Dionysus You are in a room with Rumbleford

• Avery blinks.

Dionysus "You cannot learn the Song of Shaping in the waking world."

Avery "Oh..."

• Avery looks honestly curious. "Why not?"

Dionysus "Because it is not of the waking world."

• Avery nods.

Dionysus He pulls out a pennywhistle, "Now, let's begin, shall we? Listen closely."

Dionysus He begins to play, softly, a haunting, strange tune that spirals & circles & twists.

• Avery nods, absently pulling out his own, listening carefully.

Dionysus It's surprisingly easy to pick up, & you realize you've heard it before.

• Avery looks surprised when that sinks in. "...I've...I remember this..."

Dionysus He smiles, "Of course. You wouldn't be much of a prince if you hadn't."

• Avery blushes faintly, smiling embarassedly.

Dionysus "Now, this is important, when you play it for the child, its Nightmare nature will try to assert itself. Every time you try, you will find it fights you. If Aurelia... feels this, keep playing, despite it. She will be safe while you play. When it stops struggling, whether you've won or lost, it will be safe to stop. Most of the time, you will lose. Keep trying different things until you find one that work

Dionysus s. When you find that, do variations on that theme. Understand?"

• Avery nods slowly, looking faintly worried.

Dionysus "This won't be easy. You'll have to think, & you'll have to be as strong in your powers as you can be. When you reach the homeland... You will need to be a true Faerie Prince in more than just name."

Avery "...I'm feeling my way through, but...I'm trying."

Dionysus He sighs, "I know. And you've not had the right experience. But look at every setback as a gift, your Highness, & every blessing as a test. And remember what you have at your disposal. I have to go weave a spell for you now. You might as well wake up."

Dionysus And you do.