Volucer, Professor Gargle von Fixit, and the Skinrot Cure

Zyphora

Summary: Volucer heroically returns the Aeromancers' aeromantic energy manipulation machine to Hallifax despite a crotchety old gnome's attempted interference. The Starhopper's skinrot healing machine now cures the newest strain of skinrot.

<>

A falcon cry echoes through the Collective, "Any Aeromancers home?"

(Hallifax): Wondir says, "There does appear to be, yes."

Before the Matrix.

Banks of clouds roil about here. A deep-seated chair of crystal sits here, glittering. Encircling the area, a wide crystalline table sits upon a line of balustrades here. A statue of Elostian stands here, memorialising His noble spirit. Silver breastplate polished to a shine, a Hallifax Sentinel stands here at attention. There are 30 Sentinel Deputy Commissars here. The graceful, translucent form of a bird of paradise dances in the air, the insubstantial image shifting through a constant stream of vivid colours. Radiating with an incandescent brilliance, the Matrix floats within the circular walkway, slowly turning and revealing flowering geometric patterns. Wind whipping through his wings, Fraesic Sunfar, Keeper of the Matrix is here, face upturned to the chill breeze. A Guardian of the Apeirohedron floats here, confusing onlookers with its impossible to grasp shape. There are 3 storm-coloured greyhounds here. There are 10 Guardians of the Dodecahedron here. A dazzling blue and white skylark flits through the air. An enormous falcon nervously talons the ground, wings mantling. A slender, chalky white stallion with a grey tail stands firm here. Rendon, Sentinel of State is riding on a slender, chalky white stallion with a grey tail. He wields a wind-inscribed diamond hammer in each hand. Motes of icy white energy flutter about within a nebulous volt as it drifts about, humming with faint static. A golden oak tree depicted on his armour, a fae knight stands here, proud and shining.

You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest.

Wide and dialated eyes of gold foil quickly focus and unfocus as the falcon turns its head with short jerks and bobs to eye anything that moves too fast for its liking. His nervously clicking beak and talons are a mother of pearl white, while the scales around his nostrils, eyes, and forelegs are blue quartz, though all of them are scuffed, dull, and in poor condition. Downy feathers are matted to the top of his beak and head, leading back to a ragged crest, and the once long and elegant feathers that tipped his ears have been broken clean off. His feathers overall are white and patterned with dull grey bars that work their way across his back, but many are haggard from little care and overzealous preening, and even more feathers have transparent markings and rusty stains from improper molting. He holds his wings halfway opened in a permanent mantling stance, though they occasionally flick open or shut in a jittery twitch.

Volucer does not even register your presence as a threat.

He weighs about 134 pounds.

He is loyal to the Divine Order of Isune, the Aesthete.

Falmiis Shevat says to Volucer, "Oh? I did not know we had ordered a machine."

Volucer exclaims, "My Lady Isune came to visit, oh how I missed Her!! I would preen and protect Her all my days. And She brought fish!"

Zyphora flashes Volucer a joyous smile.

Volucer chirps happily.

Tristanna arrives, following Primus Gero.

Volucer says to Falmiis, "Ordered?? No! I recovered it from that gnome fellow. He was a strange fellow."

With a soft, low whisper, Volucer exclaims, "He spoke in tongues, I swear it!"

Rendon perks up with some interest at the mention of a machine, but otherwise stays silent, casting his eyes back on Falmiis.

Volucer says, "Oh so so, yes. My Lady, She -dared- me. Said I couldn't possibly carry this to Hallifax and deliver it to the Aeromancers."

"Hmph!" Volucer snorts.

Falmiis Shevat says, "I was not aware a gnome had run off with one of our machines. Unless it was the one we moved to Avechna's Peak to help cure skinrot."

Volucer nods his head at Falmiis.

Volucer exclaims, "Avechna's Peak, yes!"

A beam of moonlight comes down from the sky and bathes Gero in light.

Anita dances down a moonbeam and alights gently on the ground.

Mumbling figures to himself beneath his breath while picking his nose, Professor Gargle von Fixit wanders in from the ether.

A stocky gnome, though by no means fat, Gargle is dressed in well-to-do khaki slacks, brown laced dress shoes, a black undershirt and a white lab coat, though much of it is painfully stained with bright purple ink and an assortment of chemicals. His glasses, clearly several sizes too large and as thick as the bottom of a wine bottle, are constantly sliding down the sharp slope of a comically undersized nose - either by genetics or simply an optical illusion created by the sheer size of his monstrous bifocals. The lab coat, stained an interesting array of colours from hot pink to vomit brown, has had all of its buttons torn - or, judging by the occasional blackened patch of cloth, burnt - off, and a long, dangling thread from the bottom of his front pocket signifies the tear through which the occasional pen falls through, though many others remain clipped to its brim. Ruddy brown eyes match the shock of unruly hair, which sticks out in all directions in a nappy, unwashed mess from the top and sides of his head. Though his clothing and hair suggest at a lack of cleanliness, his hands, arms and face remain perfectly washed, perhaps too much so as the skin damage resulting from too much soap can clearly be seen between his dexterous digits. A wild, fruity scent has been dabbed on the gnome's neck, helping cover the stench of spilt chemicals and a lingering aroma of scorched hair.

Professor Gargle von Fixit looks to be crushingly strong.

He weighs about 133 pounds.

You see Volucer yell, "Can't catch meeeee!"

Anita curtseys gracefully.

After a moment, Falmiis Shevat says, "Oh dear."

Anita points accusingly at Volucer.

Volucer blinks incredulously at Anita.

Doman utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Professor Gargle von Fixit glares angrily at Volucer.

Winter Orchid, Anita says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "He is here."

Volucer says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "Not yours not yours."

Angrily pointing at the falcon, Professor Gargle von Fixit exclaims, "You terrible bird! Zat machine takes care of ze entire Basin of Life! You doom us all!"

Glancing about though clearly enraged, Professor Gargle von Fixit exclaims, "Where iz it? Where did it go?!"

Volucer says, "I ate it?"

Professor Gargle von Fixit gives a horrified gasp.

Falmiis Shevat says, "If we are talking about the same machine, that is Aeromancer property."

Volucer flaps and shuffles to stand behind Zyphora with a preening, pleased look.

Professor Gargle von Fixit exclaims to Falmiis, "Aeromancer property?! But, how will ze Basin protect itself against ze skinrot!"

Professor Gargle von Fixit flails about dramatically, in a way that only an oddly-accented gnomish man could.

Zyphora briefly reaches back to gently stroke Volucer's feathers with a fond smile, murmuring, "It's wonderful to see you again, old friend."

Volucer ignores the strange little gnome fellow and preens under Zyphora's touch.

Falmiis Shevat says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "I suggest we permanently lock away everyone who still possesses that strand of the skinrot. Sacrifices have to be made for the greater good."

Professor Gargle von Fixit's eyes bug out as he boggles in amazement.

Professor Gargle von Fixit exclaims, "Zat is terrible! Heartless!"

Primus Gero asks Professor Gargle von Fixit, "Are the healing skills that Lady Isune brought to the Basin lacking the power to deal with the skinrot?"

Professor Gargle von Fixit blinks incredulously at Gero.

Primus Gero says, "I've not had a case to test against it, yet."

Gravely, Falmiis Shevat says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "It is the simplest solution."

Wondir steps out of the Matrix, trailing sparkling motes of light.

Shaking his head, Professor Gargle von Fixit exclaims, "No, it is not! Ze simplest solution is to allow me to get the necessary calculations for my machine in ze Starhopper!"

Wondir inclines her head politely to those around her.

Falmiis looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Provost Zyphora Windwhisper says, "Ah, the Professor wishes to upgrade his machine to be able to cure the newest strain of skinrot?"

Falmiis Shevat says, "I had thought if that solution was truly so simple you would have done it in the many years since we first found the cure."

"Hmph!" Professor Gargle von Fixit snorts at Falmiis.

The Matrix suddenly flares with pulsating energy as Reylari steps through.

Reylari ponders the situation.

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science asks Professor Gargle von Fixit, "How may we be of assistance in acquiring the necessary data?"

Professor Gargle von Fixit exclaims, "As a matter of fact, I have been working on a solution for all zese years! And I have almost perfected it... until that blasted bird!"

  

Professor Gargle von Fixit glares angrily at Volucer.

Falmiis Shevat says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "It makes me wonder what you do with all of the dingbats that you take from us."

(Ad-Hoc): Falmiis says, "Gargle von Fixit? More like Gargle non Fixit amirite?"

Professor Gargle von Fixit exclaims to Falmiis, "For shame! I am an honourable gnome!"

Volucer fluffs up and glares back at Gargle von Fixit.

Brows raised, Provost Zyphora Windwhisper says, "What on earth could my Lady's precious falcon have done to your research?"

Turning his head abruptly to face Zyphora, Professor Gargle von Fixit says, "He took ze machine from the Peak! I was finishing up my calculations, and POOF."

Professor Gargle von Fixit suddenly shouts, "POOF!" and waits as if expecting something.

Volucer says, "Do gnomes always take this long at everything?"

Primus Gero asks Professor Gargle von Fixit, "It was impressive at least, and why would the Lady dare him to do so if we were in danger?"

Falmiis Shevat looks skeptical and says to Volucer, "Don't get me started on how long it takes them to do their research at the Facility."

Professor Gargle von Fixit exclaims to Volucer, "Oi! You best be glad zat I do not have you seared up with some mushrooms and wine!"

Falmiis mutters, "Slugs and diamonuts", under his breath with visible disdain.

Quietly, Winter Orchid, Anita says, "Perhaps the Healing gifts that the Lady Isune bestowed upon us does cure this skinrot, and that is why Volucer took the machine away, as there is no need?"

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "Let us remain calm and scientific in this conflict. I doubt that violence would assist in the matter."

Spinning pink cherry blossom petals swirl in from the southwest, dancing playfully in joyous anticipation as Aramel emerges from their midst.

Aramel blinks.

Winter Orchid, Anita says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "And that is no way to speak to someone who has something you want."

Professor Gargle von Fixit exclaims, "What healing gifts are you even talking about? Zhere are no healing gifts!"

Aramel looks up into the air for divine inspiration.

Waving his hand, Primus Gero says to Anita, "Already suggested that and I was looked at as if I was the daft child with cake on his face."

Showing that she understands, Anita nods her head slowly.

With a faint smile that does not reach her eyes, Provost Zyphora Windwhisper says, "Professor, I will assume that your threat against Volucer is one made in jest."

Wondir stretches languidly.

Professor Gargle von Fixit retorts, "If ze bird lets me finish my calculations, they will be."

The Matrix flares and bits of energy swirl about inside, bits and pieces smashing into each other, growing larger in size before they finally are all one mass, which emerges from the Matrix as Xeii.

Wondir blinks.

Xeii curtseys gracefully.

Aficionado Xeii Shevat, Contralto Drammatico murmurs, "So many people."

Anita chews on her lip, deep in thought.

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science murmurs, "Might I suggest that we all take a moment and assess would the primary conflicts at hand happen to be, rather than creating new ones."

Falmiis Shevat asks Professor Gargle von Fixit, "Have you prepared a suitable subject for testing your machine on?"

Comprehension flashes across Xeii's face.

Aramel ponders the situation.

Wryly, Wildeflower Aramel Shevat says, "I have a feeling he will volunteer one of us."

Professor Gargle von Fixit says, "I have not. I have faith in my mechanical abilities."

Professor Gargle von Fixit says, "Gnomish engineering always works in ze end."

Professor Gargle von Fixit taps his nose knowingly.

Xeii flickers curious shades of light green, her head tilting slightly.

Falmiis Shevat asks Professor Gargle von Fixit, "Is that how the Divinity crashed into Mucklemarsh?"

Wildeflower Aramel Shevat says, "'In the end' is not particularly reassuring."

Professor Gargle von Fixit says, "If you failed to read ze logs, which it seems that you have, you would know zat ze Divinity crashed because of other circumstances."

"Hmph!" Professor Gargle von Fixit snorts.

Falmiis Shevat says, "You have a very loose definition of "works", then."

Volucer says, "It is the Aeromancers. If they say OK, then OK. But I protect it otherwise."

Volucer happily preens his feathers at this thought.

Falmiis Shevat asks Zyphora, "Provost?"

Provost Zyphora Windwhisper says to Falmiis, "Chairman, I do not see any harm in allowing the Professor to finish his calculations, if it will bring this disorder in our city to a close, and if it means that the Basin can seek a cure without congesting our city. We can ask Lady Malimli to escort him whilst he finishes gathering data."

Provost Zyphora Windwhisper says, "That is, if the machine has already been returned to the hall."

Xeii glances about, her body turning a hazy shade of grey.

Falmiis Shevat says, "Then I have no personal objections to letting Professor Gargle obtain the last calculations he needs."

Professor Gargle von Fixit takes a deep breath and exhales, nodding at Zyphora. "Zank you, Provost. You are quite agreeable."

Volucer nods his head emphatically.

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "Do you require assistance? I am interested in the field of healing sciences."

With a sheepish smile, Falmiis Shevat says, "I do hope his engineering will work in the end, as he says."

Volucer flaps and shuffles pulling the machine out from behind the Matrix.

Zyphora briefly inclines her head in acknowledgment, saying, "After all, this is the Beacon of Harmony."

Primus Gero says to Volucer, "I bet you can't carry me all the way to the peak."

Xeii's crystalline form shifts to a cool sky-blue colour as she gazes in the direction of an aeromantic energy manipulation machine.

Volucer exclaims to Gero, "I could try!"

Volucer utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Professor Gargle von Fixit says to Wondir, "You can watch, but I do not believe you will understand ze intricacies of gnomish engineering."

Wondir nods her head at Professor Gargle von Fixit.

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "I would appreciate the opportunity."

Professor Gargle von Fixit says to Zyphora, "Now, Provost. Where iz ze machine?"

Primus Gero says, "I could assist, watch."

Zyphora glances askance at an aeromantic energy manipulation machine.

Gero looks at Professor Gargle von Fixit with an air of racial superiority and smugness while placing his hands on his hips to report cockily, "I fixed it!"

Professor Gargle von Fixit boggles at an aeromantic energy manipulation machine.

Professor Gargle von Fixit exclaims, "Are you kidding me?!"

Volucer snickers softly to himself.

With a flourish of his arm, Nelras bows deeply.

Volucer exclaims, "I hid it very well!"

Xeii inclines her head politely to Nelras.

Falmiis Shevat smiles impishly and says, "Gnomes."

Professor Gargle von Fixit says to Zyphora, "Am I to await zis Lady Malimli? Or shall I begin now?"

Provost Zyphora Windwhisper says, "If you wish to perform your calculations here with the machine, no escort is needed, since Lord Fraesic is here."

Professor Gargle von Fixit nods his head emphatically.

Provost Zyphora Windwhisper says, "If you wish to work in a quieter place, I recommend removing the machine to the Aeromancer hall and performing your calculations there with Lady Malimli."

Wondir chews on her lip, deep in thought.

Volucer flaps on over to Nelras and begins preening him.

 

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science asks Zyphora, "May I have permission to enter your hall and observe?"

Professor Gargle von Fixit saddles up to the machine, ignoring the congregation of those present. "No," he protests, "As ze Deep Beliefs state, a gnome zat cannot work with noise is no gnome at all."

Sophist Soloist, Nelras Ladyn says, "Ah."

Xeii's dark, rich voice blooms into peals of melodious laughter.

Provost Zyphora Windwhisper smiles and says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "I am glad to hear it."

 

Primus Gero says to Xeii, "You heard him, noise is needed."

Aramel eyes Volucer, taking in his broken and scuffed feathers. She says to him, "You appear in some distress yourself. Would you like to be healed? I do not know if our healing will work on a falcon, but nevertheless."

Looking up from his preening, Volucer exclaims, "I can do noise! I squawk very well!"

"Heh heh heh" Wondir chuckles.

Primus Gero asks Volucer, "Perhaps a scree or two?"

Grinning, Sophist Soloist, Nelras Ladyn says, "Indeed you can."

Volucer looks at Aramel then flaps back to Zyphora with a strange squawk.

Volucer exclaims, "No gnome machines for me!"

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science smiles and says to Volucer, "The Lady Aramel does not require machines to heal."

Winter Orchid, Anita says to Volucer, "Oh! Aramel does not mean to use the gnomish machine on you."

Xeii eyes her violin thoughtfully before producing a faintly melodic screech akin to one the falcon produced.

Professor Gargle von Fixit stares for a moment at the silver panel, withdrawing a screwdriver as he does. Then, he attacks, prying up the thin cover and revealing a sea of crystalline wires, that empowers the machine. Grubby hands press in as does most of his head.

Volucer eyes up Aramel curiously.

Muffled, Professor Gargle von Fixit says, "Zis is too orderly of an internal mechanisms. The geegaws and the gizmos should be all over the place."

Volucer shakes his head thinking better of it then proceeds to flap loudly around Gargle's head with a snickering bird call.

Wildeflower Aramel Shevat smiles impishly and says, "And this is the point at which Hallifax declares war on the gnomes."

Professor Gargle von Fixit withdraws from the machine and rapidly taps his fingers against one another, running calculations through his head.

Wondir blinks incredulously at Aramel.

Sophist Soloist, Nelras Ladyn says, "Now, I am sure there will be none of that."

Raising her hands, Wildeflower Aramel Shevat says, "I merely jest."

An impish grin creeps over Nelras's face as his eyes light up with mischief.

Xeii looks expectantly at Falmiis.

Primus Gero asks Falmiis, "Off the side with her?"

Volucer gives Gargle a peck on the head then flaps away to land on Reylari, preening her in turn.

Comprehension flashes across Wondir's face.

Comprehension flashes across Xeii's face.

Anita hides a grin behind her hand.

"Ouch!", Professor Gargle von Fixit shrieks in pain.

Primus Gero says to Falmiis, "Surely a new wife unit can be found."

Falmiis Shevat says to Gero, "As I said earlier, sacrifices have to be made for the greater good."

Sheepishly, Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science says to Aramel, "I am not skilled in detecting such things."

Professor Gargle von Fixit dives back into the machine, head-first - both to continue his work and in fear of the giant bird.

Xeii walks over to stand beside Aramel, crystal glowing a faint ruby.

Scolding, Primus Gero says to Volucer, "Beak to yourself."

Muffled, Professor Gargle von Fixit says, "Zee, you have an energy extruder but zat is no-- oh! It is enough. Tsk tsk, Gargle."

Professor Gargle von Fixit pops out for a second time, a strange grin on his face.

Aramel smiles reassuringly at Xeii, before resting a light hand on Xeii's shoulder as she watches the proceedings.

Anita tilts her head curiously.

Professor Gargle von Fixit says, "Zat should be it. Zank you, Provost."

Volucer squawks with amusement at Gero.

Wondir wanders closer to the mechanism, sketching notes and designs in her journal.

Provost Zyphora Windwhisper says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "My pleasure, Professor. I am happy that the cure can be shared with the Basin and that we have our machine returned."

Winter Orchid, Anita says to Professor Gargle von Fixit, "Will I bring you back to the Starhopper now?"

Rendon, Sentinel of State says, "I suppose if anything, you do work quickly, Professor."

Professor Gargle von Fixit says, "A moment, I must fix ze machine."

Professor Gargle von Fixit looks at an aeromantic energy manipulation machine with an air of racial superiority and smugness while placing his hands on his hips to report cockily, "I fixed it!"

A wry smile spreads across Falmiis's face.

Professor Gargle von Fixit says, "Now I am ready."

Rendon, Sentinel of State says, "...and now it's done."

Gero looks at an aeromantic energy manipulation machine with an air of racial superiority and smugness while placing his hands on his hips to report cockily, "I fixed it!"

Nelras takes a hesitant step back away from the machine.

Anita nods her head emphatically.

Winter Orchid, Anita says, "I shall escort you, then."

Tristanna pats Gero in a friendly manner.

Volucer flaps and perches atop the machine lifting it gently then falls in behind Zyphora.

Anita dips into a curtsey to everyone present.

Professor Gargle von Fixit nods his head emphatically.

Anita leaves to the southeast, emanating an aura of immense power.

His finger buried deep within his own nostril, Professor Gargle von Fixit begins to wander off to the southeast, a distant "Eureka!" echoing after him.

Tristanna leaves, following Primus Gero.

Volucer says, "I need escort! To the machine's home."

Volucer nods his head affirmatively.

Provost Zyphora Windwhisper smiles and says to Volucer, "I can take you, Volucer."

Zyphora inclines her head politely to those around her.

Professor Gargle von Fixit shouts, "Hello Basin of Life. It is I, Gargle von Fixit. After many, many years relying on the mechanically underwhelming, but nonetheless operational Hallifaxian air machine, I have finally been able to fix ze calculations for my own. You should be now able to cure your skinrot diseases in ze Starhopper!"

Professor Gargle von Fixit shouts, "Zank you, zank you. Now, take care!"

It is now the 6th of Tzarin, 463 years after the Coming of Estarra.

<>

Bonus:

Volucer eyes Zyphora and wails most pitifully, "I am so hungry... I could use some fish!"

Zyphora gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Volucer gently lowers the machine in its proper home with an exaggerated huff and puff.

Falmiis gives a fish wrapped in paper to Provost Zyphora Windwhisper.

.

Provost Zyphora Windwhisper says, "Of course, you need to replenish your stores of strength. I am certain that dealing with that gnome was no trifling matter."

Zyphora gives a fish wrapped in paper to Volucer.

Volucer clasps a fish wrapped in paper in his talons and leisurely consumes every morsel.

   

Volucer exclaims, "He was positively exhausting!"

Volucer exclaims, "Pray to the Lady I never have to deal with gnomes again!"

Falmiis Shevat says, "You don't know how much trouble they are until you try to help Newt and his 

researchers with their experiments."

Volucer shakes and flaps his wings in a flurry at the thought.

Volucer looks around hopeful for more fish.

Falmiis gives a group of 100 fish commodities to Provost Zyphora Windwhisper.

Provost Zyphora Windwhisper says to Falmiis, "You have hands too. He won't bite them off."

The corners of Zyphora's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

Zyphora gives a group of 100 fish commodities to Falmiis Shevat.

Zyphora gives a fish wrapped in paper to Volucer.

Volucer clasps a fish wrapped in paper in his talons and leisurely consumes every morsel.

(Hallifax): Zyphora says, "As a summation of what has just transpired, Lady Isune's falcon Volucer valiantly returned the Aeromancers' aeromantic energy manipulation machine to Hallifax. It was previously situated at Avechna's Peak for the purpose of curing the newest strain of skinrot plague. Professor Gargle von Fixit was in the midst of gathering data on the machine's mechanisms, and it appears that his activity was interrupted by Volucer's retrieval of the machine. The situation has been resolved, as you might have heard from Professor Gargle, and the Starhopper's skinrot curing machine has been upgraded adequately."

Falmiis looks at Zyphora skeptically and says, "Pssshhhh..."

Falmiis Shevat says to Zyphora, "You looked like you would enjoy feeding him."

Volucer exclaims, "Unless you're an enemy, then you might poison me! The nerve!"

(Ad-Hoc): Ayisdra says, "So we can jail Gargle for stealing Hallifaxian science data and secrets, right? His fine will be to give all his dingbat artifacts to Hallifaxians."

(Ad-Hoc): Xeii says, "I second this."

(Ad-Hoc): Falmiis says, "Ok."

(Ad-Hoc): Yarith says, "Prepare the Petala."

Breandryn

That was so fun to read! Volucer is adorable and the gnome was hilarious! Hallifax people had a fun vibe - poor Aramel being so mistrusted for her joke!

Aramel

Aramel is used to Hallifaxians threatening to throw her off the city by now - poor @Xeii isn't, though!

--

Bonus: trying to explain humour to Hallifaxians afterwards.

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science murmurs, "Do the followers of the Divine often interact with the daily happenings?"

You ponder the situation.

You say, "I suppose that depends on how mischievous they feel."

Wondir raises an eyebrow questioningly.

You say, "In the case of the falcon, it would appear that the answer is 'very'."

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Xeii's lips.

Slightly overwhelmed, Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science says to Xeii, "I struggle to understand 'mischief' fully... help?"

Amusedly, Aficionado Xeii Shevat, Contralto Drammatico says, "Asking a lucidian on mischief...I jest. Hmm..."

You have emoted: Aramel turns expectantly to look at Xeii, her gaze amused. "You would be an expert on it," she murmurs.

Sophist Soloist, Nelras Ladyn says, "It seems that all the excitement has ended for now, so would someone please be so kind as to inform me as to what was happening? Unfortunately, I seemed to miss most of it."

Professor Gargle von Fixit shouts, "Hello Basin of Life. It is I, Gargle von Fixit. After many, many years relying on the mechanically underwhelming, but nonetheless operational Hallifaxian air machine, I have finally been able to fix ze calculations for my own. You should be now able to cure your skinrot diseases in ze Starhopper!"

You say, "...that."

Comprehension flashes across Nelras's face.

Aficionado Xeii Shevat, Contralto Drammatico says, "A willful wish to throw others off guard, with a desire for humor at the base."

Pausing, Aficionado Xeii Shevat, Contralto Drammatico says, "Skinrot?"

Aficionado Xeii Shevat, Contralto Drammatico says, "There is an outbreak now?"

Professor Gargle von Fixit shouts, "Zank you, zank you. Now, take care!"

Hesitantly, Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science says to Xeii, "I can understand the first aspect. I suppose that humor is a variant goal."

You say, "I doubt it, but one never knows when someone will wake up from a long sleep still plagued by, well, plague."

As she nods slowly in your direction, you realize Xeii understands.

Aficionado Xeii Shevat, Contralto Drammatico says to Wondir, "Rarely does malice lie in mischief."

Confused, Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science says to Xeii, "Malice is also a variant aspect."

Aficionado Xeii Shevat, Contralto Drammatico says, "Variant, but mostly not dominant. It is not the single root of mischief, at any rate."

Sophist Soloist, Nelras Ladyn murmurs, "Now I think I am getting confused."

Aficionado Xeii Shevat, Contralto Drammatico says, "Although more serious personages may interpret the pranker as having malice..."

With more confidence, Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science says to Xeii, "So malice may be the outcome, but not the motive. Humor being the goal, and discomfort of others is the means?"

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science says, "Can humor be categorized as satisfaction as well?"

Pausing, Aficionado Xeii Shevat, Contralto Drammatico says, "I believe so. Laughter is linked to it."

Showing that she understands, Wondir nods her head slowly.

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science asks you, "Would you agree with these findings?"

Xeii tilts her head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: With barely-concealed amusement at both Xeii and Wondir, Aramel says, "Laughter, satisfaction, a certain sense of shared acknowledgement all belong to humour, I believe. It is not humourous if the other party fails to understand it. But then again, I have never tried to classify these things."

Wondir blushes furiously.

Showing that she understands, Wondir nods her head slowly.

Aficionado Xeii Shevat, Contralto Drammatico says, "Understanding before classification."

Coughing to clear her throat, Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science says to you, "I find it easier to understand things by classifying them."

You have emoted: Aramel glances down briefly, as if enjoying some secret joke. "That is not a unique thing for some," she says, "Although I have tended to rely on my own instinct for these things - a practice that strongly vexes certain Hallifaxians I am acquainted with, particularly when my instinct turns out to be correct."

Wondir directs her attention promptly to her boot, although she seems to continue addressing you, "I am similar and differ from those you know, then. I find the instincts of others to be helpful, although I tend to follow through their value with research and exploration to confirm and built upon their worth." She wrinkles her nose before glancing up.

A smile glimmering at her lips, Aficionado Xeii Shevat, Contralto Drammatico says, "As all seekers of knowledge should."

Wondir stands a little taller at that affirmation.

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science murmurs, "I do need to fix this proverbial compass, don't I..."

Wondir narrows her eyes to thin slits.

Wondir coughs softly.

Junior Fellow Wondir, Bachelor of Temporal Science looks skeptical and says, "Pehaps I should go seek the counsel of a compass maker."

You say, "And I should go attend to some things."

You incline your head politely to those around you.