[Video/Written] For Whom the Bell Tolls

[fierybluebird]

[Marco's a little wearier than normal, his voice is composed and deadpan, but his overall amusement is clearly worn a little thin today.]

Thanks to everyone who joined in the dodgeball tournament, eh? It was a lot of fun, and if you missed out, keep an eye on the next S.O.S. Brigade event, I'm sure it'll be a blast. [ooc: It's still going on! Feel free to join in!]

My littlest brother's been taken by the Malnosso, so if anyone's still looking for New Feathers, keep an eye out for Sabo too please. Hopefully he'll be returned soon.

It got me thinking though, about a poem I found by John Donne.


For Whom the Bell Tolls
by John Donne

No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manner of thine own
Or of thine friend’s were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.


The smartest woman I've ever known said once that we're all connected here. Friends, allies, or enemies, we do all have in common that we're trapped in this enclosure together, for better or worse. It's something to think about I guess.

It's nice having a lot of books from other worlds to read, eh. Does anyone else have a favorite poem they'd like to share?

[The following is filtered from Ace 75%:]
I have a favor to ask of all the cooks in the village. Or rather, of any of the cooks in the village, or anyone interested. Ace isn't alone in having a rough time here lately, so I'd like to do something to help cheer him and the others up. Sometime before Christmas if we could all throw a feast and come together, I think it'd be good for everyone, eh? We could have cooking contests for amateurs or try new recipes or anything. Anyways, if you think it's a good idea, and you're interested, let me know.

Comments

[fierybluebird]

Thank you Leanne.

Don't go to any extra trouble, eh? Usually people are gone for a week or so at least. Just if you see him while out and about, let me know, eh?

[song_princess]

You are welcome, Marco.

I will do that. If you have anything that has his scent it would be easier for me to find him.

[A quick pause as she goes to think for a moment.]

You do need a song?

[fierybluebird]

I might have something, I'll check.

A song would be most welcome, thank you.

[song_princess]

I will be in my room for when you find something.

Would you like it now or when you arrive?

[fierybluebird]

Aye. I'll try to be fast, eh?

Which would you prefer?

[song_princess]

No need to be in any hurry.

There is not one that I prefer over the other.

[fierybluebird]

All right, how about now while I look. If it's not too much trouble.

[song_princess]

It isn't.

[She offers a small smile before closing her eyes and begins to sing. She already knew which song to sing as this one had very fond memories attached to it.]

[fierybluebird]

Thank you Leanne, I feel better already. [Grins!]

Does it remind you of someone, or something?

[song_princess]

You are welcome, I am sorry that I couldn't do more.

Yes it did, of one of my own older brothers. He used to sing this to me almost all the time.

[fierybluebird]

[Very soft grin.]

I'd like to learn it then. It's very beautiful, eh?

[song_princess]

(She blinks and tilts her head before smiling as well.)

I will do my best to teach you it then. I warn you know that I will be very strict with it.

[fierybluebird]

Good. I can't perfect it otherwise, eh? I'll give it my best Leanne.

[song_princess]

... Thank you Marco.

I can begin teaching you whenever you like but I would prefer it to be in person.

[fierybluebird]

I'll be right over. I'm going to borrow Sabo's hat from Ace.

[song_princess]

I will wait for your arrival.... Will he need a song as well?

[fierybluebird]

That's his call, but you could offer.

Sabo was the first friend Ace ever had, eh? First brother.

[song_princess]

[Okay, her wings droop at that.]

I will have to make him that offer then.

[But it might be strange for him.... She doesn't know what to do about that.]

....Are you sure that the nestling will return home? That he isn't gone forever?

[fierybluebird]

[Nods his head.]

It's the downside to this place. Sometimes the Malnosso send robots to select someone for a few weeks or so. They get returned sometimes with something strangely different about them. Like once Robin was turned into a cat, and I was turned into a nestling myself before.

[song_princess]

Then be thankful that they will come home even when they are taken away.

[She blinks and tilts her head.]

They will change your appearance? .... [Okay, she couldn't help but to giggle a little.] You were probably a cute little nestling.

[fierybluebird]

I am. Believe me, I am very grateful for that.

[Wry grin.] You'll have to ask Robin about that, but so I was told.

[song_princess]

Then make sure that you are ready for when he returns.

I guess that this Robin is one more beorc that I will have to meet one day.

[fierybluebird]

I aim to be.

Robin is the one I love. She's very brilliant, and much like her namesake.

[song_princess]

Then it shall be good. Both you and Ace should make yourselves ready for when he returns and needs his older brothers.

So she will be your mate soon?

[fierybluebird]

We will. Ace and Sabo were ready for me when I was taken, and Sabo and I have been ready for Ace when he was. This is the first time Sabo's been taken, but we'll be ready.

[He pauses to think about that a little. In some respects Robin already was, wasn't she? In others though... the idea of a mate had different connotations, an added longevity that hadn't yet been achieved.] If all continues to go well.

She is a rival for Sabo's affections as well, and one of those who wants to steal him. Perhaps if we were mates I could share him better. [Grins jokingly.]