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Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 9:19 pm
Aster carefully balanced on his hooves, crouching in front of the flowers he planted the same year he lost his sister and the other half of his soul. The year everything had changed and he had to realize who he was without her. She had always been the strong one, not him. Learning to stand on his own without her had been like learning how to walk again after having been in a body cast. That was how it felt anyway. Sometimes it still felt like that and how he wished he could ask her for advice. He'd learned long ago that didn't work. He could sign to the air all day, but she would never answer him back.
With a sigh, Aster pushed himself to his feet. Year after year he visited and even though he had graduated from the Academy he would still visit. He thought maybe he would come every year for all of his life. His family had moved on, they had forgotten her. He never would. As long as he remembered her, she was never really gone, even though it seemed her spirit was long gone.
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Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2017 3:42 pm
Nimir booked it out of his last class of the day, slinging his backpack over his shoulders and racing through the hallways as fast as the hall monitors would let him. Being one of the shorter races also helped, although he had to be extra careful not to run into anyone that wasn’t looking.
The homework he had for tonight should be easy enough, he knew some of it and the rest he could either figure out or make up as he went. Or his roommate could help, he supposed. They were a more studious type, and didn’t seem to appreciate Nimir constantly asking them questions for every assignment, even if they shared some classes together. He didn’t worry about it too much though, the work would get done in one way or another.
Fleeing out a set of double-doors, he was about to take a shortcut through the quad when he spotted a familiar-looking Kirin; an old friend of his. Last Nimir knew he had headed back home to his family for a vacation, so maybe he got back early? Kinda weird that he didn’t let him know sooner, but then again this was a perfect chance to surprise him for once! In his excitement he didn’t seem to notice the flowers, or that this particular Kirin’s clothing matched nothing that the friend he knew would wear, and with gusto he pounced onto the boy’s back and gently clung to him.
”Hey man, when did you get back?!”
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Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 3:39 pm
Aster emitted a squeak of surprise when he was pounced on, not even registering the words when he was too busy trying not to fall on the flowers from being knocked off balance. Flailing, he managed to avoid a floral smooshing and trying to look over his shoulder at the person, he let out a flurry of sign. You nearly knocked me down! Be careful! With his thoughts so firmly on his sister, he had thought for just a moment that it had been her. But of course not. It wasn't even a girl who had tackled him at all. It was a sign to shift his attention to other things anyway and he untangled the other from him so he could turn and look at them properly.
An imp. A colorful one at that. Cute and energetic apparently. In Aster's way of having fifty thoughts at once, he wondered which house they were in, though he didn't dwell there since it hardly mattered as far as interaction went and with a sigh Aster signaled them to wait so he could pull out his phone and tap out a sentence on it before showing it to the imp. 'You mistook me for someone?']
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Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 9:34 pm
It took Nimir a few seconds to realize that this person was not trying to play around with him, but in fact was trying to get him off of them. This was a bit puzzling, since his friend didn't even respond, aside from the surprised squeak. Maybe something had happened when he was home? Perhaps he was mad at the imp for some reason he had not yet conveyed?
Relinquishing his grasp on his friend, he watched as they turned to face him, and realized he had no idea who this kirin was. It certainly wasn't his friend after all, which made him a bit relieved, but immediately made his ears droop down in embarrassment. Even then it took a few seconds for him to process that this stranger hadn't said anything to him, perhaps he was too angry or upset about the pounce to use words?
Nimir tilted his head slightly as he was silently told to wait, his ears perking up slightly as the kirin pulled out a phone and started doing something to it. He was about to object to being ignored when the phone was turned to him, and he could read the message that was written.
”Oh… Y-yeah, I thought you were someone else…”
Well great, now he had jumped on some stranger, and they were so upset that they wouldn't even talk to him.
"Sorry about that..."
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Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 3:38 pm
'It's ok. I'm not angry.' He showed him what he'd typed and smiled. While Aster was sure this poor mortified imp wanted nothing more than to run off and maybe find his actual friend, Aster took the opportunity to try and form a new friendship. Thoughts of his sister were forgotten for now for this objective. One couldn't afford to be morose when trying to convince someone to like you, after all.
'I'm Aster.' He typed next. 'I'm mute. Do you know sign?' While he could of course have a dialogue like this if he had to, it would be quicker if he could just sign to this stranger. At the very least maybe exchange names. His circle of friends was small and he was always looking to expand it.
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Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 4:51 am
 He watched curiously as the kirin pulled his phone away and typed out what he assumed was another message, glancing over the affirmation that everything was okay before offering a bit of a smile. So this boy wasn't mad, but he still wasn't talking either.
The phone was taken away again as another message was typed, perhaps asking for directions to the water fountain because he had a really bad case of dry mouth? His ears perked up slightly as the phone was turned to him, a stupid grin crossing his face at the realization that he was just mute, putting a clawed hand to his face as he stifled a laugh.
”Now it all makes sense!”
He grinned up at Aster, trying to remember what little sign he had learned earlier this year, speaking at the same speed as his hands moved. He seemed to be able to hear him fine, so that probably helped.
”I know a little sign, not great with complicated stuff yet. My name is N-i-m-i-r!”
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Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2017 5:53 pm
Aster smiled happily and tucked his phone into his pocket. Nice to meet you N-i-m-i-r. Would it be easier if I typed, or is this okay? Whichever was fine by him, he just wanted to have a dialogue if the other didn't mind. Something to distract him from the melancholy--his sister didn't like it when he was sad--and maybe make a new friend.
I could help you look for who you thought I was. He offered then, and wondered who it was. He didn't talk to his family much since his sister's death, did he have a sibling he didn't know about? Ha, wishful thinking definitely. He really had to stop looking for what would never be. His sister was gone, and his family was estranged. That avenue was closed. He was hardly the only kirin around, and he had graduated besides.
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Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2017 10:06 pm
He watched the kirin’s hands intently, silently wondering if this was one of those “things I’d actually use” moments where he should have paid more attention in class. As luck would have it, he was able to figure out the gist of what Aster was signing, mostly. Nimir smiled at the offer to keep using the phone, and to help find his friend, but he shook his head to both and shrugged.
”I think I can manage sign for now! And no worries, I am pretty sure he is still at home visiting his folks.”
Nimir kinda wondered what to do now that apologies were made and introductions were had, but it wasn’t like he needed to get back to the dorm anytime soon. He took a moment to adjust his backpack before signing a question in return.
”Did you get let out early today?”
It certainly seemed to be the case, he was out here in the quad and wasn’t really carrying anything that would suggest he had come from class. Lucky.
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Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2017 11:17 am
Aster looked puzzled for a moment at Nimir's question before he smiled and shook his head. I'm from Leviathan actually. He explained. I was just.... His fingers faltered. Visiting old memories and old stomping grounds. Most of his current friends didn't know about his sister or her loss, it was just easier when he didn't have to talk about it. Would it ever not feel raw?
He smiled again. It's nice to come here and remember good times. Which was true, even if today's visit hadn't been about that. I enjoy the nostalgia, remembering when I was little and things were easier. His smile became a grin. Once you get to university it's all downhill from there! And out came his tongue, crossing his eyes to emphasize how supposedly awful it was while trying to show he wasn't serious.
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Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2017 8:35 pm
He looked on with interest as Aster replied, giggling at his impression of how hard the university was, sticking out his own tongue in response.
Ooooh, I see. Do you enjoy the university? I am not sure if I will apply or not, nothing has really grabbed my interest at the academy yet.
Well, that was the short version, at least. Everything at the academy was sort of interesting, but that wasn't a major available at any of the universities. Yet.
His ears perked up as the school crowd finally caught up to him, a soft background noise while doors opened and conversations spilled into the quad. Nimir didn't really have anywhere to go though, so he patiently waited for the kirin to respond to him. It wasn’t like they needed to worry about being heard right now.
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Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2017 10:38 pm
Aster waved a hand. Sure. There's plenty to enjoy, it's just a lot of work. Then again, I'm learning alchemy...so it might be easier for you, depending on what you take. Especially considering his end goal, which he knew might never be achievable. Nothing was ever gained by not trying however. You don't know what you want to do with your life? He continued. I imagine it can be hard, but maybe you'll find some inspiration soon and you'll know where you'll want to go. Was it silly he hoped Nimir would end up at Leviathan? No, of course not. The other was turning into a friend, and frankly he was cute too.
I'm sure you'll figure it out! He smiled broadly to back up his words. You look like someone who could make a lot of progress in whatever field you chose. I might have only just met you, but I believe in you!
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Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2017 10:55 pm
Nimir did all he could not to blush at the compliment, giving Aster a big grin to try and hide it.
Well I'm glad you think I could do it. I guess I don't like book work, is all. I'd rather be outside getting my hands dirty than being stuck inside studying.
The Imp paused for a moment to wiggle his claws as if to illustrate his point.
Not many classes in the Academy or universities that will let me do that, though.
He rubbed at his hair for a bit, feeling a little out of place opening up to someone like this. But Aster was adorable and at a university; Nimir didn't even know anyone outside of the Academy, really.
Anyway, I’m not too worried about it for now. I’ve got a few more classes to finish before I’m done at the Academy. I’m sure I’ll have it sorted out by then. What about you? Do you get to blow up anything in a lab or something fun?
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Posted: Sat Jul 22, 2017 4:29 pm
Aster smirked. I've blown stuff up. He admitted. Though not normally on purpose. You learn how to handle chemicals and what they do, how they interact. Still, accidents can happen for plenty of reasons, so I make sure to never forget my safety gear.
He considered then what Nimir had said. If you like to get your hands dirty, then that's a direction to go in, What kind of 'dirty work' It was hard to make air quotes when already using ones hands to talk. do you enjoy doing?
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Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2017 7:53 pm
Nimir giggled a bit at the explanation, tapping his claws together for a moment before he started signing a response.
Well that’s good at least, I don’t think singed hair would suit you.
Not with a cute face like that, for sure, he thought with a smirk.
What do I enjoy? Uh, well...call me old fashioned, but I like digging. Getting to use these arms and claws for what they're good for. I'm fairly sure construction work is handled by machines and magic now, though…
He sort of shrugged and tilted his furry palms up in a ‘what are you gonna do’ gesture before continuing.
I’ve got the rest of the year to figure it out though, I’m sure things will fall into place.
He looked around for a moment, most of the students having filtered through and out of the quad, before returning his attention to the Kirin with a smile.
Do you wanna get a shake with me or something? I’m not really hungry, but it might be better than standing around here, y’know?
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Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 3:55 pm
Aster opened his mouth in a silent laugh. I'm sure things will fall into place. He agreed. You don't mind getting all dirty? I'm sure there are still jobs machines and magic can't do as well as a person can, or as carefully. What if there's something delicate that needs to be dug up, or someone trapped under a fallen wall or something? Sometimes it might be safer to use a person who can move exactly and carefully. He hoped Nimir had caught all of that, as he had begun to get excited following that thought train.
He smiled and nodded enthusiastically to Nimir's question. I like shakes, and being inside too. Another silent laugh. I like talking to you. Your signing is really very good!
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