Interview With A Spirit

Interview With A Spirit by: Mary Barley
   Addendum by: Auryna Thayt'or

   Introduction by Mary Barley
   In the common telling, many details of the mortal origins of Kelvos, demi-god of Star-Crossed Love, are unknown and lost to time. This compilation hopes to reveal some of those details, whether for historians, priests, or the laypersons of the world. A word of caution to the reader: The primary source for these details relies upon encounters with the cursed spirit of Lesa's father, Flavius Stoll. Flavius should not be considered a reliable source, and notes from interviewers are included for this purpose. The author advises clergy to treat this book as apocryphal and cannot be held responsible for future religious doctrine established on the basis of this text. This book is the culmination of decades of research and includes both my earliest sources for further research and my own study and interviews in the field. Those early sources are included in this compilation for the edification of the reader and the interest of future historians that may wish to verify my work and contact the Spirit of Flavius Stoll for yourself.

   Introduction by Auryna Thayt'or
   Many details of the mortal origins of Kelvos, demi-god of Star-Crossed Love, were believed to be unknown and lost to time; however, much of this lore has been purposefully suppressed or hidden, by various factions for various reasons. This compilation reveals a great deal of important information, which should absolutely be known by all historians, priests, and the laypersons of the plane. A word of interest to the reader: The primary source for these details are direct interviews with the cursed spirit of Lesa's father, Flavius Stoll. Flavius is believed to be a reliable source whose information has been verified as authentic.

   ~*~

   The first third of the book's entries are from primary sources through the period of history previous to the author, detailing chance encounters with the spirit of Flavius over the years in letters, journals, testimonials, and newspapers. There are also a few 'test' encounters in which the author attempts by trial and error to entice Flavius to appear, with commentary on her mistakes and theories; however the bulk of any sort of ritually useful information has been omitted from this particular copy of the book.

   Further reading reveals entries in which the author succeeds and is able to interview the spirit. An excerpt:

   Mary Barley, Author: Greetings Mr. Stoll. How are you this evening?
   The Spirit of Flavius Stoll: Same as last century. Why are you stalking me, woman?
   Author: I apologize, Mr. Stoll. It took me some time and effort to learn of how to summon you. I was hoping you might answer some questions.
   Spirit: Why?
   A: For history, sir.
   S: Yeah fine, whatever. Just be interesting.
   A: What can you tell me about how Lesa died?
   (A pause.)
   S: A lot. If I cared to. You said this was for history?
   A: Yes sir.
   S: Bollocks to history. Tell you what, you shout it to every fool that still worships the name of Kelvos, and I'll tell you anything you need to know.
   A: I will do my best.
   S: Good.
   (A pause, and the spirit collects his thoughts. He sounds wistful and distant.)
   I was a selfish man before I met my wife. Nothing villainous, you understand. But I was a banal, pedestrian kind of self-centered. Oblivious to how I hurt others. And then I met the woman who would be my wife, Joyanna.
   Joyanna was a beauty beyond compare. Flaming auburn hair. Emerald green eyes and ivory complexion. A soft voice, like summer rain. A smile like springtime.
   I was head over heels for her the moment I met her, but she was wise to me. She resisted all attempts at charming her into my bed, and she saw through me to the core. It wasn't until she convinced me to put others first, to stop acting like the multiverse existed to serve my every whim, that she took an interest and allowed me to court her. It wasn't long before we were married and she was carrying our child. She had the names already picked out...
   (A pause)
   I remember standing there, holding our infant daughter as they lowered her mother into the ground. I knew that Lesa was the only thing I had left of my wife. I thought, if all I do in my life is keep her safe, it can all be worth it. All the foolishness of my youth, the mistakes, and selfishness, Joyanna's death, it can be worth it if Lesa is safe.
   She carried a piece of her mother inside of her, and when she grew into a woman, it was like seeing Joyanna alive again.
   (The Spirit's 'eyes' flash red a moment, and his tone becomes angry.)
   So you understand that when that fool wizard Kelvos tried to smarm his way into her bed, I was not having it. I knew his type all too well. Worse yet, he wasn't just any wizard. He could have turned our tiny village into a crater without a second thought. There was nothing I could do. So I did the only thing I -could- do...
   No doubt you know the rest.
   A: There is the story that his priestesses tell, of course. Do you
   (A long pause)
   S: I have had a long time to think, girl. A very long time indeed. Time enough for regret.
   I understand better now, what I did wrong. And why. No doubt you noticed it yourself when I told you my story. I clung too tightly to Lesa, and I didn't trust her. She was more like Joyanna than I could have ever dreamed. And Kelvos turned out to be as much a fool as I was. And we both paid the price.
   But I think after all this time, I've paid that price a bit more than he has, don't you think? He's a demi-god and I'm stuck here, unable to return to the Cycle. Does that seem right to you?
   A: I'm just a historian, Mr. Stoll. Not a philosopher. Thank you for your time.
   S: One more thing.
   A: Yes Mr. Stoll?
   S: I know Lesa hasn't returned to the Cycle either. Don't ask me how I know. A father knows.

   ~*~

   The addendum includes an excerpt from another interview, dated centuries later:

   The Spirit of Flavius Stoll: Huh... It's been a long, long time since anyone did that. What do you want?
   Auryna Thayt'or, Author: Good evening, Mr. Stoll. I'm Auryna. .. this .. is Owen.
   S: Is he your lover? Family?
   A: Yes. My True Love. Partners in... Everything. I'm very honored to introduce you. We're on a quest. To find your daughter. To help her. To help You. To reconcile past and present. reconcile your family.
   S: Really? First I get summoned for the first time in hundreds of years and then you say you want to help me.
   A: Yes.
   S: Why?
   A: Because. this plane needs the hope of Reconciliation. Of Love. of Partnership.
   S: Can't get that from Kelvos I take it.
   A: If you could, you would have done so already, Sir; we wouldn't be here, for you'd be at peace.
   S: I am here because of the curse. Because Kelvos still hates me, and won't forgive me. And believe me, I've tried. Because as much as I might want to, I can't hate him anymore. Talking to Mary all those years ago, made me reflect on the ways we were all too similar. Our stories were basically the same, and Lesa paid for it. He blames me for Lesa's death too, and he isn't wrong. I was foolish and I held on to her too tightly. I didn't trust her. But, as it turns out, she still trusts me. Lesa isn't dead. At least not in the way you or I would define it. She's being kept hidden. Or I should say, hiding.
   S: It's been a long time now, and she has followers after all this time. She's hiding on purpose now. And she has power of her own, weak though it is. She's where she is because she chooses to be. She isn't caged anymore.