[ All things considered, the lot of you have been probably doing what you can to get used to this temporary paradise.
Merlin has floated the idea to some of you to come by the forest for a challenge, explaining that it will result in assisting him as well as yourself. For those who express a willingness to see loved ones, he explains that they will see them; for those seeking answers, or perhaps a challenge, Merlin promises that participation will allow those desires to be met as well. For those wanting a solution out of here, Merlin explains that it will help him reach one, allowing him the possibility to help you cross back on over to the other side. He doesn't elaborate without being asked, offering details strictly when necessary, sometimes speaks cryptically, but in the end, what matters is that, eventually, he does get to the point.
Once all kinks are worked out, Merlin will guide those only willing to the forest, seeing no interest in forcing anyone disinterested or expressing a manner of disagreement.
When all are assembled at the foot of this forest, Merlin feels the need to say this. ]
Now, I will let you go beyond this place, into the unknown.
Even if you meet familiar faces, it doesn't mean this will be a walk in the park. After all, this is only temporary. And maybe...
[ Merlin suddenly smiles. It's not exactly a nice one. ]
Not everything will go as you might have hoped.
[ Before anyone can object to that, the forest opening seems to suck them in.
The sensation feels overwhelming, like being drawn through the ground at a hundred miles per hour, foliage, land, structures and buildings coming and going by sight.
Then, suddenly, there's the island. The garden on the other side glowing, with birds taking flight, seeming to be incandescent and radiant with a mysterious energy that drops, unseen by the living, all across the island.
Perhaps it's accidental, perhaps it's purposeful. Whatever the case, whatever is happening...those here within this moment can only be sure of one moment:
No one can escape, no matter where they are.
And just like that, it feels like everyone's minds are racing to one point. Life and death seem to no longer separate everyone from the living side in this moment.
Memories begin to flow in like a river. Everyone sees those moments flash by like their lives did as they reached death's door, until it settles. Suddenly, abruptly; without warning.
A black void enshrines the surroundings of each 'participant' and a door stands before them. They see no one else but themselves, but then they also open it as well, stepping into a memory.
This memory may be their own, or something else. Perhaps it's all warm and fuzzy, perhaps it's awful as expected, but worse of all potentials, it's entirely possible that this memory is one that is supposed to not be. And it's entirely likely that one might be fighting for their own lives to escape it.
Will they succumb to nostalgia, and never wish to leave? Will they succumb to despair, and give up hope, becoming a lost soul? Or will they bend under the buckle of a challenge, becoming claimed by something they could have never hoped to match.
And Merlin...
He may just watch. All results will be interesting to him, even the sad ones. Even the horrible ones.
In addition, he has his own needs, and goals that need fulfilling. Those here and beyond will all be instrumental to that. Yet, they too will need this to accomplish their own; a two-way beneficial street.
Memshare Event --> Intermingling on the other side
Merlin has floated the idea to some of you to come by the forest for a challenge, explaining that it will result in assisting him as well as yourself. For those who express a willingness to see loved ones, he explains that they will see them; for those seeking answers, or perhaps a challenge, Merlin promises that participation will allow those desires to be met as well. For those wanting a solution out of here, Merlin explains that it will help him reach one, allowing him the possibility to help you cross back on over to the other side. He doesn't elaborate without being asked, offering details strictly when necessary, sometimes speaks cryptically, but in the end, what matters is that, eventually, he does get to the point.
Once all kinks are worked out, Merlin will guide those only willing to the forest, seeing no interest in forcing anyone disinterested or expressing a manner of disagreement.
When all are assembled at the foot of this forest, Merlin feels the need to say this. ]
Now, I will let you go beyond this place, into the unknown.
Even if you meet familiar faces, it doesn't mean this will be a walk in the park. After all, this is only temporary. And maybe...
[ Merlin suddenly smiles. It's not exactly a nice one. ]
Not everything will go as you might have hoped.
[ Before anyone can object to that, the forest opening seems to suck them in.
The sensation feels overwhelming, like being drawn through the ground at a hundred miles per hour, foliage, land, structures and buildings coming and going by sight.
Then, suddenly, there's the island. The garden on the other side glowing, with birds taking flight, seeming to be incandescent and radiant with a mysterious energy that drops, unseen by the living, all across the island.
Perhaps it's accidental, perhaps it's purposeful. Whatever the case, whatever is happening...those here within this moment can only be sure of one moment:
No one can escape, no matter where they are.
And just like that, it feels like everyone's minds are racing to one point. Life and death seem to no longer separate everyone from the living side in this moment.
Memories begin to flow in like a river. Everyone sees those moments flash by like their lives did as they reached death's door, until it settles. Suddenly, abruptly; without warning.
A black void enshrines the surroundings of each 'participant' and a door stands before them. They see no one else but themselves, but then they also open it as well, stepping into a memory.
This memory may be their own, or something else. Perhaps it's all warm and fuzzy, perhaps it's awful as expected, but worse of all potentials, it's entirely possible that this memory is one that is supposed to not be. And it's entirely likely that one might be fighting for their own lives to escape it.
Will they succumb to nostalgia, and never wish to leave? Will they succumb to despair, and give up hope, becoming a lost soul? Or will they bend under the buckle of a challenge, becoming claimed by something they could have never hoped to match.
And Merlin...
He may just watch. All results will be interesting to him, even the sad ones. Even the horrible ones.
In addition, he has his own needs, and goals that need fulfilling. Those here and beyond will all be instrumental to that. Yet, they too will need this to accomplish their own; a two-way beneficial street.
All the same, it is also true Merlin adores happy endings. But, he also believes they should be earned.
OOC NOTE: This is just a setup for how things happen on this side. Please go ahead to use the main comm for memshare things as discussed! ]