nexus_crossings | (no subject)

(no subject)

While lots of human-style furniture is understandably meant for bipeds and little else, there is a K'da poet-warrior who is appreciating the chance to test out one of the chaise lounges in the Plaza, its cushion long enough to allow the entire length of the tiger-sized creature to stretch out comfortably, hanging his forepaws over the side.

Perhaps it's frivolous to spend his time this way when there are other things he could be doing, but he's been in the Nexus many times and never had reason to ask a question. That is no longer the case.

"Have you ever had cause to uproot yourself from your home and travel to places unknown, with no intention of returning? Did you encounter any difficulties that you had not expected?"

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Not quite what he meant, so he clarifies. "Does it require an exact destination? One that is familiar to you in some way?"

"Not at all. We used it in the war to find the next safe spot to set up camp."

Interesting. Faris has never heard of such a thing, but like he said, more options are nice. "It does sound useful."

"I can give you my contact information. Let you think about it."

"Certainly." Faris reaches up to his ear to unclip his PINpoint.

Because they're exchanging contact information, it seems right to introduce himself at this point. "I am Faris, poet-warrior of the K'da."

Hermione pulls her PINpoint from a small purse at her side.

"I'm Hermione Jean Granger. I am known as a war heroine in my world."

Ah, another device. Much easier to exchange information when they can link the two together temporarily.

Faris tilts his head down towards the feline cuddled up at his side. "And your companion?"

Hermione helps to connect the two PINpoints together for the moment, so that they can exchange information.

She smiles. "His name is Crookshanks."

Crookshanks looks up at the mention of his name.

"I am unfamiliar with his species," Faris admits. "He is intelligent, is he not?"

"He is a half-Kneazle. They are an intelligent and magical feline species, that exists in my world." Crookshanks raises his head even further, as if acknowledging his brilliance.

"And yes. He understands you."

"Then well met, Crookshanks. And you as well, Hermione Jean Granger." What a long name. And no title to shorten it to. Faris isn't familiar with human naming conventions and whether they might have a familiar form of address; his temporary human host had only one name, and the other human he's had recent contact with appears to have four, as well as a rank. Better to use all three of her names until she indicates he should do otherwise.

"You can just call me Hermione." She offers, without even knowing his unfamiliarity with human naming conventions.

And Crookshanks butts his head up against Faris, as if returning the greeting.

Faris isn't quite sure what to do with that, as K'da do not keep pets. He's not able to frown, but he does look down at the cat, then back to Hermione. "What is the other half? Does he not speak?" Signs point to no, but one can never be certain when dealing with unknown sentients.

"His other half is a cat. Also a feline species, but they are usually non-magical and sometimes kept as domesticated pets."

Crookshanks lowers his eyes at her.

"Of course I know you are not a pet." He nods slightly.

"And he doesn't speak in a traditional manner. But I can understand him."

Ah, that makes more sense to him. "He is your symbiont." Not quite the same as K'da and Shontine, but similar enough that he easily grasps the parallel.

Once she's done with his PINpoint, he clips it back onto his ear with dexterous paws. "How far has your journey taken you?"

"In my world, he is called a Familiar." Hermione notes, with a smile. Crookshanks closes his eyes again, purring lightly.

Hermione returns her PINpoint back into her purse.

"I am at that stage in my journey where I am not sure which path I need to take next. Sort of a standstill."

Faris hasn't heard that word used in that context before, and makes a mental note of it. The odd rumbling sound catches his attention again, but it doesn't seem to be a growl of displeasure, and Crookshanks appears content to simply sit. Perhaps meditating.

Well, he certainly doesn't want to disrupt such a thing, so he stays still, turning his attention back to the conversation.

He'd meant geographically, but ideologically works too. "You are at a crossroads? Or is there no destination in your sights?"

"At least four different destinations that I could take. I just need time to figure out which suits me the best." And being here in the Nexus helps.

"If you want to speak of it, I am listening," Faris offers. He may not be an expert with this sort of thing, but a true warrior listens to every side and strives to do what is right, regardless of who you are helping.

Hermione casts a simple Accio to bring a chair to her side, so she can sit before going into her story.

"I recently completed my studies at Hogwarts, a wizarding school in my world. And was able to achieve Outstanding scores on all of my NEWTS, which means I have many opportunities to pursue many different careers."

"I have been offered a teaching job at Hogwarts, since they lost a few professors during the war. There are a couple of courses currently open. And it would be an opportunity for me to teach the next generation."

"I have also been offered a position at the Ministry of Magic, the governing body of wizards and witches like myself. There I would be able to change some outdated laws, and help make our world a better place."

"I have also learned about a project here in the Nexus, where they are combining the knowledges of science and magic, to build a research center in the Nexus."

"And then there is also the possibility of opening up my own book store. Take the path of collecting magical artifacts and books, and just research in my own luxury."

The spell catches his attention, having not seen its like before. A touchless method to summon objects... how interesting.

Faris listens with patience, and though he doesn't understand all of the nuances, he feels he has a sufficient grasp on the concepts. "And you do not yet know where your natural talent lies?"

"I am talented enough that any of those opportunities would suit me well. It is more of a desire to figure out what would suit my life, as the next step to take."

"The last couple of years has been so focused on the war. And while I am glad it is over... I just want a purpose again."

"I cannot speak for your desires, but were you Shontine, I would suggest one of the first two options," Faris says after a moment's thought. "While individual pursuits and indulgences are commendable, acting to ensure the greater well-being of your community is an important and valuable path to walk."

"And there are so many people who are struggling after the war. It would be nice to help them. Maybe even build bridges between the magical and non-magical communities."

"If you can act, then you should do so," Faris says encouragingly. "The warrior code does not solely belong to warriors; it is a just and good way of living your life. The center-most value is to do what is right, regardless of consequence or whether you will benefit from it. If accepting a post will improve your people, why not do so?"

Of course, he knows that humans don't value the collective whole the same way the K'da and Shontine do, valuing individuality far higher. But he would not be a warrior if he didn't try to pursuade her of this.