[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]

[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.]

[song_princess]

Then rejoice and be glad in that you will be returning the favor to him.

Then I shall pray for your success in getting her as your mate. I take it that you don't like sharing him at all?

[Interesting. Though she is still forever unsure as to why then he would want her to meet both Sabo and Ace but not inly them but his potential mate. More or less live in his turf as well.

But she smiles even as she puts the magic tome down. She is still listening! She will just.... Clean up her feathers from many a failed attempts of nest making before he arrives. Yeeeeaaah.]

[fierybluebird]

I will. Thank you Leanne.

Hah~ Thanks.

I don't like sharing my brothers at all! It's a small childish thing from when I was younger. When it was just me and my Pops I didn't want to share him either, so it took me awhile to realize gaining brothers was my gain too, not just loss of time with my father.

I'm actually really glad that Robin and Sabo get along so well, I couldn't date someone who didn't get along with my brothers, but I still won't let her steal him. If she wants to share him, she'll have to find a good reason to bring Ace over too or come visit us here.

[See Leanne? Inter-house/crew/territory relationships are very difficult. Except not really. Even in whistling, it's very clear in his tone that he gets a kick out of it.]

[song_princess]

You are welcome.

There is nothing wrong with what you have told me. It is a normal desire.

And he does approve of her being your mate? [A small soft chuckle.] I am sure that she wouldn't mind visiting you or provide a way for your other brother to join in the sharing. Or she wouldn't be a good choice of a mate for you.

[She giggles at the tone that he was whistling. But there, more clean now and she will just open her door just a crack to let him know which room she is in.]

Perhaps one day I will get to meet her for myself.

[fierybluebird]

I'm glad. I already do share my brothers quite a bit with the world, so sometimes I'd rather just be selfish and enjoy them myself.

I'm not sure he knows completely, but he's very fond of her, yes. They team up against me, it's very cute though.

And I hope you will, eh? You're like a breath of fresh air and I'm sure she could appreciate more of that.

[Waves as he wanders over, carrying Sabo's hat with him.]

[song_princess]

I do not know what older brother who doesn't want to be selfish with their siblings are like.

Oh my and how do you ever manage to hold your own against them? It has to be a strong and tough battle whenever that happens.

How am I that? I will do what I can for her whenever she needs me to.

[She blinks and perks up a little, returning the wave before moving closer to the door to open it all the way. It is time now to memorize Sabo's scent.]

[fierybluebird]

[Laughs happily, a little chirping since he's still in bird-language mode.]

Aye. 'Twas a most fearsome battle. But 'lo they had slain me and it was only by my phoenix resurrection that I was able to dust off the kitty claw swipes and nestling's ink from his mighty sword: the pen. [Most dramatic retelling of a battle between a phoenix and a cat and ten year old writer ever.]

Because you say things like that. Things like the kidnappings or other problems here can get people down, but you're still full of faith and life and joy. It's like a breath of fresh air as I said.

[Solemnly hands her Sabo's hat.]

[song_princess]

[She blinks as he retells of his battle against a cat and a 10 year old. Give her a moment... Give her another moment before she just bursts out laughing. That was too funny of a tale.]

It's basically no matter how dark or tragic things become. There is always hope and life will blossom and the light will be brighter in the end.

[She goes to take Sabo's hat ever so gently and carefully, reaching up with a wing to first brush his cheek before cupping his head in a comforting gesture. She goes to lift the hat to her nose as she steps aside to allow him in. Okay, memorized the scent, offering the hat back.]

[fierybluebird]

[He beams at her laughter and returns the gesture with her wing by gently patting her head with a hand covered in soothing blue flames.]

I hope so, eh. Here, let me return the hat to Ace and I'll make us some tea and fruit cup, eh?

[song_princess]

[She blinks at the return gesture, not really sure why he returned the gesture but nods her head.]

No, it will. Alright, I will be here for when you return. Give him my thanks for letting me borrow it even for this brief amount of time.

[fierybluebird]

[Nods, returns the hat, and returns to Leanne quickly enough.]

So how are you settling in? Having a little fun here at least?

[song_princess]

[She blinks at the speed. Wow, that was fast.]

For what I have I have been settling in fair enough. [But can't really build a nest yet. Not enough strength to move things around to start the nest building.]

Yes, I have been. I already have made a few friends and a few beorcs as well. I thank you though, for your kindness.

[fierybluebird]

[Small bow!]

It's my pleasure. I'm glad you're getting along with the beorcs too, eh?

[song_princess]

[Okay, so gonna laugh at that bow.]

I have met only one of them in person so far. [It feels safer this way.

She gestures for him to come in more before moving to close the door. Do not want any Beorcs to enter while she is teaching afterall. Also, he room is somewhat of a mess as well as her wings are somewhat stained with many food dye colorings.]

[fierybluebird]

Oh? Which one?

[Chipperly comes along, he's in a better mood now, and determined to help her stay in a good mood too.]

[song_princess]

Her name is Ilyana. She is also from my world.

[HEY HEY NOW! It doesn't work like that! She is the one that keeps everyone in the good mood, not the other way around! But, she is glad that he is in a better mood.]

My apologizes that my room is such a mess.

[fierybluebird]

Oh! That's good. I met her actually. She's a New Feather like you.

[And he laughs.]

It's no problem, Leanne. Do you need help getting supplies for this place or anything?

[song_princess]

She is? I am glad that it seems like she has settled in then as well.

[Okay, the laughter was confusing as well as his response. Really everything about him was confusing. Okay, she guess now is a good time as ever...]

I do but I will be fine.

[A small sigh.]

If.... If I may be so bold as to ask but.... [How to best phrase this?] But why? Why are you showing such kindness to me? Even though you hardly know me or not either a Hawk or a Crow?

[fierybluebird]

I'm glad. She's rooming with one of my most trusted friends in Luceti. They're in this building actually, so it's one of the reasons I thought this place might be okay for you, eh?

[He blinks and has to think that over. He gestures to a chair and whistles.] Mind if I grab a seat?

That's.... a complicated answer. I'm not normally a nice guy, actually. I'm a pirate. But I'm a pirate who defended a lot of home islands of my Pops. Fishman Island, Foodvalten, Samba Island... [He gets distant, thinking it over and shakes his head, switching briefly out of bird tongue.]

In my world, there are only five flying zoans like me. And we wouldn't be able to be friends if we met, because of the pirate thing. [And back into avian with his excitement:] But here I have met two other phoenixes! One is like a brother to me, the other like a younger sister.

I can no longer protect Fishman Island back home, but the princess I mentioned, she's here. And Keimi is another mermaid I protect here. And Robin, my love, she says we're all connected in this place, because we're all bound by being trapped here and facing shifts and kidnappings together. I think she's very much right.

I can't be nice to everyone, it's not in me. But you're a bird like me, and you seemed like you could use the help.

Is it bothersome?