"A Quest Of Friends"

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, Waterfall City Library

As the party entered the library, Hazen scanned the shelves and cubbyholes. As he mentioned at the start of the tour, he was amazed with the sheer size of the collection they had. Although he had a basic knowledge of the Footprint script, it would take him a while to properly translate Saurian in his mind. He had a hunch, though, that they were in the reference section, judging by the prevalence of workers and scroll-reading machines. He kept Sara and Tebo in the corner of his gaze, making sure he didn't get lost as they aimlessly made their way to Bentfeather's office.

When they stepped inside, Hazen smiled and fought the urge to chuckle, seeing Bentfeather's small couch on top of the desk. As necessary as it was, he still found it comical to have miniature-sized furniture on top of a desk. Hazen's eyes scanned the office as Bentfeather addressed Tebo and Sara, trying to glean more about his new tutor's personality from the accessories and adornments inside the room. Before he had a chance to properly digest this information, Sara and Tebo had stood up to leave. Not wanting to be rude, Hazen took a seat across from Bentfeather, feeling a nervous pit in his stomach form, something he hadn't felt since he met some of his professors in college in their offices.

With a sigh, Hazen looked at the feathered librarian. Bentfeather asked if he was comfortable and Hazen nodded. To his surprise, he found out that the Microraptor was a music lover. "I love music!" Hazen began. "I can't tell you how many hours I've spent listening to my favorite groups. I consider myself to be a bit of an amateur guitarist, as a matter of fact. Nothing you'd be familiar with, I'm sure, but good music nonetheless." He looked at the phonograph that Bentfeather was wrestling with. It appeared to play old, late-Victorian, wax cylinders. He was about to offer some help in setting it up, but declined to when Bentfeather set the stylus in the groove.

As Hazen expected, it sounded archaic compared to the high-fidelity vinyl records, compact discs, and digital downloads that he was used to, but he listened carefully to the sounds of a guitar sonata, accompanied by a few bellows. He leaned in his chair, listening to the sounds. When Bentfeather informed him that the record was three hundred years old, he nearly did a double take. A young Mozart was probably thrilling Austrian royalty with his talents when this was made! The shock wore off quickly though.

"It is a great little tune," Hazen admitted as he tried to appreciate how the piece progressed. "I can honestly say I've never heard anything quite like it." After Bentfeather related the tale of the Greek Dolphinback Pegasus Omaphrani, Hazen nodded, taking it in. It was encouraging in a way knowing how an artist like himself could carve a niche for himself in this brave new world. Then Bentfeather reiterated to him how he had to set aside his past life to adapt.

Hazen exhaled, making a sound halfway between a sigh and a groan. He had been lectured on this point many times before. Adapt, he was willing to do. Forget, he was not. "Listen, Bentfeather, I--. You can't expe--. Try to--. Like it--." Between each sentence fragment, he forced himself to stop, remembering that he wouldn't exactly be helping himself if he made an enemy out of his tutor on the very first day. Resigned to this eventuality, he asked what he must do.

When Bentfeather suggested a course of action Hazen stood up, sensing the end of the conversation. "I think I agree that may be the best way to address this issue. I'll be here after lun-- er, Noonmeal." With a respectful bow, Hazen said in Saurian, "Breathe deep, Bentfeather-saur." After Bentfeather completed the greeting, Hazen made his way out of the office and back outside.

TAG: Any and all.

[DinoGirl]

IC: Sara Warner, Waterfall City places

The library was bigger than she had imagined. It's high vaulted ceilings and marble floors were something to behold. She was amazed to find that instead of books, there were mostly scrolls. They sat in beehive-like alcoves and were very interesting to look at. As they passed the reading machine, she stopped Tebo and had him describe how it worked.

She was also very curious about what the footprint signs meant and stopped him at each one to have him read them. Sara knew that she was stalling but part of her was truly very curious. When they finally reached the office, Sara's mind was whirling at all the new things she was trying to take in.

The office they entered was filled with ancient artifacts. To one side was an old music player and took an effort to stop looking around and focus on Bentfeather. She accepted the school papers handed to her quietly. Accepting the fact she was a beginner student. It made sense but it still hurt to be bumped back to level one. She was tempted to read the one from Canyon City and what they had said about her but conceded that it would impossible because she didn't know the language.

Sara also accepted the other papers for her new quarters. She was mildly bewildered when she looked at the hotel papers. Was she going to have her own apartment? Her heart sped in excitement.

With everything sorted out, she and Tebo were dismissed. It was weird shaking hands with feathers and claws, but compared to the others things that had been happening, this was almost normal.

After Tebo had closed the office doors, she asked, "Where to next?"

TAG- Tebo, anyone else

[Thundertail]

IC: Tebo Lewis with Sarah Warner, Waterfall City, Mosasaur harbor and home.

Tebo Lewis led Sarah Warner out of Bentfeather’s office and out into the library proper beyond. He knew he had to take her home, or rather the quarters the court had provided for her; and it was a pleasant surprise that she was to stay at the Harborside hotel right next door to where his family lived, so they would be neighbors of sorts! He smiled at this, but became all business just as quickly as they came out onto the rows and rows of books and scrolls; then an idea hit him, and he led the way to a little detour.

He figured that she might need a map of the city after all, and led the way to the Cartography department of the library. There was row upon row of map niches, filled with detailed maps of every landform on and around Dinotopia. These were not to be taken from the library, but sent to the Copy department if anyone wanted to travel to those areas. Down at the end of a row was a crate-like bin where already copied maps stood, and poked through it until he found several versions of the street map of Waterfall City; taking them to a near by table to spread them out.

“I figure you might need a map after all.”, he smiled slightly as he weighed down the corners of one with items on the table. “This one shows you the streets, but not the buildings…”, he rolled the map back up and tried another one.

After weighing it down he smiled. “This one might be best for you…”, It was more of a painting than a map, showing colored buildings along each street - as well as descriptions of all the buildings; and even though it wasn’t to perspective, it showed everything important in Waterfall City. “It’s like a Skybax-eye view of the city!”

After her comment on how beautiful it was, Tebo said: “I hear you were at Canyon City, so I suppose you know what a Skybax is…”, she nodded. “I’m afraid of them… One time when I was little, one knocked me over. She was very sorry, but still I’m scared of them…”, At her sad look, Tebo hurriedly began to put the unused maps away.

“I think we should be going…”, he said as he led her out toward the entrance of the library.

Back in the streets, people and saurians were milling about Juggler’s square; those who chose to were just setting up picnic areas as was some people’s custom when enjoying Noonmeal in the square. Children of all species were seen running around and playing while their parents or guardians watched blissfully from where they had chosen to sit or mill about. Noticing Sarah’s longing stares at the food, Tebo suggested they stop for a bite to eat as soon as they got to a small eatery near the beginnings of Mosasaur harbor; of which the proprietor gave them bowls of meatless chowder when he heard that Sarah was a Dolphinback. When done Tebo thanked the man and continued to lead her through the dockside streets and onward to the Harborside hotel.

They stepped onto the wooden portico in front, bell ringing as they went through the door and Tebo rang the bell on the front desk for service. “Anybody home…?”, he shouted.

Within moments an older, lanky human lady came out, smiling at the pair of young humans she mistook for a recently Nested couple and said as she wrung her hands on her apron. “Well well!… What can I do for you, little sir and ma’am?”

“I am Tebo Lewis, and this is Sarah Warner.”, began Tebo. “I have been appointed by the court to escort this Dolphinback to her new abode…”

“Oh! That!”, she said, surprised. “I didn’t recognize you in your new clothes, Tebo!”, she skirted around the counter. “And miss Sarah Warner!… So good to meet you!”, she looked them both over. “I am Emily Freedom, and I run the place. So good to meet you, my dear… and Tebo, why don’t you visit more often…?”

“The court said you have a room for her…”, Tebo reminded.

“Oh yes!”, Emily said. “Right this way… Um, did the court give you any paperwork?…”, at Tebo’s direction, Sarah began getting it out. “I hate paperwork, don’t you?…”

Emily returned to her post as Sarah presented it on the counter. “…Yes, yes. It seems to all be in order… Just sign that line at the bottom and I can file it.”, she produced a quill pen and inkwell.

She scooted down the counter and put a hand on a book there. “Then over here, sign the guest register…”, she indicated a book on a turnstile pedestal at one end of the counter, turning it to face her. “And I will see you to your room…”

She looked toward a back area. “RASPUTAIN!… Please get this young lady’s things…”, the Troodont snapped a saurian salute in his miniature bellhop’s cap and vest and grabbed her bags.

Emily Freedom led the group to the side, where a sprawling stairway spiraled around the main foyer of the hotel; Rasputin took the rear as they went, and at the third floor of the building they came to a corridor that nearly split the building on that floor. Emily led the way to the left, and all the way down to the last door facing the harbor. She swung the door open and stepped back, gesturing theatrically with her hands. The room was done up in colorful linens, beautiful inlaid bedroom furniture, a dark wooden desk, an ornate brass canopied bed with royal blue and mint green bedding, priceless appearing paintings on the walls and intricate brass Sunstone chandelier hanging from the arched ceiling.

“Taa-daa!…”, she said and chuckled. “Our best suite! Canopy bed, closet and plenty of storage drawers, mirrors, plenty of light with all these windows…”, she flowed around the room, displaying each amenity as she described them. She went to the large windows in front - which was actually doors to the balcony and smiled. “And a balcony with a beautiful view of the harbor!…”

“Amazing!”, Tebo said, and Sarah had to agree. “I never been here before…”

“You never been a guest here, that’s why, kiddo!”, Emily told him. “And now, sweetie…”, she addressed Sarah. “A few things to know before you get settled in…”

At a questioning look, Emily continued. “First thing, Morningmeal is at Sunrise - not much later or you don’t get any. We are a family hotel here, and we all eat together in the dining room downstairs. I’ll have someone show you where it is later.”, Emily checked a windowsill for dust. “The same goes for Noonmeal and Eveningmeal, unless you eat some place else…”

“And another thing…”, Emily got up and drew the bed down. “You must keep your room as clean as possible. Make the bed and don’t leave your things laying around. We have maids, and they will take care of the linen laundry; but will clean your clothes if you request it.”

She stood next to the door and grabbed the knob before speaking again. “We all pitch in around here - employees as well as guests.”, she saw Sarah’s bewildered look. “Don’t worry, they’ll be easy chores at first!… Now, other than that, I will leave so you can get settled in… and have a nice stay!”, she opened the door and stepped out.

“She’s a little weird, isn’t she…”, Tebo commented when he was sure she was out of earshot, then went to the balcony and looked to the right. “See?… There’s the building I live in…”, he looked up and slightly more to the right, across the alley between the buildings. “…and there is my bedroom window!”, Sarah looked and commented.

“Um, I was going to go home and ask my folks if they could have a guest for dinner…”, he told her. “That is if you want to have Eveningmeal with us…?”, as she decided, he continued. “I mean, it would be an honor to have a newcomer to our shores as our Eveningmeal guest…”, she declined for now. “OK, then. I’ll leave you here and go home myself then…”, he thought. “I will escort you to the schoolhouse in the morning. I think you’re supposed to start at seven… Have a wonderful night, miss Warner…”, Tebo shook her hand and made his way out the door…
_

OCC: The following scene, as well as most of the next, has nothing to do with the immediate plot of the RP; but it sets up other things in the future of the RP, and begins that evening and early morning of the next day…

IC: Bentfeather, his office at the Waterfall City library.

Bentfeather watched the door close as Hazen Baker left his office, listening with his acute hearing his footfalls on the marble floor; then spun around as he noticed another noise coming from behind. The ancient phonograph was still on, and the scratchy sound was from the cylindrical recording on it! He rushed over and lifted the tone arm and flipped the switch to deactivate it, checking the ancient recording for damage; for both recording and player were practically museum pieces! As he was doing this, Bentfeather noticed another sound coming from outside the door. The boot falls were not of Hazen or of Tebo or anyone he knew, and the knocking rung deafening in his ears!

“Come in!… Come in!”, he squawked. “Stop causing such a din!”

The door opened, and in walked a strange human dressed in Skybax Lieutenant attire; and his graying sideburns told he was a senior in the corps. “Sorry to disturb you, sir.”, said the human. “I have a message for a sir Bentfeather Microraptor, of the Waterfall City library…”

“That is me…”, Bentfeather said. “What could it possibly be?”

“They did not say, sir.”, said he. “Also, the sender did not wish to be named.”

“I see…”, Bentfeather considered. “What is it, if I may know…”

“It is a parcel, sir.”, the pilot placed a thick paper folder on the desk. “Also, the sender requested you do not open it until I leave.”

“Hmmm…, this IS a mystery!”, said Bentfeather, smiling. “Well, if I am to find out; I guess I must see you out!”

“Breathe deep…”, the pilot said as he backed out and saluted.

“Read fast!”, Bentfeather made his own rendition of the saying, and the Skybax pilot turned and walked out the door.

Flapping off the shelf and landing on the desk, Bentfeather walked over and examined his new parcel; which looked like some kind of book, by the size. He undid the wrapping and discovered it was a book, a notebook by how it was bound; and looking on the first page, he read it aloud. “The Outer Island Expedition volume Four, by Nicolai Sanders”. By the saints! It was his Partner’s notebook! Nicolai was on an expedition to the Outer Island because rumor had it that there was a primative tribe of Dromeosaurs living there, discovered by fruit pickers that lived in Culebra; which was the only inhabited town on the island.

They left more than a year ago, and Nicolai asked Bentfeather to be substitute Chief Librarian in his stead as he was in charge of the library; a task that bent feather jumped at the chance. So far not a word was heard from the expedition, and Bentfeather assumed that they were too busy to write back and let a person know! Bentfeather flipped through the next few pages, and a folded piece of paper flopped to the desk. The note said it was from Frank Stratt, who was Expedition Procurer of supplies and provisions; and outside of the expedition experts and scholars that went along, was in charge of the menial help that went with them. Bentfeather opened the note and read what was on it:

To Bentfeather Microraptor,

I regret to inform you that Chief Librarian Nicolai Sanders passed away on the Outer Island. Time of death, six weeks by the time you receive this note. We are truly sorry for the grievances this news would no doubt bring, and our love and support go to you, sir Bentfeather, for bearing the brunt of this news.
We had discovered the band of primative Dromeosaurs, and struck good relations with them. However, their village had been terrorized by a rogue Gigonatosaurus. After several raids, Nicolai came up with a plan to negotiate with the creature; and thusly met his untimely demise.
Please do not tell anyone besides trusted ascociates as we have sent official word to the Waterfall City council; and they will handle things accordingly…

With the very best hope…
Frank Stratt

Bentfeather stared at the note blankly for many moments, not believing what he had just read. His Partner, whom he grew up with, DEAD?!… His jaw worked over the news without a sound, one tear welling in his eye; then all of a sudden a torrent fell from both eyes, and he stumbled to the surface of the desk racked in sorrowful convulsions. They did not stop for what seemed to be hours, and as he rose weary and weak from the effort, stumbled to his resting couch and slumped there spraddled and not caring.

Many hours later in the evening, he found himself still there; having undergone many bouts of wailing sorrow. Bentfeather Microraptor, suddenly without the best friend he had ever had in his life, eventually drifted off into the swimming turmoil of his haunted dreams…
_

TAG: Sarah, Hazen, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, Canal Street, Waterfall City

Dusk had settled on Waterfall City. Streetlamps were being lit, glowing with the sunstones they contained. Hazen spent his Eveningmeal at a harborside restaurant he found a liking to, especially when he needed time to himself. As usual, he wasn't very talkative, and, as usual, he got a few prodding questions from Flo, one of the waitresses and daughter of the restaurant's proprietor, but he quickly dismissed them. A part of Hazen thought that it was some sort of flirtatious game they played with each other, but he wasn't exactly interested in her. Now he was on his way back home, mentally preparing himself for the guilt about to be heaped upon him by Dullclaw.

He rounded a corner and started to the front door of 2187 Canal Street. With a final sigh, he opened the door. "I'm back," he announced. He started to head to the kitchen, figuring that if he couldn't do breakfast dishes, he would be able to atone by doing Eveningmeal dishes.

"Not so fast!" came the voice of Dullclaw from some other part of the boarding house. "We need a little talk."

Hazen froze. With a sigh, he turned to see Dullclaw approach him. "Miss Dullclaw," Hazen said, "I deeply regret reneging on my duties, but this could not wait." Dullclaw replied at such a rapid pace, Hazen was forced to put his hands up illustrating his confusion. "Please," he said, "You need to speak slowly."

Dullclaw made a series of clicks that she only made when she was annoyed. "I said that you are a lucky young mammal for getting a summons like that. I could have really used your help today. My nephew had a hatchingday party here and between the messes from the cakes and the raucus games they played, it was almost too much for me to handle by myself!"

"I said I was sorry," Hazen replied. "Look, I feel bad about it and I want to make it up to you. If you want to work me like an old mule until noon tomorrow, you can. Any chore you want done, it will be."

Dullclaw craned her head. "Really? Any chore?"

"Yes."

"No complaints?"

"None."

Dullclaw was a bit perplexed. It was a very rare event indeed when Hazen exhibited this degree of volunteerism. "You can start with weeding and applying compost to the garden."

Hazen raised a finger, as if he was ready to protest, but he merely shook it at her and said, "As you wish. But I get the first bath tonight."

"Deal," replied Dullclaw, "but only after you complete your chores tonight."

"Naturally," Hazen said with a somewhat forced smile.

Dullclaw chuckled to herself. "I like it when you're this helpful." She turned around to attend to other matters. Hazen removed his jacket and vest before getting the necessary tools.

~~~~~

Hazen didn't take too many baths in recent years and this was a perfect example of how beneficial they could be not just for one's personal hygeine but to help relax the mind and body. When he said that she could work him like a mule, he didn't expect her to actually do it. The last thing he needed to be in his lessons was to be complaining of general soreness. Still, only tomorrow morning would tell the full tale.

After mentally decompressing and toweling off, he stepped outside the bathroom, past the small queue of other humans and Saurians waiting for their turn and into his room. He changed into his sleepwear and collapsed on his bed. He wanted to pull out his guitar and get a few tunes in before going to bed, but he was too tired from the chores and too relaxed by the bath to do anything about it. He did, however, open the window by he head of his bed, rolling on his side to look out at the Dinotopian night. The ever-present roar of the nearby falls covered up any other soundscape he was hoping to hear that night. Lights twinkled from the buildings before him. With a smile, he relaxed more and more, falling asleep to the picturesque sight before him.

TAG: Any and all!

[DinoGirl]

IC: Sara Warner, Waterfall City library and Inn

She followed Tebo to a room full of maps. The more I see this place, the more I think I traveled back in time. As her guide shuffled through a box full of maps, she played with the idea in her head. Maybe that storm was a time flux and I traveled into a whole new dimension! Just like those movies on the sci-fi channel, she thought jokingly. Though these ideas would have been easier to accept, Sara quickly discarded them as impossible.

As she concluded her silly theories, Tebo had pulled out two maps already and found the right one. Sara was glad to have the map and said so too. The exquisite detail was exactly like Tebo said, the perfect ariel view.

As they made their way from the library to her new home, they passed picnickers in the square. She eyed the food longingly, wondering when was the last time she had ate. Luckily for her, Tebo noticed and led the way to a small eatery. Sara had hoped for a moment to talk with him in private but when the food arrive she found herself too ravenous to speak. The chowder was delicious!

When they departed from the restaurant, the sun was lower in the sky. Together they continued through the streets until they reached the Haborside Hotel. They were met by an older woman who Sara guessed was Emily Freedom. At Tebo's direction, she got out the papers and signed them. When presented the guest registry, she signed it, too.

With everything in order, she was shown to her room which was on the third level. When Mrs. Freedom opened to door Sara could only gawk at the room. It was huge! The queen sized bed had a colorful canopy over it with royal blue bedding. A dark wooden desk stood in one corner and priceless art hung on the walls. Above it all sparkled an ornate chandelier which cast an iridescent light over the room.

The grandeur of the place! It was almost more than she could take. "Are you sure I can live here?", she asked Mrs. Freedom.

With polite assurances, she sat on the bed, admiring its softness. Emily gave her a list of things to know while she took in the room and Sara mentally noted it down. She wasn't surprised that she had to do chores. It was common sense to do one thing for another.

When the owner left, Sara joined Tebo on the balcony. It had a spectacular view of the harbor that put other houses to shame. He showed her where he lived and commented on it's closeness.

"I'm sorry, it's just that I'm really tired from the trip." She knew the excuse was weak but she really needed some time alone. It was a small relief when he said he would help her get to the school in the morning.

Right as he was about to leave, Sara stopped him.

"Umm.... Tebo", she called after him. As he turned, she scrambled for something to say. "Err.... thanks for the map."


Tag- Tebo, anyone else

[Thundertail]

IC: Tebo Lewis, Home, Waterfall City and the library.

Tebo Lewis bid himself good night to Sarah Warner, hoping he hadn’t been too forward with her as he made those comments in her new quarters. He had always been taught to be polite, and never offend those he was with; but the thought of having a Dolphinback living next door to him and a girl one at that intrigued him. What things of the outside world could she tell him, things unheard of here for sure; but he had to do as the court and his mentor said and help train her, no matter what his feelings about the situation might be. So far he felt her reaction to him was neutral at best, and she seemed to be more interested in finding out about Waterfall City than any personal comments he had to say; but he understood this because his duty to her came first and any other thing he felt about the situation came last - one of the Dinotopian credos, he guessed.

As he entered his home Mother was still out at the Taylor shop, or so Matilda their Dromeosaur nanny said as she fed his baby sister Sally some pureed greens; and he found that Father was still out on the harbor. Tebo began to fix their dinner after he took off his good clothes and came back down, and by this time the whole family was present. He had made seaweed and spinach Gnocchi - little stuffed pasta pies - with an Okra and basil sauce that his mother didn’t know he knew how to make; and both parents commented both on how he was doing at the library as well as the hat he still wore. He explained he was doing a favor for the court, and he needed good clothes to be in front of them; so Raina his mother said she would run up a few changes for him.

After a little time with his sister Sally, trying to teach the barely coordinated infant to walk; Tebo Lewis went to his bedroom after doing the dishes and fell into a surprisingly restful sleep. In the morning breakfast was waiting for him, and he ate this hurriedly before scooting down and waiting in the foyer of the Harborside hotel. He waited a bit longer than he thought he should for her, but Sarah Warner came out; and he escorted her to the schoolhouse across town for her first day of Beginner classes. After the teacher, Mrs. Dunholm greeted her and scooted aside as the rest of the classed scurried past; Tebo bid his farewell to her for the day and ran the length of the city to the Waterfall City library, for now he had to tend to HIS OWN schooling!

Tebo climbed the steps of the library out of breath, and went to the front desk. “I hope I’m not late… Is sir Bentfeather in yet?”, he panted to Jake.

“Relax, son.”, said Jake. “No, I haven’t seen him come in yet…”, he thought a moment. “But then again, I didn’t see him leave last night, either…”

“He likes to fly out his window sometimes…”, Tilly commented as she opened a file drawer. “You know that.”

“But neither of you know if he’s here or not…”, Tebo concluded. “OK, I’ll go find out.”, he walked the rest of the way through the library.

His office door was not latched, and Tebo opened it nearly soundlessly. “Hello?… Are you here, sir…?’, he peeked around the room, and gasped at the turmoil strewn across the desk!

Usually Bentfeather kept the desk top tidy and practically dust free, but there was a lot of paperwork and a journal of sorts tossed haphazardly across the blotter. The thing that made him gasp the most was the form slouched across his mentor’s resting couch; for even though the color of the feathers matched the ones on Bentfeather, they were so strewn about and out of place he looked like a well worn feather duster! Tebo rushed to the unconscious form there, thinking the poor creature had died; and jerked back as Bentfeather hitched in his sleeping stupor.

“Sir, wake up…”, he looked him over, gently turning the frail looking head. “Are you all right?… Sir, you look like you slept in a mud puddle… “, very little response at his voice or light prodding. “Sir, please wake up…!”

A moment later the Microraptor’s muscles began to work and he twitched, slowly righted his head and slowly drew his eyes open for a second; then quickly closed them again, groaning mewlingly as consciousness slowly returned. Bentfeather blinked repeatedly, continuing the groan as memories manifested themselves; staggeringly righting his whole body on the resting couch, and then he looked around until Tebo’s face filled his vision.

“Oh,… Tebo. It’s you…”, Bentfeather shook his head slightly and regretted it. “I… I got a package… OH! IT WAS AWFUL!…”, he began to weep.

“What is it?…”, Tebo asked, still at a loss!

“It’s… It’s…”, he sobbed. “I can’t…!”, a shaky finger pointed at the journal.

Tebo picked up the journal, and saw a paper under it. Seeing Bentfeather’s saddened nod, he began to read it; and looked up several times at his mentor, understanding growing with every stare. Tebo let the note fall and rushed to his mentor, engulfing him in a holding hug. Bentfeather didn’t resist, but held onto Tebo as his whole body convulsed in emotional turmoil; and after many moments begged disengagement as he wiped his face and straightened his head plumage.

“Nicolai was my Partner!…”, Bentfeather hitched. “I met him many years ago… We both shared a love for literature…”, he sniffed and settled onto the desk, completely deflated. “He was always the one going off on fool expeditions… I thought my refusal to go with him this time would sway him, but NO!”, he cried some more. “Oh look at me!… Blubbering like a hatchling!…”, more sniffles. “Undignified!…”

Tebo let his mentor rant, for it was the best medicine for him; but made his comments when the Microraptor ran out of steam. “I’m so very sorry, sir… You must be crushed!…”, he reached to stroke his back. “But it’s no crime to feel like this - you have the right to feel this way…”, he smiled gently. “Nobody was around to see you like this, and I won’t tell…!”

“You are a good boy… A true friend…”, Bentfeather grasped his hand, then his eyes widened. “What about Hazen and Sarah?!… I have to tutor them, but I can’t do it looking like this!… I’m a mess!”

“Please. Don’t worry about them. You go rest and think about your friend.”, Tebo told him. “I will get them started… It will be OK, I promise…”, Tebo got up.

“But you don’t know how to teach!…”, Bentfeather protested. “You’re barely a student yourself!…”

“Sir, with all due respect, you are in no condition to do this.”, Tebo told him flatly. “And even though it saddens me the loss of your Partner, I feel I am better able to help at least get them started. Maybe later when you feel up to it, but now is not the time; for you had some traumatic news, and anyone with similar news would need time to come to grips with it.”

“Very well, Tebo.”, Bentfeather said at last. “If you feel that strongly about it, you may proceed…”, as the Microraptor tried to get up, another wave of emotion engulfed him; giving him a sad expression, but no tears. “You know, I think you’re right… I suddenly do not feel like doing anything today…”, his head bowed.

“Don’t worry, sir…”, Tebo said as he went for the door. “You’ll feel better sooner or later!…”, he smiled as he closed the door behind him.

Bentfeather stumbled back up on his resting couch, vaguely thinking that he should begin to clean off the desk soon; but hesitated doing so for the other thoughts rifling through his head. The terrible miasma of thoughts concerning the demise of Nicolai Sanders loomed menacingly very near by, but he had to think of other things or else grow insane with despair. The thoughts of duty and the tasks he would have to get to came loyally to mind, and the joy of their successful completion; especially the resolve shown by his apprentice Tebo a few moments ago. Bentfeather had hoped that this day would come for that shy wharf wraith of a child, when his indecisiveness would shatter and he would take initiative on his own, a time that seemed to be right on the horizon for the boy.

True he was saddened that the demise of his partner turned out to be the catalyst for this change, but at least he was trying; and it gave Bent feather a silly tick at that thought of the situation. Silently he saluted his dead Partner, and the determination it put into his apprentice. The only thing that Bentfeather knew was that Tebo Lewis’s training would soon take on a new meaning - whether the lad knew it or not!…
_

IC: Tebo Lewis, the Waterfall City library.

Tebo Lewis trod out of Bentfeather’s office and slowly came to a stop. He didn’t even know where to begin in the teaching of Sarah Warner and Hazen Baker, a task he vowed his mentor he could do! Thinking quickly brought hgim to a time in his life where he went to school himself: his peers and the classroom the beginning of his education came from, the lessons and his dear teacher. He figured the first thing he should do was to have a place to teach them both, and quickly concluded he would have to acquire one of the study rooms in the library.

He went to the front desk and asked if there were any study rooms open for the day, and Jake told him that Study Room 3 was available. Looking into the room in question, Tebo remembered that this room was the one the Debate Club held their discussion many days ago, but it didn’t have that classroom feel yet even though the walls were lined with bookshelves and hundreds of human-legible tomes. The table in the center of the room could be used for a communal desk, and they would only use a few of the six human size chairs surrounding it. Tebo remembered that a classroom would need a chalkboard, and scoured the entire library to find one.

Down near the loading dock in the basement, Tebo found a blackboard; and wheeled it out and up to Study Room 3, then went to find chalk and other blackboard items. For good measure he went to the Copy department and acquired writing implements and supplies, plus stamps and pads for writing the Footprint language, an ample supply of blank paper and all the basic tools needed for learning - including a wall banner he found displaying the saurian alphabet with human translation. As he was bringing all this back to Study Room 3 on a book trolley, his mind was milling over what to teach those two Dolphinbacks as well as the type of literature he would choose that would aid in teaching them.

Scrambling out the door and out into the library proper, Tebo scanned the shelves for the right books to get: ‘Basic Footprint Writing’, ‘Saurian Script’, “Basic Saurian Grammar’, “Dinotopian Codes’ and many more that might be helpful. He filled the cart with said tomes, and threw in a few of the other basic subject books like ones on mathematics, geometry, sciences of a few kinds; and even instruction booklets for menial and specialized tasks like basket weaving and net mending among others. Once he figured he had enough to teach them for now, Tebo returned to the study room to set everything up.

He placed two of the chairs opposite each other across the table and put one at the head of the table, then placed stacks of blank paper near each one; then he placed sets of writing supplies next to each placement. The books he placed along the center of the table, for easy reach as the situation came up. He hung up the banner and set fresh chalk in the trough at the base of the chalkboard; opening the shades of the window before he noticed an enticing smell wafting through the place. The kitchen was preparing Noonmeal… and that meant he would be late in picking up Sarah Warner from her morning classes!

Tebo rushed out of Study Room 3 and sprinted to the front desk. There he hurriedly asked Jake to inform Hazen Baker to go to Study Room 3 and wait for his return. The man asked where Bentfeather was, and Tebo fibbed; saying that he had an urgent engagement, and would not return until later. He told him that Bentfeather told him to tend tutoring the two Dolphinbacks until he returned, and to say that to Hazen if he asks; and then he sprinted out of the library and made a Strutheomimus’s pace getting through the city in order to meet Sarah Warner…
_

Tag: Any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, 2187 Canal Street, Waterfall City

At least I'm not dressed as a maid, Hazen mused as he carried several serving dishes from the kitchen to the main dining area. After setting down a chafing dish and some bowls of porridge on the table, he returned to the kitchen, trying to mask a yawn. Dullclaw woke him up just before dawn so he could complete the other half of his atonement to her. At first, he thought he was going to help her prepare Morningmeal, but he was asked to polish the table and chairs. Apparently, the party yesterday resulted in a great deal of scuffs on the wood surfaces. It must have been one helluva party, he thought at the time.

He returned to the kitchen and said, "Is there anything else that needs to be taken out?"

Dullclaw had another tray. "No, thank you. You may get started on the dishes, though. Once you have them completed and the floor mopped, you can head to your studies."

Two tasks, Hazen thought, should be as easy as 3.14159. He rolled up his sleeves and grabbed several pots, bringing them to a sink. Hazen was fully expecting the dishes from the other tenants to be included with his work and, without so much as a groan, went ahead with them. Even Dullclaw was a bit surprised with that behavior.

"Who are you and what have you done with Hazen Baker?" she asked jokingly as he drained the sink.

"A deal's a deal," was Hazen's remark. He finished toweling off a copper wok and hung it on an overhead rack. "There we go," he said as he moved briskly to the broom closet. Dullclaw stood aside as Hazen worked diligently. Once Hazen finished the mopping, he wiped some sweat off his brow.

"There," he remarked. He turned to his landlady and smiled. "I think I've learned my lesson."

Dullclaw approached him, taking the mop and bucket from him. "I don't recall there ever being one."

Hazen nodded. "True." He grabbed his vest from a pegboard on the wall and put it on. "I'll keep you informed on what's happening with my studies."

"Thank you for your help," said Dullclaw. "Breathe deep, Dolphinback."

"Seek peace, Miss Dullclaw." Hazen then went to gather his effects and head to the library.

~~~~~~~

Waterfall City Library

It may have seemed to be a bad idea for Hazen to bring his guitar to the first day of his class, however he thought Bentfeather might enjoy some music from the outside world after class was done. He walked up to the front desk and quietly said to the man working there, "I'm here to see Bentfeather for my lessons today."

"I'm afraid Bentfeather has some other business to attend to today," said the man. "His assistant Tebo will be tutoring you until he returns."

Hazen was a bit puzzled. Back home, usually an instructor would notify his pupils if he had a previous engagement on a certain day. Something sudden must have happened like an illness or a personal tragedy. "O-okay, I guess. In that case, where can I meet him?"

"Master Lewis has everything set up in Study Room 3. Down this aisle, fourth door on the right. Can't miss it."

"Down the aisle, fourth door. Got it. Thanks." Hazen quietly walked to the room, mulling over this sudden turn of events. After finding the room and sitting down at one of the chairs, he drummed on the desk, wondering what to do with himself. He hoped everything was alright with Bentfeather and hoped that an answer would reveal itself soon. After a few minutes and no sign of his substitute teacher, he pulled out his guitar to softly practice, making sure the door was closed so as not to disturb any of the library's other patrons.

TAG: Tebo, any and all.

[Thundertail]

IC: Tebo Lewis with Sarah Warner, Waterfall City and the library.

Tebo Lewis screeched to a halt many yards away from the entrance to the schoolhouse, panting slightly; and stared at the stone effigy of a Skybax framing the upper door casing, staring back at him menacingly. There was no one near the entrance, and he thought he was late; and he thought Sarah had left without an escort, and was now hopelessly lost in the city! His fears were soon proven wrong as juvenile shouting was heard within, and a stampede of miniature humans and saurians boiled out of the place a mere moment later.

He scooted aside so he wouldn’t be trampled as the children whose homes were in his direction scampered past, shouting and laughing all the way. As he looked up he saw Mrs. Denholm standing at the doorway watching her students go home; and Sarah Warner standing beside her, receiving hushed instructions, presumably about her next visit to class. Tebo walked up and smiled as he bowed, teacher recognizing him as he approached.

“Welcome back to my class, Librarian Lewis.”, Mrs. Dunholm said, returning the bow. “I see you came to pick up your new student…”

“Oh no, ma’am. I’m not a librarian yet.”, Tebo stammered. “I’m still a student myself. I will simply help my mentor sir Bentfeather with the task.”, he cleared his throat and said officially. “I have been appointed by the court to escort miss Warner around the city until she can find her way herself.”

“A noble deed, I’m sure.”, Mrs. Dunholm said, turning to Sarah. “I suppose you two should get going then. I hear sir Bentfeather is a stickler!…”

“I suppose you’re right.”, Tebo said and bowed again. “Breathe deep…”

“Learn fast…”, Mrs. Dunholm said as she turned and retreated into the schoolhouse.

With a smiling nod, Tebo led Sarah back the way he had come, only at a more sedate pace. Sarah still seemed amazed at the mixture of saurians and people doing their daily tasks as they passed by, and seemed intimidated when three Brachiosaurs alternately carrying heavy loads of freight and passenger saddles the size of ship’s keels trundled by; but Tebo figured she would get used to these sights soon enough, for he just led her aside so they could pass. He offhandedly inquired if she had been studying the map he gave her, and she merely mentioned she looked at it a little last night.

All of a sudden, a Harpymimus mime stopped in their path; pretending to be trapped in a box, one of Tebo’s favorite skits. When done Tebo handed the creature his last Drach, and the Harpymimus made salaaming gestures as he backed onto the sidewalk. A handful of moments later he asked her how her first day of school went, and she related that she wasn’t called upon to do anything but introduce herself; and merely sat in on the class for the day, and fill in some papers for the school records. Tebo nodded at the news, for he had figured as much; and told her sir Bentfeather would probably co-ordinate his tutoring with the curriculum that Mrs. Dunholm will set up. The colorful sights of the city passed as they walked by, and presently they made their way up the steps to the Waterfall City library.

Inside Tebo inquired of Jake whether Hazen had arrived, and he said he was waiting in Study Room 3 as requested. Sarah was still amazed at all the literature on shelves and in scroll niches as they passed, and soon light guitar music could be heard through the aisles long before they reached the study room. Tebo edged the door open quietly so as not to disturb Hazen’s playing, but he stopped on his own once he noticed them both enter and quickly placed the guitar on the table.

“Never fear. I like music too!”, Tebo told him at his apology, then he turned and indicated to Sarah where she could sit.

Once everyone was situated and all attention was on him, Tebo walked to the head of the room and spoke. “Good afternoon… Sir Bentfeather will not be with us today, for he had been informed of some urgent business last night, and he had to tend to it today.”, he placed his hands on the table before him. “I have been instructed by him to begin your tutelage in his stead…”, he looked at both nervously.

“I’m very new at this, and do not really know what I’m doing; so please bear with me!”, he smiled. “… Bentfeather gave me no indication on what he will teach you, and didn’t tell me exactly how to teach; so I drew on personal experiences from my own school days.”, he indicated the room. “As you can see, I have fashioned a makeshift school room, as it were; and have selected materials comparable to what I learned in Beginner’s class.”, he relaxed a bit. “... That being said, let us get started!…”

After a moment’s pause, Tebo went to Sarah first; selecting the Beginner’s volume of the Footprint Language, and the volume which briefly explains and illustrates the alphabet, both saurian and English. He scooted the writing supplies closer to her, and placed some paper next to her. “Since you are newly arrived, I assume you have no clue on how to read or write the Footprint language…”, she commented that she had seen many signs that had both dialects on them. “This is a courtesy to both species, but there will be times where a translation is not available.”

He opened one book for her, to the page that showed the saurian alphabet, much like what the banner along the upper wall before them showed. He picked up the Footprint stamp and opened the ink pad. “It takes much practice to master writing the saurian language by hand, so scholars have come up with this:”, he showed the stamp to her, illustrations on the handle showed positions of the foot; toes pointing straight up, to the right, straight down and to the left respectively. He demonstrated by making footprint marks on the top blank piece of paper; demonstrating the symbols for A, B, C, D and E, and writing the English equivalent below them.. “It helps beginners learn how to write in saurian.”

He backed up a step once he saw she was all set up. “If you read along with the book, it will tell you what to do…”, Sarah Warner slowly began to read, eyebrows beetling at some strange fact, then rising as she finally understood what was being said. “Don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it…”

Tebo turned his attention from Sarah to Hazen, who was looking on intently before asking about what he was going to teach him. “Well Hazen, I’m not really sure how far along you are. I can assume you have mastered the Footprint script somewhat.”, he walked over to him, eyeing the guitar as he paused. “I do not know how teach you the saurian dialect.”, this he spoke in saurian, assuming he’d understand. “Perhaps you could read one of these books here, or you can brush up on your Footprint writing…”, this in English. “Or anything you want for now - but please no music. It would disturb study.”

Hazen grunted and picked up a book, and Tebo retreated to the head of the table as his temporary pupil began to read. Tebo looked and saw Sarah deep in study, then at Hazen as he mulled through the volume he was looking at. As all fell silent in study, Tebo took to milling among the books on the shelves; then he took a book out of it’s slot at random and read through a few passages himself…
_

TAG: Any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, Study Room 3, Waterfall City Library

After several minutes of playing a few songs, he saw the doors open. He reocgnized Tebo and Sara instantly and he stopped playing. "Just passing the time," he said, "I'll put it away." He smiled at Tebo's reassurance and set the guitar in its case, latching it closed again. He grabbed a few pieces of paper for notes (not that he ever made any) and a few writing implements. When Tebo began to speak, he leaned back in his chair.

He again became concerned for Bentfeather. If this business was urgent, why wouldn't he have bothered to send a postal bird to relay his absence? It would have taken only five minutes. As he kept pondering the circumstances, he became increasingly convinced that it had to have been some sort of tragedy, like the death of a family member or a close friend. Especially since Tebo didn't mention something as common as illness. Apart from the expression on his face, he made no indication one way or another that he knew that something was amiss. Tebo approached him regarding what he should study and the expression reverted to a neutral one.

He nodded, acknowledging the instructions, and replied, "I wouldn't dream of disturbing Sarah." He then spoke in Saurian. "I can speak a little Saurian, but not enough to, uhh, 'talk well.' I will work on reading and writing." After giving a small grin, he reached for a book. He spied English on the cover and covered it with his hand, needing to work on translation. After going letter-by-letter, he translated the title as Fun with Bix and Jane: a beginner's reader in English and Saurian, which was confirmed when he lifted his hand. He turned to the first page and saw a Protoceratops and a young girl skipping down a dirt path. He grabbed a piece of paper to cover the English version of the text and whispered to himself, trying to replicate the proper sounds in Saurian.

"S-see . . . Bix. See Jane. See Bix and Jane. See Bix . . . run. Run, Bix, run." He sighed after getting through the first page. It was difficult enough to not be able to read a language, let alone speak it conversationally, but to quietly stutter like a blithering idiot was embarrassing. Still, he wasn't alone. After glancing at Sara, he turned the page and pressed on.

TAG: Sara, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather, Waterfall City library.

Bentfeather spent many hours in his office, drearily remembering all the times he had with his Partner Nicolai Sanders. As the hours wore on the initial shock of the loss had dissipated enough for him to think clearer; and he got to work mulling over his friend’s journal, attempting to decipher just exactly went on that made him try to negotiate with the Giganotosaurus. After several entries, his tear-weary eyes could no longer focus on the words; and he gave up, still trying to sort out the situation.

Bentfeather was in a disheveled state, so he went to where he kept a bowl of water and other things for his Postal Bird friends and gave himself a cursorary bath; trying to straighten his feathers and grooming himself to a presentable condition. His hunger soon manifested itself with a vengeance, for he hadn’t eaten since Noonmeal yesterday; so he flew out of his office and took service corridors to the kitchen in the back of the library. Evidence said that Noonmeal had already been served, and there was nothing readily available; so he settled for gorging himself on the remains of a loaf of bread and washing it down with the dregs of a percolator of previously hot Jinka tea.

“Good afternoon, and good day…”, Bentfeather said as he landed on the front desk and startled Jake sitting there. “Can you tell me where Tebo stays?”

“He and the new ones are in Study Room 3.”, Jake said. “How did your business go?…”

“So far so good, by and by…”, the Microraptor said. “Tebo is new to teaching, and that’s why I must fly!…”, and off he went.

Through the increasingly crowded aisles of books and scrolls he flew, staying just above the heads of the patrons; and landed at the doorway of Study Room 3. Inside everyone was too busy studying to notice him right away; but they all looked toward him as he landed on the table in their midst. Tebo was the first to react, and he shoved the book he had been reading back into its’ slot before rushing to meet him.

“Greetings sir! Glad you can make it.”, said the boy. “I trust your business went well…”

“All is going well in that endeavor…”, Bentfeather said, giving him a ‘tell you later’ look. “Thank you for doing this big favor!”, he looked around the room, smiling.

“Greetings to you all, my children. I came to see what Tebo has done!”, Bentfeather looked at Sarah and Hazen. “And I see his efforts won!…”

“Thank you, sir.”, Tebo said.

“The place looks like a perfect place for learning.”, he considered, looking at the banner in distaste. “Even though some things leave me less than yearning.”

Bentfeather hopped to Sarah’s space and nodded when he saw she was beginning to learn the Footprint alphabet, smiling sweetly at her before pacing to Hazen’s place. He looked at the book he was reading, then went to inspect his guitar laying on the table; looking from the tuning pegs to the base of the shoulder strap, plucking a string with a claw along the way before speaking.

“I still remember the talk we had yesterday, Hazen.”, he told him softly. “I will find help for you if I can.”, then spoke louder. “And I would love to hear you play this guitar one day…!”, then he turned and went to the center of the table.

“Very well, everyone. Attention if you please.”, he said loudly. “I think the first thing we will do is have a tour of the library. To have knowledge at your beck and call, you must find it with ease!”

Everyone began to get ready to follow Bentfeather, Tebo beginning to clean up the study room and Hazen reaching for his guitar; but at the Microraptor’s gestures, they were bidden to leave everything the way it was. Sarah stood from her chair, still reading the last sentence she was on before slipping the paper with her stamped saurian letters where she left off; and once everyone was ready, Bentfeather had Tebo open the door and close it again when everyone exited Study Room 3. By now everyone had a sense of where the front desk was from where they were, but Bentfeather led them there anyway; and Jake stood as he saw the group approach.

“Leaving so soon?…”, Jake inquired.

“A tour of the library needs a beginning and an end.”, Bentfeather told them all. “The start of anything means you need a beginning, and this place is it.”, he looked around. “Here our patrons begin their journey of learning, and people occupying this space guide them on their way…”, he hopped from there to the area where the file-cards were filed.

As Tebo, Sarah and Hazen caught up with him, he continued. “The guides of the journey of learning need a place to store their knowledge of this territory.”, he pushed open a file drawer slightly with his foot. “These files have information on every book, scroll and tome in the library; from Alpha to Omega, and more is added daily…”

He hopped on Tebo’s shoulder and had him go to the main intersection of shelves, having him stop. “This is the beginning of your adventure of learning. Soon, of any information, you’ll not be yearning.”, he looked down each direction of the intersection. “The library is set up with certain departments. From Astronomy to Zoology, where ever your heart is. For any of your questions, I ask you to refrain; for asking me later will be better for my brain!…”

All along the way, Bentfeather conducted his tour this way; showing Sarah and Hazen every aisle and every department of the library. Sarah remembered the Cartography area, where Tebo gave her the map; and Hazen was intrigued with the Music Literature department, thumbing through several pieces of saurian sheet music. Once all the main areas of the library open to the public was shown, Bentfeather showed them where the kitchen was as well as the Personal Facilities; and ended up back at the door of Study Room 3.

“The library is a place to experience the wisdom of the ancient past, but I have saved the best for last!”, Bentfeather smiled. “The place I now take you may be most helpful of all, for the Copy Department you’ll learn the saurian scrawl!”, he had Tebo lead them there.

The double doors to the department near the back of the library proper hid a wide hall that had rows of hundreds of pedestal-like desks, even though only a half dozen or so were occupied by Stenoychosaur and human scribes. The head of that department, miss Maisey patrolled the aisles of desks, making sure all that was being copied was of the best quality. Some of the scribes had workloads so great they even had assistants that would bring more supplies to their work areas and take away the things that were already copied. When Maisey saw the small group enter the Copy Department from the other end of the room, she ceased her patrolling and made the shortest route through the rows of desks.

“Sir Bentfeather! I knew you would need my services sooner or later…”, Maisey said, then looked at his entourage. “But I do not copy humans!”

“I did not come to request writing services.”, Bentfeather told her. “I am a giving tour of these fine establishments.”

“Oh, I see…”, Maisey smiled. “Follow me!…”

Maisey led the way through the facility, Hazen and Sarah noticing that the script was not so much written as drawn, painted on the pages by expert hands; each worker working with slow precision that their years of training had allowed them. Tebo told them that he knew how to write saurian freehand, but wasn’t very good at it; and Bentfeather informed him that he may have to take extra lessons on it as well! Maisey led them to a group of Stenoychosaurs that were assisting a busy human male, who was working on little cards and writing in gold ink; and when one was done it was put in an envelope which was already addressed in saurian.

“They are making invitations to a concert to be held at the Hall of Seedpods and Plants in a few days.”, Maisey said. “And I believe all of you are on the list of invitation!…”, she scanned the human’s roster. “Yep!… There you are!...", he looked at the human scribe "Are theirs ready yet, Alfonse? Just so we don’t have to deliver them…?”

“Just finishing up the one for a miss Sarah Warner…”, Alfonse put the finishing touches on it, blotted it so it would dry and handed it to an assistant that placed it into her envelope. “There’s one…”

“… And here are the rest…”, said another assistant, who was rummaging through the stacks of completed invitations.

“Thank you, my friend…”, Bentfeather said as he collected them all. “Here’s yours,… and yours,… and yours… and this one is mine!…”, he handed one to Hazen, Sarah and Tebo in that order.

Hazen inquired what the concert would be like, and Bentfeather replied gladly! “Oh, just the most masterful composition of modern times!… The music and cadence will thrill you!… The theatrics and storyline will make your heart sing!…”, his reddish head plumage rose at every comment.

“He means it will be really good.”, Tebo said, smoothing down his mentor’s hackles, and the other two laughed slightly as the group let themselves out of the Copy Department.

Presently they made their way back to Study Room 3, and all were dismissed for the day. Hazen shouldered his guitar and proceeded out the door; but was stopped by Bentfeather who gave him two of the books on the table to read, they were the ones describing the trades of basket weaving and sail making, and told him to look through them. Bentfeather had Sarah take the Footprint Alphabet books, the Footprint stamp and a few sheets of paper, telling her to practice that for the night, and show it to Mrs. Dunholm in the morning. As they were all dismissed for the night, Hazen strolled out the door first; and Tebo once again led Sarah back home…
_

TAG: Hazen, Sarah, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, the Streets of Waterfall City

Hazen leisurely walked back home after the day at the library. He held the two books under his guitar-carrying arm as he flipped the gilded invitation in his free hand. The concert intrigued him, to say the least. The only actual Dinotopian works he heard were folk songs; nothing he would call fine art. Then again, maybe some of the notes from the Musician's Inn fell into that category, but it wasn't like a proper performance. He resolved, by hook or by crook, he would go to this concert and pocketed the invitation.

He glanced at the books Bentfeather loaned him. He didn't really get a chance to examine the titles because of the mental strain it took for him to translate it. It probably would be better if he read them at home. In the meantime, he contemplated the day's events. He was glad that Bentfeather seemed like his old self, in spite of whatever might have happened to him. It was clear that he was passionate about his work and Hazen hoped that he would be as passionate about whatever career he would take up as Bentfeather was. Reflecting on the tour of the library, he thought back to the sheet music collection. It was a shame that he hadn't read actual music since high school; he probably forgot all he learned! Still, he was intrigued and wished that he could have "heard" the music in his head as he looked over the staves he leafed through.

Feeling his arm getting tired from carrying books and an instrument, he stopped by a wall to take a break. After setting down the case, he pulled out a book and looked over the title. He read it aloud in English, saying, "A Practical Guide to . . . Basket Weaving?!" Incredulously, he opened the book and thumbed through a few pages. Inside, he quickly gleaned the joys and honor (which in Hazen's mind was most likely imagined) that basketweavers hold among Dinotopians, styles of baskets, and how to prevent blisters on one's hands. After setting the book down, he looked at the cover of the other book. Catching the Winds: Crafting the Perfect Sails. Inside, he found more of the same.

Hazen shook his head, confused. To be fair, these were important professions for a society like Dinotopia, but these lines of work was, well . . . beneath him. No, he thought, that's probably a bit too harsh. But he had been a student of the arts and of storytelling for the past five years; he felt compelled to put those skills and talents he had into good use. He picked up the book on basket weaving and, after flicking them against his hands, he glanced back at the library. If he was lucky, he might be able to catch Bentfeather while he was still in his office. He grabbed his guitar and strode purposefully back to the library.

~~~~~~

Waterfall City Library

Quietly, Hazen made his way to Bentfeather's office and gently knocked on the door. He sighed, trying to focus his thoughts and words into a proper way to address the issue. Once Bentfeather told him to come in and greeted him, Hazen sat down across from his new mentor. "I want to talk to you about my, ah, reading material. I have to admit that I'm a bit confused by your decision." After Bentfeather asked him to continue, Hazen obliged. "Well, here's the thing. In my studies both here and in the Outside World, I've arrived at the conclusion that my talents would be best served in the arts of some sort. At this point they're such an intrinsic part of how I experience the world, I can barely conceive of a life without them. It's not that I think that basket-weaving or sail-making is boring or unimportant. I just . . . don't feel as passionate about them as I do with, say, music or the cinema." He looked back at the Microraptor, awaiting his response.

TAG: Bentfeather, any and all.

[Thundertail]

OCC: Yet more pieces to the plot!

IC: Bentfeather with Hazen, Waterfall City, and the library.

That evening, as Tebo left for the day and went home; Bentfeather stood on his desk staring down on his Partner’s journal, a look of deep concentration on his face. Now that his eyes could see clearer, he had to read it all the way through; for maybe there was a clue for the reason why Nicolai Sanders would try to negotiate with something as dangerous as a Giganotosaurus, something a rational Dinotopian would not do. It was the forth notebook, or so the title suggested; and Bentfeather could only assume the bulk of the expedition met with success thus far. If only he had the rest of the journals…!

Seventeen pages in he encountered many words that were scratched over with ink, blotted and illegible; and near the bottom of that page was two whole sentences that was not in his Partner’s handwriting. Both things were not uncommon when an expedition was in progress; for mistakes were sometimes made and it was sometimes necessary for the author of the notes to have someone else write for them. The trouble was that Nicolai seldom scratched out his words, leaving any corrections for the second draft; and he would never let someone else write in his personal notebook unless something dreadful happened to him, and he was too incapacitated to write!

In fact the whole notebook was riddled with scratch outs, and the proxy writing was even more common; done by many hands, by the look, and written with quite a few brands of ink. By page thirty seven he noticed that three pages had been torn out in a row, and forty four pages later several more was missing; and the bad part was there was some missing information in those places; where the continuity of the journal skipped ahead, potentially valuable information lost forever. He had compared the accompanying note penned by Frank Scratt, the expedition Procurer; and found that many of the foreign entries had been made by him, and many more who wrote there were a mystery to Bentfeather. There was a hand that wrote there that he recognized, and that was the pen of Samuel Brock; who was the Sociology scholar that went with them, a fine colleague if ever there was one!

The whole way the journal came to his possession was a mystery too, Bentfeather wondered well into the evening and would wonder many days into the future. Who was the one who sent it to him, and why have it be so secret that even the Skybax courier could not know what his parcel contained? Scratt’s note said not to inform the Library Guild about it, and not to go to the council or any other high ranking office on it; saying that all would be taken care of, and indicating not to worry about it. Truth be known, news this detrimental would need to be told right away so their expedition could be extracted, considered a failure and a proper report would eventually conclude it to be. Well, Bentfeather was certainly worried about it all right; for there was a Liopleurodon in the water barrel, and Bentfeather wanted to find out why!

A sudden knock on his door, and he called without thinking: “Enter…”, then he looked up. “Oh!… It’s you, Hazen.”, Bentfeather closed his Partner’s journal. “What is amiss?”

“Oh, I see…”, Bentfeather replied after he told his problem. “What was wrong with the material chosen?”

“Yes, you do have talents along those lines.”, said Bentfeather after Hazen told of his passion for the arts. “To tell you the truth, since I was… shall we say indisposed…, I gave Tebo the responsibility to chose the items of study for the day. It was his choice to place those books in the room, not mine. You may either keep them to read, or you may choose others from the library. I gave you those books to demonstrate the many diverse fields you can become passionate about - over and above your penchant for the guitar and similar arts.”

He opened the journal again. “Many Dinotopians have more than one trade, and librarians as well as many government officials share all trades. I, for one, once was a great explorer of this land; and my Partner was one of the greatest, this is his journal…”, he turned it so he could read the scrawling human script.

As Hazen began to look, Bentfeather got somber. “This is his last journal he ever wrote, and I just received it yesterday…”, a sniff. “Please read this note that accompanied it…”

After Hazen’s condolences, Bentfeather continued. “That was why I could not make your first tutoring class… Tebo was so considerate to pitch in on my behalf…”, he looked at the journal. “I just finished reading it; but there are things in it that does not ring true.”

Hazen looked at both him, the note and the journal questioningly. “The thing is I think Nicolai Sanders met up with foul play. Such a thing is unheard of on Dinotopia, it’s true; but in this case I fear the worst!”, and then began telling Hazen his fears…
_

TAG: Hazen, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, Bentfeather's office, Waterfall City Library

Hazen felt sort of sheepish for barging into his instructor's office now after learning that the books were Tebo's doing, rather than being a part of Bentfeather's lesson plan. Already, he was thinking about books he might be interested in and he was thankful for the tour he had the earlier day! Bentfeather continued, though, and Hazen's attention turned to the journal before him. He leaned over the desk to see its pages, but was handed a letter. After a few moments of deciphering, he looked back up at Bentfeather, now fully comprehending the absence.

"I'm so sorry for your loss," Hazen said. "You must be devastated." He set the letter back down and bit his lip out of pathos for his feathered friend. Bentfeather continued to explain some of the circumstances around the journal. This piqued Hazen's curiosity. At the words, "foul play," his full attention was given.

"But, what could possibly be the motive?" he asked. He leafed through the journal and saw the myriad of scratched-out entries. He sighed. "What a pity that we can't see what they were originally entered as. Whatever was down there to begin with probably has some insight into your Partner's demise." As he tried to bring himself up to speed, he listened to Bentfeather's fears.

After a few moments, Hazen said, "Back home, there's a saying that goes, 'Sunlight is the best disinfectant.' Even if that isn't literally true, it means that things should always be left open for scrutiny. I know that the note says otherwise, but this needs to be investigated. If only for your own personal closure." He pushed the journal back to Bentfeather. "I don't mean to put any ideas in your head or anything, but I hope that the truth reveals itself soon." Again Hazen bit his lip. "I-if you need some time alone, I can be on may way. I don't want to be a burden." He slowly leaned as if to stand up.

TAG: Bentfeather, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather with Hazen, Waterfall City library.

“Certainly something terrible has befallen my Partner…”, Bentfeather told Hazen as he closed Nicolai Sanders’ journal. “But much thought needs to be done before I go further.”

Bentfeather looked over to the long bookcase of shelves, and stared longingly at the portrait of Nicolai with himself on his shoulder, painted many years ago, and sighed as he saw clouds form over Hazen‘s face. “Is your study with me causing conflict where you live?…”, Hazen mentioned his landlady, and the chores she has him do. “Perhaps I could have a word with her some time, if you wish…”, he said absently.

He looked out the window to the Sunstone tower, whose brilliance was slowly outshining the setting sun. “Please think over what I have told you, and please bring your guitar for your next lesson.”, Hazen nodded as he got up to leave…
_

IC: Bentfeather and Tebo, Waterfall City library.

Bentfeather bent over the paperwork he was working on, but this paperwork was not of the library administration kind; as Tebo soon found out as he entered his mentor’s office the next day. The journal of Nicolai Sanders was out, and it seemed that Bentfeather was set on transcribing the whole thing; or so it seemed to Tebo as he set a tray of catered Morningmeal fare on a sideboard and scooted up beside Bentfeather so he could see more clearly. Jumbled notes littered several pages, and only a few legible passages were seen by him; and it seemed to Tebo that his mentor had been up all night at the task!

“Hello Tebo.”, Bentfeather said absently. “How did it go?”

“Well, I dropped miss Warner off at class, and this time I let her lead the way…”, Tebo told him. “As I was walking her home last night, she said that she took my advice. I told her she should study that map more closely, and she did. Pretty soon she won’t need my services as a guide!…”, then he looked at Bentfeather with concern.

“Yes, I have been studying my Partner’s journal all night, if you want to know…”, Bentfeather cut off the question. “There is something wrong with the whole thing, and I was trying to figure out what…”, and he began to tell him, leaving out nothing.

“It’s probably nothing…”, Tebo soothed after he listened. “I hear those kind of things happen all the time when you’re out in the wild…”

“But it’s not like him!…”, Bentfeather squawked. “He would NEVER make those kind of mistakes, for he was a very meticulous human. And he would NEVER let someone else take possession of it until it was in the hands of a publisher!”, he paced on his desk. “I must find out what happened to him, and I must do it right away!… What if he was still alive, taken against his will, or any number of a hundred horrible fates!…”, his hackles reached full height.

“Listen, even though your loss is a tragedy, the things concerning his demise is still inconclusive at this time… I know he was your friend, but there is no need to become obsessed with it!”, Tebo told him, motioning him to smooth down his head plumage.

“Here is a plain truth you must consider:”, began Tebo once his mentor was done. “You have made a commitment to me as well as the new Dolphinbacks to teach us your wisdom, a vow you are honor bound by the power of the High Council to see carried out… Now, I think you should concern yourself with that first, and worry about what happened to Nicolai Sanders after that if you wish…”

“Perhaps that is what is best…”, said Bentfeather after a while. “But now it is time to prepare our students for a very special test!”

“How so?”, asked Tebo.

“While you teach miss Warner her A-B-C’s, I will teach Hazen his Doe-Ray-Me’s.”, his rhyming was lost to Tebo, so Bentfeather clarified. “You will prepare Study Room 3 as before, and continue to teach Sarah the Footprint alphabet. I must go see sir Ludwig to enroll Hazen into his music class.”

“But I heard Hazen already knows music…”, Tebo said.

“Not the way sir Ludwig teaches!”, Bentfeather giggled as he flapped out the window…
_

TAG: Sarah, Hazen, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, Bentfeather's office, Waterfall City Library

As Hazen was about to rise to leave, Bentfeather asked him about his studies outside of class. "Well," he began, "things are alright, however I have been spending a fair amount of time doing various chores. You see, I stay at a boarding house on Canal Street. Since I don't have a proper job, I earn my keep doing chores for my landlady, Dullclaw. Not that I don't mind them, it just makes my studying time that much more difficult to fit in." He smiled slightly when he heard that Dullclaw could talk to her. Soon he was dismissed and after giving a silent farewell, went to check out career books that were more up his alley.

That evening was a rather quiet one for Hazen. After doing his chores, he sat in his room reading by the window, practicing his Saurian pronunciation as well as his ability to read the Footprint Script. It was still as awkward as his "Run, Bix, run" escapades earlier that day, but his desire to learn more about how these roles played out in his new home gave him the extra motivation to work harder. By the time he finished a particularly interesting chapter, he was surprised to see how much time had flown after glancing out the window and finding a barren street. Probably a good hint as any that he should turn in for the night. He set his book down, closed the shutters and fell asleep.

~~~~~

IC: Hazen Baker, the streets of Waterfall City

The next day, Hazen felt excited to go to school, something he hadn't felt since starting college. It was also seemingly perplexing considering how much sleep he probably got due to his late night study session. The fact of the matter was that, in addition to what he learned from the book he was reading, he was asked by his instructor to make sure he brought his guitar to class today. That in itself was exciting.

As he walked briskly to the library doors with his guitar case in hand, he whistled a tune to himself, promptly stopping once he crossed the threshold. With his free hand, he gave a little wave to the man working the front desk as he strode confidently to Study Room 3.

TAG: Any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather with Hazen, Waterfall City and sir Ludwig’s studio.

Bentfeather smiled as Sarah Warner entered the room, Tebo Lewis shadowing her and coming up beside the Microraptor; who was standing on the table in the center of the room. Study Room 3 was awash with bright sunshine coming from the large windows in the western wall, books with gleaming print on their spines and giving off the grand smell of tooled leather. Even though the Footprint Alphabet banner was taken down and more appropriate literature had replaced the previous tomes before each placement, the room was as Sarah had seen it yesterday.

As she sat, she placed some work that she got from Beginner’s class on the table; then looked up at Bentfeather expectantly. Tebo looked around, and then at Bentfeather; and both humans was wondering what the Microraptor was waiting for. Many moments later Hazen showed up, guitar on his back that he took off and placed on the floor beside him as he sat. Seeing that all was present, Bentfeather smiled and began to speak.

“Greetings one and all!…”, said he. “Before we begin, I have an announcement of obvious importance. Since the concert is soon looming nigh, and it is a formal occasion to say the least; we all should be dressed in attire akin to boast.”, he turned to each in turn. “Gowns and suits you will need to acquire, made to cause looks that none of which will tire. Tebo’s mother is an accomplished seamstress, and I request you ask her lest she feel distress…”

“I think she’ll be able to do it.”, Tebo told everyone. “If you all go to the Taylor shop by 133 Harborside avenue in your free time, I’m sure they can have something truly remarkable in your sizes made up…”, then added. “I can give you directions to the place, if you like…”

“Excellent, Tebo.”, Bentfeather said, then turned to the other pupils. “And now the lessons can begin for the day…”, he turned to Sarah. “I see you have homework to do. I will have Tebo assist you with that today, and further help you with the Footprint Alphabet until I return.”, he turned to Hazen, smiling.

“And now my boy…”, Bentfeather said. “I have a little surprise for you!”, he hopped to look him straight in the eye. “Please pick up your guitar and follow me.”, Hazen got up, grabbing his guitar as he rose and slinging it around his back.

Bentfeather leapt up and flapped out the door that Tebo had opened, and maneuvered through the aisles and patrons to the front desk of the library; waiting at the reception desk for Hazen to catch up. As he got there, Bentfeather asked silently if he could ride with him, and took a perch on the tip of the guitar’s neck; and the pair headed out the door of the Waterfall City library, and into the streets beyond. At Bentfeather’s direction, Hazen maneuvered through the streets and eventually came out to Juggler’s square; an area that was quite familiar to him.

On a nondescript sign that read Emporium Of Ludwig, Bentfeather had Hazen turn and go through the door; then up a flight of stairs that led to a long corridor. Music that seemed forced and emanating from many separate instruments came from doors that lined each side of the corridor, and instructional voices were heard amid the disjointed practicing in many human and saurian voices. Bentfeather had him go left, and into an open door at the end; where an office of sorts could be seen with a few plush chairs circling a large oaken desk. As soon as they entered the room, a tenor voice with a sharp British accent was heard coming from another room beyond; and soon the owner of the voice trotted through that door.

“You keep practicing, Anna…”, said the Stenoychosaur. “You will be a star pianist in no time!…”, then he noticed Hazen and Bentfeather, who hopped to the desk. “Well, well!… To what do I owe this honor, sir Bentfeather?”

“I came about the pupil we discussed this morning.”, Bentfeather told him. “My apologies for bringing him without warning…”

“On the contrary, my dear boy! I find no greater joy than to meet my next star pupil!”, he said theatrically. “Hello sir. My name is sir Ludwig, maestro of the Waterfall City philharmonic orchestra and owner of this establishment…”, he listened to Hazen’s introduction.

Ludwig craned his neck to see Hazen’s guitar. “So, you play the guitar… I play every instrument found on Dinotopia, but I am a master of only a few of them.”, Hazen was bringing the guitar around front. “May I see it?…”

Hazen did so, and Ludwig inspected it from top to bottom. “A fine instrument! Well manufactured…”, he adjusted a tuning peg. “But a boor to keep tuned in all this humidity!”, All of a sudden Ludwig began to strum it, slowly changing the tones he was making into a staccato tune akin to a Greek or Mediterranean tune, ending in a sour note many moments later. “…Unfortunately, I am not a real master on guitar… But I teach it!”

He gave back the guitar. “Now Hazen, play some scales, in B-flat.”, as Hazen began to comply, Ludwig instructed over it. “Now go up and down the scale,… As fast as you can!…”, Hazen did so for many moments until he was instructed to stop.

“Excellent! You have great talent.”, Ludwig looked to Bentfeather and winked. “I hear you come from the outside world. I would love to hear the music from there, don’t you Bentfeather?…”, a nod. “Very well. If you would, could you please play us a song?… What ever song you like!”…
_

TAG: Hazen, Sarah, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, Study Room 3, Waterfall City Library

Hazen looked at the suit he was wearing already. He thought he looked rather dapper in these threads, but he wasn't about to turn down the opportunity for a stellar set of clothes. He would need to make it a point to see the tailor sometime after class. After Bentfeather relayed his instructions, Hazen gathered his guitar and followed his tutor out of the building, allowing Bentfeather to perch on the head of the guitar case.

A short walk later, he was in Juggler's Plaza, an ideal location for impromptu performances. Initially, Hazen thought he was going to be asked to play a few songs right here like an old school busker, but was surprised to be taken into a hole-in-the-wall establishment. He was able to grasp the name "Ludwig" from the sign accompanying the doorway, but apart from that, he was lost. Inside, he heard the cacophonous strains of people practicing, reminding him of his short-cuts through the music building back in college. It soon dawned on him that they were going to find someone who could teach Hazen more about music. And that someone was Ludwig.

"Pleased to meet you, Maestro," Hazen said. "I'm Hazen Baker, a Dolphinback." At his request, Hazen handed his guitar to Ludwig, who played it with a Mediterranean flair. The corner of his mouth curled, not only because he liked the lick (sour note and all), but that they weren't used to his style of guitar and if he was ever going to play a song for them, he wanted to see the looks on their faces.

Hazen was handed his guitar back and played a B-flat major scale, continuing to do so as much as he could at Ludwig's prodding. He tried to maintain a quick pace, but after a few wrong notes, he toned it down a little and opted for accuracy over speed. He smiled slightly at Ludwig's praise, but his inner modesty told him that he was just saying that just to keep him buttered up. Then, Ludwig asked him to play a song. Hazen glanced at the two Saurians and said with a little sigh, "All right." After readjusting his guitar and going over what might be a good song to perform, he said, "This is called, 'Dig a Pony.'"

He plucked a lilting, 3/4 rhythm, culminating in a bluesy lick back near the nut. After repeating it, he struck a partial A chord, starting to sing:

"I-a'hi-hi-a'hi-hi
Dig a pony
Well you can celebrate anything you want
Yes, you can celebrate anything you want
Oh-ho!

I-a'hi-hi-a'hi-hi
Do a rod hog
Well, you can penetrate any place you go
Yes, you can penetrate any place you go
I told you so!

All I want is you
Everything has got to be just like you want it to-oo-oo
Because-"

As he continued with the second verse, he began to wonder if this was really a good song choice to play for the two Saurians. Not only were they unfamiliar with rock and roll to begin with, they would probably be perplexed by the nonsensical lyrics. Still, he committed to finishing this song and, after a repeat of the intro, he hit a stinger, signifying the end. He looked back at his instructors, wondering what their reaction to the song would be.

OOC: In case you're interested in hearing the song, you can go to

TAG: Ludwig, Bentfeather, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather with Hazen, sir Ludwig’s studio.

Sir Ludwig and sir Bentfeather listened to Hazen Baker’s musical rendition of a song from the outside world, Ludwig with an ear for musical congruency and Bentfeather for the entertainment value; and both clapped politely when it was done, nodding for the satisfaction in both categories they were seeking. As Bentfeather looked around at both figures before them, Ludwig paced around Hazen to examine his human features before speaking.

“Yes, you certainly have a lot of musical talent, plus you sing!”, he told him. “More so, I believe I do not have to place you in a Beginner’s class; but perhaps in a more advanced type of situation…”

“I dabbled in the music realm myself a long time ago!…”, Bentfeather cut in. “I have a modest penchant for the Niccollo!…”

“You don’t say!…”, Ludwig said. “Why don’t you demonstrate…”, he turned and plucked one off a shelf, handing it to the Microraptor.

Bentfeather took the Niccolo and found the tone holes by memory, then placed it to his saurian lips. He began to slowly play a tune that sounded remarkably similar to ‘Yankee Doodle’ to Hazen, but it was peppered with plenty of painful notes! Sir Ludwig winced at the sounds the instrument was producing, which was nearly the size of an Oboe by comparison to the tiny dinosaur playing it. Finally Ludwig made beckoning gestures to Bentfeather with his fingers, silently begging him to stop and hand the Niccolo over, which the Microraptor eventually he did.

“And now I see why you chose to become a librarian instead!…”, Ludwig placed the instrument on his desk, chuckling slightly. “But as for you, Hazen…”, he paced a bit.

“Since I will be busy organizing the concert soon… You have an invitation, I assume.”, said Ludwig, and Hazen nodded. “Good. I will not be able to instruct you until after that. You will have lessons once a week after that, where part of your study will be the introduction of every type of musical instrument on Dinotopia.”

As Hazen made a questioning look, sir Ludwig reiterated. “This is merely meant to explore and see if you have other musical talents other than that for a guitar. There are many stringed instruments you may find you have penchant for,… And I see you have the lips for playing certain brass and woodwind instruments!…”, the Stenoychosaur smiled. “But we will see if you have other talents when the time comes.”

“Your study will include many Dinotopian concert pieces designed for guitar and other stringed instruments.”, Ludwig continued. “And you will be instructed with accompaniment by other students in my classes.”, he watched the boy’s eyes for reaction. “The purpose of this is to get you used to playing music with others, as I see you have the spirit of a troubadour in you, and not that of a concert musician.”

“Eventually you will be in groups of thirty or more players, doing your part in a group whose sole goal is to make beautiful melodies.”, Ludwig smiled. “I fear you will not be ready to perform in the concert coming up, but I’m sure you will be ready by the time the next one is scheduled!”, this to spark confidence. “Now, if this does not interfere with the tutelage sir Bentfeather is giving you…”

“It won’t interfere a bit, maestro…”, bent feather said for Hazen. “But I left my apprentice teaching my other charge, so I fear we must go!…”

“Very well, sir Bentfeather…”, Ludwig turned to his desk and presented Hazen with his card. “Just present this the day after the concert and we will get started right away.”, he smirked. “Personally, I can hardly wait!…”, which was the thoughts of all in the room. “See you soon!…”, sir Ludwig waved at their retreating forms.

Down in the street, Bentfeather flew ahead of Hazen for a moment; then waited for him to catch up by a flower vendor cart, whose Archaeopterex owner preened yellow plumage at this apparent attraction. The Microraptor was glad Hazen arrived just then, for she was about to peddle her wares with him when he hopped back onto Hazen’s guitar case; giving the boy a shrug as they walked out of the area.

“I have been thinking about the services I could give you…”, Bentfeather began. “And sir Ludwig is just in what he plans for you.”, he sighed. “I must do the same if you are to thrive here. He will have you broaden your horizons in music, and I must broaden your horizons in life.”

After a moment’s pause to nod at a friendly Miasaurus, he continued. “First I must expand your skills of reading and writing, and to help you improve your saurian speech… Maybe have you learn other dialects as well.”, he thought. “You are bright and can cipher well, I’m told; but to be here you must be more than that.”, he smiled. “Perhaps you need to see how others see life on Dinotopia before you can make a life of your own here. I will ask several people I know and arrange for them to show you what they do…”

Bentfeather became silent as they ascended the steps of the library, and inquired of Jake at the desk if there was anything amiss; and with relief, there was none. Hazen opened the door to Study Room 3 and startled Tebo and Sarah out of the conversation they were in the middle of…
_

Tag: Sarah (PLEASE...?), Hazen, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker w/ Bentfeather, Streets of Waterfall City

Hazen strode after Bentfeather out of Ludwig's emporium. He could completely understand the pressures for a conductor of a major symphony orchestra and wasn't at all surprised to learn that his lessons would have to wait until after the upcoming concert. Still, he had always enjoyed being parts of ensembles and the thought of being in one was exciting. Necessity, more than anything, forced him to adapt songs for solo guitar and vocals. Thank goodness that was going to change. And who knows? Maybe he could teach them a thing or two or even form Dinotopia's first true rock band! Still, he hadn't really read a piece of sheet music in year; to say he was out of practice would be a gross understatement!

When Hazen rendezvoused with Bentfeather, his mentor hopped on his guitar and they walked away. Hazen glanced back at the Archeopteryx and smirked a bit.

"What's the matter, she's not your type?" he joked. The look Bentfeather gave him back made Hazen's smirk grow into a fully-fledged grin. He regained his composure as they walked back to the library.

He occasionally glanced back at Bentfeather as he spoke and, once he finished, Hazen said, "Mr. Bentfeather, you've done more than enough for me, and you flatter me with your kind remarks. It'll take me a lifetime to repay you for your hospitality and your connections." He walked into the library and, after pausing at the information desk, went back to Study Room 3, opening the door and peeking inside to see what Sara and Tebo have been up to.

TAG: Sara, any and all!

[Thundertail]

OCC: Since DinoGirl seems to be absent, I am forced to Godmod her character…
_

IC: Tebo Lewis and Sarah Warner, Waterfall City library, Study Room 3.

Tebo Lewis backed away as Sarah Warner began her study for the day. Bentfeather had instructed him to help her out while he was away with Hazen Baker, off to meet Maestro Ludwig at his music academy across town; whose professional outlook in the instruction of music would no doubt do Hazen some good, Tebo thought. He went over in his mind what he would show Sarah next, for her mastery of the Footprint alphabet was going along at an expected pace for someone just introduced to the dialect; and was thinking of showing her how to put the letters into words, the next step in her training.

Her teacher at Beginner’s class had given her many things to study, and a brief assignment dealing with the most primary of Footprint reading skills; and this assignment she had just completed, and he had her reading the Primary book titled ‘Bix and Jane’. Seeing she was slowly studying the tome, Tebo leaned against the bookshelf behind him and reached up to choose a random tome for himself to read until Sarah was finished; and was engrossed in the subtle geometries of the Sunflower when Sarah’s voice startled him out of his reading.

“Tebo, do you like me?”, she asked suddenly.

“Well,… yes, of course I do.”, Tebo stammered. “I mean, I hope you do well here; and Bentfeather is here to help you learn everything you need to know in order to do so. I am his apprentice, and I want nothing more to see that you do well here as well.”

“No, I mean do you like ME.”, Sarah repeated.

“You mean you and me…? I mean, no offense. I like you a lot, and I’m quite fond of you,…”, he could not find the right way to say what he meant, so he drew breath and continued. “The thing is I’m too young to think things like that. I’m only an apprentice, after all!”

“What I’m saying is, where I come from boys and girls think along those lines.”, Sarah told him. “I just wanted to know if you had any feelings about me, is all!”

“Here we take such attraction very seriously indeed.”, Tebo told her. “We plan for years, and have very long relationships. It is not uncommon for couples to wait until they are forty or fifty before Nesting.”

“I’m seventeen.”, Sarah said. “Where I come from, that’s old enough to start…”

“I’m seventeen too,”, said Tebo. “And where I come from, that’s way too young!”

“Oh…”, Sarah said and went back to her reading.

“You know Sarah, there’s something you should know.”, Tebo began as she listened while reading. “When I was young, I knew I didn’t want to be a ferry captain like my father. And I knew I didn’t want to be a tailor like my mother, but I believed in the phenomena of random circumstances. On my seventeenth birthday I went into the city, vowing I would take apprenticeship with the first opportunity I found. I never thought in a thousand years I would end up being an apprentice librarian, but it happened. If I found another opportunity first, I would have taken that instead - or anything the fates put before me.”, he saw that she was looking at him instead of the book. “But the fates gave me this, and the fates have brought us here to this place, who can complain!”, he smiled.

“Like kismet, right?”, Sarah said.

“Exactly!… And you know what else?”, Tebo asked. “When my apprenticeship is over, I will be allotted an apartment of my own in the city, and a yearly allowance for ancillary purposes.”, he looked at her, smiling. “When that happens, I would be better able to support a Nestmate and a family… But I was figuring to wait until then before I travel into Nestmate territory.”

“And you would rather wait until then?”, Sara asked.

“Dinotopians are very duty-minded.”, said Tebo. “We tend to prepare things before we progress into other things. It would be a lot more responsible to wait until I can support a family before I actually have one, don’t you think?”

“Well, yeah. But where I come from, boys and girls usually see which one they might want to like; and work things out from there.”, said Sarah. “I’m not sure, but I think you like me more then you think…”

“Well, I know I like you… Enough to help you learn our ways…”, Tebo thought. “It just never occurred to me that there might be more than that.”, he looked at her with a crooked grin. “Was it when I invited you to my parent’s place for dinner?…”

“No, not exactly.”, Sarah looked at her book. “Perhaps I was mistaken…”

“You know, randomness comes in all forms.”, Tebo said. “If it brought us here, then it might want us for some other reason,… perhaps to make us better friends.”, he looked serious, concerned. “But if it has for that purpose, I don’t think we should make it mad and resist!…”, then smiled. “Let’s get back to work…”

Just then the door opened abruptly, and Hazen strolled in with Bentfeather perched on his guitar case. Hazen barely noticed that Tebo had stood up, but Bentfeather did. Both Tebo and Sarah hurriedly went back to what they were doing…
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TAG: Hazen, Sarah (Please?…), one and all!