Thanguis sits in an almost abandoned part of an ancient library. This may be your one and only chance to interact with him before he slips back into the shadows.

Me: Personally I wouldn't advise approaching him, but if your character is particularly brave(/stupid) or has a certain need of his services, then it might not be as bad as you think. Keep your wits about you, and don't be afraid to use witty conversation. He can be humored into a conversation. Just don't comment on his appearance. It is a touchy subject.

Thanguis looks up at me, but only turns another page in his book. The look is enough to shut me up, so I head out the door.

Me: *whispers* Good luck. *closes door*

*thinks* Hmmm. Which of my characters is sufficiently snarky for this sort of thing...

Thanguis closes the book in his hand and sighs. He rubs his eyes which are weary of reading by candlelight. A large stack of books lies on the table, and Thanguis throws the last one on top. The stack falls over onto Thanguis's leg which was also lying on the table. He lazily pulls his booted foot out from the pile of pages and leather covers.
Another night spent in the archives and still nothing.
Thanguis slowly lifts his massive body from the chair and takes a look out the window at the night sky.
It is just about time...
His boots make not a sound as he approaches the door to leave.

*shoves Kaida in*

Kaida: *glares* Oh, fine.

Me: Don't mind her, she's temperamental.

I think I'll drop Diki in here. I haven't tortured him for awhile.... Hopefully he will be more talkative than last time. * searches for profile * Link

* drops Diki in *

* skips out and leaves him to do whatever he likes *

Diki: * stands in the middle of the floor, glancing to and fro quietly for a moment * * looks at Thanguis for awhile *

What are you doing?

Thanguis looks at the two figures who have just entered the room. A room which he thought to be locked.

Me: Guess I must have left the key in the door on my way out....

Thanguis gets the feeling that he isn't the only one who doesn't want to be there, but he can't quite make out the other two in the dim star and candle light. He instinctively, but discretely places his hands on two weapons at two different points on his body. The longer he waited to reply, the more he felt the other two coiling.
"I was leaving. Is that alright with you two?" It wasn't really a question. It was more his way of asking, "Who are you, and what do you want?"

Diki: I was put in here to talk to you. If you leave, so will I go with you. * stands perfectly still with a cool, reserved glance (and doesn't look at Kaida) * * adds: * Is fighting allowed here?

Thanguis: I don't think the cleaning lady would like it. And it would be a shame to damage all of this history. *takes a moment to appreciate the beautiful room, but still keeping the two in his peripheral vision.* Many answers can be found here, and many more questions. Which do you seek?

Kaida: *leans against the wall and slides down to a seated position and crosses her arms* (in response to Thanguis' first question) Fine by me, I don't need external company.

Thanguis: *looks at Kaida with furrowed brows* Be careful how you use the word "need" young one. People rarely know what they need. Want, yes; we can know what we want, but our need is illusive. You are young. There is still time for you to make mistakes. To give yourself over to the injustices of men, to be their slave. Perhaps then you will know better what you "need."

Kaida: *makes eye contact with an almost invisible inkling of a smirk* Had I used the word alone, I may well have agreed with you, for many people (human and otherwise) seem bent on labeling their wants as needs. True, there are times that do-not-needs are falsely applied, though usually under some clause implying a specific circumstance. As I spoke to mean neither wanting, nor not-wanting, nor requiring for my continued existence, I do not see how your semantic objection is founded. As to the rest, I can't see what it has to do with the topic at all.

Thanguis grins. It has been too long since he has heard words strung together in such a fashion.
"I was unaware of any topic, established or otherwise. Your friend asked a question. I answered it, and ask one of my own in return. You both answered it, and I merely disagreed with your answer. Though your defense of my objection was well stated, I still find fault with it. Perhaps that is one of my weaknesses, finding faults. It has proven useful at times, however, such as now."
Thanguis takes his hands off of his concealed weapons and maneuvers a chair into a position facing the two youths. He allows his enormous weight to creak into the chair.
"Young lady, I am afraid you did speak of wanting, not-wanting, and requiring all at once, whether you meant to or not. What you said reflected wanting to be alone, not-wanting me here, and you require my absence as well as the absence of your friend for those to be possible. Many times we mean to say something but we fail to see that it is impossible. That is our bane. We cannot see what exactly we need or require at any given time. What if I took away the external company of the air around your body? Would you not miss it, and even need it? How can you or anyone know that the same doesn't hold true to the people you meet and come into contact with? I feel as if I speak also to myself with these words. Perhaps even our 'enemies' are people we need."
Thanguis puts a strange emphasis on the word need. A mysterious butterfly with black, blue, and red coloring appears out of nowhere and lands on Thanguis's shoulder. Thanguis hardly notices it. Its wings reflect the dim light in almost horrifying images of beastly faces, yet its beauty is captivating.

Diki: * decides not to answer since Kaida and Thanguis are already talking and sits down and closes his eyes *

Kaida: You still haven't strayed from semantics. As I'm not in the habit of personifying the atmosphere about me, I meant nothing more than what I said as it was stated. This apparent yearning (since the word need is currently moot) to be seen as correct and knowledgeable on such matters is a thing I find rather curious. Were you, perhaps, a middle child?

Thanguis leans back in the chair. And takes an unusually long moment to reply. He silently admits the weakness of his previous argument.
"Suppose I were a middle child; what would you make of that? I would in turn suppose you to be either the eldest, youngest, or an only child. Would the fact that I was raised in the middle of two similar individuals to myself explain some unfounded insight you have? What about our sleeping friend here? Can you guess his family relations as you have tried to guess mine? If you were right, what knowledge would you gain? More importantly, what would you do with that knowledge? I was merely establishing the fact we do not know everything, but perhaps you do, or at least know more than I. What do you do with that knowledge? Do you share it, or hoard it? Make it a weapon to wield against your enemies?"

Diki: * jaw sets * * a whispering, half formed word escapes him before his voice shifts to a quick, even tone * Knowledge – you think it is important? You think discussions will do anything? What you know only comes from your own life, not arguing over definitions and making pointless dares. * stares at the wall with a smolder in his eyes *

Kaida: *to Diki* We're stuck in a room and we won't likely be allowed to leave for some time, so I'm going to have to say yes to both of those.

*to Thanguis* If you're afraid for your hypothetical family's sake, just say so. At this point, my information can only be used as a tool to further conversation. *she rubs a small bruise on her arm absently*

Thanguis: *to Kaida* It seems we are fated to disagree. Knowledge is a tool, yes. But all tools can be misused. They can cause great harm to those against whom they are wielded.
*turns to his gaze on Diki*
So, in answer to your questions: yes, it is important, just as any other tool is important. I have found that it was more often my mind that won the battle more than the strength of my arms. What any of us gains from this discussion can only be determined by each of us individually. Just look around this room. *gestures to the shelves upon shelves of books* Each of these volumes is filled with knowledge. You can pick them up and listen to what they have to say, or you can leave them be, never knowing what you have missed. Perhaps it was the one piece of information that would later save your life.
*Turns back to Kaida*
And perhaps I have been unfair. I have turned you away at your every attempt to hear my story. You will forgive me I hope. You see, I don't even know your names. I am called Thanguis by some, but the people of this town have other names for me. To answer your question more directly, I am the eldest son of my mother, but much of my family's past, as well as their present, is as shrouded from me as it is from you. In fact, that is partially why I am here at all. You see, I received word that an old...acquaintance of mine was seen in this town. When I tried to meet him, I had found that he had already left. So I came here. *Thanguis raises his arms to signify that by "here" he meant the library. Then he lets them slide casually behind his head and relaxes more of his weight into the protesting chair.* There is just something about this place that brings out the Philosopher in me. It has been quite some time since I was able to test my thoughts on another, and I'm afraid you got more than your share of my thoughts from these past hours. It may be long before I hear another voice which disagrees with mine, so by all means fight me in this manner. It can do nothing but strengthen us both. This world is too harsh to those who are not strong. Am I wrong?

Kaida: Haven't seen too much of this world, but that could well be. *gives a loose two finger salute* Kaida Bennet, orphan and professional survivrix.

Diki: * ignores everything except to say: * No one is ever fated to do something. * rises and walks across the room to the corner and takes down a book * * stands there and begins to peruse it *

Me:*whispers to other writers so that the characters don't hear him,* Thanguis has not met a person from another world before. Well, he has, but he didn't know it at the time. So the concept will be a struggle at first. Just wanted his response to be clear.

Thanguis: *To Kaida,* You are not so young that you do not know the world. The strong thrive, and the weak desperately hold onto their existence. I do not mean the strong in body only. If your mind is strong, so is your grasp on life and its purposes.
*Notices the book that Diki picked from the shelf and laughs slightly to himself.* Young man, it is interesting to see such a book would find its way into your hands after what you have just spoken. It seems fate is playing a trick on you. *He smiles broadly, exposing his elongated canine teeth. He shoots a glance at Kaida as he quickly relaxes his face to a cautious neutrality.*
You will pardon my ignorance, but I am curious. What is a professional survivrix? Or any survivrix for that matter?

Kaida: *slides a finger down one of her heavily scarred arms* Not so young at all.

-Rix is just the feminine ending for anything that ends in -or. It's not used much, but where I'm from, words are important.

Diki: * glances up at Thanguis for several seconds, then back down at the book again, ignoring the laugh and flipping through a few pages *

What language is it in? * without looking up *

Thanguis: *Notices the scars, but chooses not to comment. Instead he rises and approaches Diki.* It was written in the older tongue of the south, Katras. It has long fallen into disuse by the people of this town--by the people of this country for that matter. The book you hold is called Estuin Tuma, I Hope.
"Estuin felodras katu. Hara noltono kash rish. Estuin noldras kash va shuru ui va ekru. Estuin tuma benyam."
"I fell into Fate's arms. She is an unworthy guide. I know not if she leads to life or to death. Still, I hope."
It is the tale of Estuin. It is hard to translate into common speech because Estuin mostly means "I" but it means more than just "me." The people of the south believed that there was an essential part that was common to every man. So Estuin could just as easily be translated as "you." Yet, it is also the tale of one particular young man. I have yet to understand it fully myself. Many of the secretes of the southern lands died with its people, and their ways are lost.
*Thanguis hangs his head for a moment. Anger flashes in his eyes. Then he quickly raises his eyes in Kaida's direction.* -Rix.... I have never heard such language. Where are you from, and with what tongue were you born?

Kaida: *sticks her tongue out* This one.

I can't say for sure where I'm from, but this is the only language I speak. I'm just more familiar with its archaic forms than some.

Thanguis: *is taken aback by Kaida's first response. He is really beginning to wonder where this strange girl came from. He approaches Kaida. He only begins to speak when she is just out of his arm's reach. His body looms in the dim light, but his words still sound kind and courteous.*
You cannot or you will not say were you are from?
Me:

Kaida: Can't tell ya what I don't know, mate. I'm an orphan, remember?

Diki: * watches Thanguis for a bit, then glances back down at book * What are you, Thanguis?

*with a burst of light and steam, a man, 7-8 feet tall enters the room. Slowly flexes his rip muscles then moves his head right and left, making the noise of something crack from his spinal cord*

Vijante: Name's Vijante. Told to keep you company here.

Me: *whispers* He is also there to make sure that there is no trouble.

Me: Sorry I haven't replied for a little while. My power has been on and off for a while, and so has the internet.

Thanguis: *Just before the giant entered the room, to Diki.* I'm someone who is sick of questions, and is ready for some answers.
*Just after the giant entered the room, to no one in particular* But it appears that the more questions I ask, the less I understand.
*to Vijante starting to find it hard to mask his frustration* May I ask who "told" you to keep company here, or does that inquiry open up more mystery?

Diki: * glances at Vijante and looks him over, then looks back down at book * I didn't ask you who you were, Thanguis.

(Me: Hope it gets fixed, I know how annoying it is to have flaky power and internet.)

*Vijante swings his cudgel around himself*
Vijante: That inquiry opens up more mystery.Me: Is this where 'Bad Guys' hang out? If so, I placed the wrong person.

Kaida: Someone must have posted an advert or something. Assuming this world has newspapers. Mine doesn't.

Thanguis: *Stares unceasingly at Diki with a kindling fire in his eyes.* What am I? *Approaches Diki while reaching behind his back and under his cloak.* I can be one of two things. *Continues to approach.*
One, *draws a medium length curved sword from behind his back* I can be a monster, uncontrolled, unrestrained, unmerciful, powerful. Two, *draws a second identical sword and studies it while he speaks* I can be a man of learning, understanding, seeking truth no matter the cost.
*Lays the swords on a table between him and Diki. Turns the hilts toward Diki.* Shall I be the man, or the monster?

Kaida: Speaking with strict ignorance as to Diki's character, is it a good idea to leave the direction of your life in the hands of another finite being?

Vijante: *clears throat and steps forward* I sugest that you should be a man of learning, understanding, seeking truth no matter the cost. Not the Other Guy.

Diki: * appears slightly surprised, but does not say anything in response because everything else is happening *

No, this is for anybody you like...at your own risk. Thanguis is actually the only person in here who I'm sure is a villain (though a conflicting one, as just demonstrated); Kaida I don't know about, and Diki isn't bad, just a sulky 15 year old who was forced to grow up too soon. Vijante should fit in great.

Diki: * slowly moves back as Thanguis approaches, watching him * * sets down the book * * stands there looking at Thanguis with no emotion or thought visible in his black eyes *

Diki: He's not.

Diki: * glances at Vijante and studies his face for two seconds without laughing, before looking back at Thanguis *

I told you before. You have to learn yourself, or else your learning doesn't make a difference. I can't tell you what you should be.

But I wish I had your choice.

* looks down quietly and picks up one of Thanguis's swords with his left hand, moving it slightly *

(May if I join in? )

Me: Sure thing. Just be careful. I think the Than-Man is about to snap.

Thanguis: *A deep laugh begins in his throat, then makes its way through smiling teeth.* Surely you see, Diki? The two choices are the same in the end. I am no freer than you. I have fallen into Fate’s arms and know not where she guides me. *Picks up the other sword and fiddles with it in both hands while murmuring,* va shuru…ui va ecru….

Kaida: Moving right back to semantics, I don't see how a seeker of Truth can choose to continue as a monster-*pauses* Oh, I see. You're an existentialist... In that case, it may interest you to know that your pursuit of Truth might be missing the mark aimed as it is.

Thanguis: What mark? Tell me, what ‘truth’ would you have me aim towards?

Kaida: *raises eyebrow* How many truths are there?

Me: What's that?

Vijante: *watches Thanguis pick up the sword**slowly grips his cudgel*

Diki: Fate is a dead lie.

* sets down sword and walks away to some shelves *

Me: *to Lieutenant Mopa* 'va shuru…ui va ecru…' means 'to life...or to death' according to Thanguis's interpretation. He was quoting a book that Diki was looking at earlier.

Thanguis: *Turns head toward Kaida* I meant, rather, to whose interpretation of the truth would you have me turn. Presumably there is only one truth by the very meaning of the word, but it is shrouded and cloaked from our perceptions. The light of the reason of men is weak and does not often penetrate the shroud of 'the truth'. So what light would you have me wield in my seemingly vain pursuit of this 'truth' which hides itself ever from me?

*Turns back to Diki* A liar, perhaps, but definitely not dead. At least not in my experience. *clutches the second sword and gracefully slips them back up under his cloak into what would have to be an upside-down sheath of some kind. There is a slight click, and then he allows his hands to fall to his sides, briefly glancing at Vijante as he does so.*

*Takes a moment to scan the room, which is now seeming crowded compared to the silent hours he had passed there some time before.*

Kaida: He certainly doesn't reveal everything, but Truth isn't hiding from you. *fingers a small book she had in her pocket* If you really seek Truth with no self-imposed qualifications, He won't leave you hanging.

Diki: * begins to look at another book *

Thanguis: He? Now it seems you are personifying the abstract. It seems we have come full circle. Are you now going to tell me what I "need"?

Kaida: No. Only He can tell you that. *flicks through the pages of her little book*