( introduction, text ) 18th of april, 2011.

[silenthillyways.livejournal.com]

It's taken me a week, but I believe I have this little machine nearly figured out. The letters are familiar enough, but this is no printing press I've ever seen. Not in my wildest dreams could I imagine mankind would come so far - reading each other's words, almost at the speed of thought!

My name is Daniel, and that is the sum of what I know. Not too long ago, I was a dead man, hunted by something beyond even the basest comprehension. Even now, I catch myself looking over my shoulder at the slightest sound. Sleep is an impossibility, and there is a weariness in my bones I fear may never mend itself.

I cannot possibly repay the debt I owe for this chance I've been given to live yet again, and make a life anew in this wondrous city. Not a day passes that I am not left in awe, and every building here is a testament to the sheer ability of man to create. It reduces me to a Neanderthal in this civilized world. It is a unique, and frightening prospect: with no memory, not a speck of recognition in this world, I am forced into a most literal rebirth.

Yet, the thing which vexes me most is the title hero. I've been told that I can ignore my duty here with no repercussions, and yet, how can I not have been brought from my inevitable grave for some higher purpose than simply to exist once again? Why am I here? Am I meant to recreate myself as a better man?

Or am I seeing meaning where there is none?

[TL;DR FOR THE AUDIENCE AT HOME: DANIEL TALKS ABOUT HIS LIFE AND NO1CURR.]

Comments

[goryteller]

Yes, right. That's me. [He debates, briefly, telling him that the Porter will one day send him home, but--] You really sound like you're settling in!

[silenthillyways.livejournal.com]

It fascinates me. I'm told I was an anthropologist, once, and even still the thought of being the only man from my time to see this place is exhilarating. As though I've stumbled upon an entire hidden world. I hardly know where to begin learning.

That, and it is very bright. [The most important part.]

[goryteller]

You were told?

[silenthillyways.livejournal.com]

That is a... very long story. Or - I suppose the more appropriate word is short. My past self saw fit to erase my memories. You could say I've lived here longer than the single day I remember before the City.

[goryteller]

Why would you...?

[Beat.]

Sorry. I'm-- I'm sorry. You'd think I'd be better about avoiding that sort of question. You've obviously had a difficult time.

[silenthillyways.livejournal.com]

It's no fault of yours, I assure you, there's no need to apologize. He left me with at least the knowledge that it was his choice to forget.

It's merely a more extreme version of the ordeal any imPort faces, isn't it? To have to rebuild one's life.

[goryteller]

Yes. [Pause.] My name is Katurian, by the way. I can't remember if I've told you yet.

[silenthillyways.livejournal.com]

No, you hadn't, I was just about to ask it. You already know mine - and most else I can offer about me.

Have you been in the City long? [genuine curiosity - plus wanting to know how much else he can ask, of course.]

[goryteller]

I've been here in and out. Over a year now. [Hesitation.] You are seeking meaning where there is none, by the way. We don't have any greater purpose being here.

[silenthillyways.livejournal.com]

I had a suspicion it was so, but I'd hoped that playing with a force like death wouldn't be meaningless. Too much to ask for, I see now.