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[dawn_is_breaking]

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[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.

[dawn_is_breaking]

It holds a special place in my heart because it was the biggest role I had in my ballet career and my mother came and saw it three times. I was the lead role.

Haha I know you're teasing but I can totally see you doing that. But I'll make sure to give you my thoughts on it the next time I see a production of it.

[shadowtruths]

I'm sorry I did not get to see you perform it. It sounds like quite the sentimental experience though, I'm glad you had that experience. It also explains your mother's dreams involving the ballet.

[dawn_is_breaking]

It was one of the most difficult but most rewarding roles, I really enjoyed playing with the duality of it. Being both light and dark.

Also you're going to make me start crying here Dream, that's so sweet to know she dreamed of it.

[shadowtruths]

Do you think playing that sort of duality, experiencing and internalizing it from that artistic perspective, helps you find a symmetry of sorts between light and dark impulses in yourself?

[He finds artists fascinating to talk to, to no surprise.]

I don't think she would mind me sharing it with you. I hold a dreamer's confidences, otherwise.

[dawn_is_breaking]

I don't know, I would like to think so but I guess the people who are around me might know better if I have found a symmetry between the two.

[She doesn't mind one bit, Dream is probably one of the only men she's met who actually likes talking about art and dance.]

Of course. And thank you, hearing that means a lot to me.

[shadowtruths]

Perhaps. They would at least be able to view your actions and words without being privy to the internal thought behind them unless shared. Intent is not always translated into action, and sometimes one can deceive themselves in their thoughts.

[dawn_is_breaking]

I'd like to think that I don't fall under a lot of self deception but again, it's hard to know if you're seeing everything from the inside.

I also don't see many people these days so it might be extra hard to say. You're my most frequent visitor, which I enjoy by the way.

[shadowtruths]

I appreciate and return the sentiment regarding your company, although I'm certain you could find people much more convivial than I to share your time. Should you wish. [He of all people understood the desire to be a recluse sometimes, buried in work or other distractions. More often than sometimes, really. He didn't desire to take terribly many people into his confidence.]