(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

"As always, the question. And the wrong question, as always. You are in the
Mortuary, Restless One. Again you have... come..." before he could finish,
the old man broke out in a fit of coughing. It took a moment for his
breathing to resume its ragged wheeze, "...this is the waiting room for those
about to depart the shadow of this life, where the dead are brought to be
interred or cremated. It is our responsibility as Dustmen to care for the
dead, those who have left this shadow of life and walk the path to True
Death."
His voice dropped in concern, "Your wounds must have exacted a heavy toll
if you do not recognize this place. It is almost your home."
"You..." I swallowed nervously, "You seem to recognize me. Do we know
each other?"
Dhall nodded, "I am Dhall, a scribe, a cataloger of all the shells that come to
this Mortuary," he gave a slight bow, but the movement suddenly sent him
into a bout of coughing. He continued when he was able to steady himself,
"But know you? I..." a bitterness touched his voice, "I have never known
you, Restless One. No more than you have known yourself. You have
forgotten, have you not?”
I nodded.
He sighed, "Then I fear you will never leave this shadow of life."
"You said that before: what exactly do you mean, 'Shadow of Life?'" This
place felt real enough, and despite my scars I walk, breathe, and I could feel
my heart beat, and already I was beginning to feel a bit hungry, despite the
grotesque surroundings.
"Yes, a shadow. You see, Restless One, this life... it is not real. Your life, my
life, they are shadows, flickerings of what life once was. This 'life' is where
we end up after we die. And here we remain... trapped. Caged. Until we can
reach True Death."
I put a hand up to my chest to feel the strong, rhythmic thudding there, as if
to reassure myself, "What makes you think this life isn't real?"
"What makes you think this life is real?" he countered bitterly, "Look inside
yourself. Do you not feel something lacking?" He shook his head, "This is a
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