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Five
[It’s a rare day when Raven doesn’t report to the smithy first thing in the morning. Routine sits well with her; whether it’s the bird or the person who finds contentment in her jewellery-crafting nest is debatable. There is, however, a request she has spent (according to her) far too much time thinking on.
Masaomi asked for something to nullify electricity. In a flash of pragmatism, Raven wants to be able to make more than one of whatever this accessory will be. But first, she must actually achieve one. Harder than it sounds. Using what she knows, she hasn’t been able to produce anything that leaves someone less than shocked after exposure to lightning magic.
So. She did not go to work this morning; it’s the item shop instead, first, and then a trip to the big lake for a change of pace and some fishing. It reminds her of the fish-catching competitions at home, and out here in the forest alone, she can share a fond smile with nobody.
Until something comes crashing through the trees with a screech, grabbing some prey in its claws and landing not too far away to consume it. Not too long later, she’s sitting by the edge of the lake on a stone, book open.]
Does this belong to any of you? [Turn the book, show the bird.] ...He’s friendly.
[Friendly enough to sit only a few feet away, preening and occasionally squawking - and letting her touch him. No tender moments will be broadcast over the journal...intentionally. She’s a bird lover, though, even of large ones like this, and the way he looks reminds her of someone.
Might as well ask her other question while she’s gone to the trouble of using the book.]
I’m looking for materials that resist lightning. [Beat.] Not rubber. Things with magic.
Masaomi asked for something to nullify electricity. In a flash of pragmatism, Raven wants to be able to make more than one of whatever this accessory will be. But first, she must actually achieve one. Harder than it sounds. Using what she knows, she hasn’t been able to produce anything that leaves someone less than shocked after exposure to lightning magic.
So. She did not go to work this morning; it’s the item shop instead, first, and then a trip to the big lake for a change of pace and some fishing. It reminds her of the fish-catching competitions at home, and out here in the forest alone, she can share a fond smile with nobody.
Until something comes crashing through the trees with a screech, grabbing some prey in its claws and landing not too far away to consume it. Not too long later, she’s sitting by the edge of the lake on a stone, book open.]
Does this belong to any of you? [Turn the book, show the bird.] ...He’s friendly.
[Friendly enough to sit only a few feet away, preening and occasionally squawking - and letting her touch him. No tender moments will be broadcast over the journal...intentionally. She’s a bird lover, though, even of large ones like this, and the way he looks reminds her of someone.
Might as well ask her other question while she’s gone to the trouble of using the book.]
I’m looking for materials that resist lightning. [Beat.] Not rubber. Things with magic.
[Video]
[Video]
...Not that friendship with monsters is impossible. It just follows different rules.
She'll be at the smithy in an hour or so.]
[Action]
Archeops!
[The Pokémon and Emmet have a touching reunion! Mostly with Archeops squacking and trilling and flapping excitedly at Emmet, who was able to be simultaneously extremely excited and extremely gentle with his fragile bird friend.
Ingo may have to carry the conversation for a second.]
[Action]
Ahh, very touching, very touching. Emmet is so cute. He has the cutest brother.... But anyway. Ingo will focus on Raven after a moment of observing Emmet and Archeops.]
Again, thank you very much, Miss. [He tugs on his hat brim, sounding sincere.] If there's anything we can do in return, please let us know.
[Action]
[There's a hint of jadedness in her tone; neither Ingo nor Emmet is likely to guess why.]
It's fine.
[Action]
[Archeops squacks again, finally settling down on Emmet's shoulder. Emmet marches right over to Raven, grabbing her hand and shaking it quickly.]
Thank you! Thank you very much! I'm glad she was safe with you! She looks like she had fun, riding down the track with you!
[Action]
[Action]
Is something wrong with monsters?
[Her hand is not shaking back. In fact she's glowering.]
[Action]
[Action]
[Action]
Instead she just goes on looking dour.]
You said she's not a monster. Like it's a bad thing.
[Action]
[Emmet is unflappable! Archeops caws at Raven, as if to reassure her.]
Monsters are just stories!
[Action]
Ah-- this may, perhaps, be a conflict in definition.... ["monster" typically portrays the big bad abominations.... but Raven seems especially upset at that assumption.]
"Pokemon" is, in fact, a portmanteau of "pocket" and "monster," so Archeops is technically a "monster." However, in our time "monster" is meant more to describe a creature or myth that is intentionally grotesque or frightening and not simply a more commonplace creature.
[Action]
Fine.
[Action]
[Action]
[Action]
It means about the same as you think "pokemon" means. But some humans hate them.
[Action]
[Action]
[Action]
...People...can't understand sentient monsters. [They have trouble recognizing them as equals or worth talking to or...well okay Sharance is the village with the problem, really. A select few villagers, at that; the rest were largely apathetic before the Unity Festival.]