sapphire

[dramatispersonae]

[ The hill in the Ring dissolves, leaving you alone with your team in a soft, featureless grey space. The Dog's genderless, gentle "voice" speaks into all of your minds, less anxious and more confident now; confiding. ]

My name is The Dog Who Dies At The End Of The Story. I don't remember the name I had before that, and I didn't know what this one was either, not till I chose a new Master. I don't think I was supposed to do that, but I did, so here we are.

I understand being a dog, and sometimes dogs die. But I don't understand dying, even when I know what it is. . . and in order to make a choice about it, I need to catch answers. I've died over and over and not understood yet. Maybe some of you have, too. I wanted . . . to ask what you thought. . . ?

Thank you. . . I won't be able to answer for a little while, so if you would. . . please answer for me.

[ You know instinctively that while the Dog will not answer your words for a while, once it asks you its questions you will be able to speak your answers when you've reached a consensus and be heard. ]

Comments

[glorious]

[...would you accept a hug?]

[spectralhealing]

[ Yes, but he goes all stiff like he doesn't know what's happening for a few seconds. ]

Sorry. I just know this is important. It was. It is. But there's holes in my memory.

[glorious]

[lets the hug linger for a bit longer before letting go]

It was and it is important. The holes in your memory are natural, but you are still holding onto something important.

What would you answer, if you were the only one answering today?

[spectralhealing]

I would say that I know it is, even if I can't remember it yet - there's something at the end where I come from. I know it. Like a feeling, a prickle, a sensation but the knowledge is a big empty blank right now. And I'd want people to go to peace, a better place. Free.

So it's because I know, and because it's what I want.

[glorious]

[nods]

That's a good answer. Sometimes knowledge remains even when your memories do not; and that knowledge is clearly very important if you still have it.

I think you're in the right. We answered because of what we know and what we want; through all our different experiences.