There is a large plain room with a single table and two chairs sitting opposite of each other. Seeing nothing better to do, You take a seat in one of the chairs. A few seconds later there is a bright flash of light and when you can see again there are two figures standing in front of you just on the other side of the table. You notice the first figure first because let's be honest, who wouldn't notice a giant black cat so massive that its head is bigger than your own torso? It stands on four legs and a pelt so black it seems to swallow the light surrounding it. You notice it has a metal band on its ear with intricate patterns engraved into its polished surface.

You finally notice the second person, and this time you are sure it is a person. He stands at an average height and looks rather young in a set of wizard robes, pointed hat, and a gnarled wooden staff. The man is far from normal though since he has a long gray beard that is clearly fake from the elastic twine holding the hair somewhat securely to his face.

The man makes eye contact with you and smiles. "Oh good! You're here. I didn't expect you to be here so early."

The cat absently scratches its ears with one of its hind legs and you hear a voice echoing through the air. It sounds youthful, but at the same time, sonorous and intimidating. Also clearly Male. "I was afraid we would be waiting for a while. I have dungeons to build and magical spells to practice. I am a busy cat after all."

you are trembling, but it's not from fear. Quite the opposite in fact. You're shivering with excitement. "Holy crap! Your Ebony, aren't you? This is so cool! I've always wanted to meet you!"

Ebony turns to face you before his bored expression abruptly breaks out into a tooth-filled grin. "I'm happy to see my reputation as the main character of the story precedes me. After all, the author can only do so much to enhance my awesomeness. Being stuck inside a dimension all on my own isn't doing me any favors."

The young old-looking man had been quiet up until this point but decides to break in at this point. "Hey! What am I, chopped liver? Don't I get any recognition?" He holds his hands out to the side as if saying 'recognize me now?'.

You stare at him for long moments. fake beard. cheesy robes. obsessive attention whore... "Nope, not ringing any bells."

"Hey! Come on! It's me! Merlin! You know! The guy that watched this giant ass fucking panther maul his party member to death?" The young/old man seemed almost frantic now. Desperate to get the recognition he thought he deserved.

You think for a moment before realization dawns on you. "Oh! Your that noob that almost pissed his robes when Ebony ripped your friend limb from limb! Wasn't your name M-three-ruhlin?"

"Yes! Wait, no! I didn't piss myself! Also it is spelled M-3-r-l-i-n, but it is pronounced Merlin. Come on. it's easy! How would you like it if I said your name wrong Mr... um... Hey, What IS your name?"

You open your mouth to reply but are immediately cut off by Ebony.

"We didn't come here to exchange pleasantries. This person was brought here as a representative of the author's fan base. We need to get on topic here." Ebony stares pointedly at you before continuing. "Recently it has been brought to the author's attention that our conversations sometimes get a little confusing to the point that it can be a bit difficult to easily identify who the speaker is. A different way of formatting paragraphs was suggested and we are the means of delivering a demonstration of that format to the audience. As confusing as it sounds people have always understood things better when given a demonstration over a simple description."

M3rlin straightens himself to appear more serious and businesslike, a rather daunting task given his comical outfit. "Ebony is in fact correct. The author thinks that this new format of writing does indeed make identifying a speaker much easier but he felt that making such a big change shouldn't be done so drastically without getting a better idea of what the fans want."

You feel a bit stunned that the author would lay such a huge responsibility on your shoulders. "But I'm just one person! why would my opinion matter over anyone else's?"

Ebony takes the lead in the conversation once again as he seats himself on the ground. "It is because you are one person that your opinion is so important. Every person's opinion is important to the author. Maybe he doesn't have the time he wishes he does to talk with everyone but he pays attention to what they say. It is also important that you vote. The more people that vote on this decision-"

"The more certain the author is that the poll is an accurate representation of his fan's general opinion!" M3rlin cuts in. At this point, he had strolled over to the only unoccupied chair and is casually leaning backward in it, precariously balanced on the 2 rear legs of the chair. "I mean seriously you just click a button and vote. Boom! It's that easy!"

You decide to ask a pretty important question now that the thought had occurred to you. "But what exactly am I voting on?"

"You voting on whAAAHH-OOFFFH" M3rlin's words get cut off as Ebony unceremoniously places his paw on the back of M3rlin's chair and yanks it backward, Spilling M3rlin onto the floor.

Ebony suppresses a smirk before reapplying the serious expression he had on for most of this conversation. The poll will be open to voting until Sunday. Beyond that, votes will no longer affect whatever decision is reached."

You ponder what you should do. Whatever choice you think is the better one, you are sure it would be a good idea to vote. Ebony went to all that trouble of addressing you directly. It is only right that you do the same and helps the author better understand your feelings.

M3rlin struggles to his feet. "What was that for you dumb cat! I didn't do anything to you!"

"You annoyed me."

"That's all?!"

"Do I need any other reason?"

"Wh- bu- that's just- How is that- Gaaahhh!!!" M3rlin stutters for a few moments before throwing his arms up in the air before stomping away, the frustration evident in the way his fists were clenched and his shoulders tensed up."

Ebony looks back at you and answers your unasked question. "Don't worry about him. He's just mad because he hasn't made a proper appearance in the story yet."

"I deserve to be a super star, not some cowering nobody background character!" M3rlin stands at the opposite end of the tiny room. He wants to stomp away out of sight, but everyone is standing in a small, mostly empty, room. There is literally nowhere to go, and he is feeling really awkward.

Ebony lets out a world weary sigh. "I believe that is our cue to end this conversation. We are out of time anyways, if you have any questions feel free to ask in the comment section below. I won't bother answering, but the author would be very happy to.

Before you can say another word there is a bright flash of light and you find yourself sitting in front of your computer once again. "Shit I guess I better vote then."