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

[enblightened]

Careful what you discover beyond the stars. It can be majestic, or absolutely horrific.

Engineering. I was working on ways to improve lives with the resources we had. Prosthetics, helping the sick or disabled. That sort of thing. It... was a very long time ago, and the laboratory is no longer a place for me, alas.

[saltyadam]

[Adam smiles warmly.]

I dabbled in prosthetics very briefly. My husband has one. We're from a point in time further along, technologically speaking, from a lot of people here. When someone dear to me lost his leg, I attempted to translate some of that knowledge for him.

[He laughs softly.]

Thankfully Varian's brilliant and was able to adopt it just fine. I'm no engineer, I'm afraid.

[enblightened]

I see. From you, Varian had obtained his leg.

...He is quite capable, isn't he? A fine, young mind.

[saltyadam]

I just gave him the parts and the idea. He more or less managed the rest on his own.

He's possibly the most brilliant scientist I've met in any world. Though that can also get him into a bit of trouble now and then.

[enblightened]

I have also noticed that particular part of him as well. Stubborn, but you can do little on that front.

[saltyadam]

I think that's a requisite when you're a teenager.

He'll grow out of the worst parts. He has a good future.

[enblightened]

He's an intelligent young man with a good heart. I've no doubt that he will achieve many things.

[saltyadam]

How do you know him?

[enblightened]

My first day being in Trench, actually. I was at the boardwalk.

I gave him the same warning as I have given here over this network. It did not dissuade him from deciding to help and speak with me. I quickly learned how incredibly determined he is to do things his way.

[saltyadam]

[Adam laughs.]

That sounds about right. I met him on an expedition to explore a mountain with curious properties. It housed a facility we were absolutely forbidden from approaching. Guess where he immediately went?

[enblightened]

The facility, I imagine.

Well. At least you never truly lose track of him. Seek him out in the worst possible and mysterious location on an expedition, I suspect.

Wow DW ate this notif?? Rude??

[saltyadam]

Got it in one.

[Adam laughs again.] Yes, if any of us ever lose Varian we can probably just watch the sky and wait for the inevitable plume of smoke.

no worries, dw just do that sometimes

[enblightened]

I thought as much. A terribly curious young man. I hope he eventually learns some caution in his life.

[saltyadam]

In the meantime he seems to have good men like yourself keeping an eye out for him.

[enblightened]

Ha, well... I know changing his mind is impossible. So if I can offer that much, then I will do so gladly.

[saltyadam]

A tip: you can use science to change his mind once in awhile. Simply.. imply that another option may be more scientifically advantageous than whatever is likely to end in him blowing himself up.

[enblightened]

[That earns a soft laugh from Bigby, the noise restrained but delighted no less. Laughter is so rare from him, but it's nice to be able to.]

I will keep that advice in mind. Thank you, Adam.

[saltyadam]

[Adam gives him a wink.]

Any time. Knowledge is power.