Email to Romany

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To: Wisdom, Romany
From: Dayspring, Nathan


I seem to be making a habit of this lately, don't I? Asking for your advice, I mean. This time it's a little more significant than what to get Amanda for her birthday, though...

I imagine you've probably heard most of the details about my unintentional trip into Amanda's mind from Strange and the other responsible adults looking after her case. (I'm sure your brother added his two cents, too.) I'm glad it turned out well for her, but there seem to be a few lingering effects that I've been noticing the last couple of nights. I'm not sure whether it's just me, or whether it's something that those looking after Amanda need to know, too.

When I was in her mind, there were two of her there. Amanda as I know her, and a little girl with Amanda's real name. (I'm assuming you probably know it, but I'm not going to put it down here, just in case. I gather the caution is warranted.) When Amanda pushed me back out of her mind, I think because she didn't want me to witness her withdrawal symptoms, I was holding the kid's hand and Amanda was telling me to keep her safe. Now the child's running around my dreams - and no, not my precognitive dreams, thankfully. That would be a mess of epic proportions to sort out, wouldn't it?

I suppose I'm just wondering if this is my mind playing tricks on me, or whether I did bring something back with me out of her mind. I just hope to hell I haven't made anything worse. Advice would be greatly appreciated.

Nate

Comments

[xp_daytripper]

To: Dayspring, Nathan
From: Wisdom, Romany

Subject: It's all in the symbolism.

Nate,

Yes, everyone has been keeping well and truly informed, which helps since there is just no way I'm able to be there myself at the moment. Stephen is something of a hermit within the magical community, but it seems Amanda's knack of arousing the protective streak in those around her is still working, since his emails have been sounding concerned, if a bit formal. She's certainly collecting the father figures, isn't she?

I don't pretend to understand telepathy that much, but I do understand symbolism - it's a fairly large component of magic, after all - and it would seem that what you're experiencing is a metaphor taken a little too literally. Aamnda needed someone to hold onto, to trust, and it seems she chose you. The child symbolises her life with Rack, and at a guess I would say she was unable to deal with the memories their encounter stirred, and so she 'gave' them to you for safe-keeping, until she could cope again. There shouldn't be any danger; I would say that as soon as she wakes from her coma you'll find the child is gone from your dreams. If not, let me know.

Trusting you with her name is something no magic user does lightly, Nate. Names are important, and can be used against the person. I think she chose the right person to keep it safe, but keep in mind it's not something that should be told to anyone else, not without her express permission.

What is it with you and this tendency to collect waifs and strays? Looks like you've got yourself another one.

Let me know if anything comes up.

Romany.

Subject: glad to hear it's something like that...

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So long as it's not going to affect Amanda, the kid can stick around or go, it's all the same to me. It's not as if she was doing anything but watching me anyway. I have so many people in my head these days that one more really doesn't make much difference.

I'll do my best to keep her name safe. As for my soft spot for strays... I really have no clue. It's like a compulsion. Very awkward at times.

Nate