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[dawn_is_breaking]

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[shadowtruths]

I had suspected as much, but I appreciate the confirmation. I hope more of them than not have managed to make a better life for themselves.

[dawn_is_breaking]

I hope so as well. It's nice to hear that you like to check in on your Dreamers as well by the way.

[shadowtruths]

[Ruefully] Oh, don't give me much credit yet. Doing so on a wider scale is a relatively new tactic I'm employing.

[dawn_is_breaking]

Okay, I'll only give you a teeny tiny bit of credit then.

[Can you sense the playful smile she has on, Dream?]

[shadowtruths]

A tempered generosity that I'm comfortable with, thank you.

[He can picture it perfectly in his mind and it brings a smile to his own.]

I suppose I put more weight on myself for results than mere intentions.

[dawn_is_breaking]

Maybe that's because results can be measured and conclusions can be drawn?

[shadowtruths]

Most likely. Functionality and efficiency are if not intrinsic then at least highly valued. [He doesn't really care about the effort he puts into what he does, he always puts his whole heart into his purpose and would be baffled at the thought of reward or encouragement for it. Having improved results however and a well-run realm as the effect of his efforts he does take satisfaction in seeing.]

[dawn_is_breaking]

Has anyone ever called you a 'workaholic', Dream?

[shadowtruths]

To my face or behind my back? [The answer to both is yes.]

In my defense, it is why I exist. I think it would be worse to feel I knew not my purpose.

[dawn_is_breaking]

Oh I'm about 100% sure you've been called that behind your back so I was more curious if someone has said it to your face.

And yes, I realize that it is why you exist I guess I just like the idea of you also finding at least a little bit of time to do things that you enjoy and bring you happiness.

[shadowtruths]

Oh, yes. More those whom I have a personal history with, rather than those who serve the Dreaming. [Long way of saying his few exes and friends.]

I suppose it only partially counts, but I do appreciate a good story that inspires. Book, play, never published but only thought upon... it doesn't matter the format.

[dawn_is_breaking]

Personal history with hrm? Such as exes?

Wait, so you can read those? Stories that aren't written down and just dreamt about?

[shadowtruths]

... some would qualify as such.

Oh yes. Every story that was conceived, whether put down on paper or not, can be found within the Dreaming's library.

[dawn_is_breaking]

Are you comfortable talking about them?

That is so fascinating. Do you ever re-read any of them?

[shadowtruths]

I'm uncertain what good might come from such an endeavor.

Not terribly many to be honest. I have a good memory for stories. I have seen some plays performed multiple times, though. The adaptations differ.

[dawn_is_breaking]

[So that's a no then.] All right, I will keep my questions to myself then.

Which is your favorite play?

[shadowtruths]

That is a difficult choice. It sometimes changes depending on what I am in the mood for at a particular moment. I suppose in general I gravitate towards tales that I find to be insightful and inspiring. A bit of whimsy reminiscent of dreams doesn't hurt. I could say A Midsummer Night's Dream or The Tempest but as I knew the playwright in the waking world that feels rather biased.

[dawn_is_breaking]

Oh I love Midsummer night's dream. Wait....you knew Shakespeare? Really??

[shadowtruths]

I did. Not exceedingly well in the waking world, but we met on a few occasions. I believe he'd written one work at the time we made our acquaintance. He had great aspirations from the start.

[dawn_is_breaking]

What was he like? Was he an overly dramatic asshole or a soft hearted nerd? Did you help inspire him to write his plays?

[shadowtruths]

Quite dramatic, oh yes, but not arrogant. He desperately wished to offer the world something by which it might be inspired. To create art that would withstand time in relevance. I can't fault him for such ambitions, he is not the first to wish to leave behind a legacy that others might find compelling. I suppose that is the difference. He did not wish merely for fame. He genuinely wanted to craft something meaningful to others.

I might have given him a nudge, but he did well with the inspiration. A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Tempest were his end of the bargain. Plays inspired by dreams. I believe he delivered.

[dawn_is_breaking]

I can't fault him for that either and he certainly did create some of the most memorable plays. Although now that I know you had a hand in inspiring 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' I'm going to start enjoying it in a different way.

[shadowtruths]

Yes, some of the themes and understandings of humanity have stood the test of time. I have enjoyed several reinterpretations of his work over the years. What of you, any plays that are favorites of yours?

In what different manner?

[dawn_is_breaking]

Well I've always really liked 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' but my absolute favorite play is 'Swan Lake' which I know is technically a ballet but it still has a story that is much like a play.

Well now I'm going to start guessing at which parts are influenced by you and if you make any cameos in it.

[shadowtruths]

Oh, ballets can absolutely be stories. They are simply told through music and motion rather than words. A different but valid medium, and an excellent choice of ballet. What draws you especially to that tale?

A single, solitary clap at the line regarding mortals being fools? [He's kidding. And outside hitting range at the moment. Calculated.] No, every being has their foolishness. I should very much like to hear your thoughts the next time you see or read it. I don't think I'm any particular inspiration beyond the general fantasy elements, but it's always difficult to be discerning when it's yourself. It's an exploration of humanity that I've always noticed, though admittedly, I am tied to your world. Perhaps there is overlap in that.