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[neverfeltthatway]

I have the list for Travelers who have gone out of ambit. I haven't given this list for quite some time, given the extended period between the last two jaunts.

[There's no preamble - he doesn't like doing this and hasn't had a good week. He doesn't have anything to say he thinks people would want to hear, not right now.]

Daniel, Psiioniic, Rosalie, Richelle, Akihiko, *Hyun-ae, Hiroshi, both Marias, Liara, Souji, Istas, Altair, and Kohaku.

...I'm sorry.

Comments

[action]

[pearlyspirit]

[Pearl nods.] Yeah. Should I just try?

[action]

[neverfeltthatway]

We'll go slowly. First, find my presence on the network, and then move past to see if you can find the shadow behind it - or the spirit, if that's how you want to think about it.

[action]

[pearlyspirit]

[Pearl nods, closing her eyes and pressing her hands together in front of her face as if she were channeling. She can find him, she thinks, and... she thinks that's his spirit....]

Um... what should I do now?

[action]

[neverfeltthatway]

Now think about my physical mannerisms - the way I stand, like you said, and how I walk, that kind of thing. And then try to see if you can find something that feels like that in the spirit. [It's not quite an accurate metaphor, but he'll go with it if it's what works for her.]

[action]

[pearlyspirit]

Ok...

[Pearl feels around in it, trying to see if she can find it. Gradually, her posture changes and her expression becomes more neutral, not nearly as bubbly as the young girl normally is. She still hasn't opened her eyes, though.]

If it working?

[action]

[neverfeltthatway]

I think so. [Armin is happy for her, though the transformation also makes him sad to see. He knows it's an extremely temporary transformation, but even so, it's not one he wants to see on her. It feels like giving up a piece of her innocence.]

...Try opening your eyes and moving around a little. [After all, it's only useful if she can use it while behaving normally.]

[action]

[pearlyspirit]

Ok...

[She's a little bit unsure, but she does it, and it seems to be working. The way she walks is less bouncy, and in general the way she holds herself is much more like Armin than her.]

[action]

[neverfeltthatway]

It's working! You just need to be a little more confident with it, but that will come with practice.

[He hides his unease at seeing her exhibit his body language, seeing her adjusting so she can see most of the room and is always aware of the exit. No, this should be a proud moment for her, and his demeanor reflects that - serious, but calm and pleased. He strides over to her, putting his hand on her shoulder in a gesture that is meant to be brotherly and encouraging.]

You're doing very well, Pearl. I'm not sure I've had a better student.

[action]

[pearlyspirit]

[Pearl breaks out of it, back to bouncing on her heels in an instant, clearly pleased by the praise.]

Thank you! And, um, thank you for teaching me...!

[action]

[neverfeltthatway]

[Armin can't help but smile at that.]

You're very welcome. That's probably enough for today, but if you think you can practice that so you're really confident with it, I can teach you the others later. Can you do that for me?

[action]

[pearlyspirit]

[Pearl nods.] Yes! I'll do my best!

[action]

[neverfeltthatway]

I know you will.

[He glances at what looks sort of like a complicated pocket watch.]

I guess it's getting pretty late. [By 9 year old standards, anyway.] Would you like me to leave so you can go to bed?

[action]

[pearlyspirit]

I-it's ok! I'm not-- [Pearl pauses, yawning widely.] ...sleepy.

[action]

[neverfeltthatway]

All right. [Armin nods at her seriously, suppressing a smile.]

...Would you like me to read you a story?

[action]

[pearlyspirit]

O-oh! Um... yes please. If that's ok...

[action]

[neverfeltthatway]

All right. Should we move somewhere more comfortable? [They had been sitting on the floor, after all.] And do you have any books you want me to read from, or should I choose one of mine?

[If she's been reading anything, it'll probably be a more appropriate story than anything he has available. Though he might have one that could work...]

[action]

[pearlyspirit]

Ok. [She'll pull herself up onto the bed] A-and no, I don't... there aren't a lot of children's books in the library... [She's been trying to fix it, but it's hard when she infiltrates.]

[action]

[neverfeltthatway]

[Smiling gently, Armin boosts himself up beside her, and pulls a large, well-worn old hardcover out of his hammerspace.]

Maybe it's silly, but... How would you like to hear what I used to dream about, when I was younger?

[action]

[pearlyspirit]

Oh! [Pearl perks up, smiling.] I would! I don't think that's silly at all...

[action]

[neverfeltthatway]

All right. There's... a little bit of context I'll need to explain, so you can understand what I'm talking about, and why I would dream about things like that.

Are you comfortable?

[action]

[pearlyspirit]

[Pearl nods, leaning back against the pillows but still very attentive.] Yes, I'm ready!