hadriel | 010 [Text]

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010 [Text]

[Lance doesn't typically post to the network within a few weeks of a previous post, partially because talking to so many people is exhausting and partially because he usually doesn't have anything to say so soon after. But this time he has two brief announcements that happen to be time-sensitive, so here goes.]

Hello everyone. The list of who is available and willing to teach particular skills is now available, and I'll continue to make changes to it as requested; it isn't too late to volunteer, if you'd like to. Where possible I've provided references to the initial responses, so be sure to look at the details of what someone is offering.

[And that's the main announcement. The second one he's still nervous about, even though he's been set on doing it for awhile, and it's part of the reason this is text; it's easier both to choose his words and not back out if it's through text.]

I'm also going to be taking a brief break from non-emergency counseling. This will only be for a few weeks, and if a situation is very pressing or serious I'm still available to meet; please don't hesitate to contact me, and don't second-guess yourself about whether it's serious enough to warrant doing so. The last thing I want is for someone who really needs help not to get it because I decided to take a vacation.

[And he really, really means this; the entire idea is making him nervous all over again about the decision to take a break, because if something happened to someone because he wasn't available to meet with them he's not sure he would forgive himself. But people here survived a long time without a psychologist around, right? Surely everything will be okay.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It wasn't you; I was just kind of a nightmare as a kid.

[He definitely doesn't want her blaming herself; he was even more challenging to handle than most children are, for very specific reasons, and it's not at all her fault that she wasn't prepared and didn't know what to do.]

Okay, if you say so.

[she remains unconvinced]

You should all be grateful I didn't turn into a kid. You'd have had a foul-mouthed misanthrope who hated everyone on your hands.

Oh no; you would've just been a smaller version of a lot of people here.

[He's teasing, of course. But that really doesn't sound so bad.]

[he can't see her, but this makes her laugh a lot]

God, I know. How the fuck would you have managed?

[He'd be glad to know that; everyone can use some laughter.]

I think I would've gotten by somehow; I've got a lot more patience for that sort of thing from kids. I was kind of into the whole metal scene as a teenager, so...

[So he really can't judge.]

[especially her. the last event kind of ran her ragged]

...okay, now I'm trying to picture you with a mullet and a Metallica tshirt and it's just. Not. Happening.

Um, wow, that's for a reason; I had neither of those things. I was into the really ridiculous, pretentious underground stuff.

Also I'm pretty sure it's illegal to have a mullet if your hair is curly.

Oh, god. You've gotta tell me some of the band names. I bet they were ridiculous.

Yeah, you'd kinda look like a poodle in need of a haircut.

Oh man, there were a lot of them. We actually had a case involving a band called Skalle, if that gives you an idea.

...I look kind of like a poodle right now, actually.

[He seriously needs a haircut.]

Gives me something of an idea, yeah. And I thought 90s band names were ridiculous.

Really? Okay, now I'm curious.

[she needs to see this]

Hey, it was still the 90s; I'm not that old. And Skalle was only five or so years ago.

I made the mistake of brushing my hair and I can't remember the last time I cut it. But I'm so not showing you.

[It's horrible.]

When do you come from, exactly? I've gotta ask.

C'mon, you can trust me!

[no, really, she needs to see this]

I was born in 1985, and it was late 2014 when I arrived here. What about you?

Absolutely not.

No way. I was born in 1985, too! Died in 2003. It was still 2003 when I left.

C'mon. Just a little peek? I won't tell anyone, I swear!

I feel like I should be used to the time stuff, but that's still really weird to think about.

Fine. But if anyone else finds out, I will get my revenge.

[And he locks the feed and switches it over, shaking his head a little when the screen turns on to show just how ridiculous and fluffy his hair is at the moment.]

Laughter is understandable, so I won't be offended.

I know, right? We're the same age. Technically.

I swear that no one will hear about it from me.

[bless her heart, she does her best to keep a straight face and not laugh. she really does because he's her friend and she has a lot of respect for him, but that hair is just. too. much. and she laughs. but it's not mean laughter, mostly just a fit of giggles]

--oh! Oh, fuck. You really do need a haircut. Do you have anyone who can do it?

[Lance gives an overdramatic sigh in response, but he's clearly not actually bothered by the laughing. Eventually he gives a small smile of his own, unable to resist being influenced by her mood.]

I've cut it myself here, before, but I don't know. I'll do something about it in a few days.

[He has some plans that are more pressing, but he really can't put off dealing with that disaster too much longer.]

[that overdramatic sigh just makes her giggle harder. eventually, she calms herself and grins at him]

Yeahhhh, good luck with all of that. [she gestures at his hair]

So, what are you planning on doing in your time off?

Yeah, thanks.

[He says it sarcastically, but still amused. He goes more serious as he decides how to answer her question, though, being honest but still a little vague]

Mostly just... Sorting through some things.

[He has a lot to deal with and work out.]

I'm also going to learn some more magic though, which is a lot more fun.

You're welcome.

[she settles down as he grows more serious]

There's a lot to sort through. Hope you won't mind a visitor now and then?

[she suspects so, but doesn't want to intrude]

Yeah? Who're you learning it from? Harlan's my teacher.

Sure, just give me some warning.

[He's not huge on being surprised, but having visitors every so often is definitely good for him and George is pleasant company. He's a little surprised to hear she's learning magic too, but in a good way.]

Yeah? I'm learning from Kyna; she and Harlan are from the same world.

Okay. I'll give you a call before I come over.

[that's good, because George isn't big on surprises. she would probably keel over in shock at being described as pleasant company, though, that's her nonexistent self-esteem talking. and she was surprised (but not in a bad way) to learn that he's studying magic as well]

Oh, okay. I know Harlan pretty well, but never really got to know Kyna.

[They still need to start that low self-esteem club.]

You'd probably like her.

[Lance might be biased, because he thinks Kyna is awesome, but still.]

How much magic have you picked up so far? I know Harlan and Kyna have completely different specializations.

[So he's curious about what George might've learned.]

[they can be co-presidents]

I guess, I've just never had the chance to talk to her.

[George is suspicious of new people by default]

I learned how to talk to people just using our minds, how to create a small flame as a focus, and a spell that turns into a giant, skeletal hand that drains the people it grabs. How 'bout you?

That's... All pretty cool, if a little creepy.

[The skeletal hand thing especially, on both fronts.]

I'm going to make a focus possibly this evening, if Kyna agrees. But so far I learned a spell that creates light, and another that works kind of like being a human taser.

[Said with the appropriate finger-waggling gesture.]

It worked pretty well against the Null, except that it required being close enough to touch them.

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