[video] Nowadays it is only the unreadable that occurs

[depicted]

[Dorian posts from his Fire Sector suite, a transcription of some pages of books he found in the Emperor's library in hand. The transcription is, of course, in the local language, and that is why he speaks]

In the interest of actually being able to read anything useful we might come across, rather than puzzling over it like it's the Voynich manuscript, I thought it might be prudent to attempt to gather together the work of those of us who have been trying to crack the language. I know there are at least a few—if there are resources to be shared, then we may all make a bit more progress. [He has been working on this for some time, and it is audible in every stubborn syllable.] At the very least, it can't possibly hurt.

Comments

[depicted]

It is a Romantic's dream come true. The architecture certainly seems interesting, like something out of a fairy tale.

[poeticverses]

[His face lights up]

There are so many nooks and crannies in the apartment it's unbelievable--exactly like a faerie tale.

[depicted]

As an inhabitant, that makes you either a stolen child or an otherworldly being. Which would you prefer to be?

[poeticverses]

Oh, I would much prefer to be an otherworldly being, but I suppose I'm more a stolen child. Taken from my rightful home and brought to a strange new world...it's a bit terrifying, if you think about it.

[depicted]

If you think about it that way, yes. Stories about being stolen to another world are always dire, but then, they do tend to be written by the ones who chose to come back, don't they?

[poeticverses]

That is true. Those who leave clearly never found the beauty of the otherwordly.

[depicted]

[It is a forward question, but he is curious and not one to restrain an impulse.] So would you leave this otherworldly city?

[poeticverses]

[A sad, soft smile]

I can't.

[depicted]

[Gently] I know. That wasn't my question.

[poeticverses]

I...do not think about what I would like if it is unavailable to me.

[depicted]

[It is understandable. So he distracts with a poet.] Does that mean you're not a fan of Wordsworth?

[Don't be a Wordsworth fan, Jehan. Just don't.]

[poeticverses]

Oh, I enjoy him. He's not a favorite, but enjoyable nonetheless.

[depicted]

[Dorian's hand finds his forehead] Oh, God. No wonder you and Toby were getting on.

[poeticverses]

[Jehan laughs]

Monsieur Matthews and I had a wonderful conversation, yes. [Then, almost like he wants to reassure Dorian:] I suppose I should find some yellow roses, to thank him.

[depicted]

[A smile] I'm sure Toby would like any flowers you got him, as long as they were accompanied by conversation about his favourite Romantics. Or science fiction, probably. [What a nerd.]

[poeticverses]

[Jehan frowns]

Science...what?

[depicted]

[Whoops, anachronism.] Uh, ever read Frankenstein?

[poeticverses]

Oh, yes. I've had several debates on what, exactly, was meant by Frankenstein's failure to create a new life.

[depicted]

Those debates keep going, but, Mary Shelley also birthed an entire genre: fiction about science and technology, and everything we might do with it. People from other planets, resurrecting the dead, travelling through time, that sort of thing.

[poeticverses]

Oh, that sounds interesting. Combeferre would love it, I imagine. Do you know if they have any of that sort of fiction here?

[depicted]

I haven't really looked, but if there is, it might be in one of the bookstores. [Dorian names a few, and where they can be found. He looked around a while ago for Henry.]

[poeticverses]

[Jehan nods]

I will look into it, then.

[Then, blushing a little:]

You will let me know if you happen to be in the Wood Sector, yes?

[depicted]

[Dorian does not blush. He only smiles.]

Oh, I certainly will.