[Video: Rumors of my Death Were Precisely Accurate]

[mentornomore]

[Chime is in his groundling form, so it's only a little difficult to read his expressions. He seems quite frazzled and very tired, but if anyone saw him while he was sick, the difference is startling. He was wasted away to skin and bone, but now he's himself again, strong and solid if naturally lean and long-faced.]

 Um... Hello, everyone? Some of you might have heard that I was... gone. And I was. But I'm back now. But not back in the city. I would probably get sick again. So I'll be up in the mountains. I'm alright there. There's plenty for me to catch and eat. I'm even still helping with the hunting, and sending it back with a friend. I don't think I could have visitors. Even if someone wanted to travel as far out as I'm staying, I could get sick again. But, well, it's... It's very empty out here. I'd like to hear voices at least. If you're not busy doing anything else. 

Comments

[kazeninaru]

Flying myself would be better, I am sure, but I cannot see why anyone would protest. It must be amazing to fly.

[She even looks eager at the idea.]

How do you do it? Do you carry a person? How big are you?

[mentornomore]

Well, it's cold and disorienting. Most arbora don't like it, and even warriors tend to complain if they need to be carried by Stone...

[He remembers that much from when he was an arbora. Thankfully, he has yet to be in circumstances where he needs to be toted around by the line grandfather at top speed.]

I just hold on, and you'd hold back.

[He'd hold very carefully, of course. Humans seem small and certainly didn't grow up needing to be carried every so often.]

I'm bigger in my winged form.

[kazeninaru]

[So he changes shape, it's not just magic. Huh. If she wasn't already familiar with transformations that resulted in short skirts and lipstick, she'd be confused, but Usagi herself even got wings when she transformed.]

Sounds pretty unstable. No ropes or straps or anythin'? Or you just strong enough to hold onto somebody?

[Not that she's remotely nay-saying this idea. She sounds intrigued, and just working on details, now.]

[mentornomore]

I suppose we're all used to it at home. Well, everyone else is used to it. When I was a mentor I was the one being carried, but I've done it plenty of times since and no one's really come to grief.

[Well, that was reassuring.]

[kazeninaru]

Heh, none of them were me.

[She can just imagine herself letting go to enjoy the feeling of flying more-- to easier pretend she was the one doing it-- and falling. Because Haruka's a daredevil in some things.]

When we're both well again, and this whole plague thing is over... you're gonna hafta do that. I've never been flying when it wasn't in an airplane or helicopter.

[She pauses, then realizes that not only did she say those words in Japanese, but he probably wouldn't know what they were, anyway. So she clarifies.]

Or I guess-- a very big flying machine. Not near as fun as it sounds doing it with wings.

[mentornomore]

Flying ships? No, it's not really the same thing at all. Though they are nice to rest on when it's quiet.

[Chime is picturing actual boats fitted with magical stones that levitate them above the earth to be propelled along the lines of power that link the Three Worlds, but talking past each other isn't new.]

It's much faster to fly with wings, but less comfortable.

[kazeninaru]

[Haruka doesn't do anything to correct that assumption, either.]

Sorta. Flying with wings is probably a lot more exciting, too. And do you mean uncomfortable for me or for you?

[mentornomore]

I mean for you. Especially compared to traveling by ship. It's cold and unsteady. I didn't like it very much when I was still arbora.

[kazeninaru]

Well, cold you dress for. Unsteady... we will see.

[She grins, optimistic about it despite Chime's negativity.]

Now we all just have to get well, ne?

[mentornomore]

Oh, yes, good luck. ...I don't recommend my method, though I do feel much better.

[kazeninaru]

Heh, I will not be letting a sickness kill me, I am sure of that. But thank you. You have had enough conversation for now, I hope?

[Since that's what he'd been after, and she probably ought to get back to work, anyway.]

[mentornomore]

I suppose.

[Difficult creature, this one. He's smiling wryly, by Raksura standards.]

[kazeninaru]

[She gives him a quick little salute and grins.]

Maybe I will call you again later. We can talk more about flying. Ja.

[And, after that mostly-teasing remark, she's signed off and back to work.]