[network] @ADMIN; Arrival

[snowblindmods]

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[armoured]

It's okay, you don't have to if it's not something you're comfortable with.

[He doesn't want to force the poor kid, he's just trying to find a way to let him help.]

It's not really something I want to add to the guide, but-- what exactly is a computer?

[mrcreamsicles]

look
if i find any useful info that i think could be worth having ill pass it along
and you can figure out a good way to word it
how about that

a computer is like
you know what tablets are obviously
theyre kind of like that
imagine a box made of this kind of material all full of little bits of plastic and metal and wires
the way theyre made they have these things called circuits that tell the computer what to do
like a bunch of really complicated instructions
the tablet is technically a kind of computer just a small and limited one
and the apps are programs that people create with more instructions called code that tell them how to work
there can be bigger ones
stuff where all the circuits and junk are in their own box and theres a separate screen and keyboard and stuff
and tiny little phones shaped like rectangles with their own capabilities similar to the tablet
even my sunglasses had that kind of stuff in them before i came here and they stopped working

[armoured]

[It's completely amazing to him that things like this exist, and to imagine this level of technology in something as small as sunglasses is astonishing. How strange that even after months here, he can still be stumped by the wonders of the future.]

We don't have anything like that where I'm from.

[He's not ashamed to admit his ignorance.]

Do you think I could see your glasses sometime? I know you said they don't work here, but I'd still be interested.

[mrcreamsicles]

nope
they dont leave my face save for sleep and showers
so the only way youre seeing them is when im wearing them

[armoured]

You don't have to take them off, don't you think I could see you over the video sometime?

[Don't be shy, new friend.]

[mrcreamsicles]

[You asked for it, Al. Though not immediate, Davesprite answers from outside, face orange as can be behind his similarly tinted sunglasses. His ruff and wings are partway visible, his mouth a flat line. There's your view.]

[armoured]

[There's a bit of a silence as he takes Davesprite in.

That is... a very unusual person. But he's not too shocked, not after having Freya for a friend. He's seen people here in all shapes and sizes, and he's more caught by the look on Davesprite's face. Like he expects Al to freak out.]

Those are pretty cool.

[He won't even make mention of it.]

I don't think I've ever seen orange sunglasses before, do they make everything around you look orange?

[mrcreamsicles]

[Something in his posture relaxes in subtle ways at his lack of reaction. He doesn't know if it's politeness or just nonsurprise, but it helps, and it's what he hoped for from a guy who's been here as long as Al.]

They turned this way when everything else did. And yeah, they tint stuff, but I'm used to it.

[armoured]

I wouldn't think you would have much of a need for sunglasses in a place like this.

[Says the boy in full plate armour.]

But they probably keep the wind out of your eyes, huh?

[mrcreamsicles]

Al, did you somehow not get that I wear these constantly? Doesn't matter where I am, doesn't matter what the weather is. I wear my sunglasses indoors at night in dark houses, because that's the point.

[It's ironic, Al. Get with the picture.]

So I can see you now, or is this just a permanent question session about my rad shades?

video; private

[armoured]

[How is that ironic, Davesprite? Gosh.

He hesitates a moment, but he flicks the video on himself since Davesprite has just asked and was good enough to let him see in return. He's obviously a huge metal suit of armour with conical spikes at his shoulders and on his helmet. His helmet is mostly obscured by a pink scarf which covers all of his faceplate and only leaves a slit for glowing eyes to be seen through.]

Would it be a problem if it was? They are pretty cool, maybe I'm jealous?

video; private (I've been counting the thread as private since that one message earlier, jsyk)

[mrcreamsicles]

[What the actual heck. Davesprite's staring would be obvious if not for the, you know, sunglasses, but Al may be able to guess anyway from the sheer moment of silence from him.]

Huh. We can agree my shades are so cool the snow's jealous, but no, changing topics. What's your deal? Full plate armor in winter, scarf around your helmet like that's gonna do any good, and don't think I missed those glowing eyes. Tell me, one weirdo to another. You can ask me what mine is after to make it even.

that makes much more sense haha

[armoured]

[He stiffens visibly, as if both offended and frightened.]

I don't know what you're talking about, I'm not-- I'm not a weirdo, and neither are you.

[mrcreamsicles]

Al, look at me. Look. I'm an orange bird guy with no legs. Did I show you the tail? Let me show you the tail.

[He pans down to his curtain-wrapped tail. Look at it, Al.]

I know weirdos when I see them because I am one. Just spit it out and we'll get it over with now.

[armoured]

[He shakes his head, something intensely disturbed in his voice even as he tries to keep it light. It's probably obvious that Davesprite hasn't just pushed a sensitive button, he's hammered it with both fists.]

Just because you have a tail or you're orange or-- or whatever, it doesn't make you a weirdo, you shouldn't say that about yourself. Who cares what you look like?!

[mrcreamsicles]

[Who cares? Well guess what, that's another sensitive button. His expression stiffens, though he tries to make it look flat and neutral.]

How 'bout we just drop it here?

[It's too complicated to explain succinctly, and he doesn't really want to dive that deeply into his issues about it. Al's obviously freaking out about whatever his own are already. He doesn't need to push it harder.]

[armoured]

Yeah.

[There's a pause, but Al has noticed that shift in expression and he can't help the twinge of guilt.]

Sorry, I just-- you're not a weirdo, you're just a normal kid no matter what you look like.

[He has to believe that, because he has to believe it about himself.]

[mrcreamsicles]

It's complicated, Al.

[Which is as far as he's going with it.]

I'll talk you later.

[He turns the camera off.]

[armoured]

[Well, he messed that up.]

Oh-- uh, right. Sorry. I'll talk to you later.