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childrenofbajablast2025-04-01 04:09 pm
diceofthegods) wrote in childrenofbajablast2025-04-01 04:09 pm
Test Drive Meme #3
GOLDEN GREENERY
Bloom by The Paper Kites
1:24 / 3:33
▶︎
The Paper Kites are an Australian indie rock/folk rock band from Melbourne. The band was formed in 2009 by lead vocalist/guitarist Sam Bentley and keyboardist/guitarist Christina Lacy. Their 2010 single "Bloom" has been certified Platinum in the United States.
Recently, Town was decorated by locals and Fae folk both. Things are a bit more colorful and the sun is shining more and more instead of the continuous winter gloom from before. The world finally feels like it's coming alive again.
Sorry about your possible allergies as trees blossom and spit excess pollen.
There also seems to be an emphasis on both green and gold. Crowns or other accessories of clovers are being made for luck. Whether or not they're actually lucky, who knows! Dragon-bonded are also being enlisted in helping with post-winter (and post Mind Flayer) repairs. Those creatures did quite a number skittering around some homes so why not lend a hand - clawed or otherwise - now that you're here? It'll help with offworlders reputation if nothing else!
Meanwhile, the Fae appear to have taken to the opposite of helping as they are wont to do. They are instead trying to trick locals and offworlders both with glittering chests of gold that most would know are too good to be true.
These are mimics who will attempt to devour someone that falls for the temptation of quick riches. Not to worry though, they're relatively harmless and all just for a good bit of fun. You might need some help though getting unstuck since they can be pretty persistent once their trap has been sprung.
Sorry about your possible allergies as trees blossom and spit excess pollen.
There also seems to be an emphasis on both green and gold. Crowns or other accessories of clovers are being made for luck. Whether or not they're actually lucky, who knows! Dragon-bonded are also being enlisted in helping with post-winter (and post Mind Flayer) repairs. Those creatures did quite a number skittering around some homes so why not lend a hand - clawed or otherwise - now that you're here? It'll help with offworlders reputation if nothing else!
Meanwhile, the Fae appear to have taken to the opposite of helping as they are wont to do. They are instead trying to trick locals and offworlders both with glittering chests of gold that most would know are too good to be true.
These are mimics who will attempt to devour someone that falls for the temptation of quick riches. Not to worry though, they're relatively harmless and all just for a good bit of fun. You might need some help though getting unstuck since they can be pretty persistent once their trap has been sprung.
CH-CH-CHANGES
There comes a time in every young dragon's life where they begin to experience some changes. That might be nothing new to those established in Town by now, of course, as the majority of their changes have come and gone. Nothing can surprise them anymore about their dragon-bonds.
...Or so they thought!
Whether established characters or ones just pulled through the summoning circle, springtime is a season that throws almost all dragons for a little bit of a loop. It is a common rutting season and those hormone fluctuations can strike when least expected.
Even if outside of your specific dragon's season or newly arrived, they'll be swept up by the rest being in so close proximity and likely be at least mildly affected as well. Some handle this season better than others, but there are still specific things to watch out for as more 'universal' experiences.
...Or so they thought!
Whether established characters or ones just pulled through the summoning circle, springtime is a season that throws almost all dragons for a little bit of a loop. It is a common rutting season and those hormone fluctuations can strike when least expected.
Even if outside of your specific dragon's season or newly arrived, they'll be swept up by the rest being in so close proximity and likely be at least mildly affected as well. Some handle this season better than others, but there are still specific things to watch out for as more 'universal' experiences.
- ⁂ Heightened aggression - The ways that this can manifest varies wildly! Perhaps you're more easily irritated or frustrated. It's also possible that this presents as an increased competitive drive with someone else or just in general.
⁂ Brooding - While usually described as an instinctual behavior of sitting on eggs to incubate them, for most dragon-bonded this will instead appear as a compulsion to cuddle up with someone dear. You have the instinct to keep them safe, warm, and where better than right here with you?
⁂ Nesting - That stick is really neat. It'd look great in your home, wouldn't it? Dragon-bonded will feel the desire to create a safe and comfortable environment for themselves and friends. This often involves cleaning, organizing, and preparing a space. For what? Maybe your character doesn't know, but will feel the urge to do it anyway!
⁂ Increased Libido (The NSFW Option) - For those of age, there will be a distinct increase in sexual desire that can be noted as well. While not everyone will experience it, it is something that can be present as an undercurrent either on its own or coupled with other instincts. (For example, the compulsion to cuddle isn't just that or nesting will be a result of attempting to breed.)
PLAYTIME
To help dragon-bonded with their seasonal and instinctual urges, Charlie and others have put together some games. They understand this might be a bit overwhelming and strange to those unfamiliar. So, why not make it as fun and enjoyable as they can?
- ⁂ Horn Locking - All dragon-bonded will find that due to the season 1) if they have horns then they aren't going away no matter their attempts to shift and 2) they're extremely itchy. Even the newest among them will have small stubs of horns pre-maturely! To help combat this and channel some unexpected aggression, dragon-bonded are encouraged to lock horns with one another. It hopefully scratches both the literal and metaphorical itches they're dealing with.
⁂ Scavenger Hunt(s) - To help with the nesting urges, a list of miscellaneous items has been given to dragon-bonded to search for. The reward for completing this list* is five (5) bond points. Charlie trusts that you'll find what has been asked for... but doesn't need to see it. Yes, that is a nice rock. It can stay in your home though, really.
⁂ Baseball - Even if called something else here, people will realize quickly enough: this is just baseball. Dragon-bonded will be encouraged though to hit the ball with one of their draconic extremities rather than a bat. They can use their tail, their hands, or even their horns to whack a small ball as far as possible. This game is set-up to help release some of that pent-up energy as well as indulge in that competitive instinct.
Rocky Talky
One of the things that was given to you in your welcome pack from Charlie was a summoning-stone. Although it looks like, well, an ordinary stone- It's actually magic! You can look through it and see someone else's face too if you're both viewing your stones at the same time. It can also record your speech and deliver that to someone else in a snap.
One of the other features is that you can scrawl on it. It will turn your writing into legible text that you can send others to read on their stones. Of course, you need to attune yourself to your stone first. To that end, it prompts you to set up a Rockstar Profile:
One of the other features is that you can scrawl on it. It will turn your writing into legible text that you can send others to read on their stones. Of course, you need to attune yourself to your stone first. To that end, it prompts you to set up a Rockstar Profile:
COMMENT CODE TEMPLATE
Notes
⁂ Hello and happy Spring! Welcome to Children of Bahamut's third drive meme! If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback then feel free to ask here.
⁂ We have a top-level directory drive for ease of finding new players to tag! After some feedback, we ask that only new players link their top-levels though current players are allowed to top-level and enjoy the TDM if they so wish as well!
⁂ The list provided by Charlie will have approximately ten (10) miscellaneous items on it to find and collect. You can decide what they are and we're operating on the honor system here of your characters going out and finding everything if you so wish. (Just let us know when you turn in your bonds that's what your character did and provide a link if possible, but know that one isn't necessary!)
⁂ You can customize the the Rockstar Profile however you wish! So long as its readable, have fun. The profile image appears best when a 250 by 250 square image. Anything too tall might stretch it strangely or cause issues. If you need to edit or crop a picture to suit, we recommend using Pixlr as a free option for up to three images! We're not sponsored or anything, it's just neat and convenient.
⁂ Full Navigation ⁂
⁂ We have a top-level directory drive for ease of finding new players to tag! After some feedback, we ask that only new players link their top-levels though current players are allowed to top-level and enjoy the TDM if they so wish as well!
- (Example header: character name | canon )
⁂ The list provided by Charlie will have approximately ten (10) miscellaneous items on it to find and collect. You can decide what they are and we're operating on the honor system here of your characters going out and finding everything if you so wish. (Just let us know when you turn in your bonds that's what your character did and provide a link if possible, but know that one isn't necessary!)
⁂ You can customize the the Rockstar Profile however you wish! So long as its readable, have fun. The profile image appears best when a 250 by 250 square image. Anything too tall might stretch it strangely or cause issues. If you need to edit or crop a picture to suit, we recommend using Pixlr as a free option for up to three images! We're not sponsored or anything, it's just neat and convenient.
no subject
[ Watching Emet land and settle, Byleth seizes the opportunity to move over and flop himself diagonally across the much larger dragon quite casually. ]
Oh yes. In my memory, I loved Grani quite dearly. A lovely being of fascinating design and adorable, polite demeanor.
[ Byleth hopes that the way his paws knead down at the base of Emet's undoubtedly sore wings will quell the complaining of having to bear some of his negligible weight and somewhat affectionate contact.]
I would play with him and spoil him. I believe I received some accusations of "ruining" him and that I had given him an attitude.
no subject
[He recites tonelessly. Which is just about as obvious, truly, and simply the first thing that came to mind. Emet-Selch takes a moment longer to truly think about it, though, letting out a low, irritable rumble as Byleth collapses on top of him as if he's a scalier version of a fainting couch. His great tail lashes back and forth like a feline who desires not to be bothered, occasionally swatting Byleth in the side, though not powerfully enough to dislodge him.]
No, I've got it. My crime would be accomplishing things first; a pioneer in all aspects. Been there, done that. And in so doing will I effortlessly goad each and every one who comes after - forcing them to rise and seek out a cleverer, more creative path.
[He grumbles again, a low cranky growl rising from deep in his throat. He would be tempted to reposition himself to be as prickly and uncomfortable as possible were it not for the unfortunate fact that Byleth has located the very source of his muscle pains and is doing a not-awful job of working out the knots with his paw pads. What choice has he but to grin and bear it, really? And if he flattens out a little more, like a great shadowy puddle in the grass, then it was certainly not intentional.]
Why is it that you and everyone else tries to make sport of ruining a perfectly good and reliable familiar? Grani isn't a pet, you know. Or haven't you heard the tale of his creation?
no subject
Ever eager to promote greatness. Is that even a crime?
[ As he feels his quarry begin to sag beneath his efforts, he does allow himself a small sliver of pride in such an accomplishment. Ahh, now the story of Grani- that is something new indeed. Small details here and there come floating up in memory if he tries, but they are foggy at best. Entirely usurped by the enjoyment he felt interacting with the creature. ]
And what if he isn't? He still deserved every treat, and not a bite less. Do tell me though, of his creation. That is novel information to me.
[ And Byleth will reward him with working his forepaws up into the sore neck and shoulders where those wings likely weigh on. ]
no subject
Nay. I'm merely tired of being perpetually disappointed. The crime itself is also theft. I believe it is referred to as: "stealing one's thunder".
[Okay, look. This is simply becoming unfair. And somewhat distracting to boot. Would that he'd had someone to iron the cricks out of his neck back when he truly needed it. Though he cannot say he minds it now, either. Byleth's generous offering to the keeper of the Underworld and his poor, broken back is the only reason Emet-Selch doesn't use that powerful tail of his to dislodge him. Instead he snuffles and lays his head down in the crook where his forepaws cross over one another like a demure noblewoman.]
"Deserved". And yet you lot would pamper Grani to the point of spoilage. How, then, is he meant to do his job when he is preoccupied nosing about for treats and anticipating head scratches?
[Ruin him indeed... Grani has ever been a steadfast and obedient creature, yet whenever Azem or Hythlodaeus had shown up in the days of eld, he could immediately feel his familiar's demeanor shift, overcome with curiosity - becoming almost playful in that muted way of his.]
...Grani came about at a time when I was just beginning to delve into conceptualizing larger entities. Many of us have self-professed areas of interest and specialization, and prior to that point most of my contributions to the star were focused on spellwork and the arcane, as well as physical constructs which further promoted organization - a necessity in the academic sphere.
To get to the heart of the tale, however... even prior to my appointment as one of the Convocation, I possessed an affinity with the Underworld. It was during one of my ventures into the aetherial realm, walking its crystalline paths and gazing out into the dark expanse that I noticed something off. As if some thing were watching my every movement.
'Tis not uncommon to encounter wandering souls in such a space, of course, yet this anomaly was more akin to a piece of the Underworld itself, a wee shadow seemingly possessed of freewill. It took to following me thereafter, occasionally herding unruly souls or guiding the lost to me. It was then that I decided I would grant this shadow a shape and a purpose, and I began drafting an outline for the creature who would eventually become Grani.
no subject
He's worked plenty. He's a good boy.
[ As if this is an argument, but Byleth finds a particularly hard knot and works his paw into it, discouraging any dissent. The story though quickly draws him in. His keen interest clear in the way his paws slow and he leans forward to listen. It fills him with an odd sense of joy to learn something completely new. Something he could not tap his memory for. Something in direct conflict in fact! ]
You are a different Emet-Selch then. There... that is a divergence. Not that I really had any doubt at this point but-
Still. Thank you. For letting me learn. It makes me love Grani all the more, too.
[ He shifts, laying himself down, and resting his head between Emet's horns, his narrow snot fitting neatly there. ]
So Grani watched you from afar, wishing for friendship. You do tend to attract strays, don't you?
[ Because you are kind. The unspoken remains so, and he is satisfied to be just another stray. ]
no subject
[Emet-Selch points out stubbornly, seeming unwilling to budge on the issue - though one must wonder why such a thing would truly matter, and why Emet-Selch would choose to phrase his grumblings in such a way. Still, although his stance remains firm, his posture is less so - and again he tolerates this silly creature effectively making biscuits in the junction between his shoulders and neck, only the tip of his tail deigning to move as it swishes in a lazy arc - only to stop abruptly at Byleth's declaration.]
[It's certainly nothing they were not already aware of, and yet - strangely - he feels a ripple of irritation all the same, like an unpleasant memory being dredged up in a dream. He is no different than he has ever been! And why is it that Byleth sounds almost glad that he is not the same incarnation that his counterpart met within the Amani Simulation? Emet-Selch's irritation grows into annoyance, and that annoyance returns in the wrinkling of his scowl lines. Yet now is not back then, and he has no desire to throw barbs. After all, they are friends - odd as it seems. And in the end he merely settles for blowing steam through his nostrils and (mostly) tolerating this new weight upon his brow. If nothing else, it's a distraction from the itching in his horns, though why he'd be made into an impromptu lounging chair is quite beyond him.]
But what? I thought we were quite over this by now. You are you, and I am me. That was what we decided. Are you suggesting it would make some manner of difference if that were not the case?
[A sigh.]
To think that something as inconsequential as my familiar's origin story would be linked to a point of deviation... Perhaps it is something deeper, an anomaly within the lifeblood of the star itself.
As to the nature of our meeting, I would not say so. Consider this: what makes you think that those who are (quite inexplicably) drawn to me are "strays" as you call them? Regardless of their unique eccentricities, individuals like Hythlodaeus and Azem, and certainly someone like Themis have never found it difficult to earn themselves friends and allies.
no subject
[ He will return to Grani in a moment. He has not abandoned that thread of conversation either. ]
I do not mean Hythlodaeus, Azem or Themis, though one's own ability to make friends in my opinion, does not have any bearing of what I consider to be a stray.
I consider myself one after all. Grani, The Warrior of light, in many cases it seems. A soul who may be lost at some juncture. Not always alone, but in need of what unique guidance or friendship you have to offer.
[ Ahh, but yes. He rolls off Emet at last, landing beside him, belly up like a cat in the sunshine. ]
Treats didn't ruin Grani. I consider him to be a piece of you, therefor, he deserves happiness.
no subject
Well, far be it for me to get in the way of your thinking...
[A small concession whilst he frowns again, sorting out his own puzzle in the form of what it might be that this man considers a "stray". A lost soul in need of his guidance and friendship... Is that not simply an extension of his job description? And what is it about Byleth, Grani, and that hero's soul fragments that they should be included, but others should not?]
I quite fail to see what any of you lot have in common, however. Or whatever it is that you require me, specifically, to do something about.
[Emet-Selch stretches in a slow, exaggerated manner. For a mercy all of the pops and cracks have already been mercifully ironed out, and he shifts to sit upright with his tail draped over his claws and one golden eye focused upon his charge.]
You don't seem "lost" to me. For how could you hope to lead your own students, if so? Questioning, maybe. Seeking further knowledge.
Has this something to do with your unique state of being?
[He won't pry. It's merely an invitation should Byleth wish to talk about it. Just as he chooses not to comment on whether or not Grani is truly a piece of himself, and whether either are deserving of happiness or no. Quite a heavy topic, that.]
no subject
His tail rolls out in a loop, flicking the tip against ground before he finally says something. ]
Yes and no...
The state I am in has more or less highlighted something of a curious realization for me.
My whole life... I've done what I had to to survive. I was not really unhappy with it. But I wasn't happy either. I was intended in a way, to be a vessel. A receiver of things. A blank slate. So I have accepted my lot in life.
But now-
[ He frowns down at his own paws, flexing the claws out slowly. ]
I have seen the diverging paths. I want to understand myself. I want to become myself.
I feel as though-
I standing on a precipice. It's daunting. Seeing who this version- myself, will be. I have been a killer, a lover, a monster, a symbol, a forgotten god, a house, eternal. Now, I am a dragon, but there is so much more to discover.
no subject
Well, that's easy enough - in theory.
The only way to understand yourself, to become yourself, is to live your own journey. So why not consider setting all of those other versions aside and just be Byleth the man? Or the dragon - if such is your preference.
[He shrugs one crystal encrusted shoulder, a rather comical gesture for so large a beast.]
You don't have to go about it with any particular plan - many people don't. And as much as it pains me to say so, there is value in spontaneity - in accomplishing things simply because you want to or because it "feels right".
[Another sideways glance to see if his companion is yet listening.]
Though I cannot truly relate to your situation, I too have taken on a great many roles throughout the ages, some by choice and others by necessity - from a lowly student obsessed with magicks to one of the Fourteen. And, later, a villain in the heroes' story and harbinger of calamity in all its forms: architect, soldier, dictator, emperor... councilor to a king. One who walked in shadow and one who accompanied the Warrior during their sojourn in the First.
And while all of those roles and characters may be a part of my overall experience, they do not necessarily reflect who I am at my core nor what I would choose to do with myself in the present and future.
no subject
That is true. All that he knows of Emet, which is a great deal, does not speak to the actual core person completely. They are all spokes of a whole. A moment, he slides away to sit in the grass, looking across the flowing golden waves. ]
I guess... I have a lot to think about.
[ He means that, too. So much rumination doesn't suit someone like himself, he knows. He recalls the month after his father died. How he stayed in his room, refused food, refused to do anything. Just stagnated. He doesn't want to repeat that again. To get stuck in his own head. Even Sothis could offer him very little comfort.
No, he must work through this. He can't stand all the naval-gazing. ]
Would you fly with me a bit more?
no subject
I would. Provided you don't mind a third wheel.
[Is the easy acquiescence a surprise? He pays it no mind, and instead he lifts a golden claw towards the tree line where a shadowy creature is rapidly descending, cloth billowing out from either side of its saddle like a pair of deep purple wings. The beast should look distinctly familiar to Byleth as it paws the ground amidst a jangle of tassels and armor.]
[Indeed, it is the selfsame "good boy" they had only just been speaking about. And no mere illusion, but the genuine article. Grani lets out a low snort in greeting, his great horned head turning from Emet-Selch to Byleth as if to inquire who this new stranger is.]
It has been a long time since last he stretched his legs, you see, so I left him to roam about on his own. I presume you need no introduction.
no subject
Grani!
[ He contains his obvious excitement for the familiar's sake, not wanting to scare him. Instead he extends the back of one hand for Grani to sniff. His tone shifts to something far more gentle. ]
Hello, Grani. You don't remember me, but I surely remember you. I know you're such a good boy and you take such good care of your master.
[ If permitted, he will give the creature a gentle stroke on his snout before reaching into the little satchel that he had tied to his hip, even in dragon form. Momentarily, he produces a shortbread cookie, offering it to Grani. ]
Here, I'll make sure to make you ones that are more suited to you, but for now I think you might like this.
[ He turns to Emet, smiling that muted but meaningful smile. ]
I...missed him.
no subject
[Although the beast seems far less excited than Byleth himself does, he does bow his head to snuffle at Byleth's hand. It's impossible to tell what's going on behind those silvered eyes, but with how patiently still Grani stands as Byleth talks to him, one would get the impression that the creature is somehow listening. The stroke is tolerated, if only because Grani can already smell the sweet confections stowed away in Byleth's satchel.]
[Once offered to him, Grani takes the treat politely between his sharp canines, tail waving patiently to and fro as he crunches on the cookie - two bites is all it takes before the confection is gone. It's not an apple, but it doesn't much seem to matter. Grani's already taking a step forward and staring expectantly at the satchel, waiting to be offered another.]
So I see.
Well, you won't be missing him any longer. Contrary to my other projects, Grani here should not be going anywhere nor unraveling back to merge with my own essence. I asked Charlie for assistance in fetching his concept crystal, and at least for now, his aether appears to be wholly stable.
no subject
[ Another treat is offered. ]
Do you mind if I pet you like this?
[ He isn't too much with the touching yet, but he does recall some places where another version of Grani enjoyed being pat or scratched. Worth a shot to see if this one likes it too. He will back off if the creature indicates any attention is unwanted though. ]
You're so handsome. Here, have more, you seem to like these-
[ A delighted look is cast back to Emet as he continues with his introduction. ]
He's just as cute as I remember.
no subject
[Grani does, however, raise his head higher and presents his chin for Byleth to scratch if he is so compelled. (The promise of more treats certainly goes a long way, even if he is growing a little impatient about remaining in one place overlong).]
Unsurprising. Although I cannot speak for any other iteration of Grani, I've never once considered revising him. This is simply how he is meant to be - in my inexpert opinion at least.
[Emet-Selch sighs loudly but does not get in the way of their little meet-cute or whatever this is. Grani seems pleased enough by the attention, after all, and as for Byleth - well. The man's clearly ecstatic about their unexpected reunion.]
Do you not think you are being just a little excessive, Byleth? You've already given him three biscuits in the span of a few moments!
Also. I believe we were promised another flight.
no subject
I think he's perfect just the way he is.
[ Byleth actually gives the rare, soft and subtle but clear. ]
Don't worry Grani, there will be more. I'll make some special just for you.
[ This is done in a stage whisper before he turns back to Emet, whatever melancholy mood he had before has clearly drained from him completely. For anyone else, it would be a rather normal smile, but for Byleth? The fact that it reaches his eyes says enough. Reluctantly he steps away from Grani and gestures to Emet. ]
After you, then?
The third eye has opened and I'll never roll a 19 again.
[It can easily be assumed that Grani and Byleth are well upon their way to becoming new old friends with the way the familiar leans into the scratches, giving Byleth another good sniff in turn and bunting him with the flat edge of his horn almost like a feline would do to request more attention and mark its territory both.]
[But a stage whisper indeed! From the way he rolls his eyes, 'tis clear Emet-Selch is not about to let such a declaration go unnoticed just because of the manner in which it was delivered. Still, he isn't angry. Not really. And that smile alone makes it worth it - even if he will have to carefully re-train Grani not to be such a glutton!]
[Emet-Selch half-kneels, making a show of stretching out his wings slowly and rolling his shoulders - Byleth did a good job, it's true, but already the stiffness is beginning to return. Notably, he's low enough to the ground that it would truly be quite easy to climb up onto his back again, even in a more humanoid form. In fact, with the way his tail is held close to his body like a mounting block, one would almost think it intentional. There's also the fact that Emet-Selch has not yet taken off, but is observing him instead, as if Byleth were one of his fellow actors who has just missed his cue.]
[...Well, until he finally glances skyward, at least. There's still a hint of warmth in the air and upon the breeze, and though he himself practically itches for physical contact, the thought of taking to the thermals again is appealing in its own way.]
Well, let's be about it, then. One way or another.
no subject
Stepping up on that massive tail, Byleth settles down on the dragon's back. It feels so familiar to riding a wyvern, though much larger. He hooks his legs under the connection point between wing and back, leaning forward to present a low profile to prevent too much drag.
He has no words this time, he could comment certainly, but he feels as though that would ruin the offer, ruin the moment... instead he makes ready and with a firm nod. ]
Let's be about it.
[ The sentiment is echoed with a warmth in his voice similar to the warmth the breeze carries.]
no subject
[Grani is swift in catching up to his master. Clawed feet gallop through the breeze as he takes up position to their right, purple fabric billowing out behind him like twin tails. Is that how the noble steed manages to fly? Well, who can truly say... Perhaps Emet-Selch could do so, though for the moment he seems content to maintain their comfortable silence, soaring up above the cloud cover so that they might look out upon the fairy floss landscape and enjoy the warmth from the springtime sun.]
no subject
He lifts his head just enough to enjoy the view and the cool, fresh air. Glancing over to see Grani flying not far away... this is a moment he will tuck away for those nights when his mind troubles him. The happiness and ease he feels in this moment. A shining stone to be placed in his pocket for later. ]
Fin?
[For this flight, he isn't alone. And that makes all the difference in the world.]
Fin!