[ Ngh. Is it that obvious he's not well-accustomed to this sort of thing. ]
I must admit I'm a poor fit for this method of communication. Adapting to new technology has been a learning process.
[ Not helped by the fact that he also just doesn't use it much. Talking to people is the worst. Anyway. ]
I've been eating well enough. Food serves to restore some of the energy I need when moonlacing isn't available. More convenient, though not as efficient. [ Deliciousness isn't really an important factor, in other words. ] It's kind of you to care for others. I hope you find another companion soon.
( She just notices it's taking him a very long time!! But if this is practice and it helps him, she can be patient. I-it's not like she wants to hear your voice or anything, baka... )
You're doing much better than most I've seen; even people familiar with it grow lazy and make a multitude of mistakes. You'll develop muscle memory for it if you stick to it. ( He doesn't say one way or another, so she continues via text. ) That's good to know; I'll keep it in mind. Even so, if it's something you find yourself doing, you might as well enjoy it.
And logically, I suppose it's best we live on our own, in case we need to go a step beyond the typical moonlacing. But I am quite used to being around others, at all times. I'd been stationed in Iraq for so long camping with the other doctors and volunteers, it's difficult to be alone. The sentiment is kind, though. Thank you.
What is it you typically fill your day with that I'm interrupting, Caster?
( She's teasing, of course, even if she's likely on the money. )
[ She might have been teasing, but he answers with complete, blunt honesty. ]
You weren't interrupting anything significant. I spend most of my time studying or working, but I'm in no rush to complete anything at this time.
[ It helps that he doesn't sleep a lot, either, so he has most nights reserved for quietly burying himself in books. That aside ... Unseen, Avicebron gives a thoughtful tilt of the head. Then he adds, ]
If you've no other options, I can offer to keep you company. Though you're not obliged to say yes, either.
[ Hardly graceful, as far as invitations go. But still, it's a lot more than he'd usually extend to people -- the moon must really be getting to him. ]
( It's about what she expects from him, at this point. "At this point" following a single conversation, but. He had conveyed enough then, as well. )
Well, I'm glad for that, at least. And I know the feeling; I have a few projects of my own but if it's the only prospect we have to fill our time, here, then it's as you say. No rush.
And I would like that very much, if you wouldn't mind. You're welcome to come to my flat, or perhaps I could convince you out to one of my favorite spots in the Groves? Not that you seem the type to sunbathe. They're nice shady places to read, if nothing else.
( Which isn't to say she has "no other options"; she intentionally reached out to him, to get to know him a little more and ensure he has the company, but she isn't going to imply otherwise. She'll simply take him up on his offer and find it a shame he won't partake in a picnic if she were to prepare something to keep them occupied, if he agrees to go outside with her. )
The Groves will do. Being in the sun for too long is unpleasant, [ he'd melt, he'd fucking melt, covered head-to-toe and clad in metal that you could probably eventually fry an egg on ] but as long as it isn't crowded, I don't dislike nature.
[ The sleek, futuristic veneer of Prismatica is tolerable, but being surrounded by man-made materials all the time is somewhat stifling for him.
That's sent off as a single message. And then, after a pause, he starts typing again. ]
Should I bring anything?
[ Not that he, uh, has much to offer, but it seems proper to ask. ]
would u like me to move this to your open log or nah?
I would imagine you would overheat quickly, yes. The Groves it is. Say in an hour? If that isn't too short notice.
( She definitely noticed, dingus. And she knows he isn't going to be changing his attire any time soon, hence the mention of the shade. She figures it's best for him, regardless. She also has a preference for nature herself, so she's sure it will be a nice outing regardless. )
You only need to bring yourself. 😊 I know you've said you don't need to eat or anything, but I'll have a little bit on hand regardless if you wanted to take some home with you. And a couple of books touching on the mythology of this place.
[ Unseen, he gives a contemplative tilt of the head. He'd thought this would be something fairly minimalistic, but she sounds quite well-prepared. There's a brief pause before his response comes through, as stoic as ever. ]
Your concern is unnecessary, but appreciated.
I'll be there in an hour.
[ Hardly graceful, but at least he's truthful -- Avicebron arrives almost exactly on time, maybe a few minutes early. The long rabbit ears poking out of his hat bob along as he heads down the street towards the entrance to the Groves, and they swivel appropriately as he looks around for her, in case she's here first.
Despite what she suggested, he's not empty handed. He's carrying a bundle in the crook of one arm that's the perfect shape and size to be a wine bottle wrapped in fabric. ]
( Look, she plans on sitting for a few hours in the fresh air; it's not terribly complicated to bring some cafe food along and a couple of clear cups to divvy up the iced tea she'd brought, in the end, hoping to convince him to stay a little longer in turn. He just gets a little sun and a tree emoji in response with a heart, and she's easy to spot in a layered white sundress beneath a lush willow type, where the branches droop low enough some of the leaves at the ends brush the creek. She has a blanket set out she's perched on, tall glass bottle filled with ice already perspiring from the cold inside and the warmth of the outdoors, white spots standing starker against her light tan at bare shoulders and across her cheeks.
If it weren't for the glint of sun off his helmet, she may not have even noticed him approaching until he had been within earshot, as quiet as he is. It isn't as though he has feet to cover much ground and crunch the grass beneath his every step, and he hasn't called out her name or any sort of greeting. No, the light catches her face when he tips to consider her from afar and she glances up from the borrowed notes of a friend she'd been reading, a few of them sharing their finds for mythology and history of this place even amongst the fictional novels they've come across.
Just something light to read; she did want to provide her full attention to her planned company. What he doesn't see of her is the interested little wag of a fluffed deer tail at her back, but he will certainly see her perking up with the straightening of her spine and a raised hand to beckon him closer, inviting as her smile spreads. )
Caster; it's lovely to see you in the sun. Did you find the meadow all right?
( Pat pat, come sit and let her get a look at those cute ears!! Her own flick up with her perked mood, doe ears as soft as silk where her own human ears had been before, tending to a relaxed droop most times and showing off more spots along the base. No antlers this time, at least. (Thank goodness.) )
[ Ah, there she is. He gives a small nod to indicate he saw that little wave in his direction, then makes his way over; plenty of other people are out enjoying the good weather, and he skirts smoothly around then, knife-feet leaving tiny little indents in the grass behind him. ]
Good afternoon. It wasn't difficult getting here.
[ He gestures with a hand as he draws closer, and his cloak disappears into thin air with a shimmer of light. One of the perks of being a Servant. His full-body armor and metal parts are still kind of stifling, but at least he looks a little less sweltering without the cloak. ]
I've come here before to clear my head, when my work wasn't going well. So I've some familiarity with the area. [ Avicebron gingerly takes a seat on the blanket beside her, seeming a little smaller without the cloak and its spiked shoulders bulking out his silhouette. ] It's not much, but I've brought you this.
[ He holds out the wine bottle for her to take. It's a red wine, neither terribly fancy nor cheap. Just a good, casual drink. ]
It seemed improper to come completely empty-handed.
[ An ear flicks as he speaks. Of course, he spotted her doe ears, too, but he's still at the stage of mostly denying his own embarrassing animal features, so he's sure not bringing the subject up. ]
( The nod earns him an even warmer smile as she awaits his approach and her eyes widen just slightly as his cloak disappears right then and there, holding a hand up in offering of something to brace himself by as he moves to sit beside her. )
I'm glad, then. Though it's a shame we haven't run into each other much before. ( She gives the little book she'd brought along a brief shake, indicating what she'd said before. That she comes here to read fairly often. And when he indicates he'd brought a gift, she looks surprised— moreso than she'd been at the disappearing cloak. But she takes the bottle from him and has a look at the label and the information put forth, long lashes golden even in the shade as she nods her thanks. ) This sounds delicious, thank you. Will you join me for a drink if I open it?
What sort of work is it you do? If I may ask.
( Her ears perk in pre-interest for the topic, ivory fur on the insides saved from catching her hair with carefully-arranged french braids curving down and around the base. She wants to reach up and straighten some of the long blond strands of his hair from his ears, maybe do the same for him to help keep them free from the tickling sensation of sensitive hairs being disturbed. If it isn't bothering him, though, she's reluctant to touch when he'd seemed so adversed before. )
Mm? [ He tilts his head as he considers the wine bottle. ] I don't mind if you open it now, of course. I generally don't eat around others. Though if you happen to have a straw, I suppose I could join you.
[ No offense meant, of course. It's said perfectly mildly as he glances over the reading materials she's brought, an ear flicking in interest. ]
As for my work, I've been accepted by the Lunar Scientia to serve as a geologist. I've some experience studying minerals and other natural materials, but it wasn't my original field of study, so progress can be slow at times. It helps to isolate myself here, at those times. I look for quiet areas.
[ Which would explain why they've never run into each other before. It also doesn't that he often moves around invisible and intangible, ghost-like, only materializing once he's found an isolated place.
His ear's been flicking as he speaks, canted towards the sound of a rowdy group of teenagers in the distance, and combined with a light breeze, ends up tangling up a long lock of his hair. So yeah, Angela's definitely been handling her animal features more artfully. ]
What of yourself? I assume you work in association with a medical facility here.
Is it the mask...? ( A brief, silly notion crosses her mind— if he isn't necessarily human and he doesn't need to eat, did it not come off at all? But that can't be possible. There is still flesh and bone to him, and he's said before that he can. Maybe it's more of a matter of 'want'. Still, did she have a straw? Wait, yes she does. It's from the drink she'd brought before, but— she pulls it from the near-empty cup of what had been an iced coffee and was now just gently-coffee-tinged meltwater from the ice, giving it a little tap out against the side, and holding it up in silent request. 'Is this all right?', with her cooties and all. She's popping it in one of the cups she'd brought along and pours them both a few fingers, setting it down to breathe. )
That's still quite impressive; you had the... I suppose I'd call it a golem from before, correct? The one from the mountains. I could see it being a good fit for you, even if there are other things to learn in this place we hadn't been aware of where we've come from before we can apply it. I had to do the same with the medical technology here. And I hope it will work out well for you. Have you enjoyed it so far?
( Also, Avi, that's cheating??? What the heck. But her notice of his flicking ear hasn't ceased and she's smiling at it, occasionally catching her eye as she'd spoken, blue gaze drifting from the approximation of where his eyes would be behind his mask to his ear.
Finally, finally, as he asks after her, she's reaching up slowly enough he could shift away from her if he wished— otherwise she's going to sift her nails into his hair at the base of his ear and comb it free of the soft fur, tucking it away. She doesn't miss a beat in her reply. )
You're correct; I actually just rented business space for a clinic and have been working on acquiring the tools and supplies necessary. I have a little workshop in the back for the prosthetics I'm used to working on. You should come by some time to visit; it's right near the beach, and I have a little balcony on the second floor to relax on. Just the sound of the waves and the gulls.
no subject
I must admit I'm a poor fit for this method of communication. Adapting to new technology has been a learning process.
[ Not helped by the fact that he also just doesn't use it much. Talking to people is the worst. Anyway. ]
I've been eating well enough. Food serves to restore some of the energy I need when moonlacing isn't available. More convenient, though not as efficient. [ Deliciousness isn't really an important factor, in other words. ] It's kind of you to care for others. I hope you find another companion soon.
no subject
I-it's not like she wants to hear your voice or anything, baka...)You're doing much better than most I've seen; even people familiar with it grow lazy and make a multitude of mistakes. You'll develop muscle memory for it if you stick to it. ( He doesn't say one way or another, so she continues via text. ) That's good to know; I'll keep it in mind. Even so, if it's something you find yourself doing, you might as well enjoy it.
And logically, I suppose it's best we live on our own, in case we need to go a step beyond the typical moonlacing. But I am quite used to being around others, at all times. I'd been stationed in Iraq for so long camping with the other doctors and volunteers, it's difficult to be alone. The sentiment is kind, though. Thank you.
What is it you typically fill your day with that I'm interrupting, Caster?
( She's teasing, of course, even if she's likely on the money. )
no subject
You weren't interrupting anything significant. I spend most of my time studying or working, but I'm in no rush to complete anything at this time.
[ It helps that he doesn't sleep a lot, either, so he has most nights reserved for quietly burying himself in books. That aside ... Unseen, Avicebron gives a thoughtful tilt of the head. Then he adds, ]
If you've no other options, I can offer to keep you company. Though you're not obliged to say yes, either.
[ Hardly graceful, as far as invitations go. But still, it's a lot more than he'd usually extend to people -- the moon must really be getting to him. ]
no subject
Well, I'm glad for that, at least. And I know the feeling; I have a few projects of my own but if it's the only prospect we have to fill our time, here, then it's as you say. No rush.
And I would like that very much, if you wouldn't mind. You're welcome to come to my flat, or perhaps I could convince you out to one of my favorite spots in the Groves? Not that you seem the type to sunbathe. They're nice shady places to read, if nothing else.
( Which isn't to say she has "no other options"; she intentionally reached out to him, to get to know him a little more and ensure he has the company, but she isn't going to imply otherwise. She'll simply take him up on his offer and find it a shame he won't partake in a picnic if she were to prepare something to keep them occupied, if he agrees to go outside with her. )
no subject
[ The sleek, futuristic veneer of Prismatica is tolerable, but being surrounded by man-made materials all the time is somewhat stifling for him.
That's sent off as a single message. And then, after a pause, he starts typing again. ]
Should I bring anything?
[ Not that he, uh, has much to offer, but it seems proper to ask. ]
would u like me to move this to your open log or nah?
( She definitely noticed, dingus. And she knows he isn't going to be changing his attire any time soon, hence the mention of the shade. She figures it's best for him, regardless. She also has a preference for nature herself, so she's sure it will be a nice outing regardless. )
You only need to bring yourself. 😊 I know you've said you don't need to eat or anything, but I'll have a little bit on hand regardless if you wanted to take some home with you. And a couple of books touching on the mythology of this place.
naw, here's fine!
Your concern is unnecessary, but appreciated.
I'll be there in an hour.
[ Hardly graceful, but at least he's truthful -- Avicebron arrives almost exactly on time, maybe a few minutes early. The long rabbit ears poking out of his hat bob along as he heads down the street towards the entrance to the Groves, and they swivel appropriately as he looks around for her, in case she's here first.
Despite what she suggested, he's not empty handed. He's carrying a bundle in the crook of one arm that's the perfect shape and size to be a wine bottle wrapped in fabric. ]
ok excellent 💕
If it weren't for the glint of sun off his helmet, she may not have even noticed him approaching until he had been within earshot, as quiet as he is. It isn't as though he has feet to cover much ground and crunch the grass beneath his every step, and he hasn't called out her name or any sort of greeting. No, the light catches her face when he tips to consider her from afar and she glances up from the borrowed notes of a friend she'd been reading, a few of them sharing their finds for mythology and history of this place even amongst the fictional novels they've come across.
Just something light to read; she did want to provide her full attention to her planned company. What he doesn't see of her is the interested little wag of a fluffed deer tail at her back, but he will certainly see her perking up with the straightening of her spine and a raised hand to beckon him closer, inviting as her smile spreads. )
Caster; it's lovely to see you in the sun. Did you find the meadow all right?
( Pat pat, come sit and let her get a look at those cute ears!! Her own flick up with her perked mood, doe ears as soft as silk where her own human ears had been before, tending to a relaxed droop most times and showing off more spots along the base. No antlers this time, at least. (Thank goodness.) )
no subject
Good afternoon. It wasn't difficult getting here.
[ He gestures with a hand as he draws closer, and his cloak disappears into thin air with a shimmer of light. One of the perks of being a Servant. His full-body armor and metal parts are still kind of stifling, but at least he looks a little less sweltering without the cloak. ]
I've come here before to clear my head, when my work wasn't going well. So I've some familiarity with the area. [ Avicebron gingerly takes a seat on the blanket beside her, seeming a little smaller without the cloak and its spiked shoulders bulking out his silhouette. ] It's not much, but I've brought you this.
[ He holds out the wine bottle for her to take. It's a red wine, neither terribly fancy nor cheap. Just a good, casual drink. ]
It seemed improper to come completely empty-handed.
[ An ear flicks as he speaks. Of course, he spotted her doe ears, too, but he's still at the stage of mostly denying his own embarrassing animal features, so he's sure not bringing the subject up. ]
no subject
I'm glad, then. Though it's a shame we haven't run into each other much before. ( She gives the little book she'd brought along a brief shake, indicating what she'd said before. That she comes here to read fairly often. And when he indicates he'd brought a gift, she looks surprised— moreso than she'd been at the disappearing cloak. But she takes the bottle from him and has a look at the label and the information put forth, long lashes golden even in the shade as she nods her thanks. ) This sounds delicious, thank you. Will you join me for a drink if I open it?
What sort of work is it you do? If I may ask.
( Her ears perk in pre-interest for the topic, ivory fur on the insides saved from catching her hair with carefully-arranged french braids curving down and around the base. She wants to reach up and straighten some of the long blond strands of his hair from his ears, maybe do the same for him to help keep them free from the tickling sensation of sensitive hairs being disturbed. If it isn't bothering him, though, she's reluctant to touch when he'd seemed so adversed before. )
no subject
[ No offense meant, of course. It's said perfectly mildly as he glances over the reading materials she's brought, an ear flicking in interest. ]
As for my work, I've been accepted by the Lunar Scientia to serve as a geologist. I've some experience studying minerals and other natural materials, but it wasn't my original field of study, so progress can be slow at times. It helps to isolate myself here, at those times. I look for quiet areas.
[ Which would explain why they've never run into each other before. It also doesn't that he often moves around invisible and intangible, ghost-like, only materializing once he's found an isolated place.
His ear's been flicking as he speaks, canted towards the sound of a rowdy group of teenagers in the distance, and combined with a light breeze, ends up tangling up a long lock of his hair. So yeah, Angela's definitely been handling her animal features more artfully. ]
What of yourself? I assume you work in association with a medical facility here.
no subject
That's still quite impressive; you had the... I suppose I'd call it a golem from before, correct? The one from the mountains. I could see it being a good fit for you, even if there are other things to learn in this place we hadn't been aware of where we've come from before we can apply it. I had to do the same with the medical technology here. And I hope it will work out well for you. Have you enjoyed it so far?
( Also, Avi, that's cheating??? What the heck. But her notice of his flicking ear hasn't ceased and she's smiling at it, occasionally catching her eye as she'd spoken, blue gaze drifting from the approximation of where his eyes would be behind his mask to his ear.
Finally, finally, as he asks after her, she's reaching up slowly enough he could shift away from her if he wished— otherwise she's going to sift her nails into his hair at the base of his ear and comb it free of the soft fur, tucking it away. She doesn't miss a beat in her reply. )
You're correct; I actually just rented business space for a clinic and have been working on acquiring the tools and supplies necessary. I have a little workshop in the back for the prosthetics I'm used to working on. You should come by some time to visit; it's right near the beach, and I have a little balcony on the second floor to relax on. Just the sound of the waves and the gulls.