Uno

[combattente_auditore]

I am in need of some assistance...

I have found a rather odd key in my coat pocket that I've been informed is for some form of mechanical horse.

Which... I'm afraid I have no experience riding. [He feels so awkward having to actively think these questions out to people.] Does anyone know of how to use these devices and, if so, might you be able to give me a short lesson?

Comments

[fuckingibuki]

...A mechanical horse.

[AKA what the fuck.]

[combattente_auditore]

That is the only way I can describe it. There is a section of what appears to be leather along the top middle portion which you mount, with two protrusions in place of stirrups and handles in place of reins at the head.

Also, instead of legs, it has two wheels made of metal and... I'm not entirely sure what the substance is coating them on the outside, but it is black and supple.

[fuckingibuki]

[...Huh.]

Yeah, I got nothing, but that sounds pretty weird. I wouldn't touch it.

[Because Ibuki's opinion is obviously important. No it's not.]

[combattente_auditore]

But it might be useful.

[fuckingibuki]

...Well, yeah, I guess you have a point, there. Anyone offer any help yet?

[combattente_auditore]

A couple of people so far have attempted to figure out just what it might be exactly.

[fuckingibuki]

So that's a no, then.

[combattente_auditore]

More or less.

[fuckingibuki]

Well, hope you like walking. 'Cause your legs are probably the most reliable mode of transportation you're ever gonna get.

[combattente_auditore]

I am a good walker. [He's thrumming quiet amusement.] Though I would prefer a horse for speed.

[fuckingibuki]

Life's tough. Can't always get what you want.

[Isn't he such a pleasant conversation partner?]

[combattente_auditore]

[Can you feel that thrum of amusement?]

What a cynical man you are.

[fuckingibuki]

[He might. Which is kind of rude, but then that's nothing new for Ibuki. Unfortunately.]

Not really? I'm just a realist more than anything. I don't know, I guess if you get too hopeful or wishful then you could just get carried away and then life will definitely disappoint you when things don't turn out the way you'd like. It's better to keep your expectations kind of low.

[combattente_auditore]

And somehow this imparting of wisdom is what has followed on my attempting to learn how to operate this machine.

[trulyfree]

I encountered a similar thing in my pocket, but it was for a mechanical carriage rather than a mechanical horse. I've not seen any horses where they store the cars, however. Perhaps one of your roommates may be able to help?

[Because, y'know, it worked for Fenris, so maybe that's all this man needs! A knowledgeable roommate. From a modern world. Yep. Everyone has one of those, right?]

[combattente_auditore]

Unfortunately my roommate is from my world, though much more knowledgeable with machines.

[trulyfree]

Oh. [Whoops.]

...they do not know of the mechanical horse either, then? If they are knowledgeably with machines, perhaps they could still comprehend it.

[combattente_auditore]

I did not want to trouble him. He seems indisposed since waking this morning.

[trulyfree]

Indisposed? Has he taken ill?

I imagine he could still be of some help...

[combattente_auditore]

I'm not sure. He seems disturbed since waking. Perhaps this latest 'Jaunt' is affecting him keenly.

[trulyfree]

Hm. How unfortunate.

I am Fenris, by the way. I...forgot to mention.

[combattente_auditore]

Ezio Auditore da Firenze. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Fenris.

[civics]

[ Erwin knows how to ride horses, probably knows more about riding horses than a lot of the other travelers... but he has no experience with mechanical horses, doesn't even know what a mechanical horse is. Maybe this is easier than the other man is making it out to be... Only one way for Erwin to find out. ]

What does your mechanical horse look like?

[ A pause ]

I don't know that I'll actually be of any help, but I'd like to offer my assistance if possible.

[combattente_auditore]

'Horse' might be too broad a generalisation... It stands a bit shorter than my chest, is mostly white with a black leather-like saddle, two protrusions rather than stirrups and two wheels in place of legs. There is also something like glass at the nose of this contraption.

[civics]

[ He remembers seeing the thing being described, the mechanical horse as the other man phrased it. He owned one at some point, years before he and Levi came to live at the university, a life that wasn't quite his own. ]

That's called a motorcycle, if I'm not mistaken. [ A pause ] But I can't tell you the first thing about how to operate it. I recall having seen one before, but that's about it.

[combattente_auditore]

Ah, grazie for the name of this contraption! I don't suppose you know anyone else who might have some knowledge on how to operate it?

[civics]

[ Going over a list of names in his head, most of the people on the list are from worlds without "modern" technology... which isn't any help when somebody is trying to figure out how to operate a motorcycle. ]

Do you think operating it is so complicated that we wouldn't be able to figure the mechanics out on our own? I would be more than willing to assist you if we can't find anybody else.

[combattente_auditore]

Would you really? I am afraid I... have little to no ideas as to how I should operate this contraption, but with your help perhaps we can sort it out.