thisavrou | (no subject)

[ There's the sound of something being fumbled, a grumble and a few swears, and the screen goes blank. Someone hit the off switch. Oops.

Oh, look, now it's back on and the teenager on screen looks like she could use a sandwich or two. And she looks mildly annoyed, and wary. There's a look about her that says maybe she's seen far, far too much bullshit and she's not as young as she looks because of it.

Oh well, that doesn't matter, because now she's talking. The walls of the small room she's renting for now on the beach is behind her and the background noise is people yelling and screaming and being generally ridiculous.]

Okay. So uh...[ A nosewrinkle. Talking to this thing is not exactly high on her list of things to give a flying fuck about, that much is clear, but somehow she talks herself into it. ]

Names Leigh. Leigh Manders.
[ It's really not, but she says it confidently enough that it damn well may actually be her name. ]

Hi. I'm new. Also, water is wet. In case anyone wanted me to point out another obvious fact.

[ Pay no attention to the teen that seems totally down with making fun of herself, ridiculous smirk on her face before it shifts to something serious. ]

I may have an important question that I'm hoping I get answers to. See, I've got a problem. Embarrassing as it is to admit? I haven't set foot inside an actual classroom since I was about...hmm...nine? Nine years old. My family...my dad and I had to travel a lot so there was a lot of homeschooling, but I can't help but feel there are gaps in my education.

Who can I talk to about fixing this? I know I can go to the library and do what I can there, but who can actually help me with filling in those gaps. Nathan Drake said he was assigned teacher and I have faith in him but like I said. Nine years old when last I was in a public school and a shaky stint as a home schooler. Might need more than Nathan.

[ A pause and another crooked smile, shoulders shrugging for a second. ]

That's all. Thank you.

[ And she shuts the MID off. ]

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That's fine. Just get a hold of me when you get here.

[As good as his word, about ninety minutes later he's wandering along the beach in search of her. It's not going especially well, large suits of medieval style armour and soft sand don't exactly mix particularly well.

Eventually he spots her and stumbles over, waving one hand energetically.]

Hey--! Leigh, right? It's Alphonse!

[ If it weren't for the voice coming from the suit, Charlie'd run off. What the actual shit is she staring at, here? An then when she realizes she's staring, she shakes her head and instantly looks apologetic. ]

So uh...hi? How's it going?

[ She has no idea what to do here. ]

[Nothing to see here, just a normal guy wearing a suit of armour.

He's used to the odd looks and it does make him a little uncomfortable, but thankfully she has enough tact not to mention it. So he will grab that with both hands, relieved, and not mention it either.]

Okay, thanks. It's still kind of weird to be on a beach, but it's a nice change and a lot of people could really use the time to relax.

[He settles himself in the sand beside her, still looming even when sat.]

So, why don't you tell me a little more about what you want to learn?

[ Hey, Charlie likes when people treat her like she's normal, so if that's what Al wants, that's what he gets. ]

Basically, anything anyone'd be willing to teach me. Dad and I spent a lot of time moving, so it made getting an education pretty difficult.

Well, my specialities are chemistry and alchemy, so I can definitely give you a good training in that.

[More alchemy students!]

But you shouldn't worry so much. As long as you're willing to learn, and you have a passion for it, then not having formal schooling doesn't have to hold you back. My brother and I left school when I was eight.