#odyssey

"Maybe we just have to accept that, from time to time, we have to repair the )(&@*^#() cable!" A sour scowl.

Gwen wanders over, "i heard yelling"

“But we don’t know how.” Reasons the scrappy guy.

“Can’t just be having random techs out here.”

"Won't be random" Gwen assures "And sides, maybe one of you could learn the trade? If you have any interested in such"

Thistle crumples up the paper, still scowling.

Gwen looks at the paper "Can I see?"

Dayana scowls at the taller lady. “See, Rayana - now you've upset her and none of us will have internet.”

"No, it's drek."

She rubs at her face with the heels of her hands.

Dayana reaches out and grabs at the paper, a hint of desperation. “It’s NOT… Drek, whatever that is! So what if it needs repair! You can teach us… or you can come back, or find a new way!”

Watching her potential lifeline vanish.

"I can't do it. Maybe Wudlig could..."

“We don’t know him. No one here trusts him! We don’t HAVE Wudlig. We have you.”

Trusting. Nearby, Grog grumbles in agreement.

Gwen says "Come on, Thistle. you've come so far. Dont beat yourself up now. Look what you've done so far. "

She wraps her arms around her scrawny torso. "Sketches that won't work."

"Okay" Gwen sits down "is this really about the cable and network, or is this worry about your family set up with your dad and Frankie that you can't predict?"

"No, I can't... like, it isn't enough..."

“It’s a start.” Dayana says. “It’s more than we’ve had in… ever since I can remember.” She adds, smoothing out some of the torn papers.

"Whatever I think of is just wrong for a new reason."

“What do any of them know? They just think of reasons not to try!”

"Exactly!" Her spirals have gone a wobbly lilac. Not grey, but... not a happy color.

“Even if the Chieftess says we can change, when people are in a rut, or comfortable, they don’t want to. Well, -I- want to. I’m just Kin, but even I can see that we can be more than what we’re become.”

Gwen looks about, then sees something from the earlier party and with some caution, takes something from the table and clearing the mouth piece begins to play

A rousing song, no pan gift possible, but actually a good performance, meant to cheer her friend up a bit. We are the Champions floats while Dayana urges Thistle on with fine words

"You're not 'just' a kin. You're really cool."

“So, let’s look at this again. We can start by ordering the cable. We’ll need to coordinate with our chicanerists, make sure that the telecom techs don’t see anything they oughtn’t… and go from there. Fix the problems as they come up.”

She pauses, and listens.

A smile.

"Why can't we just fuddle th'furkin' sharks?"

"They aren't smart."

"You can’t just…” Rayana starts to say, then… trails off.

Dayana pokes a finger at the muscular girl, there is a bit of resemblance there. “SEE? Almighty warrior doesn’t know everything! Ha!”

"Freeholds have passive 'ignore me' wards, I know it's possible..."

"I don't know how to DO it..."

“We have magicians. You have the tech. We just need to find a way to work the two together.”

Gwen keeps playing, softly so not to stomp over the conversation

Rayana has crossed her arms and is sulking a bit. Day nudges her. “don’t be sore just because it’s a problem you can’t stab.”

That might get a warble in the music as Gwen tries not to chuckle in sympathy. yeah, stabbing problems is easier

Head tilt.

"Siblings?"

They nod at the same time. “Ray is the elder, and heir.” “Daya is smarter, though.”

"Gotta say, I don't envy the skin thing. Seems... tough."

“Sting-Ray was the better choice. Me, I have the workshops, and Grog… and soon, online classes, right?”

Dayana gives Thistle a hopeful, trusting look.

Gwen has moved on to playing She blinded me with Science

"Maybe." Huff.

“So I’ll talk to our suppliers, get the wires in, and you’ll come back to help us set it up? Might take a few weeks, months - But by then it’ll be cold enough that maybe you’ll be ready for a trip to the sun.”

Gwen looks sheepish as she has to hand the flute back to an old Kinian man who apparently is the rightful owner

Shrug. "I guess."

Dayana reaches out. “Thistle, I can count on you, can’t I? I need this. We need this.”