Chaos Gremlin, Alien Alchemist

@union-of-mad-scientists

@union-of-mad-scientists

‖ː‖`o, yeah, high-temps are kinda my thing lmao. 'n', yeah, i'd love to see it centrifuge!! hopefully it's not too heavy lmao`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`i mean, it's not bad, it's a good foundation, but it could use some work. i've not got human taste sensors, but i have a feeling this might be way too much minty for most humans`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`o, yeah, high-temps are kinda my thing lmao. 'n', yeah, i'd love to see it centrifuge!! hopefully it's not too heavy lmao`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`i mean, it's not bad, it's a good foundation, but it could use some work. i've not got human taste sensors, but i have a feeling this might be way too much minty for most humans`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`o, yeah, high-temps are kinda my thing lmao. 'n', yeah, i'd love to see it centrifuge!! hopefully it's not too heavy lmao`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`i mean, it's not bad, it's a good foundation, but it could use some work. i've not got human taste sensors, but i have a feeling this might be way too much minty for most humans`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`o, yeah, high-temps are kinda my thing lmao. 'n', yeah, i'd love to see it centrifuge!! hopefully it's not too heavy lmao`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`o, yeah, high-temps are kinda my thing lmao. 'n', yeah, i'd love to see it centrifuge!! hopefully it's not too heavy lmao`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`o, yeah, high-temps are kinda my thing lmao. 'n', yeah, i'd love to see it centrifuge!! hopefully it's not too heavy lmao`‖ː‖

"Indeed." He turns back to look out over the battlements. "I was like that, in my youth. Always running after the next thing, the newest grand quest. Or, riding, really."

‖ː‖`i think i'll be like this forever, this is just who i am, 'n' i like me for myself`‖ː‖

"You say that now, but age will catch you eventually. Sap your strength and speed, if nothing else." He takes a sip of the ghostly tea. "Or perhaps not, I am as yet unfamiliar with your species."

"Hmm. A pity we cannot all be like that. Though, one benefit of dying is I don't get nearly so many aches and pains anymore."

‖ː‖`i can see why that would be nice, yeah. ageing sounds like such a nightmare, so getting to not deal with its side effects sounds like it'd be a big relief`‖ː‖

"Indeed, that part at least is quite nice. But you are not here to listen to an old man's complaints, are you?" he chuckles.

‖ː‖`i mean, while i'm up here, i might as well! i'm not exactly strapped for time lmao`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`yeah, that would definitely make things a bit shit. there're ways 'round it but, like, the hassle you've gotta through to even get the magicks up-'n'-going would be enough to turn most people off o' the idea`‖ː‖

"It would, yes. Particularly since I cannot imagine residing anywhere else, and Merlyn would be endangered if I tried to use such magicks. It is not so bad, though," he says, "At least the stones of this castle are so old as to be almost ghosts themselves."

‖ː‖`yeah. i'll be that old some-day, eventually, but by that point the stones will be even older, 'n' there'll be a lot o' other things for me to be worrying 'bout`‖ː‖

"Indeed. And I will likely still be here, when that day comes, having gotten no older myself."

‖ː‖`'n' i'm sure there'll still be goats out there for you to watch lmao`‖ː‖

"I should hope so," he says, "Or at least something equally interesting. Otherwise I would be incredibly bored."

‖ː‖`depending on how shit turns out, i'll pro'ly be spending a lot o' time at the bottom o' the ocean once i'm inconveniently large, but i'll be sure to visit every once in a while`!‖ː‖

"Thank you, child, that would be nice." Arthur smiles. "You'll have to tell me about your adventures, when that day comes."

‖ː‖`i'm sure the descendants o' mer's other kids will have more interesting stories, but i'd be happy to give you all the details o' sitting on the ocean-floor waiting for food to swim past`!‖ː‖

"It is not as if I have many other opportunities to learn what lies in those depths," he says, "I fear I would get quite lost if I ever tried to go there myself."

‖ː‖`there pro'ly wouldn't be any-thing for you to see down there any-way, shit's pitch-black 'n' as sparse as a desert lmao`‖ː‖

"Is that so? It would make sense, being so far removed from the sun... hmm." Arthur shrugs. "Well, I am sure that you have other stories also?"

‖ː‖`i mean, i do get 'round, so i've got a lot i could talk 'bout, but i dunno how much o' it's interesting to any-one else`‖ː‖

"And you never will unless you try to speak of it with them. Though there will likely be varying results."

‖ː‖`there's only so many times some-one can hear a story o' "yeah, so i went into this abandoned building or what-ever 'n' there was just, like, a few trinkets inside" before it gets boring`‖ː‖

"Perhaps focus more on the trinkets themselves. People like new toys, I find."

‖ː‖`most o' the trinkets i come 'cross aren't really very toy-like. mostly just pieces o' scrap metal 'n' other shit like that`‖ː‖

"Oh I meant that metaphorically. But that is a fair point, and it is your decision either way. I'm just an old man trying to pass the time with conversation."

‖ː‖`well, i've basically had nothing but time to pass since i ended up here, so you're all good on that front`‖ː‖

"That is good to hear," he nods, "I suppose I could always tell my stories as well, but I'd never be able to equal the bards who have already done so."

‖ː‖`i mean, from what i've read, the bards aren't exactly telling your story anymore, so there's pro'ly more than enough noospheric space for what you have to say`‖ː‖

"Eh, it is still written," he shrugs. "Maybe another time. I might make some corrections, at least, I know how stories grow."

‖ː‖`i'm sure plenty o' people would be interested enough in the truth to hear you out`!‖ː‖

"They would be rather disappointed by the truth, in all likelihood. War and quests both are a great deal more monotonous than you might expect."

‖ː‖`depends on the person, i suppose. i know plenty o' people who are deeply interested in that sort of thing, mostly the history buffs but there're others as well`‖ː‖

"Well, if they can see and hear me, I'd be amenable to discussing it with them, I suppose," Arthur says. "I can't imagine why, though. I've seen more wonders of science and magic both from just this very spot than in all my travels of faerie, and my country had even fewer."

‖ː‖`that's pretty expected, honestly. this place is fucking wild lmao, there's so much shit going on at all times. i'm at least a little responsible for that though`‖ː‖

"So I am told," he chuckles, "But Merlyn has occasionally taken it upon themself to aid in my understanding of this modern world, you know. Even basic things that are considered mundane astound me - vehicles pulled by nothing save themselves, messages sent across oceans in an instant, water that draws itself from the well... No, I see it now. My time is long spent."

‖ː‖`well, every-thing's understandable given time, but i dunno how much o' it you'd wanna put in just to be up to speed with the basics o' shit. besides, i'm sure you've got plenty to keep your-self busy with up here lmao`‖ː‖

"That... is not what I meant, but thank you anyway." He hums for a moment. "No, I meant that I am old and have no place in this world of marvels, besides perhaps to watch."

‖ː‖`i mean, i don't really have a place in this world either, 'cause i don't fucking belong here, but some-times you've just gotta make do with what you've got 'n' exist in spite o' the fact you shouldn't`‖ː‖

"I am here still, am I not?" He raises an eyebrow. And then sighs. "Thank you for saying so, all the same. You're a kind child."

‖ː‖`i do try to be kind, yeah. i don't think there's enough compassion in the world some-times, so i try to make up for that where-ever i can `‖ː‖

"Would that more were like you, then," he says.

‖ː‖`i'm sure there are, it's just a case o' finding 'em`‖ː‖

Arthur laughs. "You are persistently optimistic. Can an old man not be esoteric and grumpy in peace?" he teases. "Really, I've learned from the best in the field, I ought to put it into practice. I'm a ghost and everything."

‖ː‖`no time like the present! other than maybe yesterday`‖ː‖

"True enough," Arthur says. "There isn't much else I can do except brood and tell stories, but I might as well have fun with it."

‖ː‖`having fun with things is the best way to do any-thing, i'd say`!‖ː‖

"I can see that," he nods. "Speaking of, what is your favorite thing to do for fun? Besides just scamperimg about, of course. Do you ever engage in activities of a more sedentary nature?"

‖ː‖`i mean, i do plenty o' alchemy 'n' enchantment as well, but i dunno if that counts, it's just some pretty standard magicks, even if i am kinda decent at it`‖ː‖

"If you enjoy the process, then most certainly..." He chuckles. "Though I am sure you are more than just 'kinda decent' at it. Merlin, too, had a habit of understating his prowess."

‖ː‖`i mean, some o' the stuff i do is impressive, don't get me wrong, but any-one could do it with enough practice. it's hardly any-thing special`‖ː‖

"With enough practice, anyone could do anything," he says. "Do not denigrate the hours of practice and learning you have put in to this skill, because not everyone will take that time."

‖ː‖`i'm just lucky enough to have the time, not every-one does`‖ː‖

"No, perhaps not," Arthur agrees, "Nevertheless you chose to use your time to pursue those crafts. I am simply saying that skill of any kind is worthy of respect. Back in my day, much of what is now called 'hobby' was the livelihoods of many. It mattered not if someone could do something for themselves, if they wanted not to spend the time on it."

‖ː‖`i'm just lucky i've got almost limitless energy, i guess. not every-one gets to be a basically walking battery for magicks`‖ː‖

"Ah, but there are alternatives... I digress, though." Arthur finishes his tea, and puts it down sadly. "I suppose that mug will pass on now. I'll have to wait for another major spill if I want more... Or maybe I'll get lucky, and it will just remain and refill itself."

‖ː‖`i mean, i could pro'ly alchemy up some ghost-tea. won't be as good as the all-natural, 'n' i don't know if it'd actually work, but it's definitely a thing i could try`‖ː‖

"Could you really? That would be very kind," he says, a slight pleading look in his eyes. "I don't really need food or drink, of course, but the sensation is so nice."

"See, this is what I am talking about," he says, grinning, "I don't think just anyone would be able to figure that out so quickly. Thank you." He sips the concoction gratefully. "Would it be any more difficult to create ghostly food or other objects?"

‖ː‖`alchemy is very liquid-based, making any-thing solid usually ends up not going the greatest. unless the solid you're hoping to make is some form o' slurry or tar. i could pro'ly enchant a thing with ghostliness or some-thing like that, though`‖ː‖

"I would be interested to know the results of any such experiments, if you were willing to undertake them," he says, "It would be nice to be able to have my own things again. Even back in Avalon, I couldn't really interact with much..."

‖ː‖`i pro'ly shouldn't do it up here, since it'd involve carving a semi-permanent magical rune into a surface, 'n' that would fuck with mer's magic allergies, but i'll definitely try to draw up the correct rune for you!! you'd only be able to hold things for so long before the enchantment faded, but i could pro'ly get you some objects with the rune engraved into 'em that'd be more permanent once i've perfected it`!‖ː‖

"That sounds wonderful, honestly. Please let me know if or when you ever end up trying such a thing, I would be happy to help with any testing or experiments..."

‖ː‖`i'll be sure to keep you updated! shouldn't take too long, given i've already got the astral-blade rune to work off o', but it'll definitely take some experimentation`‖ː‖

"Yes, I expected as much," Arthur nods. "I shouldn’t keep you, though. I am sure there is much you must, or at least would like to, be doing."

‖ː‖`some-thing like that, yeah. i suppose i'll see you once i've figured this all out. i'm sure you've got your own things to keep you busy`‖ː‖

"Indeed." He turns back to look out over the battlements. "I was like that, in my youth. Always running after the next thing, the newest grand quest. Or, riding, really."

‖ː‖`i think i'll be like this forever, this is just who i am, 'n' i like me for myself`‖ː‖

"You say that now, but age will catch you eventually. Sap your strength and speed, if nothing else." He takes a sip of the ghostly tea. "Or perhaps not, I am as yet unfamiliar with your species."

"Hmm. A pity we cannot all be like that. Though, one benefit of dying is I don't get nearly so many aches and pains anymore."

‖ː‖`i can see why that would be nice, yeah. ageing sounds like such a nightmare, so getting to not deal with its side effects sounds like it'd be a big relief`‖ː‖

"Indeed, that part at least is quite nice. But you are not here to listen to an old man's complaints, are you?" he chuckles.

‖ː‖`i mean, while i'm up here, i might as well! i'm not exactly strapped for time lmao`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`yeah, that would definitely make things a bit shit. there're ways 'round it but, like, the hassle you've gotta through to even get the magicks up-'n'-going would be enough to turn most people off o' the idea`‖ː‖

"It would, yes. Particularly since I cannot imagine residing anywhere else, and Merlyn would be endangered if I tried to use such magicks. It is not so bad, though," he says, "At least the stones of this castle are so old as to be almost ghosts themselves."

‖ː‖`yeah. i'll be that old some-day, eventually, but by that point the stones will be even older, 'n' there'll be a lot o' other things for me to be worrying 'bout`‖ː‖

"Indeed. And I will likely still be here, when that day comes, having gotten no older myself."

‖ː‖`'n' i'm sure there'll still be goats out there for you to watch lmao`‖ː‖

"I should hope so," he says, "Or at least something equally interesting. Otherwise I would be incredibly bored."

‖ː‖`depending on how shit turns out, i'll pro'ly be spending a lot o' time at the bottom o' the ocean once i'm inconveniently large, but i'll be sure to visit every once in a while`!‖ː‖

"Thank you, child, that would be nice." Arthur smiles. "You'll have to tell me about your adventures, when that day comes."

‖ː‖`i'm sure the descendants o' mer's other kids will have more interesting stories, but i'd be happy to give you all the details o' sitting on the ocean-floor waiting for food to swim past`!‖ː‖

"It is not as if I have many other opportunities to learn what lies in those depths," he says, "I fear I would get quite lost if I ever tried to go there myself."

‖ː‖`there pro'ly wouldn't be any-thing for you to see down there any-way, shit's pitch-black 'n' as sparse as a desert lmao`‖ː‖

"Is that so? It would make sense, being so far removed from the sun... hmm." Arthur shrugs. "Well, I am sure that you have other stories also?"

‖ː‖`i mean, i do get 'round, so i've got a lot i could talk 'bout, but i dunno how much o' it's interesting to any-one else`‖ː‖

"And you never will unless you try to speak of it with them. Though there will likely be varying results."

‖ː‖`there's only so many times some-one can hear a story o' "yeah, so i went into this abandoned building or what-ever 'n' there was just, like, a few trinkets inside" before it gets boring`‖ː‖

"Perhaps focus more on the trinkets themselves. People like new toys, I find."

‖ː‖`most o' the trinkets i come 'cross aren't really very toy-like. mostly just pieces o' scrap metal 'n' other shit like that`‖ː‖

"Oh I meant that metaphorically. But that is a fair point, and it is your decision either way. I'm just an old man trying to pass the time with conversation."

‖ː‖`well, i've basically had nothing but time to pass since i ended up here, so you're all good on that front`‖ː‖

"That is good to hear," he nods, "I suppose I could always tell my stories as well, but I'd never be able to equal the bards who have already done so."

‖ː‖`i mean, from what i've read, the bards aren't exactly telling your story anymore, so there's pro'ly more than enough noospheric space for what you have to say`‖ː‖

"Eh, it is still written," he shrugs. "Maybe another time. I might make some corrections, at least, I know how stories grow."

‖ː‖`i'm sure plenty o' people would be interested enough in the truth to hear you out`!‖ː‖

"They would be rather disappointed by the truth, in all likelihood. War and quests both are a great deal more monotonous than you might expect."

‖ː‖`depends on the person, i suppose. i know plenty o' people who are deeply interested in that sort of thing, mostly the history buffs but there're others as well`‖ː‖

"Well, if they can see and hear me, I'd be amenable to discussing it with them, I suppose," Arthur says. "I can't imagine why, though. I've seen more wonders of science and magic both from just this very spot than in all my travels of faerie, and my country had even fewer."

‖ː‖`that's pretty expected, honestly. this place is fucking wild lmao, there's so much shit going on at all times. i'm at least a little responsible for that though`‖ː‖

"So I am told," he chuckles, "But Merlyn has occasionally taken it upon themself to aid in my understanding of this modern world, you know. Even basic things that are considered mundane astound me - vehicles pulled by nothing save themselves, messages sent across oceans in an instant, water that draws itself from the well... No, I see it now. My time is long spent."

‖ː‖`well, every-thing's understandable given time, but i dunno how much o' it you'd wanna put in just to be up to speed with the basics o' shit. besides, i'm sure you've got plenty to keep your-self busy with up here lmao`‖ː‖

"That... is not what I meant, but thank you anyway." He hums for a moment. "No, I meant that I am old and have no place in this world of marvels, besides perhaps to watch."

‖ː‖`i mean, i don't really have a place in this world either, 'cause i don't fucking belong here, but some-times you've just gotta make do with what you've got 'n' exist in spite o' the fact you shouldn't`‖ː‖

"I am here still, am I not?" He raises an eyebrow. And then sighs. "Thank you for saying so, all the same. You're a kind child."

‖ː‖`i do try to be kind, yeah. i don't think there's enough compassion in the world some-times, so i try to make up for that where-ever i can `‖ː‖

"Would that more were like you, then," he says.

‖ː‖`i'm sure there are, it's just a case o' finding 'em`‖ː‖

Arthur laughs. "You are persistently optimistic. Can an old man not be esoteric and grumpy in peace?" he teases. "Really, I've learned from the best in the field, I ought to put it into practice. I'm a ghost and everything."

‖ː‖`no time like the present! other than maybe yesterday`‖ː‖

"True enough," Arthur says. "There isn't much else I can do except brood and tell stories, but I might as well have fun with it."

‖ː‖`having fun with things is the best way to do any-thing, i'd say`!‖ː‖

"I can see that," he nods. "Speaking of, what is your favorite thing to do for fun? Besides just scamperimg about, of course. Do you ever engage in activities of a more sedentary nature?"

‖ː‖`i mean, i do plenty o' alchemy 'n' enchantment as well, but i dunno if that counts, it's just some pretty standard magicks, even if i am kinda decent at it`‖ː‖

"If you enjoy the process, then most certainly..." He chuckles. "Though I am sure you are more than just 'kinda decent' at it. Merlin, too, had a habit of understating his prowess."

‖ː‖`i mean, some o' the stuff i do is impressive, don't get me wrong, but any-one could do it with enough practice. it's hardly any-thing special`‖ː‖

"With enough practice, anyone could do anything," he says. "Do not denigrate the hours of practice and learning you have put in to this skill, because not everyone will take that time."

‖ː‖`i'm just lucky enough to have the time, not every-one does`‖ː‖

"No, perhaps not," Arthur agrees, "Nevertheless you chose to use your time to pursue those crafts. I am simply saying that skill of any kind is worthy of respect. Back in my day, much of what is now called 'hobby' was the livelihoods of many. It mattered not if someone could do something for themselves, if they wanted not to spend the time on it."

‖ː‖`i'm just lucky i've got almost limitless energy, i guess. not every-one gets to be a basically walking battery for magicks`‖ː‖

"Ah, but there are alternatives... I digress, though." Arthur finishes his tea, and puts it down sadly. "I suppose that mug will pass on now. I'll have to wait for another major spill if I want more... Or maybe I'll get lucky, and it will just remain and refill itself."

‖ː‖`i mean, i could pro'ly alchemy up some ghost-tea. won't be as good as the all-natural, 'n' i don't know if it'd actually work, but it's definitely a thing i could try`‖ː‖

"Could you really? That would be very kind," he says, a slight pleading look in his eyes. "I don't really need food or drink, of course, but the sensation is so nice."

"See, this is what I am talking about," he says, grinning, "I don't think just anyone would be able to figure that out so quickly. Thank you." He sips the concoction gratefully. "Would it be any more difficult to create ghostly food or other objects?"

‖ː‖`alchemy is very liquid-based, making any-thing solid usually ends up not going the greatest. unless the solid you're hoping to make is some form o' slurry or tar. i could pro'ly enchant a thing with ghostliness or some-thing like that, though`‖ː‖

"I would be interested to know the results of any such experiments, if you were willing to undertake them," he says, "It would be nice to be able to have my own things again. Even back in Avalon, I couldn't really interact with much..."

‖ː‖`i pro'ly shouldn't do it up here, since it'd involve carving a semi-permanent magical rune into a surface, 'n' that would fuck with mer's magic allergies, but i'll definitely try to draw up the correct rune for you!! you'd only be able to hold things for so long before the enchantment faded, but i could pro'ly get you some objects with the rune engraved into 'em that'd be more permanent once i've perfected it`!‖ː‖

"That sounds wonderful, honestly. Please let me know if or when you ever end up trying such a thing, I would be happy to help with any testing or experiments..."

‖ː‖`i'll be sure to keep you updated! shouldn't take too long, given i've already got the astral-blade rune to work off o', but it'll definitely take some experimentation`‖ː‖

"Indeed." He turns back to look out over the battlements. "I was like that, in my youth. Always running after the next thing, the newest grand quest. Or, riding, really."

‖ː‖`i think i'll be like this forever, this is just who i am, 'n' i like me for myself`‖ː‖

"You say that now, but age will catch you eventually. Sap your strength and speed, if nothing else." He takes a sip of the ghostly tea. "Or perhaps not, I am as yet unfamiliar with your species."

"Hmm. A pity we cannot all be like that. Though, one benefit of dying is I don't get nearly so many aches and pains anymore."

‖ː‖`i can see why that would be nice, yeah. ageing sounds like such a nightmare, so getting to not deal with its side effects sounds like it'd be a big relief`‖ː‖

"Indeed, that part at least is quite nice. But you are not here to listen to an old man's complaints, are you?" he chuckles.

‖ː‖`i mean, while i'm up here, i might as well! i'm not exactly strapped for time lmao`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`yeah, that would definitely make things a bit shit. there're ways 'round it but, like, the hassle you've gotta through to even get the magicks up-'n'-going would be enough to turn most people off o' the idea`‖ː‖

"It would, yes. Particularly since I cannot imagine residing anywhere else, and Merlyn would be endangered if I tried to use such magicks. It is not so bad, though," he says, "At least the stones of this castle are so old as to be almost ghosts themselves."

‖ː‖`yeah. i'll be that old some-day, eventually, but by that point the stones will be even older, 'n' there'll be a lot o' other things for me to be worrying 'bout`‖ː‖

"Indeed. And I will likely still be here, when that day comes, having gotten no older myself."

‖ː‖`'n' i'm sure there'll still be goats out there for you to watch lmao`‖ː‖

"I should hope so," he says, "Or at least something equally interesting. Otherwise I would be incredibly bored."

‖ː‖`depending on how shit turns out, i'll pro'ly be spending a lot o' time at the bottom o' the ocean once i'm inconveniently large, but i'll be sure to visit every once in a while`!‖ː‖

"Thank you, child, that would be nice." Arthur smiles. "You'll have to tell me about your adventures, when that day comes."

‖ː‖`i'm sure the descendants o' mer's other kids will have more interesting stories, but i'd be happy to give you all the details o' sitting on the ocean-floor waiting for food to swim past`!‖ː‖

"It is not as if I have many other opportunities to learn what lies in those depths," he says, "I fear I would get quite lost if I ever tried to go there myself."

‖ː‖`there pro'ly wouldn't be any-thing for you to see down there any-way, shit's pitch-black 'n' as sparse as a desert lmao`‖ː‖

"Is that so? It would make sense, being so far removed from the sun... hmm." Arthur shrugs. "Well, I am sure that you have other stories also?"

‖ː‖`i mean, i do get 'round, so i've got a lot i could talk 'bout, but i dunno how much o' it's interesting to any-one else`‖ː‖

"And you never will unless you try to speak of it with them. Though there will likely be varying results."

‖ː‖`there's only so many times some-one can hear a story o' "yeah, so i went into this abandoned building or what-ever 'n' there was just, like, a few trinkets inside" before it gets boring`‖ː‖

"Perhaps focus more on the trinkets themselves. People like new toys, I find."

‖ː‖`most o' the trinkets i come 'cross aren't really very toy-like. mostly just pieces o' scrap metal 'n' other shit like that`‖ː‖

"Oh I meant that metaphorically. But that is a fair point, and it is your decision either way. I'm just an old man trying to pass the time with conversation."

‖ː‖`well, i've basically had nothing but time to pass since i ended up here, so you're all good on that front`‖ː‖

"That is good to hear," he nods, "I suppose I could always tell my stories as well, but I'd never be able to equal the bards who have already done so."

‖ː‖`i mean, from what i've read, the bards aren't exactly telling your story anymore, so there's pro'ly more than enough noospheric space for what you have to say`‖ː‖

"Eh, it is still written," he shrugs. "Maybe another time. I might make some corrections, at least, I know how stories grow."

‖ː‖`i'm sure plenty o' people would be interested enough in the truth to hear you out`!‖ː‖

"They would be rather disappointed by the truth, in all likelihood. War and quests both are a great deal more monotonous than you might expect."

‖ː‖`depends on the person, i suppose. i know plenty o' people who are deeply interested in that sort of thing, mostly the history buffs but there're others as well`‖ː‖

"Well, if they can see and hear me, I'd be amenable to discussing it with them, I suppose," Arthur says. "I can't imagine why, though. I've seen more wonders of science and magic both from just this very spot than in all my travels of faerie, and my country had even fewer."

‖ː‖`that's pretty expected, honestly. this place is fucking wild lmao, there's so much shit going on at all times. i'm at least a little responsible for that though`‖ː‖

"So I am told," he chuckles, "But Merlyn has occasionally taken it upon themself to aid in my understanding of this modern world, you know. Even basic things that are considered mundane astound me - vehicles pulled by nothing save themselves, messages sent across oceans in an instant, water that draws itself from the well... No, I see it now. My time is long spent."

‖ː‖`well, every-thing's understandable given time, but i dunno how much o' it you'd wanna put in just to be up to speed with the basics o' shit. besides, i'm sure you've got plenty to keep your-self busy with up here lmao`‖ː‖

"That... is not what I meant, but thank you anyway." He hums for a moment. "No, I meant that I am old and have no place in this world of marvels, besides perhaps to watch."

‖ː‖`i mean, i don't really have a place in this world either, 'cause i don't fucking belong here, but some-times you've just gotta make do with what you've got 'n' exist in spite o' the fact you shouldn't`‖ː‖

"I am here still, am I not?" He raises an eyebrow. And then sighs. "Thank you for saying so, all the same. You're a kind child."

‖ː‖`i do try to be kind, yeah. i don't think there's enough compassion in the world some-times, so i try to make up for that where-ever i can `‖ː‖

"Would that more were like you, then," he says.

‖ː‖`i'm sure there are, it's just a case o' finding 'em`‖ː‖

Arthur laughs. "You are persistently optimistic. Can an old man not be esoteric and grumpy in peace?" he teases. "Really, I've learned from the best in the field, I ought to put it into practice. I'm a ghost and everything."

‖ː‖`no time like the present! other than maybe yesterday`‖ː‖

"True enough," Arthur says. "There isn't much else I can do except brood and tell stories, but I might as well have fun with it."

‖ː‖`having fun with things is the best way to do any-thing, i'd say`!‖ː‖

"I can see that," he nods. "Speaking of, what is your favorite thing to do for fun? Besides just scamperimg about, of course. Do you ever engage in activities of a more sedentary nature?"

‖ː‖`i mean, i do plenty o' alchemy 'n' enchantment as well, but i dunno if that counts, it's just some pretty standard magicks, even if i am kinda decent at it`‖ː‖

"If you enjoy the process, then most certainly..." He chuckles. "Though I am sure you are more than just 'kinda decent' at it. Merlin, too, had a habit of understating his prowess."

‖ː‖`i mean, some o' the stuff i do is impressive, don't get me wrong, but any-one could do it with enough practice. it's hardly any-thing special`‖ː‖

"With enough practice, anyone could do anything," he says. "Do not denigrate the hours of practice and learning you have put in to this skill, because not everyone will take that time."

‖ː‖`i'm just lucky enough to have the time, not every-one does`‖ː‖

"No, perhaps not," Arthur agrees, "Nevertheless you chose to use your time to pursue those crafts. I am simply saying that skill of any kind is worthy of respect. Back in my day, much of what is now called 'hobby' was the livelihoods of many. It mattered not if someone could do something for themselves, if they wanted not to spend the time on it."

‖ː‖`i'm just lucky i've got almost limitless energy, i guess. not every-one gets to be a basically walking battery for magicks`‖ː‖

"Ah, but there are alternatives... I digress, though." Arthur finishes his tea, and puts it down sadly. "I suppose that mug will pass on now. I'll have to wait for another major spill if I want more... Or maybe I'll get lucky, and it will just remain and refill itself."

‖ː‖`i mean, i could pro'ly alchemy up some ghost-tea. won't be as good as the all-natural, 'n' i don't know if it'd actually work, but it's definitely a thing i could try`‖ː‖

"Could you really? That would be very kind," he says, a slight pleading look in his eyes. "I don't really need food or drink, of course, but the sensation is so nice."

"See, this is what I am talking about," he says, grinning, "I don't think just anyone would be able to figure that out so quickly. Thank you." He sips the concoction gratefully. "Would it be any more difficult to create ghostly food or other objects?"

‖ː‖`alchemy is very liquid-based, making any-thing solid usually ends up not going the greatest. unless the solid you're hoping to make is some form o' slurry or tar. i could pro'ly enchant a thing with ghostliness or some-thing like that, though`‖ː‖

"I would be interested to know the results of any such experiments, if you were willing to undertake them," he says, "It would be nice to be able to have my own things again. Even back in Avalon, I couldn't really interact with much..."

‖ː‖`i pro'ly shouldn't do it up here, since it'd involve carving a semi-permanent magical rune into a surface, 'n' that would fuck with mer's magic allergies, but i'll definitely try to draw up the correct rune for you!! you'd only be able to hold things for so long before the enchantment faded, but i could pro'ly get you some objects with the rune engraved into 'em that'd be more permanent once i've perfected it`!‖ː‖

"Indeed." He turns back to look out over the battlements. "I was like that, in my youth. Always running after the next thing, the newest grand quest. Or, riding, really."

‖ː‖`i think i'll be like this forever, this is just who i am, 'n' i like me for myself`‖ː‖

"You say that now, but age will catch you eventually. Sap your strength and speed, if nothing else." He takes a sip of the ghostly tea. "Or perhaps not, I am as yet unfamiliar with your species."

"Hmm. A pity we cannot all be like that. Though, one benefit of dying is I don't get nearly so many aches and pains anymore."

‖ː‖`i can see why that would be nice, yeah. ageing sounds like such a nightmare, so getting to not deal with its side effects sounds like it'd be a big relief`‖ː‖

"Indeed, that part at least is quite nice. But you are not here to listen to an old man's complaints, are you?" he chuckles.

‖ː‖`i mean, while i'm up here, i might as well! i'm not exactly strapped for time lmao`‖ː‖

‖ː‖`yeah, that would definitely make things a bit shit. there're ways 'round it but, like, the hassle you've gotta through to even get the magicks up-'n'-going would be enough to turn most people off o' the idea`‖ː‖

"It would, yes. Particularly since I cannot imagine residing anywhere else, and Merlyn would be endangered if I tried to use such magicks. It is not so bad, though," he says, "At least the stones of this castle are so old as to be almost ghosts themselves."

‖ː‖`yeah. i'll be that old some-day, eventually, but by that point the stones will be even older, 'n' there'll be a lot o' other things for me to be worrying 'bout`‖ː‖

"Indeed. And I will likely still be here, when that day comes, having gotten no older myself."

‖ː‖`'n' i'm sure there'll still be goats out there for you to watch lmao`‖ː‖

"I should hope so," he says, "Or at least something equally interesting. Otherwise I would be incredibly bored."

‖ː‖`depending on how shit turns out, i'll pro'ly be spending a lot o' time at the bottom o' the ocean once i'm inconveniently large, but i'll be sure to visit every once in a while`!‖ː‖

"Thank you, child, that would be nice." Arthur smiles. "You'll have to tell me about your adventures, when that day comes."

‖ː‖`i'm sure the descendants o' mer's other kids will have more interesting stories, but i'd be happy to give you all the details o' sitting on the ocean-floor waiting for food to swim past`!‖ː‖

"It is not as if I have many other opportunities to learn what lies in those depths," he says, "I fear I would get quite lost if I ever tried to go there myself."

‖ː‖`there pro'ly wouldn't be any-thing for you to see down there any-way, shit's pitch-black 'n' as sparse as a desert lmao`‖ː‖

"Is that so? It would make sense, being so far removed from the sun... hmm." Arthur shrugs. "Well, I am sure that you have other stories also?"

‖ː‖`i mean, i do get 'round, so i've got a lot i could talk 'bout, but i dunno how much o' it's interesting to any-one else`‖ː‖

"And you never will unless you try to speak of it with them. Though there will likely be varying results."

‖ː‖`there's only so many times some-one can hear a story o' "yeah, so i went into this abandoned building or what-ever 'n' there was just, like, a few trinkets inside" before it gets boring`‖ː‖

"Perhaps focus more on the trinkets themselves. People like new toys, I find."

‖ː‖`most o' the trinkets i come 'cross aren't really very toy-like. mostly just pieces o' scrap metal 'n' other shit like that`‖ː‖

"Oh I meant that metaphorically. But that is a fair point, and it is your decision either way. I'm just an old man trying to pass the time with conversation."

‖ː‖`well, i've basically had nothing but time to pass since i ended up here, so you're all good on that front`‖ː‖

"That is good to hear," he nods, "I suppose I could always tell my stories as well, but I'd never be able to equal the bards who have already done so."

‖ː‖`i mean, from what i've read, the bards aren't exactly telling your story anymore, so there's pro'ly more than enough noospheric space for what you have to say`‖ː‖

"Eh, it is still written," he shrugs. "Maybe another time. I might make some corrections, at least, I know how stories grow."

‖ː‖`i'm sure plenty o' people would be interested enough in the truth to hear you out`!‖ː‖

"They would be rather disappointed by the truth, in all likelihood. War and quests both are a great deal more monotonous than you might expect."

‖ː‖`depends on the person, i suppose. i know plenty o' people who are deeply interested in that sort of thing, mostly the history buffs but there're others as well`‖ː‖

"Well, if they can see and hear me, I'd be amenable to discussing it with them, I suppose," Arthur says. "I can't imagine why, though. I've seen more wonders of science and magic both from just this very spot than in all my travels of faerie, and my country had even fewer."

‖ː‖`that's pretty expected, honestly. this place is fucking wild lmao, there's so much shit going on at all times. i'm at least a little responsible for that though`‖ː‖

"So I am told," he chuckles, "But Merlyn has occasionally taken it upon themself to aid in my understanding of this modern world, you know. Even basic things that are considered mundane astound me - vehicles pulled by nothing save themselves, messages sent across oceans in an instant, water that draws itself from the well... No, I see it now. My time is long spent."

‖ː‖`well, every-thing's understandable given time, but i dunno how much o' it you'd wanna put in just to be up to speed with the basics o' shit. besides, i'm sure you've got plenty to keep your-self busy with up here lmao`‖ː‖

"That... is not what I meant, but thank you anyway." He hums for a moment. "No, I meant that I am old and have no place in this world of marvels, besides perhaps to watch."

‖ː‖`i mean, i don't really have a place in this world either, 'cause i don't fucking belong here, but some-times you've just gotta make do with what you've got 'n' exist in spite o' the fact you shouldn't`‖ː‖

"I am here still, am I not?" He raises an eyebrow. And then sighs. "Thank you for saying so, all the same. You're a kind child."

‖ː‖`i do try to be kind, yeah. i don't think there's enough compassion in the world some-times, so i try to make up for that where-ever i can `‖ː‖

"Would that more were like you, then," he says.

‖ː‖`i'm sure there are, it's just a case o' finding 'em`‖ː‖

Arthur laughs. "You are persistently optimistic. Can an old man not be esoteric and grumpy in peace?" he teases. "Really, I've learned from the best in the field, I ought to put it into practice. I'm a ghost and everything."

‖ː‖`no time like the present! other than maybe yesterday`‖ː‖

"True enough," Arthur says. "There isn't much else I can do except brood and tell stories, but I might as well have fun with it."

‖ː‖`having fun with things is the best way to do any-thing, i'd say`!‖ː‖

"I can see that," he nods. "Speaking of, what is your favorite thing to do for fun? Besides just scamperimg about, of course. Do you ever engage in activities of a more sedentary nature?"

‖ː‖`i mean, i do plenty o' alchemy 'n' enchantment as well, but i dunno if that counts, it's just some pretty standard magicks, even if i am kinda decent at it`‖ː‖

"If you enjoy the process, then most certainly..." He chuckles. "Though I am sure you are more than just 'kinda decent' at it. Merlin, too, had a habit of understating his prowess."

‖ː‖`i mean, some o' the stuff i do is impressive, don't get me wrong, but any-one could do it with enough practice. it's hardly any-thing special`‖ː‖

"With enough practice, anyone could do anything," he says. "Do not denigrate the hours of practice and learning you have put in to this skill, because not everyone will take that time."

‖ː‖`i'm just lucky enough to have the time, not every-one does`‖ː‖

"No, perhaps not," Arthur agrees, "Nevertheless you chose to use your time to pursue those crafts. I am simply saying that skill of any kind is worthy of respect. Back in my day, much of what is now called 'hobby' was the livelihoods of many. It mattered not if someone could do something for themselves, if they wanted not to spend the time on it."

‖ː‖`i'm just lucky i've got almost limitless energy, i guess. not every-one gets to be a basically walking battery for magicks`‖ː‖

"Ah, but there are alternatives... I digress, though." Arthur finishes his tea, and puts it down sadly. "I suppose that mug will pass on now. I'll have to wait for another major spill if I want more... Or maybe I'll get lucky, and it will just remain and refill itself."

‖ː‖`i mean, i could pro'ly alchemy up some ghost-tea. won't be as good as the all-natural, 'n' i don't know if it'd actually work, but it's definitely a thing i could try`‖ː‖

"Could you really? That would be very kind," he says, a slight pleading look in his eyes. "I don't really need food or drink, of course, but the sensation is so nice."

"See, this is what I am talking about," he says, grinning, "I don't think just anyone would be able to figure that out so quickly. Thank you." He sips the concoction gratefully. "Would it be any more difficult to create ghostly food or other objects?"

‖ː‖`alchemy is very liquid-based, making any-thing solid usually ends up not going the greatest. unless the solid you're hoping to make is some form o' slurry or tar. i could pro'ly enchant a thing with ghostliness or some-thing like that, though`‖ː‖