video | un: flowercrown

[floralias]

(( Today when Will takes to the network, he looks a little more serious than usual. There's a some weariness around his features, like he didn't get a good night's rest. But he cards his fingers through his hair to push it back and he manages a soft smile when he looks into the camera. ))

I'm curious.

There are people here from so many different places and times with so many different expectations about social interactions. So, I'm really curious. What's considered right and good behavior when and where you come from? What's polite? What's rude? What's something one could get away with but could be questionable? Is there some sort of social hierarchy?

Comments

[floralias]

It's a similar sort of thing. Just because someone can reach out to you at all times, doesn't necessarily mean you're available. Maybe you're taking a bath or on a date and don't want to be disturbed. But then some people might get unhappy if you don't respond to them immediately.

[dragonrising]

I wonder if the advances in technology for communication have contributed to a shift in cultures over the eras. Where as it became easier the way we speak to each other changed to be more casual as well.

Do you think that's possible? You seem to perhaps be from a future time than I am.

[floralias]

I think it might have. Once the telephone became commonplace, and people could have more private conversation, they didn't have to worry about being judged by the social mores of their peers as they would in public. And other forms of communication that were borne of the telephone made business and industry work faster and faster which eventually made more work for people because they're expected to accomplish more during their working and waking hours.

[dragonrising]

I see.

So those of a more ancient time would still expect it, unfairly mind you, because they're used to much slower communication. Whereas those of a more future time would be used to adapting because of how rapidly things change. Intriguing.

[He hums as he thinks of a friend of his.]

For some who move slow I would say to have patience in teaching them. But some can be so stubborn they would rather be blind than see the path forward.

[floralias]

Adaptability works both ways, I think. It's a two-way street. You can have the greatest teacher of all time fail if their student isn't willing to learn. Alternately, the best student won't flourish if their teacher is bad. But we're all teachers and learners at the same time, especially in a place like this with so many different kinds of people!

(( He's actually very excited by that and it shows in the way his cadence picks up and the smile threatening to take over his face. ))

[dragonrising]

[He smiles as he listens, enjoying the excitement this young man expresses so freely. It's nice.]

You're right. Only the truly arrogant would feel they have no lessons left to learn in life. Even from the inexperienced.

[floralias]

Mm, but then comes the question of how much grace to give. When does it become a waste of time trying to be patient in the teaching or learning? Of course, everyone moves at their own pace and there's no one answer to that. Sorry, I'm just babbling!

[dragonrising]

You have nothing to apologize for. I feel that is a fair question. I believe the answer is that if you feel that nothing is being gained but frustration then it is best to stop. You can teach and learn from another. But a wall is just a wall.

[floralias]

Well, I'm lucky in that the people I've met so far have been very adaptable.

[dragonrising]

There was a time when I was that wall. Where I didn't want to learn and only have my way.

[He smiles sadly.]

I lost everything that way. It's no way to live your life or expect others to live. Adapting with those around you will lead to more happiness.

[floralias]

(( Will nods as Runyu explains. ))

We all have to learn our lessons. Sometimes it takes losing everything to learn them.

[dragonrising]

Sadly yes. I don't know that I would call it a blessing to have had the lesson. Yet at the same time I'm grateful for it so I won't hurt others that way again. Perhaps I can hopefully keep others from doing the same.

[floralias]

It's never easy to learn from another's mistakes, unfortunately. Everyone has to make their own.

[dragonrising]

Unfortunately so. I can only share my experiences and hope for the best.

[floralias]

That's all that can be done.

[dragonrising]

You must be older than you look. You speak with a lot of wisdom.

[floralias]

I'm Fae.

[dragonrising]

Fae? I'm afraid I'm not so familiar with your kind. Would you mind explaining what it means to be Fae?

[floralias]

Some people call us fairies. We're like... magical elemental beings. My domain is flowers, as an example. My boyfriend can manipulate water and ice.

[dragonrising]

Fairies are such different beings where I come from. How interesting. [And this one is tied to flowers... He pushes that thought aside and smiles gently.]

Water is my element as well.

[floralias]

That makes sense since you're a dragon.

(( Will nods like that's the perfect explanation for his water affiliation. ))

What are fairies like for you?

[dragonrising]

Mm. Perhaps the easiest explanation is that they are weaker Immortals who have not yet gained enough energy to achieve Immortality yet. Most often they are very young and still in need of guidance. Especially if they hope to one day reach such power levels.

[floralias]

Ohhh, interesting! That does sound quite different. Is that part of your social hierarchy, too? Like fairies are a lower tier than what you are?

[dragonrising]

Something like that, yes. They can hold seats of power at times when an Immortal in their field is not there for one reason or another... [Largely just if they're, well, dead.] But they often serve the Immortals who can properly help them to manage things and even aid them in increasing their abilities.

[floralias]

So they're mentored? Interesting! The Fae where I come from aren't much like that at all. There's stratification -- royals, nobles, everyone else -- but there isn't much in the way of mentoring or cooperation. It's sort of a sink-or-swim situation.