how could this happen to me etc

[neverfinishanyth]

You can only look at other people's designs for so long, mia amica. Otherwise, you'll never start building things of your own, and then nothing will get done besides sketches! Which... judging from this username you've chosen for me, I guess you'd consider me something of an expert on the subject?

A parte tutti questo, if we're to fly, it would take a leap of faith to truly get off the ground, no matter how many diagrams and prototypes we go through first. I think you might be surprised by the results, though how pleasantly, I can't really say.

By the way, this device you're using to write? It's fantastic! I've never seen anything like it! It seems you can change your wording very quickly, and not leave any record that it was changed, is that true?

Comments

[singlehandedly]

Certainly. Is that what you would look for, then, in a more permanent place?

[neverfinishanyth]

I'm not sure how much I like the sound of permanent. Have you ever tried it?

[singlehandedly]

For a short time, yes. It was not the worst of places, but it was no less a city at war.

[neverfinishanyth]

Were you treated as a soldier in it?

[singlehandedly]

Yes and no. We were supposed to help, but it was not demanded of us that we fight, if we were unable, or simply did not desire to.

[neverfinishanyth]

Was this war the reason you were brought there? Because, if that's so, then I'd imagine helping would be... very strongly encouraged, yes? But if this war was some sort of accident, that occurred after you arrived.... then even if most people had no desire to take part in the conflict, it'd be impossible to ignore its effects for very long.

[singlehandedly]

I believe the rulers of the city knew war was close at hand, but as I was told, it was not that that they called us for. Yet, it would have been impossible to ignore all the same.

[neverfinishanyth]

What other reasons do you think could they have had?

[singlehandedly]

They said we were to bring life and color back to their city. The citizens had largely fallen victim to some manner of illness that made them become completely grey, with little personality or individuality to speak of. Our presence was supposed to cure them, and I have seen that it has indeed made a difference.

I suspect that the state of their people was merely a small part of a larger problem, but I was not there for such a long time that I could have deciphered what that might be. And then, of course, the city was under attack.

[neverfinishanyth]

So, this... outside force that attacked the city, it might've been linked with the sickness that you, and however many others, were sent to cure? Maybe the city's emptiness prevented the attack, and then the outsiders became attracted by the newfound colors... or maybe the lack of color signified an attack to begin with, although I wouldn't want to put too much stock in omens.

[singlehandedly]

[He shakes his head.]

I do not know what prompted the attack, but I gather that the rulers of Asgard and the forces that attacked us then have never been on friendly terms.

[neverfinishanyth]

Oh, I see! [Brightens up a bit.] So, some sort of unfinished business, and everybody sent in to cure the illness got caught in the middle of their mutual grudges?

[singlehandedly]

So it would seem. But I can not imagine their enemies liked the way the state of the city was improving.

Some of the creatures that attacked were ones that I thought belonged only in myths. In the end, one of the supposed gods of the city sacrificed himself to turn the tide of battle.

[neverfinishanyth]

If one of their leaders died, how could it help the city win? Most of the time, it seems to go the other way around... But, maybe if they released some sort of power as they did so...Or caused the remaining gods to rally....

[singlehandedly]

In death, he obliterated much of the enemy's forces. The remainder turned and ran. After it was done, it seems he rattled as many of the other gods as he rallied.

[neverfinishanyth]

Oh, yes, that would make sense! [Right, let's dial that down a bit.] Sorry, got a little carried away.

[A little bit louder now. Shout!] Do you miss it there at all?

[singlehandedly]

No. I am needed in my home, and I much prefer being there.

[neverfinishanyth]

It sounds like the work you do must be very important. Or, at least, that you consider it to be.

[singlehandedly]

It may just be that I consider it so. I am no great inventor, as she tells me you are, and there is only so much I can do now.

[he shrugs his shoulders, emphasizing the stump of his left arm. the people you are fooling, malik, are none.]

[neverfinishanyth]

Well, that's very kind of her to say, truly, I mean it, but.... to be perfectly honest, most of my inventions have yet to leave their pages. [shhh what flying machine shhhh]

If you can only do a few things, but do those things very well, then I'm not sure it's worth dwelling on the things you aren't skilled in.

[singlehandedly]

You speak truly. Nor is there any use in dwelling on lost or wasted potential. [And he says so without a trace of bitterness. That took time.]

I am sure in due time your inventions shall come to life.

[neverfinishanyth]

And besides, we can always... well, usually always, pick up new skills or learn new things. So, perhaps some lost potential can be expressed differently, and then... well, then it wouldn't be truly lost, I don't think.

I'm certain you'll accomplish great things, if you have not already.

[singlehandedly]

Perhaps. I do not aim to let the years go to waste, however many I may have left. [Malik you're not even 30.]

I thank you for your kind words.

[neverfinishanyth]

Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky. Of course, that depends on how often you see a doctor. [Is that some kind of joke.]

Oh, no, you don't have to thank me. But, you're welcome, all the same.

[singlehandedly]

[If someone distilled the essence of linefacing, Malik probably already drank it.]

I doubt there is any doctor that could make it so that a severed limb grows back.