video ∞ both courts, dated to Dec 2nd

[depicted]

[A youth appears across the screen. He isn't quite comfortable with the device, holding it low and a little away from himself as one might a snuffbox or cigarette case when admiring the work in its design. Also, the image might be just a little shaky, but it's rude to comment on that. The boy musters a smile, an expression that seems to flicker in its uncertainty.] How do you do? I'm Dorian Gray—is that—is that how these are used? I'm so sorry, I can't tell if it is better to use one's manners for introductions or for telegrams.

[There's a fluttering laugh as Dorian tries to inexpertly use humour to diffuse the point. Of course, for lack of a person before him, the strategy doesn't actually make him feel any less awkward, so he tries to move to his reason for talking.]

I was wondering if there were any players here of chess? I mean to say, I'd like to play chess—not that I'm much good, of course, but I'm very much fond of the game—if there are players already and a third would interfere with things, I'd be very happy to just watch. If it isn't trouble. It is only with all of this talk of competing factions, I can't help but think of a game of chess, and it has made me crave the sport.

[Dorian's face falls as he turns the locket away, not in misery but in an awkward embarrassment, and there is the faintest start of a mutter at himself as he accidentally shuts it before he is finished his message.

Smooth move, Dorian Gray.]

[ooc: + permissions for fourth walling for any characters who would know the name]

Comments

[dragonring]

[Dave walks next to Dorian as he tries to pay attention to the direction they're going - if he could learn to navigate New York, then this shouldn't be that much harder, right? And he ends up stumbling a little in surprise when he hears that offer.]

Really? You wouldn't mind? That would be great, seriously. Thanks. [Having someone he's at least familiar with to an extent to teach him makes him feel better than the idea of asking some stranger from the castle. And his little smile become a chuckle when he hears about his books.] No problem. How were they? Too boring, too interesting, too futuristic?

[depicted]

[Dorian reaches a hand out to catch Dave on reflex.] I wouldn't mind at all. It is the least I can do.

[That, of course, is because of the physics books. Dorian becomes animated instantly, delighted at what he got to read through.] Too interesting! Of course, some of the terminology and ideas were entirely foreign to me, but physics isn't really something I have studied much—I haven't been long at Cambridge and am only really reading mathematics and languages right now, and I don't think I'll finish taking my degree—but the ideas are truly incredible. The proposal of chaos is a truly revolutionary idea, on par I think with Mr Darwin's proposals about the descent of species, and indeed in its proposition of randomness I see support for his comments on variation. Is this material commonly taught at schools in the future?

[dragonring]

Don't forget those words when I fall off the horse later. [He has no faith in himself for physical things, not at all.

It's not every day that Dave can find such an enthusiastic partner to talk science with, so of course he's as happy to add more to this topic of conversation.]

Depends on what you call "commonly taught". I'm a physics students at college, so you got some advanced texts there. But the basics, like Darwin's theory of evolution, yeah, they're taught at high school. Chaotic dynamics isn't so basic, but some concepts related to it became popular thanks to science fiction, like the Butterfly Effect. [And then it hits him.] Your degree... I just realized I haven't, ah... what were you studying in Cambridge?

[depicted]

I hope very much that you don't give a horse cause to get rid of you, as you shouldn't fall off of one otherwise.

[Oh Dave. But Dorian is interested in the subject, the terms reinforcing what he has read. But when Dave asks about his studies, he shrugs.] Oh, I'm doing the Old Tripos—[At a glance at Dave, he clarifies]—mathematics. I started in Divinity but changed my mind. Is Mr Darwin's work so widely accepted as that? He would be delighted. I love that you term it the Butterfly Effect, it is such a wonderfully evocative name.

[dragonring]

Trust me, my own body will probably find a reason to fall without needing to bother the horse.

[He knows what Old Tripos are, but he still appreciates the clarification. It's the other word that has him tilting his head.] Divinity? Is that anything like Theology? [Because then Dave understands that change of mind.] There are still some people who won't accept it, religious ones mostly, but yeah, it's all around a very... [Waaait a minute.] Mister Darwin? Did you... actually meet him?

[depicted]

[That makes Dorian laugh, and he has to cover his mouth.

But at the question about Divinity, Dorian nods. Then he laughs again.] Heavens, no! You might see him in town now and then, but we have never been introduced.

[dragonring]

[Dave may be... pouting a little bit at the laughter. Thanks for that bro. At least he got the meaning of Divinity right, but what comes next makes his mouth hang open.]

You were neighbors with Darwin?! [If it wasn't for the things he's carrying, he'd probably be flailing.] That's just-- oh my god, I think I'm kinda jealous now.

[depicted]

[Somehow, that makes Dorian laugh a little bit more.] It isn't so grand as that! It isn't as if we ever spoke. I promise, if I do, I shall—oh, I suppose I can't bring you up to him, can I? [His face falls.] You're from such a different time. I wish I could. I should like to bring you back to London to meet all of the people I know, especially Lord Henry. I think you would get along so well. [That is dubious, but Dorian has dreams]

[As they come up on the stables, Dorian hails one of the stablehands to help him with the horse.]

[dragonring]

[Dorian, please stop laughing, living near Darwin is a Very Serious Matter! Though Dave has to admit, being told he would be introduced to him if it was possible is amazing.] I wish I could actually show you the science I've talked about, so we're even. But hey, thanks for the thought. This Henry guy... [So informal, Dave.] You mentioned him before, who is he? One of your teachers?

[While Dorian takes care of his horse, Dave takes a look at the others, wondering how to approach them.] Heeeey, horsies. You guys can't be that different from the ones in Central Park, right?

[depicted]

Not formally, so of course he is the best kind of teacher. He is a friend.

[He intercepts, handing Dave another sugar lump.] Approach from the side as best as you can, and be certain to talk so they know you're coming. When the horse lets you pet it, offer it this.

[dragonring]

[Friends are the best teachers? Dave can't help arching his eyebrows at that, shake a finger too.] If for some reason my roommate ever shows up, you better not tell him that, because his so called "life lessons" are just...

[He shakes his head - oh, the memories of wolf metaphors directed at his hermit habits. But ok, let's concentrate on the horses instead. He takes the sugar lump and follows Dorian's instructions, saying random things like "easy there guys" as he approaches them... and manages to feed one with success!

Dave laughs as he pets the horse.] Look, I did it, I did it!

[depicted]

[Dorian smiles his approval. He would applaud, but well.] A marvellous start. Try not to be too loud and startle it.

Although these lot seem a well-bred group who can handle themselves with strangers and loud noise, so perhaps that won't be a problem.

[dragonring]

Ah, right. Sorry about that.

[He doesn't get praise often, so it excites him when it happens. Wanting to try this again, he asks the stablehands for more cubes so he can get to know the rest of the horses.]

That's actually a pretty good point. You went outside, right? Saw any magical creatures? Monsters? [He wants to go, too, but he has to wonder if the horse will take it.]

[depicted]

No, and yet, it felt as if the woods themselves were full of magic. [There is a caution in his words, something almost like a reverie. The forest had an effect on him.] It felt wonderful in there.

[Then he snaps back to himself.] There are some paths, but a forest is dangerous riding if you aren't accustomed to keeping an eye out for obstacles to your mount. I could take you if you like.

[dragonring]

They probably are. In fact, there's probably magic everywhere around here...

[A mix of the stuff he's been reading about and his own conclusions, because he's still not that good at magic to be detecting it himself.

He gives the horses a last look before nodding. He reminds himself again they aren't dogs (or giant metal eagles!) and having a guide for his first time sounds like a good, safe idea.] If you really could, it would be great. I would own you big time.

[depicted]

[The look makes Dorian smile a little.] If you would prefer to postpone our chess game and try out riding now instead, I would be amenable.

[dragonring]

What-- nonono, we don't have to do that now. [There go his shaking hands. He doesn't think he should be going anywhere super magical so soon, not with his powers not working right.] If you wanna play chess, then we can play chess. It's been a while since I played, the practice will do me some good.

[depicted]

As you like it. But I think it best that we start sooner than later on horse-riding practice. Tomorrow, if you are up for it. [With one last pat goodbye to his own mount, Dorian gestures to the exit to indicate that they should head in for chess.]

[dragonring]

Or later, yeah, totally. ...the practice is here inside the castle, right? [Dave follows him along, trying to think of another excuse he can add to avoid the forest for a few more days. He hadn't expected Dorian to get on the matter so soon!]

[depicted]

[Dorian frowns—he can't imagine why Dave is so antsy—but nods.] Within the grounds would be best. We will want you to understand the basics before you try any more unsettled terrain.

[dragonring]

Perfect! [That may've come out a little too enthusiastic. But hey, now their plans are arranged, it's time for chess! Dave stops a servant on the way who is eager to help, and they're guided to a little studio-like room in the castle that already comes with a chess table.

The servant also takes care of Dave's plate and book without caring about his protest, and when she leaves, Dave turns to Dorian with sheepish face.] I don't know if I can get used to this whole "servants" deal.

[depicted]

[Maybe he is scared of forests. Dorian can respect that. Epping Forest is really creepy.]

[More than anything, it is the reaction to servants that catches Dorian off-guard. But then, it does seem very American not to be accustomed to them. When he takes his seat, he has to smile a little at the thought. As it is, he is borrowing one of Aster's servants, as Dorian doesn't know how to get by without them.] I had heard that it is much more difficult to keep servants in America and Canada. Is that true even after a hundred more years of development?

[dragonring]

Much more--? Oh boy.

[Dave rubs his face before moving to sit across Dorian at the chess table. He doesn't mind explaining science and crazy new stuff happening in every day life, but social changes like that? He isn't sure he's the right guy for that.]

Ah, Dorian, servants are... not exactly a common thing anymore. Only rich people have them. Some middle class families have a cleaning lady or a babysitter but... that's about it.

[depicted]

[He wants to say something about the old houses—how could anyone run them without servants? who would tend to a lord's daily needs, of which he has no time nor reason to attend to themselves? And who do you send to doors with your cards, or cajole for extra jam with tea?

Instead he hesitates for a moment, and confesses,] It is difficult to imagine, but I suppose that is the way of things. To change, I mean. [Really, it's the hit to middle class families that surprises him. The lower classes have never had servants, sure: that's why they're the lower classes. But the up-and-coming families of the middle class always seem to like to keep at least one or two. It's so weird to think they wouldn't!]

[Oh, well. He's sure his descendants will live in the appropriate manner for heirs to their line, whatever that is in the 21st century.]

[dragonring]

[Oh, look at that, it went better than he expected. Dave allows himself to relax and forget about any potential discussion on socialecomonics, thank goodness.]

Yeah, change is... how things work. And it likes making it difficult, right? Suddenly arriving and turning your life upside down... [Uh-oh, he's rambling. Better not get too personal, may scare the poor guy off. Let's try something else - Dave now grabs a black and a white pawn and puts them on the middle of the board.] Your idea, your choice.