[Netbook]

[ofboreas]

[Getting used to the Netbook is both a tedious task and effortless, all at the same time. Alice has gotten him used to long-range communication devices, and while the exact function is different, he's not so startled by its potential.

(Unfortunately, that does mean Nicole gets wrapped up in the testing. She will be forced to sit and watch as he doodles in his own book, just to watch it appear in hers.)

((That also means everyone else gets to see his doodles of her beforehand. Oops))

Once he's confident in the function, though, he squirrels away within a corner of the room and gets to writing. His handwriting is... a little rough.]

Dodo... Dodo... Dodoco

(Hahaha, I'm just kidding, I know that isn't how this works.)

Name's Varka. Back home I was a Grand Master, and a few other things. Here I'm just a common guy. No need for titles — we're all friends here, right? If you see me around the grove, I look like this. ->

[Helpfully, Varka includes a drawing of himself.]

Let's see. How do introductions like these usually go. People want to know stuff about me, right? So! My favorite food is wine. Second favorite is a little dish I created. It's got juicy chicken thighs, potatoes, sausages. My knights called it a Hearty Indulgence, but me? I call it dinner. Heh.

I've trained the current generation of knights back home, and I'm happy to do the same here. I'm a pretty good teacher overall, even if Miss Nicole probably thinks I leave something to be desired.

To be honest, I'm an open book! You can ask me anything you want. Oh, and if you're one of the shy types, I'll ask you a question first. That way you feel obligated to answer. Haha, got ya now.

Alright then, here goes:

You leave on a long expedition away from home. Your bags are chock full of standard survival gear, but you have room for something non-essential. Could be food, could be a special drink, could be a stuffed bear. What are you picking?

Comments

[quietangel]

[ Her handwriting is equally rough, but with enough effort put in to at least make some of the swooping lines look halfway elegant. Wow, she hates writing. ]

Is that truly what I look like through your eyes, or is there a level of artistic liberty at work here?

Preemptively introducing me to the group at large as someone who disparages your ability... I can't tell if it serves as a worse introduction than Alice's introductory magic did.

[ofboreas]

What, is it not good enough? Is that it? I can try again, if you want! You might want to bring me some actual paper, though, unless you want the whole crowd seeing my attempts!

And hey - hey hey hey, I'm not disparaging you. We just have different styles. I've got the less is more approach and you've got

uh.

Well you've got yours!

[quietangel]

That won't be necessary, thank you. There are, assuredly, far better uses of your time.

Mr. Varka... Did you know that you have an uncanny ability to make your reassurances sound, somehow, nearly as vexing as the comment in question?

[ofboreas]

News to me! Guess I should be grateful you're here, right? To remind me where I need work!

A good knight should remain humble, you know!

[quietangel]

Are you suggesting I put you through the paces? Should I draft up a list of potential areas of improvement?

How is that a proper response to what I said... what does being humble have to do with that... was that intentional? It must be intentional.

Pretty cursive....

[lovelyredthread]

Wine isn't a food. Are you okay?

[ Calling it a food feels like a cry for help, even with the mood he's been in. ]

[ofboreas]

Huh? I'm fine, what are you talking about?
Wine is made from grapes, right? And those are a fruit, which we eat. Therefore food!

blanket cw for discussion of alcoholism

[lovelyredthread]

That's not how that works...

[ He's making a mental note to tell Luca about this guy later. ]

drinking alcohol like it's a food is probably bad for humans? It was pretty bad for Cookies.

[ofboreas]

Sorry, what was that about cookies?

[lovelyredthread]

Oh you haven't heard about us yet.

Sentient, sapient cookie people.

[ leaving out they've been turned human for now to mess with him a little. ]

A nicer boy too.

[love_swan]

If it could be anything... probably my scrapbook. I have a lot of memories in there.

[ofboreas]

Yeah? Sounds like it means a lot to you.
Which page was your favorite?

[love_swan]

Hard to decide, I had a lot of two page spreads dedicated to certain performances my unit put on, or trips we took together. Our debut page is probably my favorite if I had to choose though.

[ofboreas]

... Debut?
Oh, right! Like those idols from the magazine Alice brought back? The dancing and singing thing?
You're one of those?

[love_swan]

I am, yes! I was part of an idol unit called ALKALOID.

[cryopathy]

Don't listen to any naysayers. Wine is a perfectly reasonable food. I like to think of it as liquid fruit salad! [can varka feel them chinhandsing through the netbook]

I am Ser Kiera Aurelius, a Knight Commander of Renova. Usually, I insist upon the "ser," though that would be awfully prideful of me right after you said titles are unnecessary! From what you describe, after all, Grand Master sounds to be a higher rank. Hm... what a conundrum...!

As for your question, I would consider drink to be essential! [it's called alcoholism baybee] One could make an argument for the bear, too. I suppose spices would be considered frivolous, and travel food tends to be on the bland side, so there's my answer. How about yours?

[ofboreas]

Aha! I knew I'd find my people around here somewhere.

Pleasure to meet you, Ser Aurelius! Sounds like I'm in good company, as far as knights go! It feels a bit like a home away from home!

Guess I should have clarified, the flask is included. Practically standard issue where I'm from. We're a people love our wine, wind, and freedom, if you know what I mean.

[Undoubtedly, Kiera can probably hear his honking laugh from wherever they're currently taking refuge. Even if it's across town.]

Spices, though, that's a good answer!

As for me... Honestly, I didn't think this question would get turned around on me! Didn't come prepared.

Hmmm...

A bundle of letters, I think. A few, if I could get away with it. That way I'm carrying my loved ones right along with me!

[cryopathy]

Ahaha, perhaps it is a bit much! You can just call me Kiera, I think. ;)

Freedom is one of the tenets of my homeland, as well! Wine perhaps an unofficial one, ha. Actually, since you share the love of it, we'll likely meet at the local tavern. My brother owns it, and I can't seem to make up my mind on whether I favor being a bartender or a patron!

I appreciate your candor! Honesty and improvisation are important in our line of work. Yours is a good answer, as well. I tend to keep such reminders on my person already, so it didn't occur to me. Though being able to see loved ones' handwriting is a bit more personal than most sentimental objects, I think. You know, our local trader may be able to pull some of those from her mirror, should you ask. If you ever feel the urge!

[ofboreas]

... You sure your name is Kiera?

[cryopathy]

[... excuse??]

The last time I checked! [it's okay, offense shaken off, deflect with humor.] I would say I picked it myself, but really, Luca did.

[kingincognito]

Hello, Varka. Welcome to the Grove. I am Joshua. To answer your question... I suppose I would bring a good book. I typically had neither time nor room for such in my bags before this place, but it would not be so impossible here.

There is nothing wrong with wine, though I do hope that you at least eat enough to balance it. Your idea of dinner certainly sounds hearty, at least. But, if you are not eating properly, I suppose I might see you at the clinic sooner rather than later.

[ofboreas]

Good choice! Any book in particular? Seems like it'd be a tough call. Do you bring something familiar, or something new? I'd lean toward the former, I think! Imagine bringing a new book and it's terrible. Haha!

Bah, don't worry! When you get as old as me, you learn a thing or two about drinking responsibly! I only drink on occasion, you know.

[He scribbles a drawing of himself winking.]

[kingincognito]

Indeed! I must agree. Though I haven't yet found a book that has been unreadable, something familiar would be the better choice. Perhaps even something fictional.

That is good to hear. I do not doubt you will enjoy the bar responsibly, then. Likewise, it is an excellent place to find a meal.

[ Joshua, too, will draw a little happy face. Just like :) ]

[ofboreas]

Outside of grand, metaphorical ventures with only one book, which do you prefer? Fiction, or non-fiction?

Oh, trust that me and the bar are going to be well acquainted. Maybe I'm even there now!

[He isn't. But the thought is there.]

[kingincognito]

Largely, I read more non-fiction, but I am not opposed to reading more fictional tales. I simply do a lot of research, which means I am more predisposed to the former.

Ah, are you? We could be having this conversation in person, then.

[ He is, unfortunately, taking this literally. ]