BtW - Arrival in a new World (17) by OblongsFantasies, literature
Literature
BtW - Arrival in a new World (17)
Research brings results A medium sized room. One half, the window side, looks like a laboratory. A free-standing counter in the middle, further workstations, and cupboards along the walls. There are books everywhere, something that looks like stones in holders, but also other instruments. Bonnie, who is standing in the other half of the room, the empty half, like isolated on a marked spot, lacks the knowledge of what kind of devices they are and what purpose they serve. It's his first day as a test candidate. It took a few days to plan and prepare an experiment. Speyro's research group didn't expect to get someone for tests that soon. They still discuss what they are doing, why and what the different results mean. Then the group finally turns to Bonnie and forms a semicircle around him. Now Bonnie realizes that the magicians are all predators. He looks into the faces of mostly wolves, but also lynxes and two foxes, and Speyro, who clearly towers above them all. He feels queasy but
BtW - Arrival in a new World (12) by OblongsFantasies, literature
Literature
BtW - Arrival in a new World (12)
Illegal Surviving Winter is persistent. It rarely snows anymore, but it's all the colder. Public life seems to have come to a standstill, except for the most important trades. Speyro no longer goes to work either, the university has closed and everyone has been put on forced leave. The three can see the reason for themselves. Bonnie just lies on the sofa. He is lying on his back, his feet pointing to the wall unit, Herbert is sitting next to his head. Bonnie's ears rest partly on his thighs. Speyro is slightly curled in the corner between the TV wall unit and the room divider. There is an oppressive silence in the room. Herbert, half-accidentally, puts his hand on Bonnie's chest. Through his soft fur, he feels not only Bonnie's chest, but also the structure and texture of his sternum in frightening detail. Bonnie puts his bony hand on Herbert's, but not long after that it slips back onto the sofa. Herbert looks at Speyro. Its delicate scales nestle against its skeleton, its stomach
BtW - Arrival in a new World (10) by OblongsFantasies, literature
Literature
BtW - Arrival in a new World (10)
The Predator Problem A little later in the week. The doorbell rings, and a Foxy is standing in front of it. Bonnie freezes again for a brief moment, but then greets him along with Herbert. Speyro is not there. He is and will remain at work this week. The weather is too rough for him to keep walking to and from the university. At least his flying license is in the works. Herbert: Tell me Foxy, what are you doing during the winter? Foxy: I usually take it a little more relaxed and start planning for the next season. During the winter, hunting is mostly prohibited, or I'm only allowed to take very little out. That makes sense in most cases, given the stocks. Herbert: So, it's normal that a lot of people don't work during the winter? Foxy: It depends on what kind of job you do. A lot of people have nothing to do at this time of year. And because of the rationing, many others are also taking a winter break. Bonnie: And even if it pays so badly, it's not worth the commute. Herbert: You
BtW - Arrival in a new World (9) by OblongsFantasies, literature
Literature
BtW - Arrival in a new World (9)
Early next week, afternoon. Bonnie: And? How was the first day at work? Speyro: Informative. To sum it up in one word. Herbert: I'm always very excited before my first day in a new company. When you meet your new colleagues and get a tour of the building and so on. What is your first impression of this university? Speyro: My first impression is: a lot in a small space. I mean, it's not exactly small, but it's still very crammed, small high rooms with a lot in it. But just enough space to work. And apparently still enough space to be able to provide me with my own small study. Bonnie: You really got your own room? Simply as that? Speyro: Yes. Herbert: And your colleagues? Speyro: I haven't met that many yet. But I can say: It's mixed. There are young wizards, fresh out of magic school, but also old masters and everything in between. And that's always good. Herbert: Sounds very indeed! Don't they train too? Speyro: Yes, they do. You see the students again and again during breaks in the
BtW - Arrival in a new World (5) by OblongsFantasies, literature
Literature
BtW - Arrival in a new World (5)
Shortly before noon, Herbert and Speyro prepare themselves. Speyro meditates. Herbert doesn't yet know what he's about to be transformed into. He's both excited and nervous. Bonnie envies him a little, just change your body, it'll be a cool experience, he thinks. Herbert: Can that really be done without any problems? Speyro: As for the magic, I don't see any problems. It's not a challenge for me, and from what I know of spell making it's also very cleanly written. – I think the problems only start afterwards. Herbert: What problems? Speyro: Well, some things will be a little different than what you're used to. But you'll get used to that. In any case, you should be prepared for the weather here afterwards. Foxy: I'm also curious to see what that looks like. I've never seen anyone cast a spell before. Herbert: What am I going to be? Speyro returns a smile. Herbert: Come on, tell me! Speyro: I chose a rabbit. Bonnie: Oh...! Herbert: A rabbit?! Um, ok...I guess that's fine. Not that I
BtW - Arrival in a new World (7) by OblongsFantasies, literature
Literature
BtW - Arrival in a new World (7)
In the meantime While Speyro is reading one of the weekly newspapers, the others are hanging out in front of the TV and watching some third-rate reality show, he stumbles across the advertisement page, more precisely an advertisement from the university: “Are you interested in magic and dreaming of becoming a magician? Do you have the ability to cast spells or think you can learn them? Then come to the great Karl Bernestain University! Here you can learn a lot about magic, sorcery and spells, both theoretically and practically! We are looking for interested people, both for training and for researching magical subjects of all kinds! If you're interested just come to University, but don't come unprepared! A test will be waiting for you to find out if you have what it takes to become a theoretical or practical magician. We're expecting you at Karl Bernestain University." Speyro: That sounds interesting! Bonnie: Hmm? What? Speyro: The university is looking for magicians, also for
BtW - Arrival in a new World (6) by OblongsFantasies, literature
Literature
BtW - Arrival in a new World (6)
Arrival in Society Herbert: Please tell me we're finally here! Bonnie: Yes, I live here. They are standing in front of a high block of flats. Herbert: Please tell me you live on the first floor. Bonnie: No, on the fourth. Herbert: Oh man... Speyro: Just a few more steps and we're done. The worst is behind us for now. Herbert: Where do you have your keys, anyways? You don't have a pockets on you? Bonnie: Usually in a small bag or on a chain around the neck. But in this case, I gave it to Speyro, it was more convenient. Speyro: Right, I have them. They go in and begin the march. After the long hike, it's exhausting for everyone, but especially for Herbert, who no longer knows how to stand on his feet because of his sore muscles. He crawls up the last 3 floors on all fours. Bonnie finds this embarrassing and is glad that nobody is coming towards them. Finally, they arrive at the right floor. It's about halfway up. Bonnie unlocks the door, and they step inside. A large room stretches
BtW - Arrival in a new World (8) by OblongsFantasies, literature
Literature
BtW - Arrival in a new World (8)
A little later, Bonnie is taking a bath, Herbert wants to know a little more about dragons, so he dares, somewhat boldly, to question Speyro. Herbert: Speyro, that might be a strange question... Speyro, who is reading a document with outstretched legs at the other end of the sofa, puts it down and calmly replies: Speyro: What do you want to know? Herbert: Well, how does a dragon feel? So well, you guys aren't exactly known for being the most sensitive beings, you know... Speyro: What do dragons feel? What exactly do you mean? I mean, I have the same five senses that a human has plus more... Herbert: Well, I actually meant more like emotions, but what other senses do you have when you're just starting out? Speyro: As a flying creature, I can feel the magnetic field and can use it to orient myself quite well. Herbert: How does that feel? The magnetic field. Speyro: Well, (he turns his head a couple of times) basically like a very light tug. Herbert: A pull? And doesn't get annoying