Ianiae

The History of Ianiae

In an area of Cloudsbreak known as Yakibar Yonder, there was a great philosopher, scientist, poet, and teacher named Sky Saw. Long before the first in our village began to dream, he was regarded as the most respected elder known to any of us. He was also my mentor and trusted friend. When those in Yakibar Yonder began to dream, Sky Saw began to study the dream from the outside. He never learned to dream himself, yet he had many great theories on the dream, why people dreamed, and even how people could learn to dream. He studied the earthbound vessels of dreamers while in the dream state. He studied the chemical changes in their bodies, and in their brains, in an attempt to formulate an artificial means by which one, otherwise unable, could enter the dream.

I was Sky Saw's first and only test subject for induced entry into the dream. He would introduce his homemade preparations into my system by way of chemical vapors I breathed while in deep meditation.

My first experiences of the dream were very cloudy. I could often see and hear events, yet I could not participate. Other dreamers seemed hardly aware of my presence. It was as if I were dreaming of the dream, not in it. When things first "cleared" for me, it was if I had suddenly sprung into existence. When I reached this stage, the chemicals were no longer needed; I was a true dreamer.

This would have been an amazing breakthrough for those on Cloudsbreak who were still unable to dream. Tragically, Sky Saw never got to see his discovery bloom. Before he could make refinements to his system, he met with a terrible accident. The rail on his third floor balcony gave way to his weight as he leaned on it one morning. The fall left him in a coma, and with injuries to render him likely paralyzed should he ever come to consciousness.

And now, I must find a way to understand his work. First, for its importance to the people of Cloudsbreak. Second, and most dear to my heart, for the opportunity to again offer Sky Saw a life. I don't know what is left of his brain, or his spirit, but I live in hope that I can bring him into the dream, even from his state of coma. I spend much of my waking time by his side, tending his needs, talking to him, and sometimes administering the chemical vapors, as best I can recreate them, in hopes I may meet up with him in the dream.

Many tell me my attempts are futile. Many suppose that I would have dreamed anyway, and that Sky Saw's work did not help me. I pray that they are wrong.