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

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.

I know, I know. Isn't that the point? [He was getting more out of this than his brother was, he knew.] Don't worry. Once I learn, I will be more than happy to return all of the responsibility to you, if you like.

"Once you learn." You have learned. Did you even need direction today? [There was a reason he had asked if Caesar was wasting his time.]

Believe it or not, yes, I did. [He sighs a little.] Fine. Learn again. Your direction was necessary to help refresh my memory. How's that?

Satisfactory. [By now, they are on their way back towards the house.] Now all you need to do is get over your fear.

I will. I know I will. Who's afraid of something like that anyway, right? [He scratches at the back of his neck as he walks. It was embarrassing, and he needed to try and stay confident.] But Astrid is a good horse, so I know I'll be fine.

[dryly] I suppose I should tell her to be patient with you before the next time you decide to ride her. She was following my direction most of the time.

Do you really think she will try to throw me if you don't?

I have no idea what kind of idiocy you may be capable of when completely left to your own devices on a horse. Astrid should be properly warned.

Warned about what? What do you think I'm going to do?

[Just a little insulted. He didn't see how he could mess something like this up.]

[His answer is simple.] Panic.

Panic? [Really?] I think I have a little more self-control than that.

You also think you can train that dog. [Yes, that is indeed a challenging tone there.]

[Caesar isn't very impressed by that tone. Did he think he couldn't do it? ...he wouldn't be surprised.]

Because I can. I know I can, just like I know that I'll get over my fear.

You will have to forgive my skepticism until I actually see results. [...Especially with the dog.]

Yes, yes, of course. After all, it is only natural for you to be skeptical. How dare I expect anything else! [It was frustrating. It really was. But he only had himself to thank for that, didn't he? Sigh.] Believe it or not, though, I appreciate your help, so thank you.

You asked for help. It was a good request. What else could I have done?

[You could have said no. But he's sure Albert knows that, so he won't say it. Despite the attitude his brother's been giving him today, he's happy with this response.]

I suppose you can be reasonable sometimes.

I'm reasonable when you give me a reason to be reasonable. When you act like an idiot, you are treated like an idiot. [Or whenever he feels like being an ass.]

If only it were truly so simple! [Because he's pretty sure his brother does treat him that way just to be an ass sometimes.] But since you are being so generous, I promise that I will do my best so I'm not wasting your time, okay?

I will keep that in mind for the future. [And remind you of it should the need arise.

The house is in sight now, so he gives Caesar a proper glance.] So what was it you wished to show me?

[He shakes his head a little.]

You'll see. [He couldn't say exactly what it was just yet. If he did, his brother might decide that he didn't need to see it or something, and that's not what he wanted.] I noticed something interesting when I went to water my plant today.

Something interesting? [Perhaps his plant had actually survived long enough to flower?]