SlightlyChard's experience July 28

[SlightlyChard]

Though I went solo, only a few personal details were significantly different from my peers. I watched as Cammie and Matt returned, we exchanged concerning glances and Dan backed his car up. He said "Richard? Get in. Do you know who I am?" And because we've never had any exchanges or formal introductions, I said no, but silently assumed it was Dan. I tend to study, listen, observe. He asked I shut off my phone, I powered it down in front of him and was told to keep it in my pocket and to take my damn hat off...(I really liked that hat...and admittedly had pretty ridiculous hair from having to drive with my windows down.) I wore a bag on my head (full blind, velvet and hot) and stayed silent the whole ride there. Dan bitched a bit but we had no exchanges. After parking and escorting me to the door, he made sure to tell me to follow the rules so that I don't get him in more trouble and wished me luck/be careful. Much of the rest plays out like the others. I made my way in, saw the table, cameras and opulens made himself known from behind me. I signed my name, he commented on my signature, I looked the table over and admired the pageantry and effort. opulens commented on my own efforts, stickers and how everyone loves stickers. He asked something right after, but I was considering what to write on my slip, what was most important, and was met with a snide (but valid) comment about paying attention to more than one thing at once. I took my slip and made my way to the stairs. "What I was there for is upstairs." I made my way up, passed the first door...and continued up the next flight. "Interesting choice!" bellowed from below. "Why do you think THAT room has lights and music?" In all honesty, I thought about the handholding and assumption remarks in the past, how I tend to work my way down on my own rounds in empty warehouses and that if they wanted folks fearful, heights was probably a good start." Learn from my flubs. I ADVISE YOU TO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION AND MAKE SAFE CONSCIENTIOUS DECISIONS. They may not hold your hand, but you'll always be shown the way.
The next room was foggy, but not unpleasant. I was led to the center of a sigil. A woman in robes and a mask made of branches made her way into the room and addressed me. I was asked why I was there. I gave my answer. She asked how I felt and honestly said "Parched". My throat was DRY. She alluded that it may be fear. And asked how I felt now that my essence was a part of the room. I responded "may it serve you." I was asked about my paper, what was on it and to speak it with my whole chest. I was given my choices and vocalized it. She seemed pleased. I was told to "leave as I entered" and was (finally) formally introduced to opulens. He was masked. Proper. Gratious. Kind. He mentioned more prizes in store for me. I stated I wasn't in this for prizes and he met that with examples of intrinsic prizes. I was embraced and walked to the door. A few pleaseant and short exchanges were made and Dan collected me again. Another quiet ride back. I saw Matt still parked and Dan stuck around parked next to me long enough to watch me boot my phone up, check my messages and hit my navigation before picking up someone I don't recognize from the forum/exchanges.
DEAR MYSTERY PERSON, SPEAK UP AND BE SEEN!

[opulens]

It was indeed a pleasure to be with you at last.

While I wouldn't normally do this, I'm happy to remind you of what I said;

Existence is a prize - one that not everyone values. It is a gift, like our time together, and our times to come.

And, as I watched you climb higher than anyone else, putting yourself in further danger in search of greater truth, I got a sense of how far you might go, without provocation.

We like you, SlightlyChard.

Blessings.

[SlightlyChard]

It was indeed a pleasure to be with you at last.

While I wouldn't normally do this, I'm happy to remind you of what I said;

Existence is a prize - one that not everyone values. It is a gift, like our time together, and our times to come.

And, as I watched you climb higher than anyone else, putting yourself in further danger in search of greater truth, I got a sense of how far you might go, without provocation.

We like you, SlightlyChard.

Blessings.

Thank you. It was a pleasure and honor to meet you all and partake in this experience. I'm glad you see more than I might lead on. Every step with purpose. Near every word cautiously selected (or omitted).

All my best.
Gratious blessings.

[haleywilde]

Your experience with opulens feels very different from the rest, unless you left something out. Was he not rough with you? Your descriptions fits much more accurately to what I imagined he would be like.

[ToCarp]

[SlightlyChard]

Your experience with opulens feels very different from the rest, unless you left something out. Was he not rough with you? Your descriptions fits much more accurately to what I imagined he would be like.

It would seem I got a much different experience. No omissions of roughness, but not handled with kid's gloves either. I like to think opulens and I often share similar wavelengths. Or at least mutual appreciation/understandings.
Being purpose driven.
Being challenged.
Showing up.

I fucking love this shit

[SlightlyChard]

Adding to my experience, I just received a call from Lamia (by name). I was JUST getting home from work, so it was perfect timing.

She called to say that it was nice to see me in the flesh ("and what wonderful flesh it is"... thank you, I try). But that while reviewing footage they had some concerns...That they'd like to see me stand taller. Confident. I explained that I'm cautious by virtue of my job. To observe. Take things in. She had many lovely compliments on my character and in what they've seen of me so far. And that I'm not irrelevant (tied to my greatest fear) to them.

She led the conversation. She's a woman that speaks with intent. Direct. There was little room for banter, but a casual and confident levity in her tone. I like this about her. She closed with blessings.


To many more chance meets and conversations. I'll be sure to stand a little taller and sure-footed going forward. Thank you.


My advice:

Get involved.
Make efforts and small sacrifices (no need for blood... at least yet).
Be seen.
Speak with your whole chest.
Do so confidently.
Do all things with intent.
Bring the best version of yourself that you're able...and depart better.

Learn to know all, but keep thyself unknown.

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”

Blessings.

[blondie]

Lamia coming in strong with the pep talk, I love this.

She saw you in the flesh? So she was there the other night???

Or did she mean she saw you on the footage?

[acidstads]

It really seems like you especially were treated cordially by both opulens and lamia. I wonder if you will be next to be exiled as far as we know nobody else received a follow up call from lamia. It would track with how cammie received follow up interactions with lamia after her first encounter.

[SlightlyChard]

Lamia coming in strong with the pep talk, I love this.

She saw you in the flesh? So she was there the other night???

Or did she mean she saw you on the footage?

She didn't specify. I didn't get to ask.

[SlightlyChard]

It really seems like you especially were treated cordially by both opulens and lamia. I wonder if you will be next to be exiled as far as we know nobody else received a follow up call from lamia. It would track with how cammie received follow up interactions with lamia after her first encounter.

So long as I'm not the next Dan or Whipping Boy, I'll take their kindness as appreciation and as a prize, with gratitude and respect.

[haleywilde]

She saw you in the flesh? So she was there the other night???

Or did she mean she saw you on the footage?

In the flesh typically means that she was also there...

[Caboose04]

Hello,

Who might you be? :)