009; Video; UN: Filledwithsunshine

[onebadapple]

[Snow White sighs as she seems to be getting another message not meant for her. She shakes her head and addresses the camera.]

Du meine Güte!

Ich habe ziemliche Probleme mit meinem Omni. Und in Anbetracht einiger der Nachrichten, die ich zufällig erhalten habe, glaube ich, dass wir alle es sind! Ich kontaktiere immer wieder versehentlich die falschen Leute. Nicht, dass es nicht nett wäre, mit ihnen zu reden. Trotzdem möchte ich die Menschen erreichen, die ich erreichen möchte.

[There's a humming sound that comes from the Omni and Snow's image fizzles for a moment before:] If I do say so myself, this is getting a little frustrating. Does anyone have an idea how to fix the problem? Or what could it be?

[Another hum and another fizzle. She is none the wiser that she's not being "translated."]

Ich fürchte, ich bin nicht sehr gut mit Technologie, aber ich werde versuchen, zu helfen, wo immer ich kann. Nun, hier hoffen wir, dass das Problem bald behoben wird.

[One last fizzle and then:] Well, all the same, I hope everyone is staying nice and warm as it gets colder! Please don't forget to be very careful right now.


(OOC: Just let me know if you want replies to be translated by the Omni or still in Google translate German. Hovering over the sentences will provide the translation.)

Comments

[onebadapple]

Oh my! No need to be so formal, Mayerling, but that's very considerate of you to be so. Still, how very impressive that you know so many languages. I only know one. Though most people think I know more as I can speak to animals.

Ah but, you don't need to worry, I think this is only temporary. It seems I can understand plenty of others, it's just my Omni that is on the fritz.

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

It is my custom, and should it not offend, I would prefer to keep it. I have traveled in my time and read much literature. Both encourage learning other languages. How would you describe your communications with animals?

I shall hope it is and appreciate the day it returns to stability.

Sincerely yours,
Mayerling

[onebadapple]

No, it doesn't bother me at all. Though I do hope you don't mind if I don't do it as well.

My communications with animals? Oh, I just speak to them, no differently than I would any other person and they speak to me!

Well, it can be a bit exciting! I've met so many people by accident!

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

It does not offend me. We are a conglomeration of many cultures. It would be most foolish to expect anyone to follow entirely the same conventions we have known and take for granted. The contrast may catalyze reflection upon their meaning and significance.

In German?

It surely is a way to expand our social circles.

Sincerely,
Mayerling

[onebadapple]

Oh, I'm so glad. I never want to offend anyone if I can help it.

Yes, I suppose in German, that's right. I never really thought about it before but I certainly don't translate anything to be understood by them.

Oh! What a nice sentiment, yes, I think that's true! Or to catch up with old friends.

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

The animals understand our tongue. I wonder, however, how they are speaking? Were it simply German, why would not everone understand?

Trench is a small town, and it is a pleasant reminder as such. We are neighbors.

Sincerely,
Mayerling

[onebadapple]

Oh, not everyone can understand them. I've always been able to but you should always try to understand your friends. Animals were my very first friends growing up. But I couldn't say why I understand them and they me.

That's so lovely to hear! Well, as your neighbor, should you need anything, I'll try my very best to help.

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

Friends of any kind are a gift and must be treated with the equity and respect they deserve.

I would not go so far as to call the horses I have here as being friends, but I care for them as I have the previous generations of them.

Please let me know if I can ever be of service in return.

Sincerely,
Mayerling

[onebadapple]

Oh, I've never met an animal I didn't almost immediately befriend. Be it the Nightmares, Bat Cats, wolves, bears, squirrels, or bluebirds.

That's really so very kind of you to offer, Mayerling. I suppose I might need a translator if this issue with my Omni isn't fixed soon.

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

While I do not wish for them to come to Trench, I would be curious to learn if that is true with some of the monsters from my world. Should they come, I would kindly request to come with you, in case they should be the exception. I would hate for any harm to come to you, even if I were not responsible for their presence in this world.

You may reach out at any time. I will understand you.

Sincerely,
Mayerling

[onebadapple]

Oh, I would happy to speak to the monsters from your world should that happen. Sometimes a monster is just an animal that's scared or hungry and no one is listening to their needs.

It's so wonderful to know so many people speak the same language even if the translator isn't working.

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

Sometimes that is the case. At other times, monsters are genetically engineered beasts made to prey upon others... the way one might describe monsters in the moat of a castle. That is why I would be concerned and wish to come with you. As some people will turn to violence no matter the words you may say, so too with animals.

Yes, it is always a joy to know when you are not being translated.

Sincerely,
Mayerling

[onebadapple]

Well, I certainly won't mind the company. But I think we might have to agree to disagree, Mayerling. Animals and people may choose violence, but that is not all they are or can be.

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

Speaking in generalities, I agree. However, the animals which I would be most concerned about are those designed to choose violence, to react violently, to... have no say in the matter. Such matters were possible where I am from.

I am glad you will accept my company. If nothing else, know it will ease my mind.

Sincerely,
Mayerling

[onebadapple]

[Snow has never met an animal she didn't like... well, except zombie animals hellbent on attacking and killing her, but that was LAST year. So it's not that she DOESN'T understand, but 98% of all animals was a solid percentage.]

Well, I would accept your company even if it wasn't about such things, Mayerling. I would like us to become friends!

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

I too would like that, though I would place your safety higher than your good opinion.

Sincerely,
Mayerling

[onebadapple]

That's very kind of you, Mayerling. It seems a good deal of people wishes to keep me safe. [It's mostly because she's naive as hell and would (and does) trust pretty much everyone at face value.]

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

That makes me more confident in your safety here in Trench. It is a dangerous place.

Sincerely,
Mayerling

[onebadapple]

Oh, dangerous yes, I agree, but no more dangerous than home.

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

Your home must be a dangerous place. What are you willing to share about it?

Sincerely,
Mayerling

CW: Graphic folklore

[onebadapple]

Oh, well, there are beings and mythical monsters that do eat children and people. But my mother was actively trying to murder me, and succeeded. So that was the most dangerous part. But there were creatures like the Nachtkrapp, a raven-like creature that go out hunting at night for children. They don't have any eyes, just empty sockets, and if you look within them, you die instantly. But that's the much kinder death. If it caught any children at night, it would carry them back to its nest and rip it limb from limb with its beak until it finally rips out the heart as dessert.

There are other creatures as well, like the Alp or Nachzehrer, all sorts of things are trying to kill or eat people.

CW: Graphic folklore

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

Your mother. That is truly more horrific than all the rest.

The Nachtkrapp would fit in where I am from. Have you communicated with any of them before? The way you do other animals?

Sincerely,
Mayerling

[onebadapple]

Yes, I'm not sure what I did for her to despise me so.

Hm? Oh, no, well... I thought I once met a dragon but I'm rather sure that was a dream.

[whowillmourn]

Dear Snow,

I suspect the answer lies not with you and your actions but with her.

Why do you say it was a dream?

Sincerely,
Mayerling

[onebadapple]

Oh, well, I believe it was a dream because I had a fever at the time from working in thin clothes during the winter.

I hadn't been able to eat anything substantial either. I passed out in the courtyard and the only reason I didn't freeze was that several rabbits had come to cuddle around me.

So it must have been a dream.