01. video, webcam.

[betroth]

[ Good eve, Numbers Club. Say hello to a big pair of baby blues all up in the webcam's business for the two seconds it takes to scoot back and allow it to refocus.

A pocket-sized blonde sits on the other end! ]

Ah — ! You do work both ways! Thank goodness. I didn't think of this number for a long time, until I started to hear that awful buzzing noise just recently. I thought maybe it had an expiration date.

[ She lifts a hand to tuck some hair behind her ear and clears her throat. ]

A-anyway, hello, my name is Chloe... I've done what reading I can since I learned I could, um, connect. Things seem very... chaotic for everyone right now. [ Her look turns soft. Are you ready to be helped, are you. ] It's only natural to be wary, and I can't offer very much, but I want to help however I can! So please consider it. My family owns a little bit of property outside of Locke if anyone needs a place to stay where there aren't so many people. The buzzing is also quieter. I promise you wouldn't be imposing, but if you're worried about that, the upstairs of our barn has been renovated into a room since we had our new stables built. It's kept very clean. And I own a truck, if anyone needs help getting around.

[ SHE CAN TOO SEE OVER THE WHEEL WITHOUT A BOOSTER SEAT SHHHHHH SHOOSH just

getting that out of the way, okay.

There's a short pause as she chews on the inside of her cheek. ]

I have one more question! Since it seems like we can share memories among ourselves... does anyone have memories of flying? Or more precisely, being propelled through the air. It's — very unique.

Comments

[betroth]

There could be many reasons for that! No one should go ignored in times like these, when we'd do so much better to learn to depend on one another for support.

[ DRAT. SHE WILL BE FIRST IN LINE FOR THE NEXT ROUND.

but

oh

my goodness ]

Wings? Real, live wings?

[flamberge]

Some may still resist aid no matter how dire the situation if only to preserve their own naive sense of pride.

[TICKETS COST $15 AT THE DOOR AND $10 IF YOU PREORDER.

and yes. wings. pretty, shiny wings that double as a nightlight.]

That's right.

[betroth]

Yes, I'm aware. It just means that when the time comes for them to seek support, we should still be there to offer it.

[ She's not very headstrong, but it's the one thing so far she's been 100% stern on speaking about.

SORRY RICHARD, IT'S IDEALIST CENTRAL. ]

Wings... ah, did you know how to use them right away?

[flamberge]

Even if offering may not result in a changing of their minds?

[SIGH ALL THESE IDEALISTS, MULTIPLYING LIKE BUNNIES.

Though really, he doesn't mind the idealism that much. It's refreshing, but introducing a healthy dose of realism can't hurt.]

It had taken several tries before I became airborne, though I must admit I haven't had a chance to properly attempt flight.

[betroth]

No one is invincible, sir.

[ Which sounds a little harsh, giving voice to their weaknesses, but that's now how she views it. In fact, she laughs a little. ]

You say it so plainly. It's not easy within city limits, is it?

[flamberge]

Not necessarily. Invincibility comes in different forms. Your conviction, for example, appears invincible.

[Honestly, he's actually impressed by how strongly she stands behind what she preaches.]

It's far too attention drawing of an act, particularly so with the wings at my disposal.

[betroth]

If... if I can say so, it's not the fall that our comrades might fear. It's the idea that there might not be a hand to help them back up, I'm sure of it.

[ RAIN OR SHINE. ]

And I see! That does sound difficult.

[ She hums a moment, thoughtfully. ]

[flamberge]

People fear being along following the fall, but they equally fear being seen during it. This fear of letting others know of their failure inhibits their ability to reveal they have fallen, let alone accept a hand which may help them rise. People are... laughably weak, in that regard.

[Maybe he sounds a bit more solemn than before while saying that.]

More irksome than difficult, honestly.

[Flying can be a useful thing! But practicing during the day? Too attention drawing. During the night? He glows like a nightlight.]

[betroth]

Secrets are also part of being human. But I believe that even the most tight-lipped will one day need an ear, or a hand, as it were. It's — not necessary, strictly speaking, to see the fall to know that someone is suffering from it.

[ And she is as solid on this as she has been the whole time, though a slight smile sneaks its way in. ]

If you'd be interested in some space, I might be able to help...

[flamberge]

...No, perhaps not. Those who've fallen tend not to care enough to hide the fact.

[Going off his own experiences, anyway. Though, he has to admit, Chloe is certainly one interesting, if strong person.]

You know of a safe, spacious location?

[betroth]

[ And that was that. Not seeing eye to eye didn't necessarily mean they disagreed, and she's fine with that much. ]

My farm. It's a few miles between properties.

[flamberge]

And you're certain of its security?

[He sounds interested, but just wants to make sure he won't be seen. Better be cautious than seen.]

[betroth]

Certain. [ ♥ ] It's private, and there's very few flyovers. Some areas are more wooded than the others.

[flamberge]

Then would you be opposed to me coming over one day and practicing flight there?

[betroth]

Not one bit! We can work out a day where I'm not in the city, or you can accompany me back. I make a decent commute...

[flamberge]

I'm available most days after 3 pm or on weekends, should that fit your schedule?

[betroth]

After 3pm may mean you'd be stuck practicing in the dark, and it's started to get so cold out. [ SO NOPE. ] A weekend afternoon, then?

[flamberge]

[Flying around in the dark with nightlight wings would probably draw too much attention so WEEKEND IS GOOD.]

Are you free this Saturday, perhaps?

[betroth]

[ A MYSTERIOUS UFO SIGHTED IN RURAL LOCKE CITY. ]

Absolutely. Ah, are you familiar with Le Chalet? It's a little restaurant by the community college! I can meet you there.

[flamberge]

[IT WAS GLOWING BLUE AND WITNESSES SAY IT LOOKED LIKE A LARGE PIXIE.]

That sounds fine. What time works best for you to meet up at?

[betroth]

Is noon alright?

[flamberge]

I'll be there near a blue Honda Accord with the license plate (insert numbers here).

[Shame it's too cold for his motorcycle.]

[betroth]

[ Oh, a cool guy, are we. ]

Until then!

[flamberge]

[Coolest uncool dude that ever lived!]

Yes. Thank you again for helping me with this.