[Near the Start of Week 3] At least Drizzt only got adopted instead of arrested this time?

[naturaltwohands]

[An undercurrent of annoyance, some vague amusement, and already being resigned to his fate.]

... What exactly should one do when a small boy and his father take one into their home? Especially if they believe the person is an... orphaned kitten in needing of said home, and especially if it would cause anguish and worry if they were to leave unannounced.

[Then, dripping with an amused sort of sarcasm.]

Hypothetically speaking, of course.

[That's it. That's the entire thing. Guess what happened.

Also, Drizzt has been incredibly quiet over the network since the start of the Jaunt, and this is what he says when he breaks his silence.]

Comments

[helborn]

... Do you need your 'brother' to come pick you up?

[naturaltwohands]

If you believe you will not be adopted as well, it may be worth an attempt.

[helborn]

... I mean, I can try.

[naturaltwohands]

You are welcome to try.

... I must warn you that I told the boy I was alone. I did not specify how, other than my parents are gone. We will have to explain how we were separated.

[senpaidol]

The real reason we spent so long not revealing ourselves to humans, I guess.

They think you're a cat, right? I'd just enjoy the free food.

[helborn]

You got lost. Or I got lost. We both got lost, and me and Bob have been looking for you.

[naturaltwohands]

It is less than I am simply a cat and more that I am a fuzzy cat child to them. Leaving a child alone is something few will do, regardless of species. There was no convincing them otherwise that I could take care of myself.

[naturaltwohands]

... if it was a long length of time, that would be believable. I made it sound like I was entirely alone.

[There's some embarrassment and apology in that, because he had truly felt alone then, forgetting his friends.]

[helborn]

Yeah. It's okay, though. We can come and find you. ... I can probably get Bob to act enough that he's not going to ruin things. But I'm glad someone is looking after you.

... Aside from Guen, I mean.

[brokers]

You are going to leave unannounced regardless of what you do now. Extracting yourself as soon as possible, before they have an opportunity to become attached, will hurt less in the long term.

[naturaltwohands]

Bob not ruining things would be much appreciated, as it would be for you to find me. I can give you directions.

[Then, a bit defensively.]

I do not need to be looked after.

[naturaltwohands]

The boy is already attached.

[uzoda]

...uh.

[Kenzaki very much feels the need to answer, to help, but this is definitely not a situation he has ever had to handle.]

Just who adopted you, anyway?

[helborn]

That'd be helpful, thanks.

[He just... sighs.]

Everyone needs someone looking out for them.

[naturaltwohands]

Someone named Ren and his son, Gavin. Gavin was the one who found me, and was very insistent I not be alone. Whatever solution is entailed, it must sooth those fears.

[naturaltwohands]

[So yeah there will be directions soon enough.]

Everyone needs friendship and companionship, if that is what you mean.

[helborn]

[Hooray!]

... Yeah. At the least. I just... want you to be okay.

[naturaltwohands]

... I am unharmed.

[That's not what he means, and you know it.]

[uzoda]

Ren?!

[Though his sudden laughter doesn't make it to the network, there's a surge of amusement, then a follow-up surge of embarrassment for being so amused.]

That's Tachibana! Tachibana's infiltration! Oh, geez... well... you're at least in good hands!

[naturaltwohands]

[That same surge of amusement, and not one bit of embarrassment.]

... I really should have known, or at least suspected. He is the type!

[uzoda]

He really is! Even if he sometimes gives the impression that he isn't....

...well, uh, he's a lot more... relaxed with people here, than when I first met him.

[haveabiscuit]

It would be wise to invent some relations you might say collected you when the Jaunt seems to be ending.

[naturaltwohands]

It is funny, considering how much older I likely am than him. And I, too, have relaxed muchly around others since I came here. 'Tis a good thing, I believe.

[naturaltwohands]

That is a good suggestion, and the intended course I desire to take--although I will be rescued sooner, I believe. Casper will act as my older brother.

[uzoda]

He's packed a lot of living into his years? That's how it goes, I think...

Traveling is different than so many other things! I don't think I'm ever completely off my guard, but I at least know I've got some good people around me. That helps.

[naturaltwohands]

[A chuckle.] Most humans do. They're in a hurry because they have so little time.

It's certainly been quite different than my experiences as well. Everything is so new! Absolutely everything! If only I could have everyone from home around me, then I could be truly happy.

[uzoda]

I suppose that's right... aah, how do you fill all that extra time?

[This might be helpful for him to know. He has a lot of years ahead of him.]

[naturaltwohands]

I would not know. I'm not even seventy yet! But it is my hope that it would be filled with friendship, learning, and living in the moment.