paradisa | - 2 - He that dares not grasp the thorn, should never crave the rose.

[This morning The Doctor has secluded himself in a quiet corner of the Library. He has with him his notebook, pencil and his journal. The pages that were marked for him have been well read, several times over by now, and each time he looks at them he has a new question or theory. Poring over the information he does have and taking notes however, he's been putting off one thing in particular and decides that today is time enough.

Out of the information that Lady Galadriel and Phoebe shared with him, he's seen his own name crop up several times. Not only that, but he had known Ms. Lane at one time and had spoken with her. Some of the information referenced in the pages pre-dates the journal he has... all right, almost all of the information, which The Doctor finds nothing but frustrating. A particular reference appears to be to something he once reported, which brings mixed feelings.

He shouldn't learn too much about what might be in his future. Several things that Hermione had said though, have been on his mind. The temptation to look is huge and he knows what he is risking if he does; the thought that it might be too late for that also crosses his mind. He's already trounced over his own timestream by asking questions, and it's not good to know too much.

And yet, curiosity always wins in the end, often to his detriment. He searches for, and finds, the last entry made in his hand. It's the only one he will read, for now.

After what he has learned, it's not a surprise that Lente was mentioned and he wonders if he ever did find her. Not that he would know.

Which brings him to another thought. He's not found any reference to what point in his time stream he was taken from last. To add, he has no recollection of ever being here in his Third, and the thought that he has to acknowledge that his memories have been tampered with... In his two weeks at Cair Paradisa, The Doctor has staunchly defended that he must have been here before from further along in his time stream. The truth of the matter is... he just doesn't know and he can't be certain. It worries him to think he might be wrong.

He decides to start with a written filter.]

Filter: Those that know me from my last stay.

Leaving anyone high and dry I'm sure was not my intention. I'm aware I likely don't need to, given the nature and apparent whims of Paradisa, but I would like to apologise. If you would allow me, I would like very much to get to know you all, again.

/Filter

[The next is dictated as he is on the move leaving the Library, and his tone is forced bright and chipper.]

Good morning everyone, I hope you're all well. For those that don't know, I'm The Doctor and I'll be pleased to make your acquaintance in the course of things. Things to note: I can't get the TARDIS to move. Nothing serious, she's just a bit under the weather and I'm working on that since I know it was possible for her to travel before. Upshot of that, running off anywhere soon is unlikely to happen. Questions, I have a few of those still. If anyone can chip-in, I'd be very grateful.

1. Has anyone spoken with Lente in the last six months?
2. Can anyone hazard a guess at the ratio of children to adults in the castle?
3. Phoebe, if you're available, do you have a little time to talk?
4. Aradia, would you like to meet me later today?

I think that covers what is immediately on my mind, but I do have an important discovery to share. There is a forty-cup tea urn in the kitchen. [Yes, he is very pleased at this discovery.]

I'm on my way there now and I'll be making a round, so if anyone would care to join me for a cup you are very welcome to do so.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Hey Five, have someone that sounds like a teenage british teen]

Doctor! You're back?

[Well that's very good news. Not only that, it's a bit of a joy to hear the words of the filter. ]

And don't worry, you don't have to apologise for Paradisa's doings. It's a very normal occurrence.

Edited 2013-03-23 16:25 (UTC)

Hello. Yes, it seems that I am. I have to say you're a new voice to me. Might I ask your name?

[The kitchen is getting noisy. The Doctor is rooting through cupboards and looking for cups.]

Quite a few people vanish and come back so I hear.

Ah, that's right- I'm Allen Walker. It's nice to meet you again.

It's true...it's practically part of life here.

Hello, Allen. It is nice to meet you - again - as well. Do you know of many people that have left and come back?

...Yes. I've long lost count how many have left and come back.

You must have been here a long time in that case. I'm sorry to hear that.

I'm one of the oldest, yes.

But it's all right. I want to find a way so people can go home, but...I don't regret my time here.

That sounds like a person not afraid to make the best of what is put before him. An admirable quality to have.

[A pause while he recalls another conversation.] Do you know a Lloyd, at all?

Ah...I don't know if it's admirable. Sometimes it's all you can really do.

Lloyd?

Yes! He's a good friend. Why do you ask?

Edited 2013-03-28 05:26 (UTC)

Sometimes I suppose. I'm sure there may be others here who do not think the same however and would be content to let this opportunity pass them by.

[He smiles then.] It is a small world after all. I spoke with him when I first arrived and he mentioned an Allen. I just put the two together. He seems very likeable.

Oh, I know those sorts of people exist. [TOO MANY ACTUALLY]

I see...he's a wonderful and kind person! I'm very lucky to have met him.

Thankfully, I've not yet come across any like that myself, here. Yes, Lloyd does seem so. And learned about Paradisa as well, if I recall. I expect you would be about the same, given your time here.

Ah...yes. I do know a great deal about this place. Though it's probably only the surface of what there is to know.

Ah, I can imagine with that. When I first arrived I was lucky enough to have some journal pages pointed out to me. It's definitely a puzzle. More so with knowing I had been here before. I'm sure I'll learn anything especially important in the course of things.

Mm, I can imagine so. I don't envy those who have returned with no memories of this place. It must be rather...disorienting to have many people who know you, but you don't know them.

[His eyebrows go up at that, reflective for just a moment.] Certainly so. I don't envy them either.

I'm accustomed to it; it's happened before to me and that's the nature of travel in time and space sometimes. But on this scale, well. [There's a smile in his voice at least.] I'm going to be kept on my toes for a while.