Dusty Muse.

[aphoenixsong]

I admit that it is quite rare for one to fully understand the path laid out before them. Usually, death, the great equalizer as it were, is the only tool we have to see what we could not see before. And, undoubtedly, once one meets Death, there is very little point in moving forward in life.

Yet... (Here, he sighs, looking tired.) Even those who have passed yearn to repair the mistakes of their past. I cannot say that I would forego the opportunity to use a Time-Turner once or twice.

(He allows himself a saddened smile.)

My time has passed. The world belongs to others who are far more fit to shoulder the burden. That fact, I can honestly say, does not sadden me in the least.

Comments

[aphoenixsong]

And what would I do with that knowledge? It seems far too great for one man.

[madcuriosity]

It is? You're only asking if Death and Time are friends.

[aphoenixsong]

Am I? Or am I requesting a meeting with Time itself?

[madcuriosity]

Well, you would know better than I would about what you're doing.

[aphoenixsong]

I thought I would. (The smallest of smirks.) I am content with my lot.

[madcuriosity]

Well, I would be terribly curious about Death.

[aphoenixsong]

As was I. He is a wonderful companion.

[madcuriosity]

Wait, if your friends with him, why can't you ask him a question?

[aphoenixsong]

There are companions you confide in, there are companions you count on and there are companions who help you pass the time. Death is the latter.

I apologize for Alice

[madcuriosity]

If Death is helping you with Time, it shouldn't be that difficult to ask him about Time.

[aphoenixsong]

Time means nothing to me, child. Time is only intriguing to those who live within his confines.

[madcuriosity]

[He's the one that brought up the time-turner! She sighs.]

Confined by time? You've heard of Mr. Hatter then. [Or the White Rabbit. Both seemed so terribly confined by Time.]

[aphoenixsong]

(To remedy old mistakes. Yet, he knows that, even if he got his hands on one, he wouldn't use it. The changes might do irreparable damage to the future.)

Only in stories. (Which would make her... Oh surely not.)

[madcuriosity]

Mr. Hatter is always having tea because he upset Time. He can't even apologize to Time. Mr. Hare and the Dormouse stay with him to keep him company... although I don't think they upset Time. Time seems terribly temperamental.

[aphoenixsong]

Would your name happen to be Alice, child? (Okay, he has officially lost his mind.)

[madcuriosity]

Why yes sir! [She smiles brightly.] Alice Liddell! How do you do!

[aphoenixsong]

(It's definitely official.)

Forgive me, but I thought you were - (Is it rude to call a fictional character fictional?) I read your story sometime ago.

[madcuriosity]

[Her story?]

You thought...? [What a curious man!]

[aphoenixsong]

I was under the impression you were fictional. (Though that's not entirely true.) There was a girl named Alice Liddell, but I rather doubt she fell down a rabbit-hole.

[madcuriosity]

I'm not fictional, I'm as real as you are. [In the exact same sense, in fact but shhhh.] And I'm sure there are many girls named Alice Liddell [Her game is proof enough of that.]

[aphoenixsong]

So I am realizing. (Not in his world.) Is it terribly common? I have never had that problem myself.

[madcuriosity]

Oh yes, Alice is a very pretty name, after all! And... Well, you have not introduced yourself sir, so I don't know your name.

[aphoenixsong]

I must agree. (He blinks.) How rude of me! Do forgive me, Alice. I am Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.

[madcuriosity]

I forgive you sir! It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Dumbledore!

[aphoenixsong]

Likewise, Miss Alice. Tell me, have you met many Wizards?