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]

[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.

[depicted]

There always seems to be change, but at least we have chess? [He adds it with an innocence that pitches just a bit too far. He might be teasing Dave about his save there.] But you have it backwards, Dave. In a duel, the challenger declares the battle, but the challenged gets to pick the weapon. You may have your choice of colours. Combat rules.

[dragonring]

Chess itself hasn't changed much, true enough, though there are machines that can play it now. Some of them even managed to beat chess masters. [Dorian is more subtle with his teasing, unlike his master or his roommate, so it goes unnoticed by Dave (who isn't the best at social interactions anyway). He can't help rolling his eyes a little at that metaphor before grabbing the black pawn.] I didn't know this was a duel. What are we fighting for?

[depicted]

Our honour, I should think. [WAIT WAIT bACKSTEP Dorian had to take a second to process what Dave says, and his fingers stop just before they pluck up a pawn for his first move.] A machine that can beat a chess master? I have heard of automatons playing against masters, but they have always proven to be mere hoax.

[There. He moves the piece forward.]

[dragonring]

Aah, you already won that category. [Dave can have a weird self-deprecating humor sometimes, don't mind him. Dorian's surprise make him chuckle, and he also moves a pawn before answering.] Trust me, you can't even start to imagine how far artificial intelligence has come. Have you seen movies yet? The moving pictures? Well, we have videogames, where you control the character in the recording and your opponent is the machine.

[If everything they say about the station is true, Dave may have to find Dorian some Tetris.]

[depicted]

"Movies"—no, I don't—I don't think so. To control a character—[The whole concept is baffling, impossible to get his head around. When he moves his next piece, he isn't thinking much for the long-term.]

I have to see it.

[It is the only way he can understand.]

[dragonring]

I wish I could show you right now, but my phone doesn't work here. Or my calculator, or my wrist watch... I guess fairy magic and machines don't get along.

[It frustrates him a bit, because it goes against what his teacher taught him. Science and magic are supposed to go hand in hand, and Dave doesn't want to choose.

And of course, being distracted by the conversation and the feelings that cause him, he doesn't think his next move either.]

Look, as soon as I'm done practicing, I wanna go and see the Station. They say technology works there, if it's true then I can give you an AI to go against.

[depicted]

Yes, I'd heard about the faltering of technology. It doesn't make any sense to me that the magic would interfere with science unless it wished to, but I suppose that is how it must be. I can't wait until I get to see what you have to show!!

[He is very excited, and they are both not thinking much about the long-term in this particular chess game.]