn't think so. But regardless, a kind of flat laugh passed his lips, his position changing as now his right cheek laid upon the appropriate fist. "If only you where aware of how many times i've tried to 'step forward' in quite the literal step...if only things were that easy." But, though his show of humor was sarcastic at first, there was immediately a light up in his expression once she mentioned his explorations. "I guess so, I mean it's pretty amazing...The strange feeling and rush you get from how realistic the environment is around you, no matter how painful it might really be...it's pretty exhilarating~! Sure I might not enjoy how lengthy it is but...the anxiety that's gained once you feel closer and closer towards the goal, absolute adrenaline. Though, i'd really like to find more than just pile after pile of endless so but hey, what's the point in adventuring if the prize is given to you ahead of time?"
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CrispyWonderMint Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 10:25 am
Granny smiled to herself when out of Abel's sight. She was hardly a spring chicken when it came to matters such as this, though she didn't voice the thought aloud. Abel appeared to have a good, strong mind and sensibility. Not too much, just enough to make the dreams doubtful without flat out denying there was anything wrong at all or that a good therapist was all he would need. Those cases never ended well.
“Of course it does,” she agreed with a nod, carefully weaving the new threads into the frame of the catcher with a hypnotic grace. “It is shaped to your nightmare, and yours alone.” A dry smile touched her lips as he lamented she didn't know how it was to be in his situation, but said nothing, letting the young man voice his thoughts and feelings as she continued her work.
“Well, your intensity will lessen or intensify depending on the relationship you have with your spirit. The more you fight it, the stronger it will get and it will retaliate until it can get through for the strength and energy it needs. Mind, it will never be completely blissful, and as it grows stronger, the dream will, too. But you can adapt.” She paused as she picked up the crystal, looking at Abel with a serious expression.
“If stepping forward were easy, you would not be here. You would not need my my help and you would not be considering taking this catcher back home with you so that the dreams do not intensify to the point they put you in a shock. So yes, forward. Your legs may feel like they are frozen in the snow, it may hurt, it may seem confusing, pointless, and absurd. But -you- must go forward and cut the path through your own dreams, no one else. I have advice and tools, but it is up to you on how to use them, if you choose to do so at all.”
Then she went back to weaving the snowflake into the dream catcher, letting Abel think on her words for a few moments as she finished and handed the newly woven catcher to him
“Hang this in the same spot you did the first night. It will help create a focus for your spirit so that some of the pressure on you is lifted, but do not expect an instant reversal. In a world of spirits, such a thing does not exist.”
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Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 9:19 pm
A lengthy pause followed the woman's words, the male blinking once behind the frames of his glasses as he pondered the thought. A typical habit kicked in then, chewing on his bottom lip for a moment as he went over the words spoken. Wow, he both hated and was scared of the things she said, and always for the same reason. They were true, so undeniably true. There was no getting around it, no other explanations. No way of getting around his return to the shop or trying to prove that he didn't need her help. And perhaps that was why he also liked the elder and even respected her, no matter how much his argument had said otherwise. He didn't know what else to say at this point, already having told of his stress and anything else concerning his views on the nightmares he encountered. "...Then i'd better not mess up, right? Wouldn't want to end up making things worse than they already are...that'd be pretty terrible.
His gaze once again drifted over to the other's hand, watching them work expertly on the dream catcher in order to add the quaint little embellishment. Once again came that expert air to the woman, one who, as he was well aware, was well accustomed to working with many dealing with the same situation. And this would mean that it would not take long for the item to be passed onto Abel, careful in holding the object as he did not want to ruin any of the work. His gaze was lost for a moment, suddenly coming back into reality when the familiar instructions were given to him. "Alright. And thanks, really." He managed a smile and nod, rising up from the chair and stretching a bit before walking out of the store, giving a wave to Granny before departing back to his home.
It was now time for him to face another night of dreams, to face the fear that came with every step into the darkness and blistering cold. There was no help for him there, no Granny to assist in the new realm. Only he could fend for himself there, and there was no telling what he would face once he continued to step forward and finally face the one that haunted his sleep. He would have to take any and all the advice given to try and make this experience the most successful and least stressful possible. No way could there be any straying from the path to his goal, for if he did that then the consequence he faced would be in the hands of an unknown force, one that could easily overpower him. Or perhaps it was gentle like Granny had said? No one could be sure, and he didn't want to take any chances. Quickly he made a turn on his heel as he rounded the corner, carefully running a thumb over the surface of the object, staring intently at the snowflake stuck in the web. Well, if he was sure of anything at this point than it was really only one thing:
There was no room for any error.
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