[ while there are new places to explore, when taair goes to seek out zuriel he will find them in... the dirt. or, rather, he will find them on the ground in the garden among some of the plants and seemingly enjoying the outside world. but they hear someone approaching and they tilt their head back, watching him get closer. ]
[ oh i think i know who this is. not the character but hte person
anyway!!!!! taair's been out and about quite a bit, exploring, perhaps as to be expected - but he loops his way back to touch grass after a distressing afternoon on the internet (?) or also just seems to be wandering the loop of everything to explore. ]
Oh! Good morning, Zuriel. [ with a smile, he dips his head in greeting, as polite as can be! ] You know, I should have expected that I might find you out here...
his gaze flicks to their halo briefly, with a wry little smile. ]
A bit - only in the way that perhaps, I'm fond of birds. [ but, as gestured, he will happily come to do so - caring very little for getting dirt on his extremely white clothes, he kneels down to join them, peering curiously at whatever part of the garden they're in. what are you working on, or are you just vibing in the dirt. ]
[ they glance up at his halo, and though he can't see their expression it's probably obvious they seem relaxed by this. they even scoot to give him extra room. now that he's on the ground with them, it appears they are half-vibing in the dirt and half-working on some sort of crochet project in an array of pinks and purples. ]
Elysia asked for a pillow, and I didn't have a reason to say no. Why work indoors when I could be out here?
... You know, my friend, I think that is a wonderful philosophy to have.
[ why work inside when you could be outside. it sure speaks to taair's interests - he reaches out and gently sets his hand on the grass, just to feel it under his palms. it's nice, to be able to be outside.
the crocheting makes him make a soft little noise of realization, peering at it. ]
You made all of those items by hand? That scarf was quite the life-saver, that first day.
You think? [ they would have this philosophy regardless, but it's nice to know someone else understands. ] I've always preferred it. Being where there's plants and trees? It feels better.
[ they do not explain what that means, but there is a nod. they also nudge over a ball of yarn. here. you can observe. ]
I did, yeah. I like making my own things when I have the materials. I wasn't sure what to make you all, so I guessed. I'm glad to hear it helped. And um, sorry about the other clothes? That was news to us.
There is something by far to be said for not being cooped up indoors. I'd have to agree.
[ that's where my trauma is!!! ]
It was a kind gift, and I imagine took quite a bit of effort! So thank you. And... [ :stressed: ] Apology certainly accepted - it's quite alright. A strange experience, but a new one, nevertheless.
[ and probably not one he will repeat because that was very scandalous. but!! taair looks delighted as he nudges the ball of yarn over, ever eager for a moment to observe...and after a moment, reaches out to take the yarn, feeling it between his fingers. ]
I've never learned how to knit, but I make things myself, here and there. It's only a hobby, but... it's nice, to occupy the mind that way.
Sounds like you're speaking from experience? [ a gentle prompt, if he would like to discuss his trauma. even so they are fine to continue. ]
I've been doing this for a while, so it was easy enough to follow the same pattern. If we had known those outfits would be the first thing you were greeted with we'd have watched the time a little closer.
[ enjoy your soft blue yarn, it's very nice for tactile people. ]
What sort of things have you made for yourself? Sometimes it's easier to learn another skill when you're already used to one.
[ IT IS WEEKEND ZERO GRITS MY TEETH but there's just a soft smile, and no real explanation. let's move on! in fact, the apology makes him laugh a little - and when asked about the crafts, he makes an affirmative noise. ]
Well - here, I can show you. [ carefully setting the yarn down so as not to get any dirt on it, taair moves to tuck a hand behind his lapel, and pops the large feathered broach on his shoulder free, then hands it to them in exchange. instead of one large feather, the feathery bit is actually several small ones, carefully woven together by their color pattern. ]
It's not much, but when I was left mementos from a dear friend, I thought perhaps I might utilize them into something. I can sew well enough, as well, but... little trinkets like these were what occupied my time, here and there.
[ IT IS MONDAY. it's fine, they do not mind that he doesn't share. they weren't really expecting him to, and instead they seem to lean forward to ooh and ahh at this broach. they take it almost gingerly, holding it in their hands to study the craftsmanship. it's large, but that's fine. ]
I feel as though making something out of a gift from a friend makes it even more valuable than something you made out of any spare materials. It's beautiful. I like the colors a lot. [ ... ] You must have cared for them a lot to keep some part of them with you all the time.
the brooch thing is very well made and shined nicely, and does not fall apart. the weaving of the feathers together does imitate a huge feather perfectly.
taair dips his head politely in gratitude to their compliments, and for the last part - he huffs, a soft laugh. ]
He was my only companion, for some time. [ and with a wry smile ] Though, I'm not sure if your mental image aligns with mine, at the moment - my dear friend was my bird.
Oh, I had assumed. [ so no, they assigned him bird friend. ] The feathers are too nice to be synthetic, and you've taken care to make sure they aren't fraying apart. I had some like this in my old bedroom hanging from the ceiling, but they didn't feel the same.
[ oh... the smile that crosses his face is so warm - immediate and understanding. :handshake: bird appreciators
he considers that for a moment, though... ]
Would you like one? A feather to keep. I have more than enough in the brooch for it to be full. My dear bird was so constantly sharing his songs with me, and his company - I imagine he would not mind to share a single feather with a new friend.
[ bird appreciators! but with that, they seem a little surprised. ]
Are you sure? It's something special to you, I couldn't take that. [ the offer is surprisingly kind though. ] But you should tell me more about him. He sounds like a friend you had for a long time.
It is special, you're right - but it is just one feather. And besides...we are made better for the parts of our whole that we share with others, aren't we? I've never had anyone to really share with at all.
[ until recently, and even that was just a fleeting moment. to have it now is beyond compare. as for his bird! now i have to violently headcanon some stuff so you know. fanfiction. ]
Let's see... as you can imagine, he was a bluebird - a Rodinian bluebird, to be exact! He was gifted to me when I was young, and we grew up together. His song was lovely, too - a sort of [ here he imitates a bluebird song with a couple notes of whistles. ] sound that he'd sing often, despite the circumstances of living life in a cage. It brought me hope, and...
[ he trails off a bit, there, softening some. ] ... Well, that was what I named him. Hope. It seemed rather fitting.
[ oh. that is something they believe in so strongly and it shows in their posture. of course people are made better for the parts that are shared with people they care for. isn't that the point of having those deep relationships? why would you ever want to be friends with someone you couldn't share those parts with?
so it is a little disheartening to hear that taair has been alone up to this point, but they listen to his birdfiction anyway. ]
... there's something symbolic about birds that way, I think. Whether they represent hope, or a bearer of news. It must have been nice having someone to grow up with to remind you of that. [ normally they would stop, but...they continue anyway. ] A friend of mine had a bird. Nothing as pretty as yours. Actually, she was sort of ugly and squawky, but she was very loyal. I think that's all that matters in the end, don't you?
ah... it's that posture change that cements what he'd already decided - carefully, he takes the brooch back, and unthreads a single blue feather from the weaving at the back. removing the feather, a medium sized, pure blue one, doesnt' disrupt the main structure of the accessory, and once he's carefully wiggled it free, he offers it to them with a smile. there. fwiendship.
and once that's done, as he's reaffixing his little brooch, he laughs at the mental image of the squawky bird, soft and fond. ]
I agree. [ to all of it, really. to birds as a symbol, to his relationship with his sole companion. and as for the bird friend... ] It's not just about how something looks, but it's their inside that counts the most, isn't it? I think she sounds like a fine companion, too.
[ oh... fwendship. they watch him work to remove the feather, and when it's offered they take it carefully. they will keep it safe, thank you, taair. ]
Thank you. [ first of all. because while they aren't always polite, some manners should be shown for a gift. but then back to birds. ] You're right about that. Looks are all a fabrication anyway, and I think he sort of liked that she was ugly because it suited him better. He raised her since she was a baby, and she's been on several adventures with us. I think she was something he wanted and needed at the time, so she came. Just like Hope was something you needed and were able to hold onto for so long.
[ this is such a cute story... he tucks the pin into his lapel again properly, and picks the yarn ball back up, absently playing with it between his fingers as he listens. these kinds of bonds between souls are important to taair, who has only ever observed them from afar, save for a precious week spent away from the tower. away from... ]
And... I think I would have to agree.
[ ...
his gaze draws up, now, overhead. it feels a bit silly to look to the sky when one is in the heavens, but it draws his eye, as it always has. ]
We were in quite a similar situation, Hope and I. It was not too long ago that I opened the door to his cage and left that door open, so he might have a choice to stay, to go, or to come as he pleased.
[ his voice softens as he says this - and then he huffs, and shakes his head, and smiles at them. ]
I hope that you'll tell me of your adventures someday, dear Zuriel. I think I would enjoy it very much.
Much more charming than he was, at least. [ there is still fondness anyway. they let him play with the yarn and lets his gaze wander, aware that these kinds of conversations can sometimes be overwhelming. they're patient, letting him take time and listening carefully. ]
... I hope he comes to visit. It would be nice for the two of you to be together and see more of the world out there. [ they get the idea, a little. in some lots in life, you are simply stuck no matter how much your heart protests. but they also pick up on the hint and they let the subject change easily to give him some breathing room. ]
To be honest, some of them are things I don't know I would believe myself if I hadn't been there. But I guess you could say we spent our time hunting for treasure. We were all dedicated.
[ that would be nice, wouldn't it? to see his little bird again. whether that bluebird returned or not, he doesn't explain - especially because that little morsel is like hooking a fish with a worm, and taair's whole expression brightens up with joy. ]
Hunting for treasure! Really? My, how exciting! Did you explore ruins or anything of the like? You must have experienced some marvelously exciting things.
[ let him have his bluebird friend back!! but it's fine, we will revisit his sad lore when it is not w0 and i can dig it out of him. they do not seem to mind sharing this little bit of information. ]
More like caves. My friends had been doing it for some time before we met, but... when I found out what they were doing, I wanted to come along.
Something that people thought had been lost to time. Or something people would sooner call a myth than reality. But finding it became someone's life work, and the rest of us followed him. His research spanned multiple files and maps and sent us all over the place, even just to get the smallest hint of a direction.
week 0, monday
Good morning. [ is it morning. who knows. ]
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anyway!!!!! taair's been out and about quite a bit, exploring, perhaps as to be expected - but he loops his way back to touch grass after a distressing afternoon on the internet (?) or also just seems to be wandering the loop of everything to explore. ]
Oh! Good morning, Zuriel. [ with a smile, he dips his head in greeting, as polite as can be! ] You know, I should have expected that I might find you out here...
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Oh, was it that obvious? [ it is affection week though, so they pat the dirt next to them. come sit! ]
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his gaze flicks to their halo briefly, with a wry little smile. ]
A bit - only in the way that perhaps, I'm fond of birds. [ but, as gestured, he will happily come to do so - caring very little for getting dirt on his extremely white clothes, he kneels down to join them, peering curiously at whatever part of the garden they're in. what are you working on, or are you just vibing in the dirt. ]
What are you up to out here?
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Elysia asked for a pillow, and I didn't have a reason to say no. Why work indoors when I could be out here?
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[ why work inside when you could be outside. it sure speaks to taair's interests - he reaches out and gently sets his hand on the grass, just to feel it under his palms. it's nice, to be able to be outside.
the crocheting makes him make a soft little noise of realization, peering at it. ]
You made all of those items by hand? That scarf was quite the life-saver, that first day.
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[ they do not explain what that means, but there is a nod. they also nudge over a ball of yarn. here. you can observe. ]
I did, yeah. I like making my own things when I have the materials. I wasn't sure what to make you all, so I guessed. I'm glad to hear it helped. And um, sorry about the other clothes? That was news to us.
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[ that's where my trauma is!!! ]
It was a kind gift, and I imagine took quite a bit of effort! So thank you. And... [ :stressed: ] Apology certainly accepted - it's quite alright. A strange experience, but a new one, nevertheless.
[ and probably not one he will repeat because that was very scandalous. but!! taair looks delighted as he nudges the ball of yarn over, ever eager for a moment to observe...and after a moment, reaches out to take the yarn, feeling it between his fingers. ]
I've never learned how to knit, but I make things myself, here and there. It's only a hobby, but... it's nice, to occupy the mind that way.
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I've been doing this for a while, so it was easy enough to follow the same pattern. If we had known those outfits would be the first thing you were greeted with we'd have watched the time a little closer.
[ enjoy your soft blue yarn, it's very nice for tactile people. ]
What sort of things have you made for yourself? Sometimes it's easier to learn another skill when you're already used to one.
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[ IT IS WEEKEND ZERO GRITS MY TEETH but there's just a soft smile, and no real explanation. let's move on! in fact, the apology makes him laugh a little - and when asked about the crafts, he makes an affirmative noise. ]
Well - here, I can show you. [ carefully setting the yarn down so as not to get any dirt on it, taair moves to tuck a hand behind his lapel, and pops the large feathered broach on his shoulder free, then hands it to them in exchange. instead of one large feather, the feathery bit is actually several small ones, carefully woven together by their color pattern. ]
It's not much, but when I was left mementos from a dear friend, I thought perhaps I might utilize them into something. I can sew well enough, as well, but... little trinkets like these were what occupied my time, here and there.
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I feel as though making something out of a gift from a friend makes it even more valuable than something you made out of any spare materials. It's beautiful. I like the colors a lot. [ ... ] You must have cared for them a lot to keep some part of them with you all the time.
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the brooch thing is very well made and shined nicely, and does not fall apart. the weaving of the feathers together does imitate a huge feather perfectly.
taair dips his head politely in gratitude to their compliments, and for the last part - he huffs, a soft laugh. ]
He was my only companion, for some time. [ and with a wry smile ] Though, I'm not sure if your mental image aligns with mine, at the moment - my dear friend was my bird.
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he considers that for a moment, though... ]
Would you like one? A feather to keep. I have more than enough in the brooch for it to be full. My dear bird was so constantly sharing his songs with me, and his company - I imagine he would not mind to share a single feather with a new friend.
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Are you sure? It's something special to you, I couldn't take that. [ the offer is surprisingly kind though. ] But you should tell me more about him. He sounds like a friend you had for a long time.
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[ until recently, and even that was just a fleeting moment. to have it now is beyond compare. as for his bird! now i have to violently headcanon some stuff so you know. fanfiction. ]
Let's see... as you can imagine, he was a bluebird - a Rodinian bluebird, to be exact! He was gifted to me when I was young, and we grew up together. His song was lovely, too - a sort of [ here he imitates a bluebird song with a couple notes of whistles. ] sound that he'd sing often, despite the circumstances of living life in a cage. It brought me hope, and...
[ he trails off a bit, there, softening some. ] ... Well, that was what I named him. Hope. It seemed rather fitting.
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so it is a little disheartening to hear that taair has been alone up to this point, but they listen to his birdfiction anyway. ]
... there's something symbolic about birds that way, I think. Whether they represent hope, or a bearer of news. It must have been nice having someone to grow up with to remind you of that. [ normally they would stop, but...they continue anyway. ] A friend of mine had a bird. Nothing as pretty as yours. Actually, she was sort of ugly and squawky, but she was very loyal. I think that's all that matters in the end, don't you?
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ah... it's that posture change that cements what he'd already decided - carefully, he takes the brooch back, and unthreads a single blue feather from the weaving at the back. removing the feather, a medium sized, pure blue one, doesnt' disrupt the main structure of the accessory, and once he's carefully wiggled it free, he offers it to them with a smile. there. fwiendship.
and once that's done, as he's reaffixing his little brooch, he laughs at the mental image of the squawky bird, soft and fond. ]
I agree. [ to all of it, really. to birds as a symbol, to his relationship with his sole companion. and as for the bird friend... ] It's not just about how something looks, but it's their inside that counts the most, isn't it? I think she sounds like a fine companion, too.
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Thank you. [ first of all. because while they aren't always polite, some manners should be shown for a gift. but then back to birds. ] You're right about that. Looks are all a fabrication anyway, and I think he sort of liked that she was ugly because it suited him better. He raised her since she was a baby, and she's been on several adventures with us. I think she was something he wanted and needed at the time, so she came. Just like Hope was something you needed and were able to hold onto for so long.
[ the bird and the feeling, maybe. ]
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[ this is such a cute story... he tucks the pin into his lapel again properly, and picks the yarn ball back up, absently playing with it between his fingers as he listens. these kinds of bonds between souls are important to taair, who has only ever observed them from afar, save for a precious week spent away from the tower. away from... ]
And... I think I would have to agree.
[ ...
his gaze draws up, now, overhead. it feels a bit silly to look to the sky when one is in the heavens, but it draws his eye, as it always has. ]
We were in quite a similar situation, Hope and I. It was not too long ago that I opened the door to his cage and left that door open, so he might have a choice to stay, to go, or to come as he pleased.
[ his voice softens as he says this - and then he huffs, and shakes his head, and smiles at them. ]
I hope that you'll tell me of your adventures someday, dear Zuriel. I think I would enjoy it very much.
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... I hope he comes to visit. It would be nice for the two of you to be together and see more of the world out there. [ they get the idea, a little. in some lots in life, you are simply stuck no matter how much your heart protests. but they also pick up on the hint and they let the subject change easily to give him some breathing room. ]
To be honest, some of them are things I don't know I would believe myself if I hadn't been there. But I guess you could say we spent our time hunting for treasure. We were all dedicated.
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Hunting for treasure! Really? My, how exciting! Did you explore ruins or anything of the like? You must have experienced some marvelously exciting things.
[ sparkle sparkle sparkle ]
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More like caves. My friends had been doing it for some time before we met, but... when I found out what they were doing, I wanted to come along.
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but!!! oh!!! this is so exciting. he scoots a little closer, placing his cheeks in his hands. ]
What sort of treasure were you looking for?
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