[twenty-seventh quest | elegante (take two) | audio]

[teethofneedles]

So, this island is great and all, but when do we get to go back to our floating prison? I want this trip to be over already.

Comments

[wiserthanusall]

You are not enjoying this little illusion on freedom?

[He says it mildly, almost playfully, as one might inquire as to why a little girl didn't like a particular color of lollipop. The island is as meaningless, and as pleasant.]

[teethofneedles]

Nope. I hate illusions.

[wiserthanusall]

[Ah, but it is at least a different one. You are wise in a sideways sort of way.]

And what do you like?

[teethofneedles]

I'd like to be home again.

Failing that, booze is a good escape. Fighting. [Beat.] My friends from back home.

[wiserthanusall]

[There is a scraping sound, like heavy bone on grit and stone; Oogway's shell on a rock as he seats himself. This may take a while.]

Drink can be found anywhere, and there are many who would put up a fight, but true friends are rare and precious. Perhaps this is a time for remembering.

Why don't you tell me about them?

[teethofneedles]

Not like I got anything better t'do.

Well, there's Xunnie. Xunkari s'her full name, but we all call her Xunnie. Great girl, even if she's a bit... uh... I dunno. Simple? Naive. Yeah. That's it.

Ter'thelas. He was on the boat for a bit. Elfy guy, sorta proud, snarky, but we've had each other's backs through thick and thin.

Peredhel. Crazy, odd motherfucker of a troll. Like him, though.

Your icon makes me want to color it.

[wiserthanusall]

[Oogway thinks of Po, Shifu and the Five...Even Tai Lung, truth be told.]

Mmmh...And so goes the world. I wonder, what would your friends say about this place.

You shoooould.

[teethofneedles]

They'd probably hate it. Give 'em enough time and we'd all wanna bust out.

Do you have a larger version of it?

[wiserthanusall]

I imagine you would cause no end of trouble together. Where is home, for you?

[He is sorry, and his tone reflects it, though not for the reason implied. Old Man Turtle is everyone's grandpa.]

I know of only so much of the world, after all. What is it like?

I thought I did, but I haven't been able to find it. Urgh.

[teethofneedles]

Home is Lordaeron. The Undercity. S'not exactly the best place to be, considerin' it's mostly plague-ridden and dyin'.

Awh

[wiserthanusall]

A home is where you feel safest. It does not matter what else it is, if it is yours.

Come, what is your name?

Indeed. ;-;

[teethofneedles]

Karis Needleteeth.

[wiserthanusall]

It is my honor to meet you, Karis Needleteeth. I am Oogway.

[teethofneedles]

Huh. Nice t'meet you too, Oogway.

[wiserthanusall]

[ Not as good as I'd like. ]

I left behind my friends as well, and my home. I do not know if they survived the battles ahead of them, but I have faith in their strength. Wherever they are, they must know that you, here, are strong enough that this tedium will not break you.

Despair is an easy road, and well-traveled.