elnysa | [video] un: linneus.

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[video] un: linneus.

Hello every… ah, anyone who might see this. My name is Linneus. I... am not sure if this is working.

[leaving comments on other people’s posts is one thing, but putting his own out is quite another, and there’s a certain degree of nervousness that hasn’t been present in his everyday interactions, accentuated by the fact that he is clearly chilled and just about holding off a shiver]

I was hoping perhaps someone might be able to help. Someone in Olympia, that is. You see I returned from Wyver just now and-- well, look.

[the shift in camera angle is clumsy, but eventually he steadies the device on his surroundings. A broken-in window, the snow blown inside in small drifts. As he pans it’s clear that what little home he had started to make for himself has been quite overturned, covers tossed back and pulled off beds, cupboards and shelves standing empty, but he doesn’t linger too long on those. His main focus is on the window, one hand reaching into frame to gesture as he draws closer]

I can manage much of the housework and the cleaning, but it’s this is the trouble - it’s sort of a sash window, but it draws to the side instead of up. [a careful tug - broken glass notwithstanding, it’s clearly stuck open] I’m not sure I can manage to take it off its track by itself - I think the glass will break further if I try. But I hoped someone might try and help me with finding a replacement and perhaps fitting it?

[turning the camera back on himself, a slightly shy smile.]

I should forewarn that I may not be capable of instant repayment, but I would consider myself in your debt and endeavour to do what I can. I… await any reply, even if you’ve only advice to offer, but I shan’t be instantaneous in my replies, you understand. I have no small amount of cleaning up of my own to do…

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[She holds her teacup up for him to pour the water into.] I agree. I don't intend to stop thinking about it.

But perhaps it might be better saved for more solemn discussions than a first meeting. [She brings it to her lips, blowing steam from it and taking a short sip.]

Frankly, I don't intend to believe either one. Propaganda can be blinding.

That is the wisest course of action, I think.

[his laugh turns from shy to warm, setting the pot down again]

Oh, I think the both of us have it in us to have a polite discussion, rather than a solemn one. But very well. Let us turn our talk elsewhere, then.

Again, I agree.

[She thinks for a moment, letting the cup warm her hands.]

Tell me about yourself, if you wouldn't mind. What do you enjoy? What sort of place do you come from?

Honestly there's little to say...

[little he is comfortable with saying, which is as much as there being little to say at all. Better that he keep to the surface facts, the lighter story]

I was born in a small country not unlike this one - though mine was far from the sea, and of course we'd no space-ships, either. I was sold into service when I was very young, and I've worked in the same household ever since. When I'd free time... there aren't many tasks a small child can be set to, so I was set to work in the gardens in my youth and I still enjoy tending them when my schedule allows. I paint a little too, on occasion.

[his shrug is more like a lift of his shoulders, like they're carried up and down with his breath]

And now that I have my own time I would like to educate myself better - to help people, if I can.

[lifting his cup, peering at her over it a moment]

What of your life, Miss Diana? What of your plans here?

[That hadn't been what she was expecting, and her blonde eyebrows lift in surprise for a moment.] I'm sorry, I hadn't realized that you were a-- [slave] --servant. I apologize if I've trod on any sensitive ground. [She says, sincerely.]

I find that dream an admirable one. [She glances down at her cup of steaming tea.] I was-- am-- the only child of a household of some reputation and lineage in the magic world. When I was young, I used to love to listen to my mother tell tales of my ancestors, and how they had used their gifts and knowledge to heal, help, and bring peace where they could.

The Cavendish line may well end with me, but I will do my best to ensure its philosophy does not.

It's... quite normal where I come from. But if I am to understand correctly, that is precisely the problem.

[it's strange enough, people apologising, even getting angry for his circumstances on his behalf. His brushing it off as commonplace... people haven't really liked that. But he doesn't know quite what else to do. It was a fact of life - of his life. The same way that some people are born into riches.]

This is a good intent. How... do you plan to do so, if I may ask? As one who has never had power enough to do such things...

[She says nothing, because it is not her place to pass judgment on an entire world that she knows little about, to a man who had little in setting it up.

But her expression does darken, even so.] Healing and helping... should not be difficult. My magic is useful, as you've seen.

[The tiniest of sighs.] But I do not have my mother's silver tongue, nor her ability to negotiate and find common ground.

Yet.

[gently]

Charm is one thing; people either are charming or they aren't. Persuasion is another - not the easiest thing, but like any skill it can be developed. Honed.

As for negotiation... I'm no master in such matters or a mediator by any means, but a large part of it would be educating oneself on either side, surely? It sets a refugee to these shores at a disadvantage, certainly, but not an insurmountable one.

[That pulls a small, albeit genuine smile onto her face.] Yet-- you're correct about that, I'll grant.

I would like to learn more about the conflict and its two parties. I feel I have a lot of reading to do.

Is there a place you can recommend for research?

I can’t, I’m afraid. If there are libraries they are not likely to be without a bias to one side or the other. And I don’t know how forthcoming our hosts will be with that kind of information, if at all. We were brought here to draw our own conclusions, after all, make our own choices...

If there are books to be found... I wonder if it might not be wise to speak with people, too?

[She closes her eyes.] I'm much better with books than with people, to be perfectly honest.

I suspect that whether written or spoken, we're not going to find an unbiased opinion from either side. But a library would at least be a start.

But perhaps it's necessary, in this circumstance, to get as many accounts as you can. After all, a history book will give you the same account however many times you read it but people? Their accounts can vary. Yes, it will be hard to find an unbiased opinion but biases can vary, too.

It might be worth thinking on, at least?

No, you're right. History is written by the victors, or at least the narrative is controlled by the writer of the book. I'll need to be judicious, especially with hatreds this long-standing.

[She takes another sip of hot water.] Not all problems are fixable with a flick of my wand, I'm afraid. [A small, tired-looking smile.] If only everything were as easy as a broken window.

If a fracture this deep could be so easily repaired I would worry, honestly.

[he unconsciously mimics her, a pensive sip]

What about talking with those outside the cities’ walls? The unaffiliated?

They're not any more likely to hold a wholly unbiased frame of mind, either-- they left these places for a reason.

Still, between the three stories, something like the truth might emerge. I hope.

No, this is true. But the more accounts gathered, the clearer the picture, don’t you think?

[a pause]

Perhaps this sounds fanciful or silly - and I have to settle, get my own affairs into order, first - but I have considered riding out every now and again, if there are mounts to be borrowed. If there is some way I can help, I would like to. If there is food or care I can offer that might be accepted...

[She gives a small shake of her head, and then smiles.] I don't think that sounds silly at all. I think it's very noble.

If you're looking for company, I'd be happy to go with you. Plus, we wouldn't need a mount. All I need is a broom.

...I would need a mount. I’m not sure how I could manage on a broom.

[for several reasons. The height and the movement is one. Anatomy may well be another but he would never be as uncouth as to say so]

But the company would be welcome, of course.

You're welcome to ride with me if you change your mind, though I understand your concerns. [Sidesaddle is always a thing you can do! To sidestep anatomical concerns.]

Please, though, do let me know if it's something you intend on doing.

I will probably do better with a horse, but thank you.

As I say, I don't know what kind of help will be welcome, if it is at all, but I should like to find out.

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[video] un: linneus.

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