video; un: zack

[exsoldier]

Name: Zack Fair
Date: 29th Iuneril
Format: Video

[ This is, shockingly, Zack's first time using his Watch like this. Even though he's a sociable person who's happy to meet new people, he does tend to prefer face-to-face interactions, especially for a first meeting. So he hadn't felt much need for a broadcast until now.

He's realized lately how much their numbers have dwindled, and so can't help but want to reach out to his fellow Mirrobound, whether to talk to someone he hasn't seen in a while, or to make a new friend.

And, well, there's the practical reason. ]

Hey, all! [ He starts the video message with a grin and a quick wave. ] If we haven't met before, I'm Zack. Seems like we all need to band together more than ever now, and I also had a question.

[ He shifts his watch around so that the camera can capture at least some of his wings. Mainly, all viewers will be able to make out is a mass of dark brown feathers, before his face returns to front and center again. ]

I'm a chimera, and my transformation finished a few months back, but I'm still getting used to these wings. I'm not sure if I can even fly the way a harpy or dragon could, but it's probably worth learning. I mean, because it'd be helpful, but also because it'd be cool. Does anyone have any tips? Seems like it'd be hard to practice without risking some bodily harm.

[ A pause, and then he decides to ask one more thing. ]

Also, does anyone know if I'm the only chimera left here now? I used to know a few others, but they've all left. [ He shrugs one shoulder. ] I dunno, I was just curious. [ It would be strange, to be the only one, so he's hoping that isn't the case. ]

Anyway, thanks! It was nice talking to you all.

[ With that, the feed ends. ]

Comments

[exsoldier]

[ It may only be Zack's impression, having interacted with similar types in the past, but Geralt strikes him as the sort of person who might seem uninterested or uncaring, while oftentimes being the exact opposite. It's clear that he and Jaskier are close friends, so it's reasonable to assume that he helped with the sudden changes.

And maybe in other ways? That definitely isn't Zack's business, though.

Jaskier's certainly willing to share, though not about him and Geralt. Zack's eyebrows both jerk up at that wink and the implication. ]

I've heard a little about them and their legendary parties. Sounds like a real good time.

[ A beat, and he adds: ]

Maybe you could teach me a little about them, then! Do all Aeternae have wings?

[cointosser]

[He can't help but laugh at Zack's reaction. He is... really welcome company. The man's so easy-going.

It feels good. Talking about it. Talking about it as if it isn't some strange curse thrown out upon him. It sort of is, but it isn't only him. It's only the unique circumstances in which it happened that makes him feel especially alone. That, and the Aeternae seemed a myth before a boat of them crashed into the land. (Which implies there's land beyond this place, somewhere beyond the Cwyld.)]

It was a blast. I think. I only remember some of it.

[Which, to him, is often an indication that a party is fantastic.]

I'd be happy to! It's only fair, after my scrounging about noisily, asking after you. No, they do not always. I only have them on a full moon, after all. [Not much use either way, sadly.] But plenty at those party did not have them. And many were much pricklier than I am.

[Literally. The full moon had also brought a lot of... er, thorns? Spines? Along his body. Which he personally found annoying. They didn't match his personality at all.]

[exsoldier]

[ A night where you could barely remember what had happened was both a good sign and a bad sign, based on what Zack knows. For all that he might come across as a partier, he'd often been too busy with his SOLDIER training to go too wild. But he'd heard plenty of chatter from the other recruits.

Here, it's really just a matter of what Aerith wants to do. Like he'd told Hilda, he wouldn't be surprised if Aerith wanted to check out one of these parties, her curiosity spurring her forward. ]

... Pricklier?

[ Zack places a hand to his chin as he considers that description. ]

Like they've got spikes or something? [ A pause, and he adds: ] Well, I guess if we're going to hang out during the next full moon, I'll get to see the whole picture firsthand.

[cointosser]

[Jaskier rolls a hand through the air as he explains:] I mean that quite literally, unfortunately.

[At Zack's second question, with the smallest of grimaces, he nods. If anything particularly bothers him, it's the little sharp spines he'd gained all across his skin. Even the blue doesn't feel as much to handle as those. Luckily, even though it seems connected to a bizarre reflex, he can sort of... smooth them out.

Frankly, he'd prefer something like feathers.

At least Zack sees the silver lining.] I'll be glad to show you as much as you'd like! I'll be sure to bring some Aeternaen wine. I'm sure neither of us are particularly featherweights during a full moon.

[The pun is only somewhat intentional. (It's fully intentional.)]

[exsoldier]

[ Even over the Watch's muddy video feed, Zack can get a sense that Jaskier isn't all that comfortable with these spikes that he grows. It's natural to not be comfortable with any of the changes, really, but some can be tougher to accept than others.

Still, if he spends some time around Jaskier when he's in his fully transformed state and treats him like normal, that might do a world of good for any budding insecurities. Just like when they'd been abducted and caged and Jaskier had been growing literal fungi out of his skin — Zack had done his best to treat him no different, and he can only hope it helped.

Zack rides along with Jaskier's attempt to lighten the subject, nodding in agreement as he shoots him a toothy grin. ]

What would be the point if we were? I'm game.

[ Does this mean drunken attempts to learn how to fly? Maybe not the best idea he's ever had, but at least he'll have Jaskier to catch him if he falls. ]

[cointosser]

[He laughs. Zack's quick agreement is a surefire way to help Jaskier move past whatever insecurities he may have -- not that he would ever describe them as such, of course. A man of his ego certainly cannot. They're more like... setbacks.

Minor setbacks. Yes.]

I myself am eager to see the pleasures of mixing flying with liquor. I'll bring plenty. It's a date, Zack!

[exsoldier]

[ Zack's going to endeavor not to completely overdo it, as he's got at least some common sense, and at least he'll have Jaskier (and maybe Geralt?) to help him with going through all this promised liquor. ]

I'll try to make sure it's entertaining, if nothing else. Looking forward to it!

[ With that, he ends the call. They know the time (the full moon usually only comes once a month, after all) and Zack knows where Jaskier lives. The rest will sort itself out, he's sure. ]