[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

[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?

[song_princess]

Really? You knew about us and still planned it out?

[That is both amazing and impressive. But at the question, she goes to nod her head.]

Of course you may sit.

[She remains standing and just moves to stand in front of him. She goes to watch him closely, using her powers to see just how much is truth and how much is a lie as well as his emotions during it. Nope, no one has officially teach her that doing this is in fact... A very rude thing to do.

Oh... Okay, now she is starting to feel bad for doubting him a little but.... It was just...

She listens closely until he finishes. She doesn't respond right away before shaking her head as she reaches down to place hand against his shoulder and the other near the back of his head in order to try and place a kiss on one of the pineapple locks of hair and holds there for a few seconds before pulling back.]

No, it is not bothersome. Have no fear of that. I am sorry, I am so sorry that I doubted you. I am so sorry Marco.

[She truly is and she isn't going to hide that. She now owes this man a greater debt to be paid. But now... If he will still have her here, it will be far easier to pay it back. Far far easier then before.]

1/3

[fierybluebird]

[Blinks in surprise at the kiss to his forehead.]

2/3

[fierybluebird]

[But he laughs quietly at her words and switches into phoenix to give her a hug.]

3/3

[fierybluebird]

Have no regrets Princess.

I'm glad that you are not so naive as to trust a lot of help from strangers. Not everyone will be as helpful as I am, and I am still very much motivated by my own selfish reasons.

I don't want you to be afraid of everyone, there are far more nicer people here than in my own home, but many things are more complicated than they seem, eh.

[song_princess]

[She goes to let out a startled let out a startled sound as he suddenly hugs her as a phoenix. Eyes widening a little, still not quite used to the contact but... She goes to return the hug, listening to his words. Though for a brief moment, he can probably feel her shutting down.

Not. Use... To being.... The one.... That is comforted...

It takes her a couple of moments to come back but fear not, she still heard his words.]

I am glad that you have forgiven me of my doubt in you. Even if it was for a selfish reason, I saw and sensed no falsehood in either your words or deeds.

...I will have yet to see that for myself. And why should I fear those whom I have forgiven? [And that is all that she will say on that matter. You have to get a stronger Support with her in order to get her to open up to you more.

Though, she does half-close her eyes and just.... Buries her face into those feathers and sparkles of his, while semi-falling into a sitting position on the floor.]

[fierybluebird]

You can sense when I lie?

[Awwww... he gives her a hug and gently pats her head with a wing.] These aren't the beorcs that hurt your home, but that doesn't mean they're all pure either.

[song_princess]

Yes I can. All members of my clan can.... We could read the heart, mind and soul od whomever we interact with. Though here... My senses have been dulled.

(Stop doing that Marco! She is not use to anything fleshy doing that with her. At least this around, she doesn't shut down all the way. Though a part of her does lean into the head pats.)

I am not sure that is entirely true. (There is that one Beorc.... Zelgius, she must question him the next time she sees him.)

[fierybluebird]

[To be fair, it's not exactly fleshy. More... fake fiery... But the more she leans in the more he pats!]

I see. Powers here are a bit diminished, eh.

And most people are all right, but not all of them. Just be careful.

[song_princess]

(It is pats and pets from something that isn't plantlife!)

You find offense to my abilities, Marco?

.... Of course I will be careful! How can I properly repay you for all that you have done for me if I get hurt or killed?

[fierybluebird]

Not exactly, but I do lie a lot. For jokes, eh? At least you'll always know when I'm joking.

[Just laughs.] So long as you keep smiling I'm repaid.

[song_princess]

I am glad then.... And you only lie just for jokes? Yes, yes I guess that is true. [A small giggle.

She blinks and tilts her head against him.]

Are you sure just that? I never heard of a pirate that accepts that as repayment.