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 Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 10:17 pm
"I don't suppose I gave a second thought to what it might mean for us when the Tree landed beside Telrunya. It didn't cross my mind what kinds of new dangers might be waiting beyond these woods." Cosworth sipped his tea solemnly. "Living amongst others of our kind for so long, the whole concept of hostility was somewhat abstract. It was something we might experience in passing, if at all. If there is a threat, a legitimate one, I do wonder how ready you would be to face it." Oddly, he didn't seem overly grim about the observation. If anything, his tone was dispassionately analytic, as though the whole state of affairs was nothing of his concern. Which it wasn't, really. Not yet.
As subjects changed, so too did Cosworth's disposition. It went from a strange, distant, slightly tired mood to one of restrained enthusiasm and simmering energy. A grin crept across his scruffy face, and although Vanya might not see it, the grin was captured in the more cheerful, confident way that he now spoke. "Why yes, this is how I pass my days now. I don't remember when it was I moved out here, many, many seasons I suppose. Long before the road was there, let me tell you that." He stood and walked back to his boiler, turning a valve and allowing it to begin running again, and it wasn't long before bubbling could be heard. "I've always been fascinated by the energy produced by fires. I've been running experiments on how to harness that energy into useful motion." He then reached around, opened another valve and a rush of steam began to shoot out the back with considerable force. "That's steam rushing from the back of my boiler. Imagine harnessing that motion and using it to mill grain, or run a pulley that could draw a rope." Although it took an engineer to understand the mechanics of what he was talking about, it only took a little imagination to see what he was getting at.
"Of course setting that many fires within the hollows of the Tree was not a good idea. I recognized it as such and packed what things I wanted to keep and left." He sighed as the memories came back to him. "This little clearing was a lot harder to find at that time. With the road to the rest of Telrunya so close now, I suppose I might see a few more faces every now and then." He chuckled very softly- the first time he had since his guest had arrived- and closed the valves on his device again. "I must say, guiding seers wasn't what I had in mind when I built these, but that worked out for the better, I'd say."
The engineer walked back over to the bench, but didn't sit down upon it. He leaned against the rock wall that lay across the bottom of a window that was close by, looking out at the trees across the yard, watching the breeze rustle their leaves. "Honestly, I did come out here for the solitude too. I needed a little more peace, and a bit more space. Only temporarily, I thought. Then days turned to weeks, months, seasons. Until, as I think you've sorted out, I just lost count completely. I'll go back to the Tree and trade once in a while, but... Really only once a season, if that." He didn't really make his presence known while he was there, either, seeing as there was only one Faun he ever looked forward to seeing whenever he went back. Two, tops. "Still, it has worked out very well for my experiments, what with the number of actual working steam engines I've built since the time I came out here. It hasn't been easy, but I find satisfaction and peace in engrossing myself with the work." There was a long pause, as Cosworth looked out to the direction where the Tree would be, were it not for the forest at the edge of his yard. "It has been a lonely set of years though, I will admit." His voice held a little sadness, but, strangely, the overall tone of his statement was more one of resignation.
He left the window and once more sat on the bench across from the Seer. "I think you might agree, though, there are few places amongst these fields more splendid for finding a peaceful day, with no other concern other than a good cup of tea and the thoughts in your head." Then, remembering the special case of his honoured guest, he simply shut up, leaving only the sounds of birds singing and leaves rustling outside; his noisemakers having spun down long ago. The breeze made the barest of ruffling noises as it teased the makeshift curtain, folded away from the window, so that the sun could stream into the cabin, warming the fur of the two occupants within.
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Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 2:51 pm
The Seer was quiet. It was true that hostility, true hostility, was something not really seen amongst the Faun. Not anymore at least. It had been once...but those that lived today had no memories of such things, so far removed from their experience to seem like fairy tales. Or, more specifically, stories to frighten young ones into behaving, 'lest the 'big bad Blood Pae come get them for being naughty'. How ready would they be, should true violence come to their threshold?
Suppressing a shiver, she had a hard time shaking the melancholy that accompanied such thoughts. She should feel guilty for trying to brush aside such serious matters, except...it already weighed on her waking thoughts most days, as well as her sleeping thoughts at night. Maybe it was selfish, but she felt she deserved some time away from such concerns, if only for an afternoon tea. She focused on Cosworth, the new enthusiasm she heard in his voice, the energy with which he spoke of his interests and passion to her. Between that, the tea, and the warm sun shining through the window, with time, she felt her spirit uplifted and managed to relax and re-settle in the moment with an (albeit tired) smile.
She answered his chuckle with one of her own. "No, I suppose all those fires wouldn't be exactly welcomed," she acknowledged quietly, sipping her tea. "I won't pretend to be able to follow the details of how it all works," she admitted with a sheepish smile, shaking her head, "but the implications of your work sound amazing!" To think that a Faun might be able to also harness the ability of an element other than Earth for productive use...and something that everyone could use, not just an individual...what tasks might be simplified to make life better for all?
When the other fell silent, the note of sadness struck a chord in the Seer. Vanya knew what it was like to leave the Tree behind, to feel cut off and alone, even if it was a self-inflicted distance added. Perhaps the circumstances were different, but loneliness knows many forms. They had been quiet for a few minutes, with only the birds outside offering their songs, when Vanya spoke up again. "It's easy to lose track of time when you're away. Then, when you return, everything seems to have changed so much, you start to wonder if its the Tree that's changed...or you." She seemed focused on her cup of tea, mere dregs at this point, which she set on the makeshift table after a moment. Then, she turned her face down before continuing. "I don't suppose I'll spend long away from the Tree much anymore though. Too much to do, too many who need help," she mused. "It does get a little overwhelming though, sometimes. So many souls in one place. If...it's not too forward...and I feel it is, but I'll ask anyway...would it be alright if I visited again? I mean...I could bring news from the Tree a bit more often than once a season, if that's okay. And tea and scones," she added with a smile, raising her head slightly. "I understand if you'd prefer your privacy," she added quickly. "I mean, since the space and quiet were the whole reason you came out here for your experiments and all...just, you know...if you did want some company once in a while?" she offered with a none-too-subtle note of hopefulness in her voice.
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Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2013 7:58 pm
With a chuckle, Cosworth shook his head at the Lady's optimistic appraisal of his inventions' potential. "Perhaps, one day, these machines might do well enough to benefit Faun society." His eyes wandered over the wrecked engine parts piled around his yard. "For now, they remain curiosities and large toys, really."
Cosworth was looking away from his guest when she raised the possibility of coming by again. The hairs at the back of his neck stood on end, a nervous reaction bred by a self-inflicted lonely life. It had been trying enough on him to even manage what conversation he'd had, and he wasn't sure just how ready he was to be friendly that often. Not to mention the extra effort involved with keeping his hovel tidy.
And yet, he reflected, the afternoon had been... nice. Certainly the conversation hadn't always been lighthearted, but it had been stimulating, genial, and at times he'd almost forgotten that he was speaking with a council member. He hoped he'd shown the appropriate deference, but judging from her disposition, the good Lady did not seem to be bothered by any awkwardness on his part. There were so few he spoke openly, easily with.
"You seem to be familiar yourself with being on your own, Lady Vanya." The engineer replied quietly. "If you would like some peace and quiet though, I'm sure I can share some of it. I think I have plenty of that lying around this place. And I am all too understanding of your desire for a measure of isolation." He hesitated for a moment before he continued, "Although, if I were not expecting you, this home of mine might be slightly less pleasant. There'd be the noises of hissing steam and all a manner of garbage for you to trip on."
By this point he was back on his hooves and striding over to what was left of the dandelion tea. Cosworth topped up his cup, before turning back to face Vanya. "Would you like some more tea, Lady Vanya?"
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Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 2:28 pm
Still a bit flushed from her own forwardness, despite the generally positive response, Vanya pushed her empty cup forward gratefully. "Please." She shifted awkwardly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear that was tickling her cheek. Unable to sit quietly for long, she blurted out, "I'm sorry if that was too forward. Please, feel free to tell me 'no' if it makes you uncomfortable. I don't wish to be in the way. It's just...I spent a few seasons on my own out on the Isle. There was plenty of peace and quiet...perhaps a bit too much so. Yet, I did enjoy the solitude sometimes. And now, there are just...so many about back at the Tree. I miss some of the quiet, and I could find somewhere away from the Tree to retreat on my own, I suppose. It's just...it's so nice out here, and a good distance from the Tree without being too far," she hesitated before continuing, then finished her admittance quietly, "...and I'm not sure I want to be completely alone anymore."
It had nothing to do with her new handicap, though she realized some might think it did. She just...did not want to revisit that lonely feeling again. She liked being around others. It was just, sometimes there were too many at the Tree, it felt overwhelming, realizing she was in part responsible for them all. Sometimes, she'd just like a quiet space to retreat from the responsibility and forget she was a seer and a counselor. sometimes, she just wanted to relax with just a friend or two.
Not that she was sure she could count Cosworth among her 'friends' yet. Not that she didn't want him to be. He was kind and pleasant to talk to, even if she didn't fully grasp the details of his work, that didn't make it any less fascinating to hear about. It wasn't as if she had many she called 'friends' though, for as many Faun as she dealt with on a regular basis these days. It was still hard to open up with others on a personal level though. Perhaps, it was the feeling of formality that hung over their meeting.
"If I'm going to behave so obviously selfishly," she murmured, fidgeting with her hands, "perhaps we could drop some of the formalities? Not that I don't appreciate them. It's just...I'm still not used to this whole 'Lady' business." She tried to smile. "I'm serious, if I'd only be in the way, or if you don't want me here, you can tell me so. I don't expect anything and I don't want to be a bother. The noises of hissing steam don't bother me, and well...I have to learn to cope on my own eventually. I'm not some fragile doll to be put on a shelf. I can't be," she finished quietly with a shrug. She'd begun fidgeting with the edge of her skirt, looking more like a sheepish little girl than an important Circle member, sitting there on the floor with her legs tucked beneath her.
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Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 9:00 pm
The humble engineer felt some heat in his cheeks as his guest hesitantly requested that he drop some of his formalities. By the tree, he hoped he wasn't embarrassing her. He'd been extra careful to try to be sociable to the councilor, but he suspected it wasn't entirely because of her station. Could it be he actually enjoyed her company?
Yes. Of course he did.
Still, he had old habits that weren't dismissed so easily. "I'll do my best to relax my deference, m'lady, but please understand I address most pretty young ladies with at least some level of formality. Dropping that will take a little bit of getting used to." Of course the reason he addressed most females with that level of formality was that he wanted to keep them at arms length, but he didn't mention that. "And you should think about accepting the title, at least from the common faun like myself." He brought over the remainder of the tea and poured it into Vanya's cup carefully. "You're in a position of great responsibility. I don't mean to be sound gloomy, but your station might require you to remain distant to most Faun, and the honorific title may help with that. They should know to expect you to perform your duties, for your people. If a Faun perceived they were getting close to you they might start to get the impression they were entitled to... I don't know. Council favours or something of the sort." He sipped his tea while still standing. "You're not the chief of course, but being the Seer carries with it a great deal of influence. Bear that in mind."
It didn't take very long for Cosworth to replay his last couple of sentences in his mind and realize how presumptuous it was. Lecturing the Seer on her own position? That was quite beyond foolish. He cleared his throat. "But, if it pleases you, I'm quite happy to just call you by name. Vanya is quite a pretty name, after all. And don't worry about getting in the way." He smirked to himself as he recalled his other recent guest. "You would be neither the only one to do that, nor the most disruptive." He raised an eyebrow before continuing. "Though I understand you must be tough, to accept your role, it does get dangerous around here when I work. Fragile doll or not, you may get hurt."
No, no. Don't scare her off.
"If that is acceptable to you, though, it would please me if I could have someone from the tree who I could talk to. You, m'lady, I would certainly prefer to most."
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Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 3:12 pm
The awkwardness Vanya felt over being so forward started to dissolve. The way he'd reacted...could it be that what she was asking was making Cosworth the uncomfortable one? That hadn't been the intention; though it felt like she was being kept at a distance on purpose, if it made him more comfortable, she could put up with the stupid title from one more Faun. She'd just thought...
Her discomfort shifted to something else entirely as Cosworth continued: irritation. It was not a familiar feeling for the socially-awkward young woman, more used to apologizing or avoiding situations entirely rather than dealing with any sort of confrontation. And yet, she had been so calm, so accepting of her situation for so long, perhaps she'd not realized just how much stress had weighed on her until this moment when the foreign feeling of irritation flared at the back of her mind. When she spoke, it was still calmly and quietly, but without the wavering note of hesitancy that had previously wormed its way into her speech. She picked up her cup, took a slow sip, then placed it firmly back on the bench. "I am well aware of the weight of my position," she stated carefully. "And I have had to endure pleas for 'Lady this' and 'Oh grand healer and seer that' already, just in the weeks during the storm. I know it's only going to get worse," she shook her head. "I endure it because I must. But, I did not take this job solely because I sought power, or prestige, or because I thought it would be easy or fun, or because of the 'perks'." She folded her hands in her lap in a visible effort of calm. "I did so because I was told that our people needed me to. That this was something that I would be the best suited for, though they could try to find another should I refuse."
"No one is really, truly selfless," she continued, turning her face away. "I will admit to some selfish reasons for what I've done," she said quietly. She'd never admitted those reasons to anyone before and she wasn't about to now, not explicitly. "However, I have sacrificed much for this position. More than just my sight. More than just peaceful nights' sleep. So, I have a few demands of my own that I think are only fair."
Calming a bit, she noted silently at the back of her mind a question if maybe she'd also sacrificed her sanity with the way she was acting. She took a deep breath before continuing. "I understand that I have to remain distant to do my job. I get that. I've been distant all my life from others; so it's not that I'm not used to it. If I have any idea what this job is going to be like, it's going to be the only way I keep my sanity," she muttered, rubbing her forehead. "But...I don't want to be completely cut off from everyone forever. I signed on to this Council thing to do a job, sure. Does that mean I don't get anything I want either? Does that mean I'm not allowed to have friends, just because I'm supposed to be someone important?" Her proper, formal speech was slipping as she got to the heart of the matter...or was it being tossed aside instead?
"Cosworth," she focused her attention on the other Faun for a moment. "I endure this stupid title every day, all day, from countless Faun in the Tree. There aren't many Faun I ask to drop such formalities, I assure you. When I do, I do so for a reason. Because I don't think friends should be obliged to keep up such trivialities. And I'd like to consider you a friend, Cosworth." She paused, then added with a sad smile, "I know we basically just met, but I'm a sad, pathetic little girl with few friends, alright? Humor me."
She started to fall silent, the awkwardness taking over again when an amusing thought struck her. The ghost of a smile touched her lips, and she leaned back with a pensive look. "I suppose I could always just order you to stop calling me that...though I suppose that would defeat the entire point of my asking as a friend, wouldn't it?"
Having used up what courage she'd gathered for her 'outburst' if one could call it that, she fell silent again. Immediate regret lurked at the edge of her mind, thinking she may have just ruined any chance of actually developing a friendship with the solitary Faun. "Look, if it's something that you're more comfortable with using, then it's fine. Just as long as you're not forcing it because you think it's something I want or am going to create a fuss if you don't use it, alright?"
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Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:14 pm
"M'lady, Vanya, if that is what you really desire, I understand your wish, but I might not find it easy to comply. Perhaps not at first." He raised a hand in a calming gesture, indicating that he hadn't intended to rile her up in any way. "Like I said, I'm formal with everyone. There are very few exceptions and while you might find yourself amongst those in time, I still have to work myself into it. If anything I'd be forcing myself if I tried to remember to not use your title when I addressed you." To emphasize that it was nothing personal, just the way he was, Cosworth added a helpless shrug to the end of his sentence. He felt awkward now, even though he was just doing his best to be himself. The reclusive faun had expected as much, however. It wasn't like he so much as talked to other Pae on a regular basis, much less have tea with them, so all things considered they were probably doing pretty well.
He did have one other thing to say though. "I also never suggested that you not hold any friends. Just that limiting friendships amongst the common folk might be wise." He set down his cup. "And I'm about as common and cheap as they come. A little damaged, even." He didn't elaborate, but quirked an eyebrow at his guest. "Having said that, if you feel that make good conversation, I'm very honored." He placed a hand on his heart and struck a solemn-but-joking pose. "I pledge to have produced more of it and of better quality by the next time we meet."
Cosworth stroked his jaw at that. "Actually my La- Vanya, visiting this place would be easier and safer if I knew you were coming. I don't suppose you know any magic or device you can use to let me know ahead of time whether you're coming or not? It would save you stumbling upon me asleep since, well, I don't keep a normal sleep routine." He didn't mention that this place would also likely smell of smoke, grease and dirty bedding if she dropped in unannounced. And there would likely be nowhere to sit, and only one clean teacup. "I could maybe try to design some sort of signal machine for you to send a message, though I have no ideas for such a thing right now." He pondered briefly, but also considered the possibility that something he made would be inherently loud and potentially dangerous and therefore unsuitable for sharing a tree with many of Laisidhiel's residents.
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 3:21 pm
All of her awkwardness returned in a rush. By the spirits, what had gotten into her? She'd never gone on such a tirade before! She was just relieved, at least a little, that Cosworth seemed to brush off her 'outburst' and carry on as if nothing had happened. That didn't stop her from becoming completely embarrassed and ashamed of herself. Her cheeks flushing warmly, she dropped her face into her hands with a sigh. "I am so sorry, I...really, really suck at this whole...'social interaction' thing," she muttered, muffled by her hands. "Can I start over from the beginning? Somewhere near 'Hi, my name is Vanya'?"
Thankfully, perhaps, she seemed more upset by her faux pax than her host. She fell silent, keeping her face covered, even though she didn't exactly have to worry about meeting his eyes in her embarrassment. The change in topic was a welcome one, allowing her to softly clear her throat and compose herself before she realized what new puzzle Cosworth had set for himself. At the mention of a new invention for the purpose, Vanya relaxed further, quirking an eyebrow at the idea. "Err...if you don't mind, I might have a simpler solution...if you don't have plans already," she finished, not wishing to step on any hooves or anything. "He's a bit shy, but if all you need is a brief message or warning, I could probably just send my Mellon ahead. He's shy, as I said, but...a note maybe, so he wouldn't have to speak if he didn't want to..." she mused in thought. Her tiny flying companion hadn't followed her inside today, however, he always seemed to be around somewhere when she needed him. For a moment, she wondered why the easy answer hadn't occurred to the inventor...unless, he'd just wanted to create something new for this purpose. If so, she wouldn't argue; she just didn't want him to trouble needlessly.
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 7:44 pm
The engineer blinked at her before tilting his head and giving her a mildly amused look. "I dare say you've had more social encounters over the last few years than I have, dear lass." He absent-mindedly drew the tip of his finger around the rim of his empty cup. "There's nothing wrong with being awkward, especially around me. No need to start over." He hadn't been affronted or annoyed by her suggestions, and was starting to realize the poor girl was under a fair amount of stress. "L- Vanya, I really am pleased to have your company today. And that's not simply the loyal subject speaking, I assure you."
Cosworth rubbed his chin at the mention of Vanya's Mellon. Of course, that would be a logical course of action. A whole lot more logical, than his idea for an immensely loud, gargantual steam whistle designed to blast a shockwave of sound for miles around, announcing to the entire island that the Seer would like a cup of tea.
"You have a Mellon, then? Of course, that makes sense." The engineer nodded to himself as he answered his own query. "Well I like your idea loads better than mine. I didn't need to start another project, and I'd be very interested in meeting your Mellon." He looked outside again, at his peaceful yard, and made a mental note to devise a way to have a well-defined path from the road the sightless Faun could follow on her own, safely, to his refuge in the woods, although if possible one that would not be too obvious to other travelers. He suppressed a frown. List that one under 'Tricky Projects'.
"Like I said, just give me a little notice, and you will always be welcome here, milady."
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Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 9:34 pm
The formerly flustered Seer let out a relieved laugh and shook her head with a smile. "Well, it is good to know that there is somewhere I can go to be completely awkward without having to worry or feel bad about doing so." The absurdity of the statement struck her as odd...and yet, as a relief all in one. There weren't many places in the Tree she could let her hair down, so to speak. Everything was in worrying over if what she said was proper, or if the advice she gave was really the best. To have somewhere that she could retreat, other than her own quarters in the Tree, where she could at least pretend not to be the Seer for a while sounded like a blessing.
"I appreciate that, Cosworth. Honesty is a much valued commodity," she finished with a smile. Her comment came with a private realization. It wasn't so much the titles that bothered her, so much as the difference with which she was treated. The feeling that others only saw her as 'the Seer' and not as a fellow Faun constantly cast doubt on her thoughts, leaving her unable to truly trust this new acceptance she felt at the Tree. Sure, respect was nice, but...the whole 'being held to some standard of perfection or at least higher platform'...she'd spent her whole life being treated as the odd one out. Really, this wasn't any different, even if it did come with more respect, it was still being set apart for everyone else and it was rather tiring after this many seasons.
His comment about her Mellon puzzled her for a moment. Of course she had a Mellon. Didn't he? Wait...did he not? Was that something that would be rude to ask? Oh, Spirits, she wasn't sure. Maybe she should just keep quiet. She'd just assumed...but, it was true, not everyone had one...and there was nothing wrong with that...
Keeping her internal flailing contained and masked, Vanya nodded graciously. "Of course. I'll try not to be too much of a bother. And I'll be sure to bring gifts from the Tree periodically to stay in my good host's favor," she teased lightly, feeling much better about their arrangement than she had only minutes ago. Turning to the side, she started to stand, keeping one hand on their makeshift 'table' so as not to lose her orientation. "I do believe I've been enough trouble for today, however. I don't want to overstay my welcome. You may not let me come back." She chuckled softly, 'glancing' in the direction she thought she remembered her basket being. "Please, enjoy the modest gifts. And do let me know if you need any more salve. There are some perks to being friends with the Seer, you know," she said pointedly with a less-than-hidden smile.
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Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 9:06 pm
Cosworth stood at the same time as his guest, having remembered at least some of the social niceties he hadn't practiced in a long time. "Really, Vanya it wasn't any trouble at all." Well it had been some trouble, but well worth it. For the first time since... ever, his home was neat(er) and organized, and he now had real food and good company. Now that their meeting was drawing to a close, the older Faun felt a pang of regret that he didn't ask more about her, and a strange hesitation to call it a day. Here she was trying to appear and act more casual, and he didn't know anything new about her more than what he could have deduced himself.
The engineer resolved to make sure that he would speak to her again, since it seemed this meeting had done them both some good. Could it be that he was starting to come out of his shell? Cosworth glanced around his house-for-one and decided that no, he wasn't, but maybe, just maybe, he was starting to let others in. After all these years, perhaps it was indeed time.
Then, with her last sentence, Cosworth paused. Oh, so she had indeed given him some some favors, a revelation that caused a little embarrassed heat to rise in his cheeks, under his fur. But it was something, a single word slipped in casually and nonchalantly that hooked his attention. Had she just called him a friend?"
"I uh," Cosworth blinked, before rushing to take Vanya's other hand and help guide her to the door. "Well, if I'm going to get special treatment, so are you. Let me walk you to the path, my seer." Again with the formality, but this time there wasn't a formal tone; instead a hint of earnestness filtered through his words.
His seer, spoken with all the sincerity and respect of a loyal subject, and such genuine warmth that it could have come from a much kinder man than he was now.
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