Field operation: FW_0021_DRSV
Video File: FW_0021_DRSV_039
Video Record Date: 23rd Jan 20XX
Transcript 7: Estimated between Jan 22nd and 23rd, 20XX
Participants: Dr. Sundaram, Fae Entity Proctor and Fae Entity [REDACTED]

Notes: 
Following is the transcript of a video recorded by Dr. Sundaram to document his conversation with the Fae entity known as the ‘Proctor’ as he seeks to learn more about his condition and upcoming changes. The video recording was retrieved when the pod was automatically returned back through the portal on [DATE REDACTED] with the last of Sundaram’s possessions. 

This is the first recording where the Fae entity [REDACTED] - designated henceforth as ‘Quadcauda’- was spotted in the background. Based on this development, the previous video recordings were re-examined and it was discovered that the entity was also present in at least 19 or the 38 recordings. In all recordings, the entity can be observed staring directly into the camera. Unusually, each time the recording is viewed, the entity seems to be in a different position and location within the frame - but almost always outside of Sundaram’s view. 

Given the nature of Quadcauda, all future recordings are to be reviewed only by personnel cleared up to B2 class or higher. The videos are to be transcribed by machine description as far as possible, with any D4 class and below staff being memory wiped of the task after corrections/verification.

Transcription:

(The video starts facing Dr. Sundaram. His features have changed since the last appearance, having grown a rather thick beard along his chin and cheeks, while his hair is reaching his shoulders. It is to be noted his eye color has changed from brown to a dark shade of red. In the background one can see that he is in a forested area. The camera is then set down on a rock, facing a clearing and camp site. 

A small fire has been setup along with a crude grill upon which some of the Doctor’s rations are being cooked. To the right of the frame, the Proctor can be seen lounging against a heavy log, his hoofed feet outstretched towards the fire. Doctor Sundaram adjusts the camera slightly before turning to sit across the fire from the Proctor)

Proctor (his accent is observed to be vaguely similar to greek as he looks to the camera curiously, scratching his beard): “I still do not understand your...thing....“ 

(Proctor can be observed pointing to the camera as Sundaram sits cross-legged by the fire, bringing his palms up to the flame.)

Sundaram: “It is a...tool. A way to preserve our conversation, in a way that others may see and hear in the future.”

(Proctor looks to the Camera, then to Sundaram)

Proctor: “I do not like it...but I understand why you would want to use it.”

Sundaram: “Should anyone come after me...I do not think I want them to make the same mistakes I did. I would like them to learn from me.”

(Proctor looks across to Sundaram now, his gaze meeting the doctor’s for a moment before falling to the fire. He draws up his knees and gives a soft bow of the head)

Proctor: “For what it is worth, I am sorry. It is...sometimes easy to forget you are foreigners, beholden to rules from another land instead of this one.”

Sundaram: “You need not worry, it was a potential risk that was known ahead of time. I came here knowing I may not go home the same, just like those before me. What is important is to learn from this though...to understand it fully.”

(There is a short pause now as Sundaram leans forward to pull some of the cooked meat from the fire).

Sundaram: “It is probably our fault, anyway...some of the others that came before were not exactly the talkative type. They learnt more by doing than asking first.”

Proctor: “It is understandable. Ask your questions, then. I suspect you have many.”

Sundaram: “Well, the first is…what are the rules of the land? I would like to know what I am now beholden to.”

(There is a pause now as Proctor seems to consider this, before offering with the wave of a hand)

Proctor: “All the rules of all the Fae of this land comes down to a single rule that the land enforces upon us, that it does not on your world: Words have power. This is why you or I cannot lie anymore - for to do so is to devalue the power of your words, which the land will not allow. 

It is from this root that all other laws are made or derived. Your name is a word that has ultimate power over you, thus you must guard it with great secrecy. You must never give agreement or promise easily, as the power of your words will force and compel you to fulfill your obligations. 

For the moment at least, no other words or laws seem to rule over you - but this is because unlike myself or others, you have not sworn your fealty to another Fae and thus bound by their rules. It is perhaps fortunate that you have met me, for the rules of my patron are slack and they are more curious of you strangers than exploitative.”

(The Proctor pauses, eyeing the fire - and continues just as Sundaram seems about to speak.) 

“There are others though, that would seek to trick you with actions or words, to force exchanges to make you feel obligated to them and to agree. Sometimes even trespassing can force this. Your best defense is silence and disagreement - or the benefit of a patron that you would trust with your life implicitly.”

Sundaram: “Patrons...are they selected by any...factor? Any particular trait?”

(The Proctor shakes his head)

Proctor: “They are the oldest fae - or the oldest that have survived; the ones that made the ones after them make promises to them - promises that are purposely worded to run down bloodlines and bloodlines. There are a couple that are outsiders like yourself - come here at random times, who had no promises to anyone here and thus poised themselves to create new structures. There are others that were tricksters, outplaying the old ones here.

Yet others - like my Patron, the Great Tree of the Silver Moon Clearing - are those that have communed so close with the land to essentially have made their promises to it are thus immune to making promises to lesser Fae, due to the priority of their word with the land.”

Sundaram: “This is...interesting...and it explains so much. It explains why you were - and are so cautious with your words...the tricksters and the promises of the previous subjects.” 

Proctor: “You are only beholden to the first, most primal layer of rules. There is another layer to be wary of. Each court or ruler will implement their own rules, which those that are beholden to them are obliged to follow. 

For others, the very concept of consent is something that can be different than speaking - for instance, for Faeries dancing with them is considered a form of ascent and consent - and in their movements they can bind you in contracts you would never know about until too late. It is why the most powerful word you can say around them is always ‘ no’. Even if you dance, as long as you repeat it, you are verbally expressing your power to disagree, to not consent in a way you understand it.”

(Proctor pauses again, stroking his chin in thought)

Proctor: “In fact, ‘No’ is a very powerful word by itself. Many Fae will seem to be offended by it - but be aware, this is an act. This is a way for them to trick you into agreeing - and thus laying the foundations of powerful traps built with mazes of words.”

(Sundaram brings his hands to his head now, rubbing his temples in thought as he looks to the fire)

Sundaram: “and here I am, a man of healing, in the land of the lawyer’s heaven, where any action can be legally binding, enforced by the laws of the world itself.”

Proctor: “What is a law...yer?”

Sundaram: “Apparently, a lot closer to a fae than devils. They are...people in my world, that dabble in law and words, their meanings and arguments and contracts. At least as much as one can in the world where people are only bound by their conscience, instead of the land itself.”

Proctor: “Oh…I...cannot imagine a world like that. That...sounds terrible, yet so freeing. There is no consequence if you lie?”

Sundaram: “Only social. But...even those can be avoided, with enough skill, luck or power. There is nothing binding like what we see here.”

Proctor: “What would prevent you from lying all the time? How does your society even function? It seems like it’s a place that’s built very...flimsy.”

Sundaram: “Through a mountain of lies and truths and half-truths, it works...somehow. My next question is a bit more...personal.”

Proctor: “Ah...you are wondering what you are going to change into…”

Sundaram: “And I’m also wondering why, to be honest. Why does the land change those who come here?”

Proctor: “This, I do not know I am afraid. Nor do I know what you will change into. All I know is that you will change in time and it will be into something that is more a reflection of your true self. Have you noticed any changes yet?”
Sundaram: “Not yet. I mean...besides the beard. But I haven’t shaved in the week since I was here, so it could just be that. Though beards don’t normally grow this fast.”

(The Proctor remains silent for a long moment now, staring at Sundaram as he considers)

Proctor “Your eyes have changed color. They were brown before. They are red now.” 

(Sundaram seems alarmed and surprised. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a hand mirror, looking at himself. He is observed to frown, studying his eyes in the reflection)

(POST-REVIEW COMMENT: It is noted at this time that Fae Entity Quadcauda was spotted in the background of the clearing on one of the branches for approximately 4 seconds before disappearing into the canopy)

Sundaram: “So it seems - though that is recent. I didn’t notice this today morning...hmm...red eyes. They still seem human, though.”

Proctor: “The changes will be gradual, your facial hair growth is not an incident.”

Sundaram: “Is there any way to find out what I am turning into? You mentioned it would be a truer reflection of myself - can you elaborate?”

Proctor: “It is about what defines you. Your earlier colleagues were turned into other things that reflected more of their sins than their virtues - a balance they clearly had not achieved in their mortal lives before coming here. I suspect the opposite will be true for you. Your actions and words suggest to me a man of compassion and empathy. 

A selfless being that gives himself to others to heal and better. In some ways this would have been your downfall - but the land is forgiving of those that have such virtues. Whatever you are turning into...the fact that you came here, to me, instead of those that would hurt or abuse you...luck is on your side, Doctor - as is this land. Do not fear what you will become, Doctor - instead fear more from where you came, for those that do not have shackles will always want to abuse those that do.”

(Sundaram nods)

Sundaram: “I…”

(There is a long pause now as Sundaram considers his words carefully. He opens his mouth several times, before finally nodding to The Proctor)

Sundaram: “I...understand. I think. Should I be thanking you? Would those words imply I am in debt to you? What do you do to express gratitude without endebting yourself?”
Proctor: “I overheard you saying ‘thank you’ to your colleague. Do not say that. Ever. It is the first behavior you must unlearn. In truth, there is no need - a mere exchange of goodbyes is sufficient. If you must exchange pleasantries - the best thing to do is to make sure any statement concludes and ends the interaction then and there itself or at the very least imply that a mutual transaction has been completed. So in our case, you could say you appreciate the mutually shared time and information, but must depart.”

Sundaram: “I understand….

(There is a long pause now as Sundaram moves to stand, giving a bow to the Proctor). 

Sundaram: “I appreciate the mutually shared time we have spent together and this concluded exchange of information.”

(The Proctor can be observed grinning as he nods)

Proctor: “Good, you are learning. We’ll make a fae out of you yet.”

Sundaram: “I cannot help but be apprehensive - but I suppose we shall see. Goodbye, Proctor.”

Proctor: “So we shall see. Goodbye, Doctor.”