➳ 13

[daine]

[Shock and (most of the) awkward aside, Daine and Albus have fallen into a comfortable routine so far. It mainly consisted of reading whatever books were available and discussing the occasional interesting finding. That is until Daine finishes her current read and turns to him.]

I think we've used up our silence quota for the day, don't you? Let's talk.

Comments

[incantati]

[ albus promptly sets aside the book that he's reading, and smiles at her. ]

Shall we warm up first, with a bit of chitchat about the weather we're having these days?

[daine]

If you'd prefer to waste conversation on the monotonous weather we've had for the past few months, by all means. [She returns the smile, hers a little playful.]

[incantati]

Now, now, I don't know about wasting. Nothing fills silence better than niceties about the weather. It is almost tradition.

[daine]

I think I'd prefer to reread the book I just put down. Besides, it's fair silly to talk about the weather when you can't even experience it.

[incantati]

I took a walk outside just yesterday; I don't think it has changed much since then. I think I can most accurately describe the cold for you. Would you like me to?

[ now he's just being impish. ]

[daine]

Only if you allow me to describe in depth the mating rituals of the diamondback terrapin. They're really quite fascinating, especially compared to other species of turtle.

[incantati]

[ he steeples his fingers under his chin. his eyes are probably twinkling or something. ]

Touché.

Though, let me express my delight at finding myself in the company of a lady capable of enumerating such facts.

[daine]

It's part of the territory, I should think. I need to know information like that and more to be able to assist where I do.

[She sits back in her chair and taps one of her books on the cover.]

This one's familiar material, but refreshing my memory every now and then is important.

[incantati]

An animal healer, then? [ he points to the book. ] May I?

[daine]

Among other things, yes. [She nods and holds it out to him.] By all means.

[incantati]

[ he starts flipping through, glancing up to smile at her. ]

A lady of many talents. How mysterious... may I hazard a guess?

[daine]

I'm curious. Go right ahead.

[incantati]

[ he closes the book, and looks at her hands for a few seconds. ]

Do you play a stringed instrument of some sort? Or-- no, an archer, perhaps?

[daine]

[She chuckles softly.] As far back as I can remember. I still practice daily-- [pause] when I'm able.

[incantati]

[ a smile. ]

Your hard work shows. Ah-- if you would like to practice at any point, don't hesitate to say. I'm sure we could arrange something, perhaps in that corner.

[ he gestures. ]

[daine]

I appreciate the offer, but my range is much farther than this room extends.

1/2

[incantati]

It would not offer much of a challenge, I suppose. Well, if we find ourselves in need of exercise at any point in time, we can--

[incantati]

[ fawkes takes this moment to make a flashy-ass entrance on daine's desk. except he's a few days from dying and doesn't look anywhere near this pretty. dumbledore blinks at him. ]

Oh, hello, you.

[daine]

[Daine jerks back, partly from shock, partly from her magical sense tingling like crazy.]

What is he?

[incantati]

[ dumbledore beckons, and fawkes flies over to sit on his shoulder. he sees and notes daine's reaction ]

This is Fawkes. He's a phoenix.

[daine]

Something wonderful, it feels like. [Her gaze follows the bird the whole time.]

[incantati]

[ he strokes the crown of fawkes' head ]

He adores the flattery, let me assure you. Phoenixes are indeed creatures of rare power in my world, and are steadfastly loyal as well, I have found. I am lucky to call him my friend.

[daine]

Power indeed. He's certainly a unique feeling to my magic.

[incantati]

Fawkes, this is Daine, a new acquaintance.

[ fawkes croons at her. ]

I confess myself curious. What can you sense from him?

[daine]

He's magical, not like most creatures. In my world, there are creatures called Immortals, who are immune to age and illness. They live forever unless struck down. I'm able to sense them with my magic, and each has a different feeling. Fawkes is a completely new one.

[incantati]

Your senses ring true. Fawkes' immortality is not quite like that of your Immortals', but he is indeed magical and immortal.

Far more than an animal healer, I see.

[daine]

Healing is only one aspect of my skill set, though it all relates.

[She's peering closer at Fawkes.]

[incantati]

[ fawkes hops closer feebly and... says hello! dumbledore is just watching. ]

He is nearing the end of this cycle.

[daine]

Something does feel off, but what do you mean my his cycle?

[She holds out a hand to the bird.]

[incantati]

[ after a moment, he rests his head in her hand. ]

His life. When Fawkes dies, whether by old age or otherwise, he bursts into flames and is reborn from the ashes. As you can see, he is quite the old codger at the moment.

[daine]

[Daine's peering even more intently at the bird now.]

Wonderful...

[incantati]

I think you're putting some colour back into his cheeks; look at him blush.

[ fawkes is of course doing no such thing, but he's in a good enough mood, if daine wants to chat! ]