|
|
Post by Milo on Jun 7, 2020 13:47:03 GMT 1
OOC: Noon Day 20
The last church service for the day was over, all monks supposed to be in bed for the little hours they had. Not Olim. This being one of the only times where he had peace and no one watching over him, he'd sneaked away and climbed one of the many towers, positioning himself in a nook at the outer wall. Leaving would be punished if anyone found him, but as long as he was in his room by dusk it'd be fine. Here, he could be a bit closer to the sky, tilted his head back to look at the stars. Maybe one of the elves would come to talk to him – there were new stories to tell, but he'd learned by now that they came on their own accord, that he needn't scream out in his mind.
Dozing off magic whisking him away was the last he expected, dropping to the ground of the Beacon Room startled. “<W-what...?>” he asked, defaulting of course to the human language he spoke daily, with the glasses and monks attire looking much like one. More than once the kind elves had tried to convince him to wear furs, be more wild, but he couldn't break the rules of his only sanctuary.
|
|
|
|
Post by Choice on Jun 7, 2020 19:25:12 GMT 1
Choice, together with his bond-friend Dance and said bond-friend's mate Sneak, had been sitting by the fire pit in the Beacon Room, warming up after a long morning outside. He'd been keeping the fire going and awaiting the arrival of hungry tribemates (he'd at least begun to think of them as such). The sudden flash from the beacon and appearance of another person in the room took him by surprise, making him gasp and jump to his feet, quickly followed by the two maned wolves.
"Oh dear," he said out loud, putting calming hands on his animal friends' necks. "Uhm, greetings, stranger? You must feel very confused right now. I'm Choice. There is," how to explain this? He'd never done it on his own before! "There is broken magic here, that brings people here, so, uhm, no one has taken you and there is no danger." He stared at the stranger, finally starting to take in what he was seeing. "Oh. Eh. You're...very tall..."
|
|
|
|
Post by Milo on Jun 7, 2020 20:46:28 GMT 1
It took a moment for him to even register the dark figure at the fire, his eyes despite the glasses not the best. And there were wolves – were it wolves? He couldn't be sure, they looked like nothing he'd ever seen. “Magic...?” The concept had been explained to him, but with the monks being quite serious about flailing anyone daring to be different in unapproved ways, all he could do was use his little boosts in climbing, when no one could see.
Tall was one of the nicer things he'd been called in his life, though at the tone he still flinched, covering to make himself smaller, moving back against the cave-wall. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude your home!” Whether it was his fault or not mattered little, wouldn't be the first time he got in trouble simply for being there. “I-I'm...” Names were difficult, the only one he'd known for himself not feeling right to be spoken aloud. **Olim, I'm Olim** he choose to reveal, as so many times before.
|
|
|
|
Post by Choice on Jun 7, 2020 21:24:05 GMT 1
"Magic, yes," Choice said, trying to gauge what the newcomer was feeling and trying to be reassuring. "Do you know of magic?" Most who'd appeared seemed to, but you never knew.
"Don't fret, friend, you are not intruding." How to calm the poor stranger down? They seemed fairly shy, despite their impressive height, and they were wearing a strange piece of gear over their eyes. The flickering light from the fire reflecting in the odd piece of jewelry(?) made reading the stranger's expression and features a challenge. But at least they were speaking! Choice smiled, as gently and kindly as he ever could, and waited for the stranger to introduce themselves.
Then came the sending:
A soul name. The stranger had sent his soul name, with all that entailed.
Choice stood staring for far too long, stunned beyond words. This was nothing like a Recognition, this was a one-sided sharing from a completely unknown person, and to Choice it felt very, veeeeery wrong. Soul names were private. They were the most private thing you had!
"W-why did you do that?" he gasped out, utterly shaken. "You don't know me! Why did you do that?"
OOC: Loving this culture clash! How far did Milo send his soul name? Just want to know if I should bring in Keleero from the Hot Spring Room, 'cause if he just heard someone open-send their soul name, he would get moving XD
|
|
|
|
Post by Milo on Jun 7, 2020 22:02:15 GMT 1
The slightest nod at the question, confirming that he knew of magic. Just all was very hard to grasp the situation – if he wasn't where he had been and nowhere he knew, with this Choice not having brought him here either, how would it not be intruding? Places had rules, people just rarely told him until they got broken. Better to err on the safe side and not move. At least this elf seemed friendly, though the reaction to his name was all but good. This at least was a thing he defended, the only stability in his life, keeping him sane through doubt. “It's my name. The only one I have.” Easier too than explaining all his being. While the deer-elves had gently told that they didn't used them as open, by the time they talked all within reach had known and finding him not one of their own, they assumed it custom for his birth tribe, the one lost back in his hazy past.
OOC: He uses to just share it with everyone within reach, so feel free to get Keleero into this too! Looking forward to have him realize the new fellow (poor) Glider is also half a human.
|
|
|
|
Post by Choice on Jun 7, 2020 22:28:03 GMT 1
The only name he had? Choice felt a pang of such grief at this revelation he had to steady himself on a more and more confused Dance.
"Oh child," because the person before him did feel much younger than him, despite his near intimidating size. "Of course it's your name. It's your soul name. Didn't anyone teach you this?" Choice knew he'd begun to babble but he couldn't make himself stop. "What you've given me is beyond precious! It's-" High Ones, how did you explain something this important?! "You've given me your most inner self and you don't even know me! You should only share that part of yourself with those you truly trust. Bush-fire," he cursed, "I'm not trying to berate you, I just..." He drew in a shaky breath. "Please, there must be something else we can call you. All who dwell here are kind, but even so, i-it's simply not done, to share like this."
There were horror tales told among The Long Legs of those who'd abused a loved one's soul name. It was a crime far worse than even Choice had committed, utterly unspeakable, but not unknown. Had this young one never been told such stories? What kind of people were he from, that were so tall and so willing to share their inner-most selves with strangers?
OOC: Just to make sure I'm not mixing things up here - how do soul names work where Milo comes from? On the spectrum formed by the canon examples of Wolfriders (whose whole being is wrapped up in that name, leading to Tyldak seeing Dewshine kinda wolf-y after Recognition + Winnowill's power over Dewshine once she got her soul name) and the Sun Folk (who either have none or use them as their real names, depending on how you read canon/what you consider part of canon) as both extremes, where does Milo fall? So I know how much Choice and Keleero have learned of Milo as a person now that they know his soul name. I don't wanna overstep! Choice's reaction here is purely based on his own culture, he hasn't fully processed what's happened yet or how Milo's hands look XD Will be giving Keleero another post or two to fly in, as he's all the way over in the hot spring cave - his reaction will hopefully be...interesting~
PS. Choice might be tiny compared to Milo, but he's got some serious Dad Instincts kicking in right now ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Milo on Jun 7, 2020 23:01:26 GMT 1
Yes, it was his soul name, if insisting on calling it that. Precious because everyone had refused to give him a name and he knew this one all on his own, despite having learned early that no one would ever call him that. Or so he'd thought, until there'd been responses to his silent screams. Having met a similar refusal to speak it openly, Olim had an alternative, still paused at the request before telling it: “Milo.” Using it backwards, taking the edge out of it, was the only compromise he was willing to make, his name fitting and fully his when nothing else was, a part he had no need to be ashamed off, unlike so much else of his existence, body so odd and unfitting below his wide clothes.
OOC: I've sorted it in somewhere in the middle – it does not give power over him unless that person would be a very capable mind-mage, especially since he gives it freely and it's a possibility to be used openly in his birth tribe. What it should tell them is that he is an elf (since humans don't do soul-names, that part is present too, but not the most prominent one), that he is stemming from pure-blooded elves, that he is young and some basic sense of how he is as a person.
Dad Instincts are great! He can use some. On the note of soul-names, Flint could use an explanation too, he thinks his just a very fitting nickname my brother gave me XD
|
|
|
|
Post by Choice on Jun 7, 2020 23:29:02 GMT 1
OOC: Got it! I'm sure Choice will be very insistent on making sure all elves in the holt know how important soul names are, because he is shook right now. General lessons will be incoming ;D Also, just as a heads-up, Keleero is veeeeeeery experienced in the mind-games-with-soul-name department. He won't be attacking Milo or anything, but if Milo somehow can sense it, Keleero is definitely on the "mind-mage" spectrum - not a super powerful one, but unlike Choice he's seen plenty of aggressiv soul name use, from both sides of the coin, so to speak. IC:"Milo," Choice echoed, settling down ever so slightly. This could be fixed. He could try to forget. It felt like he already was, because his knowledge of Milo was nowhere near as deep as what he'd known- He cut that thought short, pushed aside anything but the present. "Welcome, Milo, to Beacon Call Holt. We've named it thus after the magical rock you can see behind you. It calls elves here, but we have no idea why or how. People just appear," and disappear, "and we do the best we can with our situation. Are you hungry?" More at ease by the second, Choice ambled up to Milo while signalling for Dance and Sneak to stay by the fire. He had to crane his neck to meet the other's eyes this close. "I think you're almost as tall as Reefshadow or Sefu , when he stands up straight." Choice still hadn't figured out why Sefu often huddled in on himself, but he'd not wanted to pry. "Please, take a seat." He reached out to offer his hand, to guide the young one to the fire, when he finally noticed the number of fingers on the other's hand. Caught blinking in disbelief for the second time in moments, Choice could only gape, then stutter out a: "Forgive me, I-I've never seen an elf with so many fingers."
|
|
|
|
Post by Milo on Jun 8, 2020 0:02:22 GMT 1
Beacon Call Holt. He glanced at the peculiar rock, noting the difference from his years working with stone in the monastery. Not that he had much of an idea on the magic part, would have to take Choices word for that. While there were many caves in the surrounding lands that could fit the description, none of the deer-bloods had a similar dark coloring, even his own darkest spots not coming close. Not exactly hungry, no more than anyone living on the restrictive diet in the monastery, but not wishing to oppose this new acquaintance for fear of repercussion, Olim only nodded, hesitant to follow the invitation.
There was a flicker of a smile at the comment on his height, humans considering him the opposite, the elves back in the forest joking how it'd be easier to hide him as a tree than a deer like they did. It vanished at the stare to his fingers, was he quick to shove his hands in the pockets of his attire, used to hiding every aspect someone considered different. “It's because they don't have them” he replied quietly, not yet ready to outright reveal how his peculiarities came to be. That he was tall, had streaks of white in his hair, limped due to a discrepancy in his legs, the marks on his skin, all that could be explained away. But not having additional limbs, useless as they were.
OOC: I can imagine the shock Choice is having! Figured as much about Keleero already from what bits of history you've hinted at in other threads – certainly won't hurt to make Milo aware of the dangers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Choice on Jun 8, 2020 12:26:41 GMT 1
"Well you have, so obviously they do," Choice said, a little off-balance still. He squared his shoulders. There had already been enough confusion between the two of them and Milo had just arrived. That wouldn't do. With determination, Choice put a hand on Milos arm and a gently began steering him toward the fire. "You should see the range of what elves can look like! Here we have everything from ghostly pale gliders to fuzzy-eared cat-bloods to actual half-cats, to elves who breathe water! Little Swish is purple all over with blue and green hair, and he's still very much an elf." He hated the idea of having made the young newcomer feel unwelcome. Being taken by the beacon could be traumatic enough without an unfriendly or cold greeting on top of it! "I myself share blood with these two," he said, indicating Sneak and Dance. "Are you comfortable around animals? We have some who aren't and there are a fair number of animals I've never seen before coming here. No-Sting keeps insisting my dear long-legs look like 'foxes or stilts', but I've yet to see a fox so I don't know how accurate that comparison is." Dance, always eager to make friends, skittered closer to Milo and sniffed the air to draw in his scent. Sneak, belly heavy with cubs, kept to the fire and only watched the newcomer with tired curiosity. Choice, making sure to keep himself between his bond-friend and Milo, said, "Dance just wants to greet you. Do you-" That was when, out of the corner of his eye, Choice spotted Keleero in the entrance to the tunnel leading to the Sleeping Chamber. Standing, not floating. That was probably not a good sign. "Ah, Keleero!" Choice hurried to greet him, as usually having a hard time reading the glider. "This is our latest arrival, Milo. Are you here to cook food?" Right after, he hurried to lock-send to Keleero, ~**He doesn't know about soul names! Doesn't understand! Did you hear?!**~ OOC: Choice sure is having a day, but I'm guessing Milo's isn't any less confusing XD I'll see what kind of lessons on danger Keleero will have the presence of mind to share, once he's over the upcoming shock  |
|
|
|
Post by Keleero on Jun 8, 2020 12:42:21 GMT 1
Keleero had remained frozen at the mouth of the tunnel that led from the Beacon Room to the Sleeping Chamber. He'd been at work on the decorations in the Hot Spring Chamber, waiting for Sefu or Flint to join him for conversations on magic, when he'd been sent the soul name. It had struck him dumb and blind for a couple of heartbeats, the sudden sharing so unnatural it left him reeling back to terrible memories. Whose was the soul name? He tried not to think of it, tried not to imagine who in the holt might be forcing another to share theirs like so - it was the worst punishment anyone could be forced to endure in Steepside, an open sharing of one's inner self, for all in range to snatch up and keep as weapon against them. I do not want this. I do no want this! Beacon Call was a harsh place when it came to weather and food, but it had been safe in all the ways that truly mattered. The last thing he'd wished for, the thing he'd dreaded most, was this. Someone showing their true colors. Someone beginning circles of pain that all would have to partake in and maneuver against. I'll kill whoever did it. I'll kill them and end it before it begins. Short of breath, trembling with rage, Keleero darted toward the source of the sending. And was brought up short by the scene in the Beacon Room. Choice. Choice. For the soul name had to belong to the newcomer - an elf slightly taller than Keleero, an elf with something off about him that Keleero didn't want to examine closer, because that would mean dwelling on his soul name - so Choice had to be the culprit. Of all the elves grown, he was the last who Keleero would have suspected. But is not that always the case? You're far too naive, still. Far too trusting.He should have attacked. Should have taken the matter in hand and ended it, but he couldn't make himself. He'd rarely had to kill and Choice had his two beasts with him, and possible control over the new arrival. And also...Keleero knew he didn't want to do it. Didn't want Choice gone. Didn't want to believe what had happened. Didn't want the consequences that would come after, whatever his decision. Coward.The lock-sending that followed from Choice felt true. That said, many of his kin in Steepside could twist sendings to make lies feel true, or at least not false. Who was to say what Choice was capable of, what he'd been hiding from them all? Hadn't he always been worried someone from his old life would come here? He'd never said as much, but Keleero knew how to listen between words, to read posture and expression. ~**I heard,**~ he answered Choice without adding a verbal answer. He remained in the tunnel, motionless with his feet on the ground, face a blank mask. OOC: Please excuse Keleero, he's caught up remembering some Very Bad Things right now~ |
|
|
|
Post by Milo on Jun 8, 2020 13:30:09 GMT 1
Milo suspected that Choice hadn't seen many humans before or he'd not mistake this obvious difference. It was part of who he was, just like other elves were part deer or cat or this odd wolves. How some elves could look as different to each other as he did to average humans still seemed hard to grasp, all his life revolving around not fitting in quite. No one caring to make him feel welcome, reserved friendliness the best he could hope for, until people learned too much and send him away again. Letting himself be guided to the fire, he kept quiet, focusing on keeping his limp to a minimum, glad that this magic hadn't taken him during the day, forced to wear shoes that only enhanced his clumsiness.
And he smiled at Dance approaching, had he always got along well with animals – they didn't judge him. The rules with them were easier, no fear for hurt as long as both knew their places. He was about to kneel down, allow for proper introductions, when Keleero appeared, having him freeze again. This wasn't the face of someone meaning well, a mask that came too often before punishment. Wasn't made any better by the lack of an answer to Choices words, so Milo kept exactly where he was, standing absolutely still, eyes cast down and hoping to make himself invisible.
|
|
|
|
Post by Choice on Jun 8, 2020 14:10:49 GMT 1
~**Keleero, you're scaring him.**~ was the first thing Choice thought to do when he saw Milo's reaction to Keleero. The sending wasn't solely for Milo's benefit; of all the elves in the holt, Keleero was one that Choice had the hardest time to feel at ease around. The Glider always seemed to think words over too long and kept distance, even in sending. Choice hadn't gotten the impression he was cruel, but he seemed constantly on edge, and a fearful creature could be just as dangerous as a malicious one. What would he-
No! That is unthinkable! Keleero isn't some deep-night tall-tale monster, he's just Keleero. He's probably shocked, like me. Choice glanced up at Milo who looked to have gone into himself, frozen and eyes lowered. Also, had he been limping? Not good.
"Keleero, would you please come over here?" he asked, voice as steady as he could make it. Eerie stillness aside, Keleero had never before refused to help a newcomer. Why should now be any different? To Milo, he said: "Are you hurt? Would you like me to send for a healer?" Figuring out who would be accepting of magical healing or not would be good to know, preferably before any possible emergency could come about.
|
|
|
|
Post by Keleero on Jun 8, 2020 14:21:30 GMT 1
I'm scaring the child? Oh that was rich. But yet again Choice's sending held nothing but concern and mild panic, along with insecurity and confusion. It was hard to imagine he was lying. Still... The newcomer - Milo - did look scared. He hadn't reacted as badly as say Sefu had during his first days in the holt, but still scared and vary beyond what most newcomers had been. Keleero too had seen Milo's limp. Again, not as clear an injury as some had arrived with, but not something to go ignored. Stop being a coward. Move! Speak! Leaving the tunnel-mouth took a lot of willpower, but he managed. He even found words to speak. "What has happened here? Who made him share like that?" He'd left his shoes in the Hot Spring Chamber, both because he'd taken flight so suddenly he'd had no time to put them back on and because he'd instinctively known he'd need as much skin-to-stone contact as possible when he reached his destination. He was better at shaping with his hands, but if pinned his feet were a better recourse than nothing. He stopped at a safe distance from Choice and his beasts, keeping near the wall in case he'd need to defend himself. It wasn't just Choice's potential sinister side that kept him at bay. Something was wrong with the newcomer, something that set Keleero's nerves shaking, but he refused to look deeper into the source of information he'd been given. Not when there was no overt threat. Not against a child. "Are you hurt, young one?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Milo on Jun 8, 2020 17:02:00 GMT 1
To be fair Milo was easy to scare when it came to people and situations he couldn't read, having been at the wrong end of many a escalating scene. Reason had rarely played into it, so he'd learned to be sorry even if it wasn't his fault, to try and appease everyone or at the very least stay as far out he way as possible. He'd rather have run, but knew too well that he wouldn't make it far without being caught up again – and where should he go here, with no known help waiting around?
Only the implied accusation had him snap out of this state, not angry, only defending what was his. “It's my name, the only one I have and I choose to because Milo is the same backwards but only for speaking, not the right one.” Milo would not let anyone deny this name or the use of it. Shaking his head at the offer of a healer and dreading the explanations to come, to show all that was wrong with him, he only said. “It's nothing a healer could fix.”
OOC: While Milo thinks his bodily faults are unfixable, a capable enough healer sure could help, but as he is in no dire need of help I keep that as an option for the future.
|
|
