animus_network | 001

[She'd be tempted to argue the word child if not for who it came from and the fact that said person was offering to help]

Our purpose? What do you mean?

Oh, I beg your pardon, I was referring to myself.

Oh. Sorry, I misunderstood.

It's quite alright, I could have communicated with greater clarity.

It's fine. I'm probably not thinking properly right now anyway.

Which, if anything, should only necessitate a greater care in my selection of verbiage.

Honestly, it's fine.

[Her voice, though still a little pained, takes on a mildly amused tone]

Actually you kind of remind me of someone I know...only not male...or British...but you know, apart from that.

Is this a kind comparison, or should I be worried?

Oh no, don't be worried. I think you'd like Mr Giles...he's really smart and knows a lot about a lot, you know?

Then allow me to thank you for the compliment. Was he your lusus? I'm not entirely certain how these matters operate for humans, but I have heard that it isn't an uncommon configuration among your species for the adults to raise the little ones directly, and without fear of chastisement for it.

Edited 2012-03-12 18:13 (UTC)

Um...I'm not sure what a lusus is? But he's...I guess you could say he's a family friend.

A lusus is a guardian, one who serves in the position of caretaker to a young troll, from wiggler to maturity. At some point in the life of the two, these roles will alternate, so that the lusus becomes a responsibility, one to be themselves cared for, in order to prepare the young one for their role.

Now, to complete this act of exchange, may I inquire on the definition of family, if you don't mind?

Oh, well that kind of sounds like Giles...sorta. Though I don't think we ever got to a point where Buffy was caring for him.

Family...mostly it's who you're related to...by blood, I mean. Like, my sister and I have the same parents and that makes us a family.

[Okay that's not entirely true but it'll do for now]

But sometimes there are people you become close to that you start to see as...I guess a family you choose for yourself. And that's where Giles fits in.

[ "Parent", what is that? ]

By blood? So, you're referring to those who share in your caste?

Um...no? I mean, I guess that's a thing too but I sorta mean, like...genetically?

[She is about the worst person to be explaining this, all things considered, but she's trying to keep it brief because slightly distracted right now]

Well, I've heard some discuss the topic of ancestry, even one little one claim to be my own descendant, which is patently ludicrous, to be quite honest. Is that what you're discussing?

[ Because what even are sibling? ]

Yes! Or, well, sort of. Ancestry implies generations from way back but it's the same basic idea, that genetics get passed from one generation to the next.

This "Buffy" you mentioned previously, then, she is your ancestor? It must be quite an accomplishment to have not discovered her identity, but you speak of her as though you know her quite well!

How is this possible? Do humans have such a prolific lifespan that we had not anticipated?

Huh? No, no...I mean yeah, I know her well, we grew up together. It...okay, when I can move properly again I'll try and map it out for you. It might make more sense that way.

Yes, my apologies, there are certainly other topics of more tantamount priority than that, at present.

It's fine, really. It's a good distraction. I just meant, I can't really do the whole helpful diagram thing right now.

Such a weight must present a difficulty in collecting your thoughts.

Well...yeah, sorta. But I mean, this is giving me something else to think about so you're definitely helping.

Well, for that much, I can be glad to assist, then.

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