Ugh. a thought occured to me. What if Dorcas isn't the right body for the mind? What is Sev subsconsciously filled in "Cas's" memories as the boatkeeper had related them (note Dorcas' similar action to Miles later on: follow Sev around, dazed)? Dorcas' later memories could be her true memories emerging, or maybe continuing being written by Sev during the journey.
shudder Could Dorcas be Severian's sister, who happens to resemble her mother greatly (explaining the Ouen comment)?
OK, that's pretty far out, yes, and again I'm kicking myself for not having my books available to dig through for more references.
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