[photo + text; open]

[afoolsgold]

[The Fool has, at last, discovered a good reason to make use of this particular aspect of Aifaran technology. Included in this particular post is a photograph of several pieces of woodwork, ostensibly carved by the Fool's own hand. It is accompanied by an offer.]

Hello, dear friends--and dear acquaintances.

I should think it goes without saying that we Dreamfolk left much of ourselves behind us in our old worlds when we arrived in Konryu. For some I imagine that is a blessing, and a curse for others--and for others still, like so often is the case, the feelings are more complicated than that.

It is with this thought in mind that I would like to extend to each of you a kindness: a small, wood-carved token of remembrance, representing the world that you came from, or something of that world that you cherish.

If this offer is of interest to you, please either respond here, or seek me out at my apartment above Die Rosa Tulpe.

Comments

[corundrum]

[The sound of a pencil scratching comes over the audio feed before Padparadscha replies again.] "Die Rosa Tulpe" is that cafe that one of the Dreamfolk opened, right? It shouldn't be too hard to find.

[afoolsgold]

Yes, you have the right of it. You needn't feel obliged to come by now if it would be inconvenient for you--but I am either within the shop or just upstairs in my apartment. Venturing elsewhere lately has, [a pause,] not been an especially tempting prospect.

[corundrum]

I'm not very busy right now. [The pencil is still scratching on the paper, though.] Is there a reason for that? I've never been able to bear staying inside for that long, myself.

[Not willingly, at least.]

[afoolsgold]

[His response comes after a moment of hesitation that is a hair's breadth too long.] Well, truthfully I suppose I have never really had a place to call my own before. And, [another pause, before music crackles to life from a radio presumably somewhere within the Fool's apartments,] what a novelty this is!

[a deflection, clearly.]

[corundrum]

[Padparadscha knows a deflection when they hear one, but they don't typically pry extensively into that sort of thing. If he's willing to talk when it's rephrased, though, perhaps that's worth trying. The sound of pencil on paper doesn't stop.]

There are a lot of novelties in this world, huh? I'm still getting used to this long-distance communication. But I can't help but feel like you'll end up missing the warmth of the sun before too long.

audio--public, then private;

[afoolsgold]

[A faint, slightly wistful laugh follows, then,] yes, enjoying it through the window leaves something to be desired.

[The Fool hesitates. What is the wisdom in playing his cards so continuously close to his chest? His confidence was rewarded in extending trust to Devin, and Padparadscha does not seem to be the type to brazenly spread around the fears of others.

He takes a breath, adjusts the privacy settings on this transmission, then,] I was attacked in the streets, somewhat recently. A... friend, [for that is what Devin is, isn't he?] is looking into the matter for me now, and I have no reason to suspect I would become a target again. But it brought up, [another, lengthier pause,] ...memories, from a terrible time in my own world. It is difficult to move past them.

private

[corundrum]

[Padparadscha, admittedly, wouldn't judge anyone for keeping their cards at least somewhat close to their chest. Gem society might value honesty and cooperation, but there are some things that do more damage than one would think.

Padparadscha's pencil scrawling stops briefly when the feed switches to private, then resumes a few moments after the Fool finishes explaining.]

For what it's worth, if you need a "sentry" companion while your friend looks into the matter, I have a little experience in that area. [Try several thousand years' worth.]

It's a shame someone would ruin the pleasure of being outside for you.

private;

[afoolsgold]

Yes, [faint agreement, as though the Fool has grown distant, preoccupied by his own grim memories. After a pause--a short one, he doesn't wish to appear rude--he adds lightly,] I do enjoy the sunshine.

Tell me, have you visited the turtle's head yet since your arrival in Aifaran? It has been explained to me that the close proximity to the creature's mind is responsible for the air of peace that exists there. I've been meaning to visit again.

[He hopes the invitation in his words is understood, but a moment later, offers,] I should be delighted to have a bit of company there.

private

[corundrum]

[Padparadscha doesn't interrupt that brief silence, merely continuing to draw. Sometimes a truth needs distance to be passed on.

When he speaks up again, though, they pause their pencil, perhaps musing on their work at the same time.]

I don't believe I have. I think I may have lost a few of the more faithful here with how much time I've had to spend with the scientists. [They give a light laugh at that, though not one that belittles the fact.] But it sounds like the kind of place I'd like to experience. And company never goes astray in experiencing new things.