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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"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 There I would be able to change some outdated laws, and help make our world a better place."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.

"I had spoken with another person, here in the Nexus, who was really mystified about the whole concept of how one part of our world -- the magical side -- is completely hidden from the other side -- the non-magical side."

"My parents were Muggles. Non-magical people."

"And I have a much better understanding of how to balance the two sides of our world."

"So..." Hermione clicks her tongue. "The Ministry would be the right place to do that."

"And I am sure that I could teach part-time, if I wanted."

Crookshanks nods slightly, listening to the conversation. In his opinion, he knew exactly where Hermione needed to be, but he also wanted her to make her own decisions.

Faris doesn't pretend to understand her magical society, though he'd gotten the impression from his temporary human host that such things are often beyond the sight of the majority of the population. "If that is where you would best serve, it is a good path to walk."

Edited 2017-07-28 19:04 (UTC)

"I appreciate your support." Hermione smiles. A little happier at finally making a decision.

"You are welcome," Faris answers, fairly certain that's the correct ritual response. Though now that she's apparently become more settled on her path, the K'da has another question. "What would you teach, if you chose to use your extra time for this?"

"Either Arithmancy, which is the study of the magical properties of numbers, or Charms, since that was always my favorite subject."

"I might even consider Potions."

Faris doesn't have a clue what 'potions' means, nor what being charismatic would have to do with magic. But there is much he doesn't know about such things. "Would you be willing or available to assist me in another matter?" he asks, more than understanding if her answer is no. "I have learned to speak this language, but not read your written texts. A former host of mine taught me to identify letters of your alphabet, but we had little opportunity to progress further. And it appears this English is a common language among many worlds."

"Sure. And perhaps, you can teach me to read your written text?" Hermione had also loved learning about Runeology during Hogwarts.

Well, that's not a question he expected. But neither is he necessarily opposed. "You would need to learn the language also. My device is set for the Shontine language for the benefit of my host; I assume that is the one you wish to learn?"

"I would love the opportunity to learn the language of your people, and the Shontine." Hermione smiles excitedly.

Faris nods his head, a gesture he's picked up during his time among humans. "That will be time-consuming, but I see no reason why we should not. If the lessons are no more than a handful of your hours at a time, that seems sufficient."

He might be surprised how quickly Hermione can process information and learn new things.

"Perfect. I am very glad we met!"

Perhaps, perhaps not. K'da are quick learners, once they set their mind to mastering a skill. In any case, Faris is more concerned with his own biological time limits than the actual speed of knowledge retention.

"As am I," he says, opening his jaw in a K'da smile. "We have both benefited from this exchange."

"Come on Crookshanks. It's time we go home." Crookshanks opens his eyes, stretches out slightly and butts his head once again against Faris as a goodbye, before jumping down off the couch.

Faris bows his head to the both of them. "Warrior's luck to you both."

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