001 [video]

[stalkedbyshadows]

 [The video is dark at first and there’s only a faint outline of a silhouette before a hand reaches out to turn the lamp on.]

Forgot about that. So – can I go home now? Not that this place isn’t cool and all, but it’s pretty much just like home, but it isn’t actually home, and I have important things to do back at my actual home. I’m sure everyone does. Kind of rude to just yank me out of there, messed up my sense of direction and everything. Where even am I.

[He flops back on the bed, curling up in his coat, and drags the netbook along with him.]

I mean, they told me, but it didn’t really answer my questions. Honestly? This is stupid. I’d like to be back in my own dimension now where the things I do actually matter. I don’t live here. I’m not entitled to help these people do whatever they’re doing. Rebel? They’re pretty damn tight-lipped about it if you ask me.

Anyway. [He waves his hand dismissively.] Anyone out there?

Comments

[stalkedbyshadows]

[He's not sure how to respond to that, but he does shift uncomfortably beneath her gaze. Eventually he averts his eyes.

Then there is a long moment of awkward silence.]

[allsongs]

[not if she has anything to say about it. you started talking, sir – she's going to see what else there is to hear.

she leans a little, peering, as if somehow able to pull his gaze back.]

You, [yeah, you.] your name is...?

[stalkedbyshadows]

[Me? He clears his throat and looks back at the netbook.]

Name's Raavi.

[He waits, in case she needs to sound this one out too.]

[allsongs]

Raavi.

[she mimics the cadence, impressing it to memory. some people are very particular about how their names are said, length and all.

she gives a little smile.] Hello, Raavi. I am Simmaeri.

[stalkedbyshadows]

[He blinks - seems almost surprised, even - at her smile.]

Oh. It's... good to meet you! Sorry, I'm not used to-- I--

[he cuts himself off and settles back in his coat, bringing the netbook a little closer.]

You have a nice name.

[allsongs]

[it warms a little despite the reaction – or maybe in spite. i don't bite, stranger. just curious.]

Thank you. [a little nod. then, thoughtfully:] Your name is...[mm, how to say...she doesn't have the right words yet. a slight exhale.] There are...words. These, no. Ones I know, [shaking her head.] you no.

[and she says them – breathy, fluttery sounds. a couple lengthy aa sounds, like hey, your name! that's what it reminds her of.]

[stalkedbyshadows]

[He tilts his head, trying to parse some sounds from the others, attempting to make sense of her vocalizations. It doesn't do him much good, but he appreciates her elaboration, the care she uses with his name. He wishes he had something more meaningful to say. Still, you've got him curious now.]

You seem... enthralled. With sound, that is. Is that sort of standard where you come from? In my world, words are just words. They harm or help. There's really no in-between.

[allsongs]

[her mouth puckers a little, still quirked with a little smile at the corners.

words are words? that sounds a little...simplistic. she shakes her head.] No. Words are...much. [her hand hovers near her collarbone, waiting for the right gesture to come to mind.] All words...much good. To know you...I, all. How you speak...how I speak...[she's all about this shit, can you tell?]

[stalkedbyshadows]

[He laughs and holds his hands up.]

Okay, okay. I mean, I think I get it. Well, sort of. Some things mean more than others. It's different for everyone. Words, well - yeah, I guess they're their own thing sometimes.

[allsongs]

[her eyes crinkle a little with her smile.]

Own?

[stalkedbyshadows]

[Oh hell, this girl definitely has a way with words, just not a helpful one. He scratches the back of his head and tries to process the question.]

Well... I guess if you think about it you could say a word owns itself. Its meaning. Though, I'm sure you've thought of that one.

[allsongs]

[a humming sound, scrutinizing. words and tone, both.

she leans away a little, combing hair behind her ear.]

I will understand. In much days...forward. [ahead. getting there. steadily.]

[stalkedbyshadows]

[he leans forward slowly, looking confused.]

Oh. Damn. Wait a second - do you - you speak this language, right?

[allsongs]

[squinting, picking out what she knows. do i speak the language?]

Small, much no. [gesturing with both hands – a small size.] I learn.

[stalkedbyshadows]

[OOPS. Now he feels like an ass.]

Wow, holy shit - I'm sorry. I had no idea. I mean, I guess you've learned a lot already. You could've fooled me.

[suddenly he's nervous if she can even pick out what he's saying.]

Do you... need help? Learning?

[allsongs]

[she smiles warmly, holding up a hand and giving him a gentle shh to calm that wave of unease. and she nods, too, at the offer.]

Yes, help. You help. More words I hear...I learn much.

[stalkedbyshadows]

Huh, okay. [More words... more words...]

Hmm, I could read from a book. There are books here, right? Or I could just... talk. [he gives a half-hearted smile.] I haven't really met anyone who had to learn a language before. Especially not purely from sound.

[allsongs]

[i, talk. her expression shows there's a concept she can get behind. yes, she likes where all this is going. the smile broadens, encouraging this.]

Yes. Thank you.

[stalkedbyshadows]

Okay!

[He thinks for a moment what he could actually talk about. He supposes it doesn't matter - clearly she learns from just the sounds, anyway - but he doesn't want to bore her.]

What do you want me to talk about?

[allsongs]

[her mouth puckers a little as she gives the question some thought. a small hmh...

she quirks a shadow of a smile.]

You.

[stalkedbyshadows]

[That was probably the last thing he wanted to hear. Still, he doesn't want to let her down.]

Me. Uh...

[He's fascinatingly uninteresting, he realizes. For a minute he stares blankly at the netbook, trying think of something worth talking about. He gives up soon after and resigns to yapping about whatever comes up.]

Well, I grew up in this massive city on the delta of one of the biggest waterfalls in our world. Sounds pretty, but it wasn't - there are some rotten people screwing things up back home. The water is toxic and full of sludge. People in the lower tiers have to wear gas masks--

[He pauses. Wow this is grim. If she's gonna learn by sound it should at least be pleasant things.]

Anyway, I grew up as an only child for a bit, then my sister was born! [He smiles at this.] Our favorite game was hide and seek. She'd always get mad at me though, cause I was so good at it. Not my fault I was born from the Dark. Er, that probably sounds weird; people in my plane are born out of elements. I'm not sure if that's how it works for where you come from, but it gives us powers. So I can do some cool stuff with shadows.

[He pauses again, concerned. Talking about himself makes him uncomfortable but he would feel even worse if she couldn't get anything out of this.]

You picking up on anything so far?

[allsongs]

[she gleans more from his manner than his words, really. rambling does not a learned language make, but she hears many negative sounds in proper negative context...though the way he falters now and then leaves much to interpretation.

a fine voice, though. clear, though hesitant. an honest ring to it. he sounds young, she thinks.

her eyes crinkle a little at his question, sensing his doubt.]

I hear you. Still learn.