ninth.

[eaglet]

[Connor sounds slightly out of breath when he dictates into the journal, mostly because it's so cold outside but also because he's been working pretty hard out there.]

Before I came to this world, I had left my village for six months. I have now been in this place for nine. There are still things I do not understand about both this world and the world outside my village, but I am learning, I think. And there is much to learn.

I have been interested in exploring the Dead Zone again. The god of this place has the power to move us and to transform our surroundings, but I would like to explore on my own terms. There is much to learn here amongst each other, but I feel as though there is even more to learn out there.

[Connor can be found on the castle lawn, packing a long wall of snow about a foot tall, taking care to carve a furrow down the middle. He has acquired some gloves that don't really match the rest of his outfit -- they have a reflective strip down the side and are also neon pink.]

Comments

[molotov]

[Well, she thought those two answers went hand-in-hand. People went on expeditions because they were looking for a way out.

And Molotov didn't ever want out.]

Not really.

[eaglet]

[Well, yes, but people also explored in the real world, which it was actually impossible to escape, so -- the idea of being content with not seeing what is beyond the castle's purview is a little confusing to him.

He frowns, clearly somewhat disappointed but too polite to say, and glances to the side.]

Well... if you should ever change your mind, I will be happy to assist you.

[molotov]

[Molotov wonders why Connor cares so much about what she personally does. It's odd -- sometimes he seems to hate her, and sometimes he seems to deeply care for her.

She really has no idea what to do with him. Girls and very small boys were so much easier.]

Thank you, Connor.

[eaglet]

[It's pretty simple, really: Connor is a deeply traumatised kid with some pretty big rage issues. Pretty good candidate for what is literally a terrorist organization, huh...

Connor nods, still looking away, then motions back from the direction where they came, back to his snow snake track.]

I will finish here and then go back to the castle to find your other gift.

[molotov]

[But she just wants to help and he never lets her! Sigh, Connor, so difficult.

Molotov nods too, then puts the box of treats down.]

Do not forget your snacks.

[eaglet]

[He's like fourteen! You know how boys are.]

I will not. Thank you again. I am grateful.

[molotov]

[Molotov thought teen boys just jerked it all the time, not that they are jerks all the time. Siiiiiigh.]

Have a good day, Connor.