I. [Voice]

[goingnova]

...this may seem a little bit of an odd question, but...well, first I should introduce myself, I suppose. My name's Ari. I'm...still getting used to everything here. It's very different than what I'm used to.

[a beat. how to explain...]

...for example, there's nothing really like...well, this. If you want to contact someone who's far away, you write a letter, or hire someone to write it for you if you're not very good at writing. Like me. [there's a small, nervous chuckle.] Scribes have a good trade, but they don't seem very common here.

So...is there some sort of alternative? I've already realized that there's a lot more people who're comfortable with reading and writing. Is it just something that's taken for granted, here?

[another beat of silence]

Also, if there's anyone who knows much about magic...I'd like to speak with you, please. And...I think that's all, thank you for your time.

Comments

[Voice]

[kendo_taisho]

Ain't too good with magic but technology I can help ya with.

Name's Heiji.

[Voice]

[goingnova]

Hello, Heiji. I won't say no to someone going over some of the basics with me, if you have some time.

[Voice]

[kendo_taisho]

Not at all. would ya rather go over it now or in person?

[Voice]

[goingnova]

In person, if you don't mind?

text;

[textualhealing]

Adult novels. If you're good at writing, that's where the money is.

permavoice

[goingnova]

[maybe she should have been more specific at how she's not very good at reading, too. it's awkward enough as it is.

eventually, though, she does manage to parse things. she thinks. maybe.]

I'm not good at writing, like I said. And I'm not interested in money.

switch to voice, because maybe that's a little more fair

[textualhealing]

Oh right. See, I'm hella good at reading. The alternative to a scribe is learning how to read and write.

Voice (ableist language due to time period)

[mightthinkthat]

More or less. Education is considered a right, though occasionally people are missed, those who can't read or write are the rarity and more likely to be the result of some defect. [ Francis isn't entirely up to date with the terminology. ]

But I'd be surprised if there isn't some adult literacy programme you could sign up to. I could look into it for you, if you like.

Voice (scool!)

[goingnova]

I'd be thankful, sir. [polite mode; on. it may just be the way the man talks, but he strikes Ari as a bit upper-class, and, well- that and manners...]

[mightthinkthat]

Francis, please. I'd be delighted. Where are you living? What city? [ Help him narrow things down. ]

[illuminescent]

You cannot write well?

[goingnova]

It's always been hard for me. After a while we just sort of accepted I was better for other things.

[illuminescent]

I do not know very much about teaching, but I would help you in any manner I could.

[resipiscent]

Depends what kind of magic you're talking about. I wouldn't consider myself a wizard by any means.

[goingnova]

I'm just...curious how it works for others.

[resipiscent]

I see. Well, for me, I have a handful of elemental spells, and a healing spell. I can cast them on my own, but it's easier to focus them through my weapon.

Voice

[bindsthedead]

I have considerable knowledge of magic- in some areas, at least. What would you like to know?

Voice

[goingnova]

How it works. If it's different than what I know.

Voice

[bindsthedead]

That's... going to depend on who you're asking. For me, most of my magic involves drawing on symbols to achieve various effects. Some magic works through music, or through controlling power by sheer force of will.

( video. )

[desequilibre]

[ Athos isn't usually kind. But when someone is brave enough to admit something like this he has to be. ]

We had scribes where I was from too, Mademoiselle. It took a long time to be comfortable with these machines. I too would have preferred a messenger. But if you do need assistance then I would be willing to give it to you. You cannot be faulted for what others just expect.

[voice because what is a video setting]

[goingnova]

Just Ari, please. I'm hardly titled.

[then she makes a little sigh - it sounds like she's smiling a bit]

But it's nice to know I'm at least not alone in this. So many people seem to just expect you know it all already...

[desequilibre]

They do.

[ He knows, they all treated him like a laughing stock after he asked about musket balls and gunpowder. ]

Fortunately there are some understanding souls around.

voice;

[abadidea]

[You know, he's never even actually thought about it that way before.]

...yeah, I guess it is something we take for granted.

It's nice to meet you, Ali. I'm Isaac.

voice;

[goingnova]

Nice to meet you, Isaac. Did you grow up with it too?

voice;

[abadidea]

You too. An yeah, I did.