tushanshu | [video] Nowadays it is only the unreadable that occurs

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[video] Nowadays it is only the unreadable that occurs

[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.

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[It's not Dorian's fault that Steve really likes talking about how amazing Peggy is.]

[He brushes hair back from his forehead and goes through them.]

English, obviously, French, grammar school Latin and Greek—those I've known longest. Then workable Spanish, Italian, and Cantonese, though I never learned that last written. Those were for travelling. Written Farsi, not really great at speaking it as my vocabulary is more or less limited to what you'd find in the works of the great Persian poets. Similarly, my German grammar is fine, but it's what you'd want to understand Wagner and not too much more.

Your familiarity in learning non-Latin based languages may help here, even if it's basic, especially in combination with picking them up in general more easily than other people.

[A pause.] I never did quite master Spanish, but it's similar enough to Italian to grasp the concept and point when need be. Next to English, my own best is German. [Half offering some of her own experience in return??]

[Breaking out of the Indo-European family had not been the easiest task, which is likely why he became so interested in it some time in the early thirties. He will accept the half-offer.] For travel, or—?

Work. But also my own interest and ability in languages.

[He had wondered, with the politics of World War II as they were.] Of course. Well, any help you could give would be very much appreciated, if you have the time or inclination.

I don't mind offering it. I would have ignored your initial sentiment had I planned to refuse helping in the first place.

Apparently, I have to make certain of that. [Oh Damian, you brat. But Dorian doesn't really mind. He's in a good mood, and this is interesting.] If you have notes, then, or if you'd like to meet to discuss what you have—?

Some aren't as open and generous. [And she sounds a little irritated by this because really, why would you keep something secret? Especially in regards to language, here.] And I do have notes, that I certainly don't mind discussing. When might be best for you?

Would some time tomorrow, late afternoon or early evening work?

[It is not the easiest thing to reschedule your life to match a vampire.]

Early evening would be fine, if you'd like to stay for dinner, as well. [Because she's sure Steve would have offered eventually anyway, and with the notes to go over, he'd likely have been over during it regardless. And apparently Steve and Dorian were reaching the friend point by now, too.]

FI-1A.

That's very kind of you. I'll see you then.

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