Network, backdated to the 10th

[crystalmaster]

Radley rarely posts, even though he comments a lot to others. When the video comes on, he looks badly shaken and worried.

"I came out this morning and the place was like a ghost town!" he exclaims. "What's going on?! Did almost everyone get sent back at once?!"

And why would he be left behind? He looks frightened, even terrified by the thought. When he speaks again, his voice is quieter but wobbly.

"Please ... someone answer...."

Comments

[stitch_witch]

Nothing in particular. I'd just like some honey to put in it.

[crystalmaster]

Will do!

[Radley starts looking around for something else good to put in. Maybe some fruit on top....]

[stitch_witch]

[And it takes a while, but Lark does arrive, with a wooden frame and with spools of thread.]

Radley?

[crystalmaster]

[Radley comes out of the kitchen.]

Hey! You're just in time; it's about ready.

[stitch_witch]

Good to hear. Thank you for this.

[She sits down and starts to set up the loom.]

You're not uncomfortable with magic, are you?

[crystalmaster]

Sure.

[Radley pauses, considering.]

Uh ... well, I'm not uncomfortable with your magic. Yours is nice.

[stitch_witch]

That is very nice to hear. What I'll do is spin this, and then flood it with magic. It will take on color then, showing us where the persons whose thread I'm using are.

[She had selected a few of those who had voluntarily given her thread, ones that she would have an easier time gathering new spools for.]

[crystalmaster]

... That's really useful. It sounds like a magical GPS.

[stitch_witch]

I'm not sure what GPS is, but I won't argue. It just takes a bit of energy.

[crystalmaster]

It does pretty much the same thing as this, but with tech.

[He is really impressed magic can do it too.]

[stitch_witch]

Well, we'll see if it's as effective. I haven't tried it here on Agra-10 yet.

[Except when they were in an illusion.]

[crystalmaster]

... Oh.

[He hopes the Agrii won't block the attempt.]

Should I bring the food?

[stitch_witch]

Yes please.

[The Agrii haven't blocked her from it before.]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley isn't sure how determined they are to keep the captured from being found.]

Coming right up.

[He smiles and goes to get the porridge. He comes back with two bowls and some various toppings Lark can choose from.]

[stitch_witch]

[Honestly, neither is Lark.]

Oh you're such a dear. That smells so good. Here, let me just...

[She grabs the honey pot and pours some into the porridge. And of course the dried fruit bits.]

The quality of the cooking has markedly improved since you joined us, Radley. No shame given to young Thomas, but thank you.

[crystalmaster]

[Radley smiles, definitely pleased.]

Why, thank you. I do my best.

[He adds a few things to his own bowl and starts to eat.]

[stitch_witch]

[Lark focuses on her own meal quite seriously, intending to get through it with speed in addition to delicate grace. The map is important. Once the bowl is finished she takes a deep breath, pulls out the spools of thread, and puts them between her and the frame.]

Time to start. Thank you very much for the meal.

[crystalmaster]

Sure.

[Radley smiles and leans back, curious to see how this works.]

[stitch_witch]

[Lark does not even start with magic. She just strings the loom, prepares her shuttle, and works. And once she gets going her fingers are practically flying. There's no magic involved in this, just skill and experience. She doesn't even have to look.]

Do people still do this by hand in your time?"

[crystalmaster]

[Radley is fascinated.]

Yeah, they do. My grandmother does it sometimes.

[stitch_witch]

Oh? What does she like to make?

[She smiles and continues working.]

This is so much easier with a full loom, but maps are better smaller.

[crystalmaster]

Blankets, usually. Sometimes shawls.

[He chuckles.]

Yeah, a blanket-sized map is probably a bad idea.

[To say the least.]

[stitch_witch]

Oh it would be.

[She laughs and stops for a moment to stretch her fingers.]

Would you like one? A shawl?

[crystalmaster]

A shawl?

[He ponders. He hadn't ever thought of having one, but ...]

That would be pretty nice in cooler weather.

[stitch_witch]

Then I'll see that one is made for you. But not until we get toward fall.

[She returns to her weaving, which is already more than half done.]