Network Romance

Exerts from messages across the Br1n Network.

Starfall to Collector, I hope they deliver this to you well. You asked me to keep my eyes out for Miss Moondance but no word there. Her aide came to town, is here with the Stargazer and his collection of lads - disrupting my view of the stars for the near future. How is trading for your bindings - or not trading as is your preference. I thought I heard a salit at my window last early-eve. Do you wear pink in your hair like you threatened you would? I'm still angry the workers won't let me send you multiple messages a day. I think its personal. Always here, Starfall.

Collector here. News is there are petitions to get the academy to fund another land train to Saburra. Wouldn't that be fun, another chance for us to think about visiting. Though you have your tasks at the observatory, and I have my tasks with Bindings and Boundings. Have you talked to the stargazer about his lads staying out of your notes yet? You need to stand up for yourself. And eat. The network ladies told me you are looking so thin. Yes I made my hair pink, it makes me look dashing when I prance around town like a... no seriously it is pink. Our games mean too much for me to back out now. Get rest, your friend.

Starfall to Collector, I had not heard about the land train. I was too interested in the demon-led caravans leaving the city into Levis itself. They want to see how deep into the continent they can push those big murder birds. I snacked on something this morning - I hope you are happy as now I will feel bloated all day. I shall have to pout and imagine your pink haired smirk. I indeed would love to visit you, but the stargazer's guests are helping the lads explore and my secret stash of starberry wine is in danger of being found and more scandalously, consumed. Always here, Starfall.

Collector here. I get you out of that desert city one time and now some impertinent little fancy-lad with too much sway in the hip is searching for the one gift you gave yourself. If I could travel their and kick his ass, what a glorious day that would be. I asked the network about your caravans - Eratora you call them. They seem huge, though I wonder if a Troll could fit on one. Akio-Ao always says he wishes to try new things, and he would have so much fun before returning to help us with the inking. The dyes from my hair have stained his fungi pink and he says we are twins. Lock the cabinets, your friend.

Starfall? It has been a few days since my last missive. Usually you are quick to respond. Have I done something wrong? Are you ok? I've asked the network woman to find a way to deliver this to you. Damn your wine, damn your guests, I just want you safe. I'm here, your friend.

Collector. I might be around less. I am having to perform community service with the gardeners after attacking one of the stargazer's lads when they found my stuff and started to rifle through it. He said it wasn't labelled and in the observatory and so public resources. They damaged the neck accessory you gifted me. I - was possessed by a clouding rage. This was not controlled of me. I hope you stay pink until we can talk again. Always here, Starfall.

Collector here. I will wait for you, Starfall. Though that does make me right in our last discussion about you trading for a spare room. With the whisperling-like behaviour of the stargazer's people, you need a space that you can store your stuff. I am sending across in the next land-train a new accessory - Akio-Ao is better with making these and will help me work the finer details. My fellow inkers tell me to say 'I worry about you'. Garden well, your friend.

Collector. I worry about you too. Those scarlet-minded lads of the stargazer say that I get flustered when I talk about going to the network to message you. I do not like what that implies. I have learnt that I also do not like the way soil clings to my knees when I perform tasks. Do you have any suggestions? Also I received the accessory that you and Akio-Ao sent. I shan't be taking it off. Always here, Starfall.

Collector here. I am glad you enjoyed the accesory. Did you see the circuit paint he painted into the dried nuts? If you focus you can make it glow over your heart. If I remember how tall you are. For your knees, you might either want knee guards, or long pants, though I know you find them stifling. I could ask around the lower city if there are any salves that might assist. I am flustered too, your friend.

Collector. The days are getting longer with the tasks in the gardens. Did you know they have their own language? Also it glows over my sternum. I will try pants. Did you explore the lower city? Always here, Starfall

Oh Starfall, the lower city showed me all their stargazing devices, they even told me of some in the forests nearby - though those seem claimed by spirits. No salves, just stories I wish I could show you. I would adore if you sent the name of a binding on the language you mentioned. So that I might know your days better. Your friend, Collector

I have sent the name. Please slow down, Collector, you know I can't go as fast or far as you. I have sent more nightweed with the caravan. Be delightfully pink for me. I am trying. Always here.

I am doing nothing. Not yet. The pink stains my hair and hands, imagine that. Your friend, the inker of Natare.

Solaris silks are not nothing. Nor is sending them with tailoring patterns. Plus you know my stitching needs work. I will find something pink to wear if you approve. Objectively I know you do not possess a sigil for all pink-dom. But I have heard so much of your hair that in my mind, you and the colour are che. Always here, Starfall.

Starfall. Is your message your own or am I having the network simplify your words? You say go slow and just burst out with a che right in the middle of a message. Please help me understand you, your friend.

Starfall. One week is not a little busy. Fine. I will tell you that there was a large contingent of text from the archive that we had to get through since we last talked. We recieved help from a demon named Fly, though they seem easily distracted. Fly has a fascination with the sky, particularly the dreadnaught, though we explained some of the stars to them, and it reminded me of you. I will try, Collector.

My friend, I don't know if you got my last. The days gardening leave me tired and it has been quite a bit since I last saw the stars with anything but my own two eyes. I'm asleep these days by early evening - when there's only one sun to light the way, and things are still lazing around before they rest. I'll try to send another message, but I value your patience with me. Always here, Starfall.[aloud]

I still await a message from you. Your avoidance is becoming silly. I went up the Natahim to the coast - got to feel the rush of salt water on my face, cried a little that its been nearly a third of a season since I head from you. I wish I got to see the paperbark readings of your messages every day like we used to. You wanted time with me then, and you were 'always here'. I'm sorry I moved to fast, but this silence is something I cannot stand. I will try, Collector.

[aloud]I know you try, I don't know why or what is happening that you don't get my messages, but I keep sending them. You'd not recognise me right now, my skin has darkened, like rough bark, and my arms strain into muscles. They have passed me back my things from the observatory and asked me to stay away for now. My observation for Miss Moondance will have to wait. Always here, even if you don't get these - Starfall.

There was someone with too much of an interest in me stopping the messages. It is over now. I can read your voice, though I feel many have been lost forever. This matters not, as I will hear your words when I come visit you. Lets start afresh, Collector.

I have a ticket, I will visit you. I cannot stay, but they will let me go for the threeday. Meet me at station. Always there, Starfall

You left so fast. This message may beat you back. You are taller than I thought you would be, skinnier too. You were right, your skin is bark brown and it suits your kind eyes. One of my shawls is with you, keep it safe. I'm sorry, Collector

Collector. I sent this as soon as I recieved yours. I am shocked. I need to process, but that is my burden to perform. You did nothing wrong, even if a kiss is e-pede fast. One of us needed to, and I just need to process if this is desire or connection. I am still always here, even if I am now always there too. Please be always there too. Starfall.

The messages were found, bound in the cover of a binding covered in star patterns. The collection has joined the Grand Library for research.