[Video]

[beefaroni]

[It's taken Asterios a few tries to get this thing to work - technology is still beyond him, really. But he's pretty sure he got it working this time, though he gives the screen a few more pokes just in case. Holding it in one hand, he tries to angle it so it only shows his face, and not his giant horns and his scarred body. He figures the less they see the better his odds. Anyway...]

... It is clear. Staying... a while.

[He speaks slowly, his voice surprisingly soft if you don't know him.]

While here... I am, thinking, maybe... learn, more words. Easier to... communicate? Want to learn words. Any words. But... can offer. Little, in return.

[Pause, trying to think it over.]

 Am strong. If need strength... I can, lift. Carry. Break. Fight. In exchange.

Okay. Thank you.

[A beat. Is he missing anything?]

... Asterios. Name is... Asterios.

Comments

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[beefaroni]

Mmm. Maybe so.

[Not that he's doing anything for gratitude. He just wants to be useful.]

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[hikikomori_king]

Oh for certain so! The natives are good folk, and have been most tolerant of the destruction of their homes. And they are terribly grateful for any help we give them in rebuilding.

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[beefaroni]

... Don't need. Gratitude. Will work. Will learn. That is all.

[All this praise is making him uncomfortable, he hasn't even done anything yet.]

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[hikikomori_king]

[ He smiles ]

Well, you will have to get used to it, if you work with me! They are often bringing us gifts in return for our hard work.

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[beefaroni]

Gifts?

[He knows the word, but his uncomfort meter just shot up immensely.]

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[hikikomori_king]

Food, mostly. [ He explains ]

One kind lady has made me a scarf.

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[beefaroni]

... Just food. Is fine.

[Clothes would be a bit much... not that he's really used to wearing any.]

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[hikikomori_king]

If you tell them that, I am sure you will find they enjoy supplying you with foodstuffs!

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[beefaroni]

... Why?

Re: video

[hikikomori_king]

Well, people like their gifts to be appreciated. If you told them you prefer food, then they will bring you things they hope you will enjoy.

Re: video

[beefaroni]

... My enjoyment. Not important.

I will take food. Only because... I need, to eat.

Re: video

[hikikomori_king]

It is to them. [ Turgon says gently ]

By helping them rebuild their homes, you are giving them something precious. Of course they wish to give you something in return.

Re: video

[beefaroni]

[Boy, he's not going to win this, is he? He sighs, resigned.]

... All right.

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[hikikomori_king]

[ Nope~ ]

I will see you at the construction site, whenever you wish. We can conduct any lessons there, or elsewhere, if you prefer.

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[beefaroni]

Lessons anywhere... is fine. Can learn and work, same time.

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[hikikomori_king]

Alright. [ He nods ]

We'll start with the building site, and if it is too distracting, we'll move elsewhere?

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[beefaroni]

Okay. Will concentrate.

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[hikikomori_king]

I will see you soon, then.