Research!

[chrysopteron]

After finding her way to Milliways again, Iris finally learned about the rooms upstairs.

And there is a library!









A copy of Aesop's Fables gets produced for Iris, and is read several times over with great interest and confusion (at times), before really thinking about the opportunities.

"...Where could I find a scroll on...genetics?"

The book provided by the library engrosses Iris for quite some time - she gives up the attention required to hide her wings from view after the first hour.

Comments

[balancingminds]

"Politics and human interaction are constants. You've probably seen people do the same, its just a different setting. May I try something? I can perhaps share my memories and project what my Oxford is like to you,"

As in terms of such a complicated place, its far easier to show than explain.

[chrysopteron]

Again, Iris is wary. Putting things in her mind. Projecting?

But he's not reading. Charles is safe.

"...Alright."

[balancingminds]

No, he's sharing with her and not taking anything. He rests his hand on his forehead and closes his eyes before focusing on her hand as he opens his memories and images of Oxford to her.

They're presented in a chronology of his time there and then his day to day life.

[chrysopteron]

The clothes. All the books.

All the ale.

Iris listens, sees, listens again. It only all makes sense because of how commonplace Charles presents everything.

"That must get distracting."

[balancingminds]

He laughs and there's a series of memories of going out with Raven,

"Sometimes but mainly it keeps me from getting lost in my work."

[chrysopteron]

"There would be those who would miss you if that were so."

The brunette in his Tuesday lecture.

Raven.

Almost everyone who knows Charles, really.

[balancingminds]

"That's why I try not to get too lost in my work. Milliways helps as it gives me more time to work without losing out on anything else,"

It just makes everything easier though it does create new complications.

[chrysopteron]

"Milliways is another place of work for you?"

This is not always so, Charles!

"That seems incredibly unfortunate."

[balancingminds]

"Only sometimes and not always, I promise.

[chrysopteron]

"I'm not so sure. Learning follows you around like a noontime shadow," Iris jokes.

"But your world does seem the perfect place for you."

[balancingminds]

"Well, if you ever see me studying or working too much then I give you permission to make me stop. Not quite perfect but close to it."

[chrysopteron]

"Of course."

Charles still has to hide himself.

"I am sorry that your world would not accept you as you are."

[balancingminds]

"I hope in time that won't have to be true. Here I don't have to hide as much,"

That is a step forward.

[chrysopteron]

"I hope you do not have to hide with me?"

[balancingminds]

"No, I don't. I've never done what we just did with anyone before,"

He's done smaller versions, sharing a moment or a projection but not that scale before.

[chrysopteron]

Which is simultaneously wonderful and difficult to hear.

"I feel as though I should repay in kind. I wouldn't know what to offer."

[balancingminds]

He reaches his hand up to touch her hair,

"You took me upon a rainbow and have shown me how you see the world. More than that I can't imagine."

[chrysopteron]

Iris beams widely at Charles and his new proximity, taking in the words.

"You must have questions - it is how you understand the world. If you don't, perhaps I should be more aloof!"

[balancingminds]

"I do, but have I answered yours properly?"

His can wait because he likes her perspective on his world.

[chrysopteron]

"For now."

[balancingminds]

"Good. Then tell me what you've been doing since we last spoke. As I don't know what your day to day world looks like."

[chrysopteron]

But how is that possibly interesting?

Although Iris' confusion remains on her face, she starts with, "I returned to Olympus after the party. The lady Artemis asked me to look over the new dedication of a grove in her honor."

It's been a quiet week or so.

"If I am not working, I...stay in Olympus. I did visit my father a few days ago."

[balancingminds]

"Was it a nice visit?"

He's curious about the relationships between the gods as opposed to just the stories about them.

[chrysopteron]

"Oh yes."

Iris always liked visiting the river Thaumas. The stillness of the water, the --

Hmm.

Iris reaches towards Charles to mimic his tic, fingers to temple.

"Can you see him?"

[balancingminds]

The movement makes him smile as he leans his face towards her so her fingers rest on his temple.

Then he focuses and he finds the image and feeling she presents to him, "Oh yes."