01/video

[flightlessbird]

[ a flurry of leafy outdoor motion! and it seems to have cut in mid-sentence, or at least mid-shout— ]

—wanted was to know if I had found North yet! [ oh a face!! big dark eyes, huge scowl, and like the biggest, fluffiest hooded jacket ever. ] They were very rude and I would not have minded hurting them, or maybe I would kill them, but they ran away, and now my back hurts. Raafa says people who run away are cowards, and not worth anything. I do not want to see any of them again.

[ a pause, one heavy, frustrated sigh, and then she looks a little bit less pissed. it's good to have that out of her system. no onto what really matters, in the middle of this violent occupation. ]

Also, I want someone to teach me to write.

Comments

[oxfordian]

Yes, certainly! I only meant, if you were comfortable with a one-on-one session, in person.

I teach at the training facilities, but I do have my own office there. You are welcome to come by any time.

[flightlessbird]

Oh. You are at the large [ —crap what's that word, not "village"... oh, yes! ] —town, too?

[oxfordian]

Yes, I am. ( That definitely makes him wonder. )

Where are you located, then?

[flightlessbird]

By the lake. [ so... informative, Artika, thanks... after a second she adds: ] I was going North for some days, so I am some days away.

[oxfordian]

[ Charles is shocked by the notion of ADVENTURING OUTSIDE OF THEIR BOUNDS and his eyes widen somewhat. ]

You ventured so far? Ah, have you been safe?

[flightlessbird]

Yes. [ charles you are getting such a Strange Look ] Why would I not be safe?

[oxfordian]

[ pft whatever. then again, now he looks pretty unsure. ]

I'd not imagined it would be entirely safe out there. Are there not wild animals?

[flightlessbird]

Yes, there are. [ Suddenly smiling! ] They taste very good.

[oxfordian]

[ Oh. Oh, God. ] They.. taste--

As long as you are surviving, I suppose. You're not human, are you? [ wow how polite ]

[flightlessbird]

No. I do not look human, do I? [ that sounds worried, not sarcastic! and she's lifting a hand to her nose, like she's worried it suddenly got all huge and stupidly pointy ]

[oxfordian]

[ Charles blinks at that and then he smiles, when he realises he ought to be glad he hasn't offended her. ]

No! Ah, no -- [ what a strange thing to be reassured about... ] you are quite... unlike a human. Do you mind if I ask what you are, then?

[flightlessbird]

Oh, good. [ smile! ] I am an Avian.

[oxfordian]

[ how is she so adorable dear god in heaven ]

You're a -- I'm sorry, what?

You are a bird, then? [ well shit this is fascinating. his eyes are wide with curiosity. TELL HIM MORE ]

[flightlessbird]

Yes! That is what Pyran says, that we are birds, and he is usually right.

[oxfordian]

That is splendid. Incredibly fascinating, and it -- explains an awful lot. Oh, if you are still interested in assistance with learning to write, I will still be able.

I would also wish to -- meet you, if you're interested! [ he wants to see your birdness :( ]

[flightlessbird]

I do not think you would be able to teach me without meeting me. [ a beat ] What does it explain?

[oxfordian]

Ah, oh -- I meant that it explains, ehm, the fact that you have not yet learned to write, though you are certainly of age.

I would assume, rather.

[flightlessbird]

Oh. [ she waves a hand, dismissive. ] No one writes anything in my home. We only speak. It does not seem very useful, except that everyone here likes it so much.

[oxfordian]

[ Charles smiles, laughs. ] It is very useful. We have a long history, and when people are no longer alive to tell their stories, we have a way to read them -- to read everything that has been passed down.

Ah, do you need any assistance getting back into the city?

[flightlessbird]

But people will remember the stories of dead people, to tell people that never met them.

No, Bariyan is coming.

[oxfordian]

Ah, good, then. You'll be all right, I hope.

[ He chuckles then. ]

Yes, well, there are certainly more benefits to writing. I am sure you will find them in time!