video; un: padlocks

[enblightened]

I have made my warning to a handful of you before, but there are many that I've yet to meet. And so, this is primarily to those who do not know me.

I am something to be wary of. 'Tis not meant as a threat, but a matter of what I am. Call it what you shall, be it a curse or condition, but the brand on my head is not for display only. Many would call me an abomination where I am from, and it is not far from the truth.

I fight back the instincts of a demon inside of me. I hold it back by whatever means I am able, with my will and the bonds I take with me. With years of practice, I am typically able to hold it back, but there can never be a promise of my willpower. If there comes a time in which this beast emerges and I transform, I do not expect mercy on my behalf.

I understand that there are some with a similar situation as myself, or that you have experienced enough horrors to be prepared for it. Making demands of a person is impossible, I know that, but I want to be clear that I am a thing to be careful with.

...Thank you for listening. Be well, friends and strangers alike.

Comments

( video | un: duckling )

[danserai]

[ that all sounds very sad . . . ]

Do you have a name though?

[enblightened]

Yes. It's Bigby. Though hardly used much where I am from.

And you, child?

[danserai]

Oh, my name is Ahiru.

Uhm, I also have a question, if that's okay . . .

[enblightened]

You may ask. I will attempt to answer.

1/3

[danserai]

Okay, so uhm . . . does the brand hurt you too? Is it something you'd like to cover up?

[danserai]

[ oh wait that's super offensive isn't it. ]

W-What I mean is it doesn't look bad, it looks okay! And it's not scary or anything and I don't mind it even if it's weird other people mind it, they shouldn't because it's not their face it's your face . . .

3/3

[danserai]

[ she quietens down, trying to bring her thoughts to a conclusion. ]

I mean it sounds like you're hurting yourself to keep people safe. And maybe we can . . . find ways to make you feel better . . . ?

[enblightened]

It is remarkable to me the wells of kindness that others have in this place, despite everything. You did not need to ask, but you did anyway.

There is nothing to do for the scars I already bear. However, lowering my stress helps to keep it contained, and for me to control it. There are things, like arts and poetry. Music.

[danserai]

[ her face colours at the praise. ]

I mean, I think anyone should ask because it's important to check on people . . .

Oh! I like ballet and ballet has nice music. Maybe you'd like to listen to those?

[enblightened]

Compassion is too rare where I am from. Stilted, in the crawling darkness. Perhaps I am the one that needs to readjust my thinking now that I am here.

I would indeed. Too long it's been since I've heard such music. I had a companion both talented and cruel with his lute, but I've not heard anything more in years.

[danserai]

Oh, then you might like this one.

It is Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the Flowers.

[enblightened]

Ah-- I did not realize that these devices were capable of also playing music. I was flummoxed momentarily...

I've never heard this before. Perhaps I missed it in my decades gone from the world? How beautiful.

[danserai]

Maybe. They're really famous, I think.

[ she's not sure, but ballet is the center of her world and basically the only subject she knows well. ]

You can probably find a lot more you enjoy.

[enblightened]

I would gladly cherish anything you suggest. What others have you to offer?

[danserai]

Oh, ummm Tchaikovsky also did Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty . . . Then there's Romeo and Juliet, Coppelia, Giselle . . .

The stories can be a bit sad, but the music is always nice.

[enblightened]

Bittersweet encourages us to enjoy the what silver lining we find in our own lives. I don't dislike such things necessarily.

Thank you, Ahiru. Perhaps this night I will sleep restfully.

[danserai]

[ bittersweet . . . she wonders about that. princess tutu . . . tragic or bittersweet? and she couldn't even be fully honest with anyone.

but ahiru puts it aside for now. ]

Mmm, I hope it helps and you feel better.

[enblightened]

It does already.

[danserai]

If I find more, I'll send them your way.

[enblightened]

Thank you.

Perhaps you see no reason for it, but might there be something I may do in return?

[danserai]

Uhm, I can't think of anything right now . . .

But if you have any ideas, I'm happy to hear them!

[enblightened]

I fear there are very few useful skills I've left, but I will consider what few options I have.

Tell me what you enjoy, if I may request such a thing.

[danserai]

Well, I like dancing? I'm a ballet student, even if I'm not very good at it.

Maybe you could find a nice place to practice? I don't want to lose my progress even if Mr. Cat isn't here to yell at me and drop me to the probationary class . . .

[enblightened]

I've no doubt that there are other performers that would like a space dedicated to their craft.

Though I can hardly promise it, I will let you know if I find someplace ideal.

[danserai]

I don't know if there are any others and there's no pressure! I can probably just find a nice room and that should be fine too . . .