voice; @onni

[scowlish]

Name: Onni Hotakainen
Date: January 10
Format: Audio
Note: He has painstakingly labored over the watch for a long time to ensure that everyone except Reynir can read this post.

[The post starts with a weary sigh, and when he speaks, Onni's voice is tired and calm and very nearly monotone. It's his usual voice, to anyone who knows him, but might sound a little weird to people who don't.]

Has anyone here had something inside them change because of a Bond?

[There's a slight pause, and the sound of shifting before he speaks again.]

Not something small. Something fundamental.

Comments

[nau]

[Sorry Onni, this is your hell now. This is the end of your peaceful life in Aefenglom.]

So, what is it? What has he made you like? Is it sheep?

[...It's probably a good thing Lalli is, in fact, an idiot.]

[scowlish]

[Well, that's a relief.]

He didn't make me like anything. I don't even know if it was the Bond that changed anything, that's why I'm asking.

[A bit of a pause. A sigh.]

I've been conditioning my hair.

[nau]

[Hmmmm. He's going to need to get to the bottom of this, unfortunately for Reynir.]

...Is that why it looks different?

[Wait, that's not important.]

So you think he's changed you but you have no proof so you're asking a bunch of strangers about their bonds. That's stupid.

[scowlish]

That's just an example! It's stuff like that.

[For another half minute he's quiet, fighting the urge to snap at Lalli for calling him stupid.]

I already did research at the Coven and couldn't find anything that applied. Asking for other people's experiences is the next best thing.

[A beat.]

And don't call me stupid!

[nau]

I won't call you stupid when you're not being stupid!

[Simple as that. He huffs (and puffs).]

Why's it such a big deal if it's only changing stuff like your hair?

[A pause.]

...I was worried it was something actually important.

[scowlish]

[That just gets a grunt out of him.]

It isn't just stuff like my hair. There are other things, but I'm not talking to you about them.

[Casually not mentioning that he doesn't even really know how he'd explain.]

[nau]

Why not?

[Because you don't want to know, Lalli. You don't want to know.]

[scowlish]

Because.

[This stubborn sound in his voice is probably Very Familiar to Lalli.]

If it was dangerous, I'd tell you. It's not.

Meanwhile...

[notbert]

[A message from that same fellow who has engaged a wild Lalli]

I am interested in matters regarding Bonds. While I don't yet have personal experience, there may be a time when this changes, if you would like to speak of such matters more privately. If nothing else, I can be an ear to listen and hopefully offer some advice in pursuing your study.

I understand if you would rather speak only to others who have had experience with a Bond.

I'm so sorry for this.

[scowlish]

How could you offer advice on something you haven't experienced?

Don't be sorry! It makes sense to be suspect!

[notbert]

It's true I might not be able to offer immediate advice. But I find by listening to issues, it becomes easier to compare or contrast them to observed reality. For instance, just by listening or reading the other replies you have publicly obtained on this.. ah, network, I am gaining an understanding of peoples' attitudes toward your question. Let me offer you my apologies, if I am offending you by being so brazen.

In the case you would like to talk to me, however, I will admit I can to seeking benefit as well. I too, will one day soon experience a Bond. It would not go without saying that I find it best to be prepared as much as one can.

If nothing more, I have no intention of talking with anyone else in regards to the specific details of any information I may obtain.

[Technically this last bit isn't a lie. Having no intention doesn't mean he wouldn't, if circumstances require it. It's a fine line.]

It is your choice, as I said before. I will not be offended if you turn down the offer. I will say that I have no issue should you like to meet and judge my character in person, either.

[scowlish]

Pff. That's fine. None of it bothers me.

[A pause, and then another tired sigh.]

We could look into it together, I suppose.

[nau]

That's not fair.

[...And that response is probably just as familiar to Onni.]

What if it becomes dangerous?

[scowlish]

Mhm.

[Life isn't fair, Lalli!]

It won't become dangerous. But if it does, I'll tell you then.

[nau]

[He knows that but he hates it still!!!]

Fine. If Reynir does anything to hurt you or put you in danger, I'll...

[...Well, he doesn't know. But he'll do something to make the Icelander pay!]

I'll figure it out.

[scowlish]

[...so does Onni, but it's a sad fact of life.]

He won't. Believe me. We've been here together for half a year now, I know him well enough to know that. He's harmless.

[But there's still something that warms him inside to hear his cousin getting protective, even if he knows it's probably mostly because he doesn't like Reynir.]

Thank you, though.

Audio: voice/un: ardbert

[notbert]

[Oh wait you did not just call getting a representative sample stupid]

It doesn't sound foolish at all. If you can't judge it for yourself, why not get insight from a more objective party?

[nau]

[Get ready for the most well thought out answer in the world, Eldibus.]

Because everyone here is stupid, too.

[notbert]

[Truly words can't describe how not well thought out that answer is. There is a note of distinct humor when the response comes.]

I suppose then that would include yourself, by your very reckoning.

[oh snap son. Elidibus isn't going down without a fight.]

[nau]

[...He doesn't really know how to answer that for a moment, but then there's a mental shrug.]

I'm not asking strangers for advice.

[A beat.]

And I didn't go to school anyways.

[...Well, he went for two years! But he was, like, six.]

[notbert]

[That is actually a somewhat reasonable response, rather than a retort Elidibus had partially expected. So it earns a mild response.]

Such is your choice. Though your friend may think differently and not be a fool for it.

[It might be surprising that Elidibus doesn't become snide over Lalli's lack of education. Instead he offers a few words.]

Learning need not happen solely through institutions. Many of life's vital lessons are acquired from beyond hallowed halls. Everyone has the potential to constantly teach. And learn.

[It's a truth, sure. Even if Elidibus doesn't particularly feel mortals ever learn. Always repeating the same tired stories they are.]

[nau]

He's not my friend.

[The response is immediate, and Lalli's nose wrinkles when he realizes he should elaborate. At least Eldibus can't see that.]

He's my cousin.

[So much BETTER than something lame and unimportant like a FRIEND.]

I'll pass. I already know what I need to know.

[notbert]

[What a curious reaction to friend. Well, family was certainly better.]

I see. That explains the depth of your concern for him.

[His tone takes a bit of humor on.]

Perhaps a simpler phrasing is in order. You learn from your experiences. Your mistakes and successes. At least, one would hope you are open to the possibility of the unexpected. But I will leave you to your choices regardless.

[He probably won't respond again unless there's a direct question. But he at least would check for a response.]

[nau]

Why do you care so much about if people are learning?

[Hmmm!! Sus.]

[notbert]

[Reasonable to be sus! And, since a question was posed...]

Because, if people are discarding lessons from their experiences because they 'already know what they need to know', [Seriously the utter disappointment in that phrase is palpable.] then they are doomed to repeat the same, tiresome past and never grow.

[There is a moment's pause in the recording, as if judging whether to say more.]

Can you really say you have found every new encounter, particularly here, has fit neatly into solely what you decided was 'enough'? Or do you just mindlessly beat it with a stick without a care for the resulting consequences?