LAR01: Far and Wide

[dm_screen]

[Over the course of a few minutes, seemingly by way of brush, an image is drawn onto a page in the Liber Nuntiorum.]



[A short while later, a new individual's handwriting graces the book's pages.]

I've drawn map of Concord. Mind, the pictures of the landmarks aren't really to scale, but they're in the right locations.

[Another little pause.]

I'm Larus Moon-In-Water, the guy from the Outlands who lives in a tent outside the gates of the South Quarter. I'm sorry I wasn't available for everyone's questions over the last few days, but I was busy making sure I had all of the details right.

[Beat.]

If you do have any questions about what you all call 'Outlanders' I can answer them now if you'd like.

Oh, thank you! This will be really useful. I can move this up to the front of the book so everyone has easy access! -A

[Naturally, that happens a moment later. How she did it is anyone's guess.]

Comments

[dm_screen]

You're speaking as if you plan to go there. Have you found a way already?

[The pace of writing on that last sentence belies a little hope and excitement.]

I'm not much of an artist, but I can tell you this: The daring fear the Smilodons. The wise fear the plants.

But even beasts and plants tremble at the footsteps of The Tyrant.

[raisedbybirds]

[And to his excitement, a hesitant response. An answer as disappointing to her as it is to him.] Not yet, but... when there's a way I will be there. I've found comfort in isolation and wilderness.

How territorial are Tyrants?

[dm_screen]

Is it because the wilderness grants you peace, or does it make you feel [...] free?

The name says it all. They're thankfully few in number, but fewer still dare challenge them, be they beast or hunter. I've only seen it once, and thankfully only in passing.

In fact I don't know if there's more than one, but it doesn't really make sense for there to only be one.

[raisedbybirds]

There are times where I feel like a [...she pauses and thinks about writing monster, but she's too self-assured, even if it might be technically more accurate. A genetic chimera of one, anyway. It's none of his business.] wild beast myself. I want to use that strength to protect and serve where I can... and the wilderness tends to be where I know it best.

If it is the last of it's kind, I'd rather see it protected.

[dm_screen]

If you call the feeling of being a wild beast "strength", then

Perhaps one of our traditions would suit you well, if you're okay with releasing your anger and lusts.

I doubt it's the last of its kind. Like any apex predator, they can only ever be few in number. But it has no need of protection or pity from the likes of us; it is a mighty, towering reptile, with a tail like a piercing blade, and fire in its throat.

[raisedbybirds]

[Always the eternal conundrum of destroying something because it is too dangerous to exist vs letting it exist because it has every right to and there might be profound bio-ecological ramifications in its absence. Anyway uh, that phrasing...]

I'm well in control of my emotions and... urges, but I'm curious about these traditions.

[dm_screen]

Then know this first and foremost: if you want to truly make the feeling of being a wild beast your strength, then you must stop attempting to control that beast, and instead follow where it leads you.

We call those who surrender themselves completely to its embrace "Blackfuries".

[raisedbybirds]

I've seen what happens--twice--when a facsimile of myself goes on a rampage uncontrolled. I fear little but that struck true terror in my heart. If I call myself a beast then she was a true monster.

Power without control is chaos. I don't understand how there is strength in that.

[dm_screen]

It's not

[He scratches that out, trying to reach out on his audience's terms. ...but how would one describe it?]

The Black is a

[No, no...]

Are you not

Not all beasts thirst for





A beast learns nothing from being caged.

[...that'll just have to do, at least for now. Finally the words start flowing.]

They come to resent it, and their keepers come to rely on it. But they can be taught, without being caged, or bound, or controlled. Then neither beast nor keeper has need of a cage.

[ . . . ]

Does that make any sense?

[raisedbybirds]

[She watches intently as he tries and scratches out and tries again, starting to feel as frustrated as him. But finally he relents to something simple but effective. She takes her time replying, considering it carefully. She thinks she gets it but it's so antithetical to everything she's spent her life learning and doing.]

Are you... suggesting that I have created my own cage?

[dm_screen]

You've said yourself that you make to control your emotions and urges, right?

But your emotions aren't just some fault in your heart and mind. They're not some trap waiting to be sprung. They're just as much you as anything else, and they inform you of what you need.

[raisedbybirds]

That is a poignant way to view things.

I'll keep this in mind.