29 January 2023

I was intending to learn more about the world of Tirian and Gwen, maybe figure out some potential threads for the central conflict as it applies to them and their character growth. Instead, it wound up being a fourth-wall-shattering discussion on the nature of imagination. :) I do feel it gave me a good grasp of the headmaster’s personality, as well a few of his priorities, though. I still need to figure out how I’m going to subvert his character; I don’t just want another Dumbledore or Gandalf, as awesome as those characters are. Haven’t figured out how I’m going to do that, though.

I enter the room to find the headmaster seated behind his desk. Behind him are wide, open windows overlooking the academy courtyard, making the room feel open and well-lit, despite the towering bookshelves lining the walls on either side.

The headmaster puts down his quill and clasps his hands in front of him. “And to what do I owe this pleasure?”

I shrug and walk along a bookshelf, trailing my fingers along the grain of the wood below the books. “Curiosity, I suppose.” I move over and sit across from him. “I have only discovered this world, you see, and you seem to be the type that knows far more than he ever lets on. So you might be a good source of information.”

The headmaster raised an eyebrow. “If this is all a creation within your mind, then surely I would be unable to tell you anything you didn’t already know.”

I chuckle. “If. Sometimes, honestly, I have my doubts.” I tap the wooden desk, then glance around, noting the simple, yet elegant chandelier above us. “Do I really create all of this, or did I simply discover it, my mind viewing scenes of your world as if through a dark glass, distorted?” I shrug again. “Plus, I wanted to sit down and talk. Everyone else, it would be better to learn about them by testing them, somehow, or throwing them in the deep end.”

“Such as exposing all their secrets before Lightmaster Sennan?” The headmaster’s voice was cold, almost threatening.

I raise my eyebrows. “Was there some kind of fallout from that I’m not aware of?”

The headmaster eased back into his chair. “There are always consequences for our actions, Mr. Cloud, as I know you are very well aware. This is not a simple matter.” He turned his chair away to face out the window–it pivots, apparently?–and adds, “But I’m afraid that will have to be all for today. Farewell, Mr. Cloud.”

Part of me wants to protest, but it is getting late my side. I thank him for his time, and leave the room.