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

[bindsthedead]

But does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?

I- at least you were able to accept your own death. Many cannot make the same claim.

[aphoenixsong]

That is rather like the age old question of the Wizard and the Wand. Does the Wizard choose the Wand or does the Wand choose the Wizard? I know a certain Wand-Maker's thoughts on the matter, but I cannot say I am fully swayed in his favor.

Death should not be feared to the well-ordered mind.

[bindsthedead]

Perhaps. But many still fear it. And some try to defy it, regardless of the cost.

[aphoenixsong]

Of that, I am well aware. Still, I cannot help but think they will see their own foolishness when it finds them.

[bindsthedead]

Maybe. Everyone and everything has a time to die.

[aphoenixsong]

Then one should focus on living. The inevitable is inevitable for a reason.

[bindsthedead]

I try, but my work involves dealing with death and the Dead.

[aphoenixsong]

Does it now? [He blinks and gazes at her intently.] Do you contemplate your own death often?

[bindsthedead]

I am the Abhorsen- my duty is to fight the Dead who seek to return to life, and the necromancers who work to aid them. But I don't think about my own death too often.

[aphoenixsong]

(She doesn't imagine him stiffening in barely concealed disgust.)

Necromancy is an art - if you could call it such - that should never be practiced.

[bindsthedead]

[Well, she can't really blame him. She lets her fingers trace over the handles of her bells.]

You're right. There is no reason to raise the Dead- and the nature of the magic consumes those who seek to master it, unless they're- part of my family, and we must be careful how we use it.

[aphoenixsong]

I am of the belief that it should never be used. Everyone faces death in their life and everyone eventually succumbs to it. Yet to artificially recall a soul into a body that has felt Death's touch is the most heinous of deeds.

(This subject is a little too near and dear to him.)

Let the dead rest in peace.

[dominion_war_graduate]

Not all paths are the simplest to accept.

[aphoenixsong]

(A small smile.) Do you feel it is the right path for you?

[bindsthedead]

I do not raise the dead. Rather, I force those that refuse to rest, to rest. It's considered necromancy because I use the same instruments as necromancers. [She understands- she's faced the Dead far too many times for an eighteen year old.]

[dominion_war_graduate]

It's not me, alone, I have to make the choices for. There are over eight hundred lives riding on almost every decision I make, now more than ever.

My apologies, sir. Captain Warren Matthews, USS Equinox with Starfleet.

[aphoenixsong]

Yours is not a job I envy. (He shakes his head sadly.) Necromancy is apart of my world as well. I have no respect for those who use it.

[aphoenixsong]

I fear I know the burden you bear all too well. (He was Headmaster of Hogwarts, the leader of the Order, an awarded member of the Wizarding community and, not to mention, damn famous for his accomplishments concerning Grindelwald as well as his achievements in various Magical arenas.)

A pleasure, Captain. I am Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, but I can understand if you prefer to call me Albus or Dumbledore. I have never found much use in titles.

[bindsthedead]

I would be worried about any who did.

I am sorry- I've seen how much damage a single necromancer can inflict. I would not wish them on any world.

[aphoenixsong]

The damage they inflict would be irreparable in some cases. (Such as if the loved ones of the dead see the body of the one they loved and lost walking again - only this time, soullessly.)

Those who have been...revived...are called Inferi in my world. I do not like meeting them.

[dominion_war_graduate]

Mister Dumbledore, then. Others understand the burden, I know, but sometimes, where I and my crew are ... it seems that only a select few understand that position.

That place of knowing nobody's coming to help if something goes wrong. All you have to rely on is yourself and the crew around you ... and whatever friends you might hope to make in an alien land filled with extremely hostile beings. I'm appreciating the Voyager's journey all the more now.

[aphoenixsong]

Standing alone is never easy - especially when one is surrounded by enemies. That is why it is best to prepare for all contingencies. (He frowns.) Though all contingencies cannot be prepared for - unless one opens him or herself to the unknown as well as the known.

Your attitude is admirable, Captain. Do not regret that which is out of your hands.

[bindsthedead]

I see. We simply call them the Dead- or Dead Hands, if they were raised by a necromancer, instead of coming back on their own.

[aphoenixsong]

The name is immaterial. They are abominations.

[dominion_war_graduate]

Thank you, sir. It's not easy, no, but the Equinox is a tough girl despite her youth. Nobody's knocking her out of the sky on my watch.