chikaidestroyer | ∞ 94: The basics [written/action]

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∞ 94: The basics [written/action]

[written]

Welcome to all the New Feathers of this cycle. I am sure that residents, especially the volunteers working in the Welcome Center, have been helpful as you adjust to your surroundings.

Some may have noticed that there are stations some distance away from the village -- watch stations where New Feathers may find clothing or shelter. Residents may also use them as stopping points as they explore the surrounding forests and plains. They are maintained by a group of volunteers, which has been without a head organizer for a few months now. If anyone is interested in taking on this responsibility, please speak with me, Albert Silverberg.

Recent additions to the enclosure are the expansive farmlands to the northeast of the village. There are numbers of farm animals and growing crops up there that are in need of caretaking. While the village has the grocery store for easy access to food, I am sure some would relish opportunity to work with crops and animals.

If there are any questions about these subjects, they may be asked here. Thank you.

[action]

[Around noon, Albert may be found in the clothing store, looking for clothing for warmer weather. Maybe he'll attempt to tan this year. It's been awhile.

Later in the day, he will be in the stables tending to his horse. He will be out there for several hours before retiring for the evening to the house, reading a "Computers for Seniors for Dummies" book. Very funny, Bil.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Do you feel you need more instructions for basic riding? The entire point of this was to see how much you can do by yourself. Obviously you haven't forgotten everything despite how long ago you last rode.

No, I don't feel that I need more instructions for this. And if you don't, either, then yes, I'm done. [It's Caesar's turn to sound a little less than patient, apparently.] Should I get off?

That depends on whether or not you are in a hurry to leave. [He'll just stand there at a distance, waiting to see if Caesar will dismount without help.]

I could stay here all day, brother.

[Except that he obviously doesn't plan on doing that, as he removes his feet from the stirrups and... pauses as he looks over at the ground. There's that fear of falling again. He sighs, swinging one of his legs over to dismount while trying not to think about it too much.

...despite this strange dizziness, that wasn't so bad!]

[Once Caesar has dismounted without breaking something, Albert steps forward and begins removing Astrid's tack and saddle. He gives his horse a few approving pats, shouldering the saddle.]

You will have to keep practicing.

[Caesar nods at his brother's words, but before he can answer him, he decides to take a short break and sit in the grass instead.]

I know, I know. I promise that I will only ride for practice, and only when you are not busy with her. I'll try not to get in the way.

[He still looks pretty unimpressed.]

And you are going to help out more in the stables. Since you haven't made any effort to work with the Filial spirits, that will be somewhat difficult.

Then I'll just have to do it the hard way. [The idea of doing more work was unappealing, but he would stand by his decision to not learn from the spirits.] Would that really be such a bad thing?

That's up to you to decide while you carry buckets of water from the house back over here. I would approximate you need four buckets for each trough. [This is all said with the driest tone ever.]

[...he feels weak just thinking about it. But he won't change his mind.]

Trying to dissuade me? Other people do these things without magic all the time. If they can do it, so can I.

How very refreshing, you comparing yourself to other people. [He turns around to head back into the stables, clicking his tongue so Astrid follows him.]

[Caesar makes a face at his brother even as he walks away.]

You're an idiot.

[Albert waves dismissively over his shoulder, again disappearing through the open doors. Astrid walks in right after him.]

[He sighs, watching the two of them leave and then just idly looking around until his brother returns. He's not in any hurry to stand up again until he has to.]

[Albert exits the building again and shuts the doors a bit, dusting at his clothes as he approaches Caesar.]

Too tired to remain standing?

Are you kidding? I'm exhausted! [He shakes his head a little and slowly makes an attempt to stand. He wouldn't be surprised if his brother left him behind otherwise.] Walking back to the house is going to be a real pain.

Get used to it. [Albert's tone is nonchalant as he walks past Caesar.]

I don't think I want to.

[That sore feeling returns as soon as he's on his feet, and the exhaustion is apparent even in his voice. Still, that won't stop Caesar from trying to catch up with his brother.]

[He doesn't stop for his brother, but at least slows down.] Your body will adapt. Then hopefully you won't complain so much.

Who says I won't complain? [Except that he'd really try not to. It was the least he could do. Tired as he is, he tries his best to keep up.] I'll be fine. It shouldn't take long to get used to. I'll adapt so fast, you'll think I've been doing this ever since I got here!

[The skepticism. Can you sense it emanating from him?]

[Yes. Yes, he can. He won't let his brother's silence linger too long to get rid of it.]

At least pretend I know what I'm talking about. It won't be any benefit to you at all if I take too long to get used to it.

Tell me, Caesar. How do I benefit from any of this?

Uh, I'll be helping you out in the stables? [Was that not a benefit or something?] That's less work for you to do. I would think you could benefit from that.

It's also something that I am used to doing and was in no rush to delegate the responsibilities of. You are earning the benefit of learning through hard work.