Anala Janssen

(Ana Danika Raine)

What’s high school like?

It sucks. Sometimes, I wish I was homeschooled. Then I’d be less self-conscious of my odd eye color and funky birthmark. The redeeming quality school has to offer is the swim team.

Do your eyes really bother you or is it the way everyone treats you because of their color?

The latter. I could get used to the crazy eye design, but I really don’t care much for being an outcast.

What about your birthmark?

I would totally change that if I could. It makes me look like I have some sort of skin disease.

These dreams you keep having, you had to know they weren’t normal. Why haven’t you sought help?

It’s not like I ignore my dreams. I share them with my sister. And, on occasion, I have tried to talk to my mother about them. But seek professional help? I live in a small town. Everyone would know in a nan second and I would become a laughing stock.

 So, you thought you would tackle this alone?

Sure. Why not? I believe there isn’t anything we can’t achieve if we put our minds to it. And besides, we’re talking about dreams, not some life-threatening illness.

Do you honestly believe all the heavy training will help you make a successful stuntwoman in Hollywood?

Why not? I’m good at physical stuff. Kind of a natural. And damn if Ry isn’t excellent at the fighting stuff as well. He’s a great teacher. The training is a means to an end, a basis for a career outside of high school and beyond this place. I really need to escape this dusty town, make my way to someplace with green grass and raging waters.

Did you ever think that your dreams might be calling you to a greater purpose?

Once. And then I quickly dismissed the thought. That the kind of ‘crazy’ you expect to see in a Hollywood file. Greater purpose. Big destiny. (Note: interviewee chuckles)

Dohlan. Dish.

Ohmygosh! I don’t know what’s wrong with me. (Note: interviewee hides her face in her hands) I want him, and at the same time, he scares me to death. Does that even make sense? I know he’s dangerous. I can sense that…feel that. I’m undecided on whether he means me ill will or not. But then, he only exists in my dreams, so he shouldn’t even be a topic in this interview.

What about Ryland?

You know, Crystia tried to get me interested in Ry, but he’s been a best friend far too long for me to think of him in any other way. I just don’t think us, being a couple, is possible. And, I don’t know…I think he might be into the cougar thing. It’s gross, but he might actually be interested in my mom. (Note: interviewee frowns) 

Okay then. Tell me about Jaden.

Jaden. Wow. What is that guys deal? I mean, he seems so familiar and yet I know I’ve never met him before. His arrival at school has turned my world upside down. His presence has turned me into a mess. I keep finding myself staring at him and I don’t want to be staring at him. And then there’s his touch. It sends every molecule in my body into frenzy. That can’t be normal, can it? Oh! And the energy that exists around him, pulling me like gravity toward him. All these things about him are totally messing me up. Confusing me and irritating me. I don’t know what to think of him. Not yet, anyway.

What scares you?

In general? I’m not fond of slimy things and dark places. I can’t really say why, neither should be a big deal, but I don’t like either. But more recently, I’ve come to realize that I fear loss more than anything. I don’t want to lose anyone and, in the end, I don’t want to allow death to win.

Can death be defeated? I’ve always thought death was the one inevitability we can all plan on.

We’ll see. I may have just tasked myself with a new mission. 

What means the most to you?

Family. (Note: interviewee raises a finger) Let me clarify that blood does not necessarily make one family. Family is a connection of the heart and soul. Ry is family, as far as I am concerned. I will do anything for family, even attempt the improbably or impossible.

What would be your favorite thing to do on a day off?

Absolutely nothing. Watch television and lounge around a lot.

Crystia Janssen

(Crystia Lavina Raine)

You appear to have a different approach a life than your sister. How would you describe your approach?

Well, you only live once so I feel like you need to live in the moments. Savor them. Ana can get too caught up in the details.

Both you and Ana have the same condition with your eyes, but you don’t let it bother you as much. How has that worked for you?

It’s a lot about attitude. I don’t care that my eyes are different, so the people around me don’t care. Of course, I don’t have a ‘Skylar’ on my ass.

But you chose to wear contacts and don’t have the very visible birthmark.

Well, yeah, there’s that too. But I really think attitude has a lot to do with the way people perceive Ana and me. She needs to have more confidence in herself. I honestly think things would be different for her had Jeremy not died.

Yes. Tragic. That’s when she met Dohlan, yes?

Yep. She makes him sound like a serious hunk. Clearly, she needs to get some action in the real world and not just at night when she’s sleeping. (Note: interviewee frowns and nods her head)

 You like to volunteer your time working at the Preservation Center. Why?

I love animals! I didn’t realize how much I loved them until I found my cat Oscar. My mother never allowed us to have pets and she never took us to any zoos. I guess I had never thought about it until that day I walked out of the grocery store and saw all the pet cages set up. Oscar was available for adoption and that was it. He came home with me and everything changed. Oscar’s a small cat compared to the cats at the center, but I love them all and know how to work with them. I totally respect them. All of them.

Right. And you think you can hear their thoughts?

I know I can. I bet Ana would hear them too, if she’d ever get her butt over to the center for a visit.

Why do you think you can hear them?

I don’t know. It probably all ties into why Ana and I are different to begin with. Ana liked to pretend she doesn’t see it, but it’s soo obvious to me. Our eyes, our speed, our grace. I don’t want to say that we are better than others. It’s not that. Just different. 

Have you ever tried to talk to your mother about this ability?

Queen shut down? Yeah, right. It’s like a wall goes up if the subject is even hinted at. I learned early on not to bother trying to get answers out of her.

Don’t you want to know what you are?

Sure, I do. But mom’s not the answer. I believe all things will reveal themselves in proper time. I can be patient.

That’s big of you.

Thanks.

Do you worry about what the future has in store for you?

What’s the point? It’s all written, isn’t it? I think I read that somewhere. And if the course of history is already determined, what can I do to change any of that? I really only worry for the people I love. I don’t want to see any harm come to them.

Kaia Camilla Raine

You live in an alternate state, a dream state, in which only Ana can see you, correct?

Yes. I have been stuck in this in-between state for a long time.

When you say ‘stuck’, what has you stuck there?

Well…it’s unique to my sisterly bond. It’s a cross between the warrior share, my father’s Fae gift, and the orientation of the Balance Bringer. Through the blood, I have been passed to Ana where I will remain until released.

Released?

You don’t want to get into that right now, do you? Ask me again when you’ve put more of the story behind you. (Note: interviewee smirks)

So, let me get this straight. You never actually knew Ana while you were alive?

No, I died before her birth. I never got the opportunity to venture to the outer world. 

You often help Ana. Guide her, train her. Why?

She’s my blood. And…well…I only want to see her succeed.

Succeed at what?

Her destiny, of course. And destroying Lady Dreya, of course.

 Wow. That’s harsh. Harboring a little anger for Lady Dreya?

Dreya has cast the land into ruin. She’s destroyed countless lives, thrown nature out of balance…which I might point out affects the balance of peace and harmony in the outer world. And, Dreya killed my father. So, yes, I don’t care much for her person.

How do you feel about Ana being the key, the core of the Balance Bringer? Didn’t you think you might have been the one when you were born?

I had overheard whispers, gossip within the castle, that had led me to believe I was. Clearly, they were wrong. Even though I am the better fighter and warrior. Without me, Ana is mediocre at best. I give her my abilities every single day.

It sounds like you’re jealous.

A little bit.

Growing up, you didn’t have the telling eyes and hair color of the prophesized three. How can that be?

Hmm. (Note: interviewee nods) My parents had the old mystic wrap me in magic to mask my identifying features. They also robbed me from being special.

They gave you the gift of a normal life. A life they thought would be safe and long. They loved you.  

That didn’t work out so well, did it? Normal lives are over rated. They made me stupid and weak and look what it got me. Dead.

I’m sure your death had nothing to do with the fact your hair or eye color was masked.

(Note: interviewee shrugs)

You sound angry about your death?

Definitely. Another reason Dreya needs to be crushed.

 Okay. … Anything in particular you fear?

Look at me. I’m already dead. What could I possibly fear? (Note: interviewee is noticeably irritated)

Oh, I don’t know. I suspect there could be something, somewhere. … How about desires, wishes?

(Note: interviewee’s demeanor thaws) To know love once more.

Ryland Maitias Cale

(Ry Norde Sorlonte Raine)

How do you feel about being so far from home?

It’s not easy but it’s where I need to be. I have family here. Nerine and the girls need me. And, as it turns out, this world is alright…once you get past the trivial high school stuff that comes with my cover.

Were you forced to leave any loved ones behind?

(Note: interviewee has closed off his demeanor by crossing his arms and leaning away) It’s no secret that Immortal warriors are trained not to show nor be influenced by emotions and emotional ties. My mother, my sisters, were with me. Marduk was not my father. My father died in battle many years before Kaia’s birth.

What’s it like pretending to be a teenager and secretly guiding Ana?

The teenage thing feels a bit silly to me but it what I do. It’s the job and they best way to be involved in Ana’s life. She is my blood and the key. I’ll do anything required to protect her.

Did you ever wish you’d been born to another clan other than the warrior clan?

Nope. I’m proud to be a warrior, just as I suspect the other clans are proud in their various talents and trades.

 You mentioned Marduk earlier. What were your feelings toward him?

At first, I was rather upset when he announced his engagement to my mother. He’s not a warrior and warrior should join with warrior. Over time tough, my respect in him was restored. Even more so. His is stronger in mind and resolution than most of his kind. It makes sense that the Balance Bringer would be of his blood. 

What were your feelings regarding your half-sister Kaia?

I harbor too much regret where Kaia is concerned. I should have somehow foreseen what was to come. I should have been prepared and present to better protect her. I still don’t understand what she was doing out there on her own. I won’t allow history to repeat itself.

How about Crystia?

She’s a pistol, isn’t she? I wish we could change history. A part of me is glad I wasn’t there that night. I would have done anything to protect her, save her. And yet, I know that it’s written that both Crystia and Kaia had to die in order for Ana to succeed. I just… (interviewee rubs his forehead and shakes his head) …wish I understood why.

Can you tell me a little bit about what it’s like to be an Immortal warrior?

It’s the greatest honor to be born unto the clan. To harness all this strength and speed, it’s not to be taken lightly.

Tell me about the warrior memory share.

The share. (Note: interviewee smirks) The memory share gives us warriors a fabulous advantage in the field. Being able to access the memories of every ancestor, their experience on the field of battle…just think of the possibilities.

Is it only battle information that you share, and must the ancestor be deceased?

Only information pertaining to war and battle is wired into the warrior shared matrix. All private memories are their own. A warrior need not be deceased, but it does, for some reason, make it easier to access memories.

 What’s it like being so close to Nerine every day and yet keeping your distance for appearance sake?

Nerine and I have been playing this charade for a long time, having slowly worked our way up to this point. I guess you could say, I’ve grown accustom to the situation and I find myself often thinking of her more as Nerine, Ana’s mother, than as my own mother. It’s all part of the cover to keep Ana safe. She is, after all, the priority.

What are your feelings about keeping so many secrets from Ana?

Personally, I think she’s old enough to know the truth. She’s coming into her own and I think it’s time, if not past the time, that she be told. She’ll be better prepared if she knows what’s coming. But Nerine has the last word and I can’t undermine her authority.

What did you think of Jaden and Ana’s reaction to him the first time they met?

I quickly realized he wasn’t an outworlder. His speech was a tad off and then there was Ana’s reaction, so unlike her. But I didn’t want to jump to conclusions. Of course, I was curious. I kept a close eye on him. For all I knew, he was an agent of Dreya.

What would you most like to see happen?

I want to see Ana fulfill her destiny and heal all the lands.

Do you have any fears or concerns?

Not really. (Note: interviewee appears over confident)

Jaden Vidente

(Jaden of the Augur)

What was it like growing up without your parents?

Truth be, I was rather young when my parents were lost. I hardly remember a time when we were a family. The life I had with the clan was all I knew and for me, it was normal. Most of us were the same in our status as orphans and or outcasts.

How did you feel being the only one in the Augur Clan without an obvious and predominate gift for so many years?

I was jealous of my fellow clan members. Definitely felt lonely, lacking a clear gift like the others. Some of the family treated me different and that didn’t go unnoticed.

What was it like when your gift eventually manifested?

No one believed me when I first started to experience that something was different. Some thought I was making it up in an attempt to fit in. Only my mother believed in me at the start.

Your mother? You are referring to your adoptive mother?

Yes. She took Azure and me in when our parents pasted. She has always been loving and supportive, helping us transition from youth into adulthood.

 Can you expand on how it felt, for you personally, when your gift developed?

I was somewhat terrified. I hadn’t a clue what was happening. I only knew that I was having new, unfamiliar feelings, and I was also seeing things that didn’t make sense to me. Things not of my world. Mother helped me understand what I was experiencing. She taught me how to handle the new feelings and sensations. Block them, should I choose. Of course, blocking myself from the experiences would defeat the whole purpose now, wouldn’t it?

Your particular gift is far more demanding than the gifts of the other Augur Clan members. Were you ever resentful of your gift and, thus, lot in life?

No. (Note: interviewee demonstrates hesitation) Okay, maybe for a short while…when I was young. The gifts of other clan members seemed far more useful and all I had to offer where the emotions and experiences of a young girl a world away. I had yet to understand the importance of my place and come to see the beauty in the soul of my charge.

How did you know when it was time to leave the clan in favor of finding the Balance Bringer?

It started as a tickle around the core of my being and the longer I ignored the sensation, the stronger the pull became to leave and find her.

What was it like stepping into the outer world for the first time?

To say I was anxious is probably an understatement. For years, I had experienced the outer world through her eyes. I thought I was ready. Thought I knew what to expect. But as much as I had received from her in the way of emotions and sensations, I had yet to experience what it would be like to exist in her presence, within her field of energy. I had been told the pull would be strong. Extreme would have been a better word choice.

You knew Ryland Norde Sorlonte Raine was with the Balance Bringer. Did his presence worry you?

I am not going to lie. I had concerns. I knew he would be leery of anyone from home. He is protective and that is a good thing. Especially where she is concerned. And as serious as Immortal warriors may be, I’ve heard that bound warriors are far more intense. His presence was one of the reasons I choose to work my way into her life the way I did—Slowly working my way into her life through school, while at the same time diffusing her school enemy from further attacks.

And Ana, were you worried about meeting her for the first time?

I had watched Ana from a far for so long. I was anxious to move forward but had to be smart about how I managed that task since she appeared to know nothing of her truth. For reasons I still fail to understand, her mother had kept the truth from her. I was afraid that hearing the truth from me would scare her away. Plus, she had feelings for another. Sometimes, still does. That’s something we need to work through, get past. I have faith in us. I love her strength of mind, body, and spirit. That strength will take her far.

You said she had feelings for another. Are you speaking of Dohlan?

I am. He found her a few years before I received the pull to go to her. Dohlan should never be underestimated. He is rather smart and had managed to successfully play on her weaknesses.

In regard to your gift and birth-given destiny, what means the most to you?

Ana’s happiness.

At the price of her destiny?

Yes. I want to help her achieve her gods-given destiny, but not if it will cost her life or eternal happiness.

Doesn’t that go against the purpose for which you are supposed to use your gift?

(Note: interviewee sighs) I’m not actually sure. It’s quite possible that my reason for being connected to her is to watch out for her inner satisfaction and happiness. If that is bound to accomplishing her given destiny, then I am all in. But maybe it is her job to push toward that destiny while I am meant to help her maintain a balance between caring for the worlds and caring for herself.

What is your biggest fear?

Failing my gift and Ana.

Skylar Sigrah

I noticed that you have a rather low opinion of Ana. Why do you dislike her so?

Seriously? Why are we talking about her? (Note: interviewee sighs, tosses her hair, pops her hip to the side) Fine. I don’t dislike Ana. Honestly, I don’t even give her much thought. She’s a rather sad misfortune, with her ugly mark, undecided eye color, and total lack of confidence.

That response infers you have a low opinion of her.

Whatever. (Note: interviewee glanced at her friends) I hear she’s good for our school swim team.

Can we talk about the sophomore dance? I heard that you and your friends were rather horrible to Ana and her date that night.

(Note: interviewee ruffles) Can we not talk about that night? The school lost a great athlete that night.

You mean Jeremy. Yes. Was he anything more than a great athlete to you?

No (Note: interviewee laughed and waved the question off. I don’t believe her response.)

So, you don’t deny treating Ana poorly that night of the dance?

(Note: interviewee feigns shock) We were just having a spot of fun. The poor girl doesn’t know how to relax, let loose. Seriously, can’t take a joke.

That’s not the way I heard things. Your fun sounded nothing of the sort, nor like a joke.

Rumors. They’re fed with lies. You must know that?

The thing that happened between Ana and Jaden at school the other day…

Jaden’s such a sweetie, helping her like he did. Ana can be such a basket case.

You don’t think there was anything more to it than that? Simply helping a girl in trouble?

(Note: interviewee scoffs) Of course not. Hello, he’s with me.

Okay. Tell me how the two of you met.

(Note: interviewee glances to her friends) It was so unbearably hot that day. You wouldn’t believe how hot it was. Paige and I (Note: interviewee glances at friends, again) were at the weekly market, killing time. We had plans to meet up with Trevor, Josh, and Dale and go swimming. I was already wearing my bikini. Of course, I had my cute short shorts on for walking the mart.

Anyway, Paige and I were somewhere around the bounce house. We were discussing something, making some kind of plans, I can’t completely recall. I just know that I wasn’t paying complete attention to where I was walking for that reason. One minute, Paige and I were giggling and the next, this big hunky guy walks into me. Totally accidental, of course. But that was it. Once I got a good look at him, and well, he at me, it was a done deal. I knew we were destined to become an item. And as you can see, here we are.

So, you don’t believe he might have had eyes for another before your chance meeting?

No! What are you inferring? That he was moving in on the flower booth and crazy-eyed Ana? Not a chance. (Note: interviewee narrows her gaze on me and then motions to her friend – Paige, I presume) Let’s go. (Note: interviewee rudely ended the interview by walking away)

Brenda Young

(Bree)

You found Ana in the girl’s bathroom, ditching class after her run in with the new guy, did you not?

I did. Yeah. It really took me by surprise, considering.

Considering what?

Considering Ana. You know. She has always been rather quiet, keeping to her super small core of friends, but she has always seemed so put together and on top of things. Not the type to go against the rules and ditch a class. Not that I have a problem with it. Any of it.

Based on your assessment of Ana, would it be fair to say that she is someone you’ve paid attention to throughout your school years?

(Note: interviewee presses her lips together and rubs her neck) Not in any kind of stalker way, if that’s what you are inferring. The first time I saw her at school she caught my attention. There was…is…something about her that mesmerizing to me. I used to think it was her blonde hair, but I was pretty young then and I don’t think that anymore. And it’s not like I’m attracted to her in that way, because I’m not. So, don’t even think that. (Note: interviewee appears agitated)

 How long have you known Ana?

I’ve known of Ana since kindergarten. We’ve always attended the same schools. Of course, it’s not like there are a lot of options around here. (Note: interviewee rolls her eyes)

You’ve known Ana since kindergarten, and have you always found her mesmerizing? Then and now?

Okay, maybe mesmerizing was the wrong word to use. It’s hard to explain, though. (Note: interviewee waves her hands in front of her) You see, I’ve always felt a little off, different from the other kids. I couldn’t seem to make myself fit in. I saw something similar in Ana and yet, I never tried to connect with her because she scared me.

Scared you? Why?

Because, I get the strangest feelings when it comes to her. It’s like…it’s like we’re supposed to be doing something together. Something weighty. Something dangerous. Sounds crazy, right?

Have you always gotten strong feelings about the people you meet?

Yeah. I guess. When I was little, my father told me to trust my gut and, generally, that works well for me. It’s definitely kept me out of all the stupid drama at school. But, where Ana is concerned, my gut gets all kind of crazy and I’ve not experienced anything quite like it. Although, (Note: interviewee leans in and whispers) there are a few people I’ve run into that I don’t think belong here.

What do you mean? Here, in this town?

No. I mean like, here in this world. Maybe their aliens for something. (Note: interviewee uses her fingers to imitate antennas raising out of her head)

Is Ana one of those that gives off that feeling of not belonging?

Most definitely. Her mother and sister, too. Somethings definitely off about the whole lot of them. There’re a few others in town and whether Ana knows it or not, they tend to linger in her outer orbit.

 What do you mean by ‘outer orbit’?

Well, a few of them, like her hot friend Ryland and the new guy…I don’t know his name yet…have obviously made contact. But there are others that I’ve seen with her mother, watching Ana from a distance, while never coming into contact with her. At least, not that I ever witnessed.

Very curious.

Right? I totally agree. Anyway, (Note: interviewee glances down the corridor) if there isn’t anything else, I need to go.

Nerine Janssen

Nerine Norde Sorlonte Raine

Why do you hide the truth from your daughter Ana?

In order to protect her. She’s better off not knowing the hardships of the world we left behind.

Aren’t you tired of pretending?

Yes, of course. But I do so in order to keep my girls safe. They are all that matters. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for them.

Don’t you worry that Ana will be upset when she learns the truth?

She’s my daughter. She can learn to deal with the truth should that come to pass.

(Note: interviewee crosses her arm. I believe my question has made her uncomfortable)

She’s coming of age. It will soon be time to return and fulfill her destiny. Are you ready?

Maybe. Who says the destiny legend of the Balance Bringer is true? It was written an extremely long time ago.

You don’t believe in your daughter’s destiny?

I believe in my daughter and I will always put her before any dangerous task the world things she should bare.

I see. … Living a world away from Marduk must be hard. It’s hard being a single parent in this ‘outer’ world.

It was incredibly hard at the start. His communication stopped years ago and I was forced to come to terms with what that most likely means. I live now for my children. They are here, with me, and I see no reason to return to our home of old.

You have nature skills as an Immortal Warrior and yet you decided to sell flowers instead of apprehending bad guys as private investigator or police officer.

Anything that used my warrior skills and senses would be too noticeable for anyone looking for me and the girls. I chose to tap into my latent talent with greenery. There was an old family tale that the Bringer blood in our line enhances certain abilities. Such as working with flowers. I guess the existence of Anala proves that theory correct.

Dohlan Marsoun

How did you first meet Ana?

I felt her blood sing to with undeniable clarity one night. She was in extreme duress and that made it relatively easy to enter her dreams when she slept.

Is it true that you had been searching for her already, prior to that night?

Yes. Dreya requested I find the girl. I never expected what I would find or where I would find her. Ana is full of surprises. 

She was an assignment for you, then? But you have developed feelings where she is concerned?

It’s complicated.

That’s a short answer. Would you care to expand on that?

No. (Note: interviewee appears pleased to have left me hanging without a clear answer)

Okay. … Tell me about yourself.

I am more powerful than you can imagine.

That’s ominous. What makes you so powerful?

Death. Death made me what I am. When Dreya used her magic to pluck me from the other side of the veil I became what you see now. I cannot die, even if I may long for death’s embrace…as I did before I met Ana.

Why did finding Ana change that for you?

Because of the way her blood sang to me. When I heard the harmony, I knew that it was at her side that I belonged.

I’m sorry, what?

(Note: interviewee lifts a brow)

So, if you can’t die, what are you then?

Wouldn’t you like to know? I’m not even sure I know exactly what I was before I ended my existence. Now I am an abomination. A demon existing within the shell of the man I once was. I demon that will suck the life and soul from your very being while you dream. Oops. (Note: interviewee wickedly smirks) Seems I let it slip.

Let what slip? That you kill people through the use of dreams? How do you do that exactly?

Sex is my preferred weapon of choice. It’s much more fun for both parties involved. At least, I think it’s more enjoyable than taking up the blade. Although, when the blade is involved, they usually don’t see me coming and it’s over in seconds.

What fears do you have that a potential victim could use against you?

(Note: interviewee shakes a finger at me) Wouldn’t you like to know. A lord of my stature doesn’t have the luxury of fear.

(Note: interviewee is far too boastful. Clearly, he is attempting to mask something, be it doubt or fear or something else)

Dreya Etheonia Raine

Why did you attack your brother’s kingdom and seek to overthrow his rule?

He needed to know I meant the promise I had made to him so many years prior. Had he behaved and stayed far from me and my chosen existence, I would have left him be. The fall of his house is on him. His actions were the catalyst stirring me into action. By taking his kingdom and besting him in battle, he could not deny my superiority.

What did Marduk do that was so wrong?

Let’s just say, that it is his fault that I am who and what I am. He wronged me, most horribly.

Wronged you how? Why do you hate your brother Marduk so much?

Mardy Mardy Mardy. He can do nothing wrong. (Note: interviewee sounds sarcastic) Mother always did love him more, and he ler her manipulate him into an unrecognizable monster. Father, too. She turned them all against me.

Did you know it was supposed to be me? (Note: interviewee now notably irritated) I was supposed to rule, not him. I have a better mind for what needs to be done. Marduk was too soft. Too easy and kind. Except when he should have been. (Note: interviewee demonstrates a hint of hesitation. A moment of thought, of softening)

 Why continue to dominate the region through fear and scare tactics?

Because I can. And because, life has taught me that no one may be trusted unless they fear you above all things.

I’ve heard rumors regarding Dohlan. What possessed you to do such a horrible thing to him?

What happened to Dohlan is his own fault. He shouldn’t have tried to end his life. I understood what he was going through. I had once experienced similar emotions and I knew I could help him. Mend him. If only he hadn’t been so pathetically weak. He broke my heart, leaving me the way he did. (Note: interviewee falls silent. Thoughtful)

I guess, what I did was an act of desperation. But I would do it again. I couldn’t let him die then and I feel the same way now.  

Why are you so focused on Ana? Why do you want to destroy her?

Because she is her father’s daughter and I made him a promise long ago. Plus, if there is even a drop of truth in that stupid prophecy, I can’t take the chance she’ll undo all my accomplishments. She needs to be undone.

Any fears you are willing to share?

You think yourself too bold, asking me to reveal any fears. I shall never confide any such thing in you.

Alright. … How about your greatest desire?

(Note: interviewee’s face has turned stone-like) Desires are too closely married to fears. Why would you persist with such unacceptable questions? This interview is over.