[ continued from here. this reply is a copypaste from nysalogs. ]
[ He’s elated. And he knows he didn’t have to maintain Mikleo’s room in any way, he just... well, honestly? Sorey can’t truly, fully explain why he did it. He wasn’t silly enough to think that a clean room would somehow lure his best friend back from slumber, of course. So maybe it was just about making sure he’d have somewhere nice and well-kept for when he invariably woke up. In any case, it’s neither here nor there now.
Sorey’s in his own, (adjacent), room when Mikleo inquires. ]
Hm? Oh, no -- that’ll have to wait until morning. [ Then he’ll regale Mikleo with the story of finding a bit, bridle, and spurs magically in his room, along with a cryptic note. ]
This is something I found while out at work. [ He means exploring. That’s right -- he gets paid to explore, now; but only if he finds new plant life. Which, this is not that. What it is, however, is something that caught Sorey’s eye to the point where he couldn’t bear to leave it behind. Clutching it tightly in one closed hand, he brings it over. ] Come here, and hold out your hand.
[ He hadn't forgotten the details of Sorey's job. Which was... well... rather fitting for him. He's sure that Sorey's content with the job that he has. After all, exploring ruins was a hobby of theirs are children. Still, he hadn't exactly imagined Sorey ever getting a job while they were living in Elysia. ]
With how reckless you tend to get, I'll be surprised if your coworkers can keep up with you.
[ It's a light tease, but there's a soft smile on his face. He closes his eyes, holding out pale hands for Sorey to place that item in. ]
[ Sorey chuckles somewhat sheepishly at that comment. He’d refute the claim, but... when Mikleo’s right, he’s right.
Doesn’t mean he has to affirm that, of course.
When he turns, he can see his best friend there, eyes closed and hands extended. In one of them, he places a simple, violet gemstone: waterworn, it’s oddly-shaped enough that it couldn’t be a stone that fell off someone’s person, but is still spectacularly beautiful. No one laid claim to it, so Sorey kept it. More accurately put, he felt compelled to.
Why? Well... ]
I ran across this while I was out. It... [ he rubs at the back of his neck bashfully, voice quieting some ] ...it reminded me of you.
It's... a jewel. He wasn't exactly sure hat he had been expecting, but... he knows that it certainly wasn't this. At first he looks on in mild awe, taking in the gift as much as he could before reaching for it, taking it into his hands as though it were as fragile as glass. ]
... Thank you, Sorey. [ He says softly. It's beautiful, hangs on the end of his tongue, but as always - actions spoke louder than words when it came to Mikleo. It's in his expression - the way he handles that very gem. ] I'll keep it with me.
[ He already has an idea in mind on how he wants to do just that. ]
We never found anything like this back at home, did we?
[ He loves it -- Sorey can tell by the care he takes in handling it, and the muted awe in his expression. Someone who doesn’t know Mikleo might not be able to tell, but it’s plain as day to his best friend.
There’s a nod, and a murmured return at the thanks before he scratches his cheek idly, thoughtfully for just a moment at the question. ]
...You know, now that you mention it, no -- not once. Guess that makes this a pretty rare find, huh?
[ And that only lights his face up all the more. ]
I’m glad you like it.
[ Still wearing that too-fond smile, he rescinds into his room further, and gathers a rolled-up scroll from the desk that displays all his many plant specimens. ]
[ Sorey is (discreetly and politely, of course) somewhat perplexed. ]
Why wouldn't you be? [ It's an honest question! ] Most people I've met here so far are from places I've never heard of, with things I hadn't even thought of.
[ For example, cell phones? Giant flying robots?? His head could spin! ]
So it's good to meet someone from a similar era, at least, even if we've never heard of each other's homelands.
[ Also, they're arguably more well-equipped to help each other cope with all this foreign technology. ]
[in lieu of words, he spreads his arms briefly, and lowers them. There's just... so much.]
I think... because so many people are used to this sort of thing. I'm not sure that I'm a reassurance when there are people who are far more knowledgable about all of this technology than I am - and I do count you among them; at least you have a headstart!
Please, I’m a long way from knowledgeable! Though at this point I guess I could say that I know enough to get by.
[ He’s still blown away by the basic concepts -- and not to mention, the slowest typist EVER -- but he can send and receive messages with relative ease, if not full understanding of the technical how and why. That counts for something, right? ]
But I still started with the same understanding you have, so if I can do it, you can do it. Just takes practice, that’s all! [ A beat, and he shrugs. ] I’ll even help you practice, if you want. Maybe we could... be pen-pals, or something!
[ A thoughtful look, and he cups his chin, murmuring: ] ...Does it still count as that if we’re not using pens...?
So, what do you say? We can send messages to each other once a day. It doesn't have to be anything big. But it'll give me an excuse to further my knowledge, too.
Though I'm not sure I'll have much gossip for you. It'll probably be [ a bunch of nerdy stuff ] bits and pieces about plants I find for work, or discoveries I make, more than anything.
[his expression visibly brightens with talk of plants; it draws him in]
Oh, I enjoy plants. I used to tend the gardens as a child...
[but he loves anything that grows, really]
I was thinking of getting cuttings, something I can take care of in my own home. Greenery is nice, but it would be good to have something that flowers; something fragrant. But I've not learned the plants of this place, yet...
[ That's good to know! Given that Sorey is... slightly out of his element in his current line of work. But he's quick enough on his feet. ]
I'm not a huge help in that area yet, but I'm more than willing to pass on what I know!
[ Of course, true to form, he's acquired much of his knowledge through the fabled school of hard knocks, so to speak. He'd prefer he be the only one to learn via that medium, if he can help it. ]
A lot of plants out here are poisonous if ingested, so I definitely don't recommend getting too close, if you can help it. But I've found a few that seem friendly! I've got some growing in my room now.
I see. But perhaps you can give me some suggestions?
It's strange there be such an abundance of poisonous plants... I'm not sure that I can comment, though. [a little lift of his shoulders] We had gardens, so I suppose there was an amount of... intention, with everything we grew.
Sure! Why not? [ Sorey shrugs as well. ] Or, if you tell me what you look for in a plant, I can hold something back for you. [ Rather than processing it and disposing of it, he means. ]
I agree. [ That said with a wry expression. ] There aren't nearly as many poisonous plants back home.
[ Which explains why he's found so many of them purely on happenstance. ]
It makes me wonder how the creatures of this place survive, with such hardy, aggressive plant life...
I think one would have to be educated about the wildlife enough to know for sure. I understand very little about this...
[a memory stirs, though]
Perhaps they move with the seasons, as birds did where I came from? My country had quite temperate winters - it was a rare thing we would get snow, so birds would often fly to my country from colder ones...
[straightening up slightly, a little sheepish]
But I'm not sure if that has anything to do with anything...
That’s a fair guess! And hey, I’m still learning about the wildlife, too. There's a team where I work that surveys animals, while others survey the plants.
[ Sanzo takes care of most of that research, though he’s been on excursions with Mikazuki, too.
...He’s uh, not going to mention that one, though. Things got a little awkward toward the end. ]
There’s a lot about this place that none of us know yet. It’s like we landed on a whole new planet, and we’ve got to start over completely, in terms of exploration.
[ Forgive him if he looks a little too wild-eyed and excited about this prospect, too. ]
This may be a silly question, but is there no information the locals - the natives - can offer...?
[of course it's possible that they have already, but Linneus does find that strange, the idea that so much investigation is happening. It rather suggests the natives don't know their own homeland - like they, the newcomers, are essentially doing all the exploration]
[ It's not as begrudging an answer as Sorey half-expected, given how tentative Mikazuki had seemed while even looking at the ocean safely from the shore. To that, he has no comment (thankfully); he's just quietly pleased.
And yes, that's before he turns back to see the other having shucked off his shirt and shaken it out... though Sorey offers no comment to that, either. ]
Oh, by the way -- you might wanna make sure you put that back away from the shoreline a little, or the tide could sweep it away.
[ A beat. ]
Then again, I guess it could use a wash... so maybe that's not so bad, if we keep an eye on it.
[ Brows rising over a curious blink, young enough to seem almost mismatched to his, ahem, physique, Mikazuki looks up the shoreline and then back down again. ]
Tides... like the ones controlled by the moon? [ Or, well. Moons. ] They come up this far?
[ He can get it washed at home later. He'd rather his shirt smell like fruit than saltwater. ]
[ Of course. Mikazuki has enough rude for both of them, luckily, even if the overall effect is sort of softened by his actual apprehension. He feels less unsure about most life or death situations in comparison to the simple act of taking a dip, but he's twice as determined.
So he nods after a long moment, moving towards Sorey but not looking as half as confident as he's playing at. ]
[ Mikazuki isn’t rude! ...Or, maybe Sorey’s just reading into things a bit too much, not so quick to judge as others. Regardless, he notices the moment that mouth sets, brows lifting, knitting somewhat in a sympathetic, (and sheepish), expression.
After all, “deep” is... kind of a relative term in this case, isn’t it? What might be okay for Sorey could very well be less than for Mikazuki. But rather than comment on that and potentially unsettle his unsure friend further, he dons an optimistic smile, (more or less his natural state of being), and steps confidently out into the water. Confidently enough for the both of them, really. ]
Don’t worry -- we’ll stay close to shore, nothing too far out. And if you decide you don’t like it, you can get back out any time you like.
[ Muscle sinks, Sorey, remember that because you're a smart cookie, and Mikazuki is, well. Muscles-for-brains. But being that way had made him Tekkadan's sword arm worthy of respect so he's barely used to being judged, either. (And if he is, he probably doesn't notice it.)
What he does notice is the glaring brightness of Sorey's smile, which is more inviting than the water itself is. He's already committed though, so he nods and follows behind, gaze transfixed on his own footsteps. Wet sand is a lot firmer than it looks when his soles sink into it. Finally, he steps into the water as the tide rolls in, frothing and bubbling around his ankles. Not so bad... though he stops dead when the waves start rolling back out, leaving him with that feeling of displaced movement. ]
[ Muscle sinks, yes, and waves can be a right pain in the ass -- especially for a first-timer. But so long as they stay close enough to shore to keep their feet in the sand, (and their wits about them, which means no foolhardiness), they’ll be fine. This is Sorey’s logic, at least.
Meanwhile, he’s already out up to his knees, bending at the waist to haphazardly splash whatever he can up onto his chest, rubbing at it lightly in the hopes of getting that stickiness off. It just--
”...feels weird.”
Yep. That. Turning back to see Mikazuki, Sorey takes a couple steps toward him, into shallower waters. ]
I bet it does, for a first time! [ Zero judgment here. ] And the ocean isn’t as good a place to learn to swim as a lagoon or a pond, but... [ He shrugs somewhat. ] If you’re ever interested, I’d be happy to teach you.
[ Just let him. Stand here a second, and get used to the weird flow of the tide as it washes in and out over his legs, causing his equilibrium to shift strangely. It's Sorey's offer that causes him to finally look back up inquisitively, tearing his focus from the seawater. ]
I remember the lagoons. [ Those did seem a lot calmer. ] You're okay with that?
[ It's not like swimming would benefit him in any amazing kind of way, which is more or less how it categorizes life skills...
But he also isn't one to back down from learning something new. ]
[ He’ll wait. Trust him -- he understands how strange it must feel, experiencing it for the first time. He’s not so well-acquainted with water that he can’t put himself in Mikazuki’s shoes. Er, footprints? Whatever. ]
Sure! Why wouldn’t I be? We’re friends, right? [ He shrugs. ] What’s a favor between friends?
[ He says this, but every time he’s offered to teach Mikleo to swim, he’s staunchly refused. Which, of course, the door is still open for Mikazuki to do that, too, should he have a change of heart. ]
[ Friends. Going quiet, Mikazuki's gaze returns to the water as he begins to venture out a little farther. Gaining his balance gives him new tenacity when he has a task to focus on, rather than some of the more normal customs associated with such things.
Like making friends. ]
Okay. [ Easy enough, if not somewhat slow. ] That sounds nice.
Mikleo
Date: 2017-10-02 05:04 pm (UTC)[ He’s elated. And he knows he didn’t have to maintain Mikleo’s room in any way, he just... well, honestly? Sorey can’t truly, fully explain why he did it. He wasn’t silly enough to think that a clean room would somehow lure his best friend back from slumber, of course. So maybe it was just about making sure he’d have somewhere nice and well-kept for when he invariably woke up. In any case, it’s neither here nor there now.
Sorey’s in his own, (adjacent), room when Mikleo inquires. ]
Hm? Oh, no -- that’ll have to wait until morning. [ Then he’ll regale Mikleo with the story of finding a bit, bridle, and spurs magically in his room, along with a cryptic note. ]
This is something I found while out at work. [ He means exploring. That’s right -- he gets paid to explore, now; but only if he finds new plant life. Which, this is not that. What it is, however, is something that caught Sorey’s eye to the point where he couldn’t bear to leave it behind. Clutching it tightly in one closed hand, he brings it over. ] Come here, and hold out your hand.
Re: Mikleo
Date: 2017-10-08 03:00 am (UTC)With how reckless you tend to get, I'll be surprised if your coworkers can keep up with you.
[ It's a light tease, but there's a soft smile on his face. He closes his eyes, holding out pale hands for Sorey to place that item in. ]
What is it?
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-09 03:52 pm (UTC)Doesn’t mean he has to affirm that, of course.
When he turns, he can see his best friend there, eyes closed and hands extended. In one of them, he places a simple, violet gemstone: waterworn, it’s oddly-shaped enough that it couldn’t be a stone that fell off someone’s person, but is still spectacularly beautiful. No one laid claim to it, so Sorey kept it. More accurately put, he felt compelled to.
Why? Well... ]
I ran across this while I was out. It... [ he rubs at the back of his neck bashfully, voice quieting some ] ...it reminded me of you.
[ Is he blushing? His face feels a bit warm. ]
So I want you to have it, Mikleo.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-11-03 04:28 am (UTC)It's... a jewel. He wasn't exactly sure hat he had been expecting, but... he knows that it certainly wasn't this. At first he looks on in mild awe, taking in the gift as much as he could before reaching for it, taking it into his hands as though it were as fragile as glass. ]
... Thank you, Sorey. [ He says softly. It's beautiful, hangs on the end of his tongue, but as always - actions spoke louder than words when it came to Mikleo. It's in his expression - the way he handles that very gem. ] I'll keep it with me.
[ He already has an idea in mind on how he wants to do just that. ]
We never found anything like this back at home, did we?
(no subject)
Date: 2017-11-08 04:55 pm (UTC)There’s a nod, and a murmured return at the thanks before he scratches his cheek idly, thoughtfully for just a moment at the question. ]
...You know, now that you mention it, no -- not once. Guess that makes this a pretty rare find, huh?
[ And that only lights his face up all the more. ]
I’m glad you like it.
[ Still wearing that too-fond smile, he rescinds into his room further, and gathers a rolled-up scroll from the desk that displays all his many plant specimens. ]
Hey, Mikleo -- wanna see the map I’ve started?
Linneus
Date: 2017-10-03 08:11 pm (UTC)[ Sorey is (discreetly and politely, of course) somewhat perplexed. ]
Why wouldn't you be? [ It's an honest question! ] Most people I've met here so far are from places I've never heard of, with things I hadn't even thought of.
[ For example, cell phones? Giant flying robots?? His head could spin! ]
So it's good to meet someone from a similar era, at least, even if we've never heard of each other's homelands.
[ Also, they're arguably more well-equipped to help each other cope with all this foreign technology. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-03 09:32 pm (UTC)I think... because so many people are used to this sort of thing. I'm not sure that I'm a reassurance when there are people who are far more knowledgable about all of this technology than I am - and I do count you among them; at least you have a headstart!
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-04 05:45 pm (UTC)Please, I’m a long way from knowledgeable! Though at this point I guess I could say that I know enough to get by.
[ He’s still blown away by the basic concepts -- and not to mention, the slowest typist EVER -- but he can send and receive messages with relative ease, if not full understanding of the technical how and why. That counts for something, right? ]
But I still started with the same understanding you have, so if I can do it, you can do it. Just takes practice, that’s all! [ A beat, and he shrugs. ] I’ll even help you practice, if you want. Maybe we could... be pen-pals, or something!
[ A thoughtful look, and he cups his chin, murmuring: ] ...Does it still count as that if we’re not using pens...?
[ Sorey pls. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-04 06:35 pm (UTC)I'd more than welcome the practice.
[a little smile at the boy's uncertainty]
I would prefer pen and paper; there is a comfort in it, for me. But that would defeat the object of practicing.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-04 07:35 pm (UTC)[ Sorey chuckles softly. ]
So, what do you say? We can send messages to each other once a day. It doesn't have to be anything big. But it'll give me an excuse to further my knowledge, too.
[ A beat. ]
And, honestly, I wouldn't mind the company.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-04 08:03 pm (UTC)[a little chuckle, tidying his own hair]
My last... pen-pal, I just told him all the gossip around the house, but I've no housemates at the moment.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-04 08:56 pm (UTC)[ A small shrug. ]
Though I'm not sure I'll have much gossip for you. It'll probably be [
a bunch of nerdy stuff] bits and pieces about plants I find for work, or discoveries I make, more than anything.[ Translation: NERD ALERT. NERD ALERT. wee-ooh, wee-ooh ]
But I'll make sure to send a note each day to say hello! And at least encourage you to reply back to practice typing.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-04 09:04 pm (UTC)Oh, I enjoy plants. I used to tend the gardens as a child...
[but he loves anything that grows, really]
I was thinking of getting cuttings, something I can take care of in my own home. Greenery is nice, but it would be good to have something that flowers; something fragrant. But I've not learned the plants of this place, yet...
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-08 11:08 pm (UTC)[ That's good to know! Given that Sorey is... slightly out of his element in his current line of work. But he's quick enough on his feet. ]
I'm not a huge help in that area yet, but I'm more than willing to pass on what I know!
[ Of course, true to form, he's acquired much of his knowledge through the fabled school of hard knocks, so to speak. He'd prefer he be the only one to learn via that medium, if he can help it. ]
A lot of plants out here are poisonous if ingested, so I definitely don't recommend getting too close, if you can help it. But I've found a few that seem friendly! I've got some growing in my room now.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-09 06:25 am (UTC)It's strange there be such an abundance of poisonous plants... I'm not sure that I can comment, though. [a little lift of his shoulders] We had gardens, so I suppose there was an amount of... intention, with everything we grew.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-10 03:24 pm (UTC)I agree. [ That said with a wry expression. ] There aren't nearly as many poisonous plants back home.
[ Which explains why he's found so many of them purely on happenstance. ]
It makes me wonder how the creatures of this place survive, with such hardy, aggressive plant life...
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-10 08:15 pm (UTC)[just in case he has housemates less savvy than he]
And perhaps you might be able to tell me about the plant it question. It would be good to learn...
[and it's been a while since he did flower sketches]
Perhaps they adapted to the plant life? Or they grew in tandem...
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-11 04:03 pm (UTC)Of course. [ His smile returns. ] And, sure! I'll be happy to tell you all I know before I give it to you. It would be rude not to.
[ He scratches his cheek for a moment. ] Maybe so. Or, maybe herds of wildlife would migrate to different areas to find an easier meal. Who knows?
[ He certainly doesn't. But he seems undeniably enthusiastic to find out. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-11 07:14 pm (UTC)[a memory stirs, though]
Perhaps they move with the seasons, as birds did where I came from? My country had quite temperate winters - it was a rare thing we would get snow, so birds would often fly to my country from colder ones...
[straightening up slightly, a little sheepish]
But I'm not sure if that has anything to do with anything...
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-17 07:02 pm (UTC)[ Sanzo takes care of most of that research, though he’s been on excursions with Mikazuki, too.
...He’s uh, not going to mention that one, though. Things got a little awkward toward the end. ]
There’s a lot about this place that none of us know yet. It’s like we landed on a whole new planet, and we’ve got to start over completely, in terms of exploration.
[ Forgive him if he looks a little too wild-eyed and excited about this prospect, too. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-22 09:42 pm (UTC)[of course it's possible that they have already, but Linneus does find that strange, the idea that so much investigation is happening. It rather suggests the natives don't know their own homeland - like they, the newcomers, are essentially doing all the exploration]
Mikazuki
Date: 2017-10-03 08:23 pm (UTC)[ It's not as begrudging an answer as Sorey half-expected, given how tentative Mikazuki had seemed while even looking at the ocean safely from the shore. To that, he has no comment (thankfully); he's just quietly pleased.
And yes, that's before he turns back to see the other having shucked off his shirt and shaken it out... though Sorey offers no comment to that, either. ]
Oh, by the way -- you might wanna make sure you put that back away from the shoreline a little, or the tide could sweep it away.
[ A beat. ]
Then again, I guess it could use a wash... so maybe that's not so bad, if we keep an eye on it.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-09 09:04 am (UTC)Tides... like the ones controlled by the moon? [ Or, well. Moons. ] They come up this far?
[ He can get it washed at home later. He'd rather his shirt smell like fruit than saltwater. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-10 03:37 pm (UTC)But, who's looking? Not him! That'd be rude. And Sorey is anything but rude. ]
Yep! [ Hands on his hips for a moment, he looks quite proud of his knowledge, perhaps, for some reason. ] At least, I don't see why they wouldn't.
So, you coming in?
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-11 07:51 am (UTC)So he nods after a long moment, moving towards Sorey but not looking as half as confident as he's playing at. ]
I'll go in. But...
[ His mouth sets. ]
Tell me where it gets deep.
[ Preferably before a wave swallows him. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-11 04:17 pm (UTC)After all, “deep” is... kind of a relative term in this case, isn’t it? What might be okay for Sorey could very well be less than for Mikazuki. But rather than comment on that and potentially unsettle his unsure friend further, he dons an optimistic smile, (more or less his natural state of being), and steps confidently out into the water. Confidently enough for the both of them, really. ]
Don’t worry -- we’ll stay close to shore, nothing too far out. And if you decide you don’t like it, you can get back out any time you like.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-14 07:31 am (UTC)What he does notice is the glaring brightness of Sorey's smile, which is more inviting than the water itself is. He's already committed though, so he nods and follows behind, gaze transfixed on his own footsteps. Wet sand is a lot firmer than it looks when his soles sink into it. Finally, he steps into the water as the tide rolls in, frothing and bubbling around his ankles. Not so bad... though he stops dead when the waves start rolling back out, leaving him with that feeling of displaced movement. ]
...feels weird.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-17 07:12 pm (UTC)Meanwhile, he’s already out up to his knees, bending at the waist to haphazardly splash whatever he can up onto his chest, rubbing at it lightly in the hopes of getting that stickiness off. It just--
”...feels weird.”
Yep. That. Turning back to see Mikazuki, Sorey takes a couple steps toward him, into shallower waters. ]
I bet it does, for a first time! [ Zero judgment here. ] And the ocean isn’t as good a place to learn to swim as a lagoon or a pond, but... [ He shrugs somewhat. ] If you’re ever interested, I’d be happy to teach you.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-18 09:22 am (UTC)I remember the lagoons. [ Those did seem a lot calmer. ] You're okay with that?
[ It's not like swimming would benefit him in any amazing kind of way, which is more or less how it categorizes life skills...
But he also isn't one to back down from learning something new. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-18 02:09 pm (UTC)Sure! Why wouldn’t I be? We’re friends, right? [ He shrugs. ] What’s a favor between friends?
[ He says this, but every time he’s offered to teach Mikleo to swim, he’s staunchly refused. Which, of course, the door is still open for Mikazuki to do that, too, should he have a change of heart. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-19 04:41 am (UTC)Like making friends. ]
Okay. [ Easy enough, if not somewhat slow. ] That sounds nice.