eachdraidh | Video | Both Courts

Looks like we're getting the new arrivals again. My name's Steve Rogers, sorry I missed the feast. I should probably start by telling you that it doesn't matter which court drafted you into this war, and that it's not some shard inside of you that makes you important. But I think a lot of us already know that.

Another thing that I've learned is that you can get so focused on this world, you start to lose touch with the little things that you love about your own.

[The subject that he's about to bring up is also full of jubilation and heartbreak, love and victory and loss. And in some cases, betrayal.

He's looking at you, Dodgers.]

For me it's baseball. Does anyone else play? Because I couldn't help but notice that there's plenty of field around here. Maybe in the spring we could find a couple of bats, or even just toss a ball around for a little R and R.

See, the thing I love about baseball is that both sides get a fair shot. Everyone on the team wears the same uniform, from the manager to the rookie, and it's not over until the last out. It's for everyone, doesn't matter if you're a little bit smaller than the other players. If you can swing a bat or throw a ball, you might just make the hall of fame. It's about hope.

Plus it's a heck of a lot more fun than fighting.

[He gives a slightly sheepish smile when he's done, because Captain America waxing poetic about America's pastime, where's his handful of apple pie.]

So I guess all I really wanted to say is don't forget where you came from. You can even share what you miss about it, if you want. I'm not really much of a hunter, so I've got the time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Good question. [And really, it's making Steve stupidly happy just talking about this.] It's because there's four bases, canvas covered pads on the ground. Making it around them is how a team scores.

[Steve listens in turn, eyebrows arching at names.]

Trouble? Is that your cat?

[Pod's eyes light up.] Ohh, now I see. A base to stand yourself on! But how do you make it around them? Is it like a race?

[The question makes Pod giggle.]

Oh gods no! Trouble is a ferret, and she's Conor's. Kiga is mine.

[At this point, she aims the locket away from herself, to show an honest to god full grown wolverine that has to weigh more than half of what she does. Said wolverine is messily devouring a large hare at present.]

You will have to forgive his look right now. There's no point in giving him a bath until he's finished with his meal. But there was a cat involved in the whole chase. Three actually, and Tipper got it into his fool head to try chasing the one who'd gone after Trouble. Daken really never untaught Tipper his first lesson, or drummed into his head that it was rude to chase the cats about. Fool hound got his nose well bloodied for his pains, yet again.

Edited 2014-12-05 02:02 (UTC)

Not exactly. Every time someone else hits the ball, they run to first base and you try to make it to the next one. Sure, you can also try to steal one when no one's looking, but if one of the other guys catches the ball and tags you with it, you're out.

[A soft sigh. Baseball.

He nods gently. He knows about ferrets, but he's from the days of dogs and alley cats. Now people make pets of all sorts of animals.

Like...that. Steve blinks.]

You must really like animals.

[She tips her head to the side, obviously trying to listen and translate the words into images that make sense to her.]

I... think I may need a demonstration to truly understand. It is hard to picture.

[Her smile goes knowing and a little teasing but softens into something genuine as she goes on.]

Wouldn't be a very good Beast Healer if I did not, mm? But Kiga is special; he's my familiar. The same with all the other animals we keep with us; they share our lives and make us better healers, and we love them as much as we can in return.

I'm working on it.

[She just might get that demonstration, and then another baseball fan is born.

As for Steve, things are trying to click into place as he listesn to her, words that are a little familiar (no pun inteded) by now, learned from others here.]

So you're something like a witch veterinarian?

[Pod laughs at his question, shaking her head.]

I'm no witch! Their magic is very different from ours, but I can see calling Kiga my familiar would make someone think that. We tend to call them brothers-in-fur among ourselves, but other folk know more about witches and mages so familiar is easier to understand for them, even if it's not quite right.

I'm not sure what a vet-- vetr-- veterinarian is though.

A veterinarian is a doctor for animal. You mentioned being a Beast Healer, that's what it made me think of.

There's lots of beasts around here. Some friendlier than others.

Then I must be, if that's the word your people use for Beast Healers.

[Pod smiles, soft and fond.]

There are very few beasts with dark hearts, thank the Great Stag. The trick is knowing how best to approach them, and giving them respect.

[Steve smiles at that, nodding his head to the side. It's a nice attitude, and he has no problems with believing that she probably knows more about the animals than he does. Case in point, her friend.]

Just be careful, and yell if you do need any help.

I will make sure to, especially if there are many here, as helpful as you seem to be.

[Pod isn't sure what to make of this game of his, but the man himself seems nice. She's reminded a little of Linden, if only because she gets the same impression of kindness from him.]

Thank you.

Video | Both Courts

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video

video