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\Kaspar\
\Arum talks about how she wants to experience the world, not just see it. I understand right away. "I agree. It's like you can't truly understand someplace until you've really lived there, at least for a little. And it's true, there are so many places to go. The world is so much bigger than we realize, I think. As for me, I'd kind of like to go to Spain. My ancestors were from there, and… it just has such a vibrant culture, plus the architecture is amazing. The Alhambra Palace, for instance. It was built by the Arabs who ruled Spain, and it is – stunning. But I would be totally happy traveling around the world forever and seeing everything I could. I mean, if there were no climate change," I add. "It feels like climate change is just getting worse and worse and no one does anything about it! Or is that just me?"\
Poinsettia
"A favorite genre…" I consider that while I munch on one of the chocolate chip cookies that somehow found its way into the picnic basket. "Probably realistic fiction at this point. I mean, it could change, but that's what I'm writing most of right now. It's easier to create well-developed characters in realistic fiction, at least for me, because it's like the characters are the focus of the story, whereas in fantasy or adventure it's the plot that's most important. Plus, there are a lot of real-world experiences I've never had, but which I get to experience through writing, so I enjoy that. Also I'm just getting more ideas for realistic fiction right now… But I do really like fantasy too, because worldbuilding. And super-exciting plots where the rules of real life don't matter. It's like everything is so much more vivid in fantasy; a lot of my favorite characters and settings are from my fantasy novels. As for poetry and prose, I think it kind of depends on the circumstances. I usually like prose better, because it's freer; you don't have to worry about lines and structure and rhymes and all that stuff, and you can go off on tangents and explore and explain everything all you want to. Plus, you get to make use of full descriptions of settings or characters or the weather or whatever. But sometimes I just want to capture an emotion or a setting, and then poems are best. I think being on the CB has really helped me expand my poetical style; I used to do mostly rhyming poetry, but I've ventured into blank verse and it's super fun! I had no idea before I came on the CB how poetical blank verse could be (I hadn't read any very good blank verse before). You and the other CBers are really good at it," I add shyly. "Anyway, what about you? What genres do you like to write? And do you prefer poetry or prose?"
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aah thanks for understanding about the lateness!! I'm also glad we can continue talking 🙂
|Arum|
|Kaspar talks about visiting Spain and seeing the architecture — specifically, the Alhambra Palace. I vaguely recall it from a picture Mirage once showed me, and he's right; it's absolutely gorgeous. Then he talks about climate change.
|"Oh, it's not just you!" I exclaim. Climate change has always been something I'm very passionate about, and I'm glad that Kaspar is also involved in this issue. "I mean, of course there are some people and some organizations that are trying to make a difference, but overall, there's so much more that the government and corportations should be doing, but aren't. I do what I can; Pangolin, the rest of her AEs, and I are all vegetarian, in hopes of minimizing the impacts of animal agriculture, but I just wish I could be doing more. What are your thoughts?"|
Pangolin
I take another bite of the fruit salad and reply, "Oh, I definitely agree that when writing realistic fiction, it's much easier to create three-dimensional characters. I also really like writing realistic fiction, because the world's already there, but you can use interesting imagery or descriptions to change some mundane setting into something almost poetic — and it's easier to add tiny details that make the story more realistic. But yeah, fantasy's really great for worldbuilding and unique characters, and I get what you said about fantasy being more vivid. I like writing contemporary/urban fantasy, because it's kind of a nice blend between realistic fiction and fantasy. And I've always liked writing historical fiction, but that requires a lot of research, so I rarely write it. I agree with a lot of what you said about poetry and prose; I feel like prose is definitely freer, but poetry is great for capturing a specific emotion or something. I've been writing a lot of poetry lately; I haven't had a lot of time to sit down and write, but sometimes poetry'll just pop into my head, or I can scribble some lines down onto my notebook or something, so it's just easier. The CB has definitely shaped my poetry style as well — I would never have even tried to write poetry if not for the wonderful poems other CBers were posting. And thank you! I always love your poetry, too; like the poem you just posted on the Poetry Contest thread — the imagery is on point and vivid, and you were able to convey such a strong emotion and idea with just a handful of lines." As I pick a blackberry out of the fruit salad and absent-mindedly begin to dissect it, I ask, "So, do you have any plans for the summer?"
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Oops, forgot to say – no worries about the lateness! I understand that you've been busy 🙂 I'm just glad we can continue the conversation (and so is Kaspar, although do not tell him I said that because he'd be super embarassed XD).
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Hey ~Amarillis~! Do you want to continue Shyla and Firefly's ship? I think it was your turn to respond. 🙂 I'm not pressuring you or anything – I just know you really like this RP and that it's kind of dying, so this could help revive it. Plus, I think their ship is really cute 🙂
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How did i not see this–
Okay, first. I'm really sorry. I actually kind of forgot that it was my turn and then i had basically assumed I was waiting for you to respond when in reality it was the opposite. I also sometimes get overwhelmed by Shyla because she's so energetic and she's basically the part of me that really only happens a little.
So on top of the fact that I didn't realize it was my turn, I also…well, kind of was tired. You know? But still, not an excuse. So seriously I'm so sorry.
ill post today or tmw just not rn 🙂
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Oh, it's okay, don't worry about it! I completely understand! Don't feel pressured to post Shyla's part – this is all for fun, after all 🙂
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\Kaspar\
\Arum talks about how trying to do something about climate change is important to her as well. |"What are your thoughts?"| she finishes up by asking.\
\"Hmm… well, I also try to do everything possible, but it still doesn't feel like enough. In the newspaper the other day I saw a letter signed by heads of state from around the world, like Biden and Emmanuel Macron, and it was basically saying that they were going to focus on more economic development, instead of less, so that poorer countries wouldn't feel the effects of climate change so badly. It was literally accepting that drastic climate change was a given. I couldn't believe it! I've kind of given up on the present governments ever wanting to solve the problem. But ordinary people are really starting to cause changes, which is important, I think. Like I also saw in the news (I do a lot of reading the news!) that young people in Montana were filing lawsuits against the state because of the state's irresponsible climate practices. I'm pretty sure that since the situation is getting worse now, like with the smoke from the Canadian wildfires, more ordinary people will start tackling climate change on their own. At least, I hope so. Maybe someday I'll be living in a non-consumerist world with zero reliance on fossil fuels, and with solar panels on every house, and public transport in all the cities, and I can shock my grandchildren with tales of how unecological the world used to be." I laugh. "What do you think a completely ecological world would look like?"\
Poinsettia
"Urban fantasy does sound nice," I agree. "I only recently discovered it and yeah, I agree that it's a nice blend. I have yet to actually try writing any, though. And thank you! That was one of my first blank-verse poems, and I had a lot of fun writing it because I just wanted to express what I was feeling at that point. Plans for the summer… I'm going to go wild in the libraries and read lots of books. Preferably light, happy-ending books; usually I'll read almost anything, but in summertime I like to read mostly fun, non-intense stuff. By the way, what kinds of books do you like to read?" Then I remember another summer plan. "Oh, and I'll be working a lot on my writing – I have five projects at the moment which I really need to finish, and it should be great to make some progress on them. As for traveling, my family's friends invited us to visit them in Chicago, where they live, but it's not
clear yet whether we'll be able to go. I really hope so, it sounds like
lots of fun and we haven't seen them in ages. And I'll be visiting upstate New York, which I'm looking forward to! What about you?"I finish my last chocolate chip cookie and pass the box of them to pangolin. "Would you like any?" I've finished eating, and I lie back on the sunwarmed picnic blanket. Overhead the leaves of the trees are waving in a cool breeze. I notice that Stormi has wandered off somewhere without telling me, but I feel so relaxed that I don't really care.
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|Arum|
|Kaspar talks about climate change and how individuals are doing some things to combat it. He finishes by asking, "What do you think a completely ecological world would look like?"|
|"Well, I think we'd live mostly in cities, because they're typically more energy-efficient and have a higher density than the suburbs. You can fit more people into a building than you can into a house, so it'd use up less land," I respond. "Plus, people tend to drive more in suburban and rural areas, but in cities, people can commute on foot if their destination's close or using public transportation if it's further away. I think we'd also use plant-based building materials, because concrete and steel have high carbon footprints — bamboo, wood, and there's even a certain type of mushroom that can be used in construction. And we'd run on renewable energy instead of fossil fuels, of course. And hopefully more people would be focused on preserving the earth instead of. You know. Money and whatever." I sigh. "Well, anyway, what do you think it'd look like?"
Pangolin
Poinsettia asks what sort of books I read, and I respond, "Oh, I read all sorts of stuff — I like books with action, well-developed characters, and a bit of humor. Right now, I'm reading the second book of the Dreamer Trilogy, which is a sequel series to the Raven Cycle. It's urban fantasy, with excellent writing and wonderful characters. I also love the Nevermoor series — the worldbuilding is incredible, as are the characters. It's whimsical, almost, but it can be a little intense at times. And it's kind of a generic answer, but I do love the classics, especially John Stienbeck — for a lot of his books, I feel like the plot's just okay-ish, but I absolutely love the writing. What are your favorite books or series?" I ask. "Oh, all your summer plans sound so fun! I'll also be visiting upstate New York — twice, actually; to my great aunt's lakehouse for the Fourth of July, and then to my grandma's house later in the summer. I'm also doing a rock climbing camp and a tennis camp (not sleepaway, alas). And then my high school offers a creative writing program during the summer, which I'm really looking forward to. I'll also work on my three (though I might start another one) writing projects."
Poinsettia offers me a box of chocolate chip cookies. "Oh, I'd love one, thank you!" I say. I take a bite — it's delicious — and then ask, "What sort of music do you like? Do you have any favorite artists or songs?"
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\Kaspar\
\I listen intently as Arum describes her ideas for an ecological world; I'm fascinated by how much she knows about sustainable living practices. "That's amazing that there's a mushroom that can be used in construction!" I exclaim. "I had no idea. Yeah, I really hope people learn to let go of their focus on money – I mean, I can see how money's useful, but it's so weird how it seems to be the most important thing ever to some people. Anyway, I like your ideas! I've actually always thought that an ecological world would be more rural, with a return to farming instead of industrialization. There could be small-scale organic farms, with familes working together there, growing what they need, and buying and selling with other farms or people who don't live on farms. There could also be small, locally-owned businesses that would provide other things that people need, like clothes and stuff. And there could also be universities for people who wanted to do something more intellectual in their lives. Most issues would be solved by the community, not a state or federal government – you know, there could be community meetings where citizens could discuss what kinds of things they wanted to fix and how to fix them, like in ancient Athens. I've always thought that's a more effective way of handling issues because it makes sure that the people in charge actually care about what they're doing, rather than just about getting elected into office again. Switzerland actually does make use of that system, which I've always found fascinating. Definitely transportation and the Comforts of Modern Life would still be important, but people would cut down on how much they use them – like instead of constantly going on short trips to faraway places, maybe they could take trips once every couple of years and spend more time at their chosen destination, really learning what it's like to live there and gaining a deeper understanding of it. And I'm a huge advocate of getting electric high-speed trains and subways to take the place of airplanes and cars. I wish public transport were more common in the US, like it is in Europe. I mean aside from being ecological, subways are super fun, at least for me," I laugh. "I think maybe fighting climate change can show us new ways to improve other aspects of our lives too, like community ties and learning to value friends and happiness instead of the economic aspects of life. It seems to me like there's a lot that's wrong with our current lifestyles, and adopting a more ecological, less consumerist way of living can help solve most of those problems. Anyway, that's how I feel – do you think so too?" To lighten up the conversation a bit, I add, "Um, this is sort of changing the subject drastically, but what kind of music do you like?"\
Poinsettia
"Oh, I love the classics too!" I answer. "I've read some Steinbeck – not much, but enough to get an idea of his style. I also love Frances Hodgson Burnett and O. Henry and all those other famous older writers… One of my favorite fantasy series is the Chronicles of Narnia – it has the most amazing writing style, super atmospheric and vivid, and the worldbuilding is fascinating. I also like how it becomes more meaningful as you get older – there are things in it that I understand better than I did the first time I read it. The Melendy Quartet by Elizabeth Enright is also one of the best series I've read. It's about four kids growing up during World War II, and it has a host of colorful characters, tons of humor, and a way of making you feel like you're living right in the book. I think the best thing about it is that the world it portrays is one you want to live in – it just celebrates the wonderfulness of life in a really warm and joyous way. And for books that aren't in series, I just finished reading Julieta and the Romeos by Maria E. Andreu, a light YA romance which is super sweet and happy and which I would totally recommend… Oh wow, your summer plans sound great!" Once pangolin's taken a cookie, I take a small one too, just because I'm starting to feel a little hungry again. "You're welcome!" I say. "I listen to all kinds of music, but mostly older country and folk, music which is supposed to be country but isn't really, in my opinion (like Alison Krauss' songs), and songs inspired by traditional music from around the world. I really love Irish and Greek music, for instance. Sometimes I do listen to more popular music, though, like Martina McBride's songs, and I really love the Indigo Girls' music – would that be pop? Or something else? Anyway, for favorite songs, I have probably a million, but some of the ones I'm most into right now are "The Marvelous Toy" by Peter Paul & Mary (funny and cute, good for listening to when you need cheering up), and "The Lucky One" by Alison Krauss, which is really soft-sounding and harmonious. I also am currently slightly obsessed with "Behet Ghol Midam" by Mohsen Yeganeh, which has the most amazing melody and instrumental I have ever heard, as well as having gorgeous lyrics. I don't understand them in the original language, of course, but the video I found of it has subtitles with the English translation, so I know what it says. It's just… it blows me away every time I hear it. I can't recommend it enough. Anyway, what songs and music do you like? And do you play any instruments yourself?"
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|Arum|
|Kaspar talks about his ideas for a more ecological world, and how sustainable living could solve other problems, too — such as valuing friendships over material possessions. "Oh, I definitely agree!" I say. "I feel like so many of our problems could be solved if people didn't focus so much on the economic aspects of life. Of course, some of that is necessary for a comfortable life, but an excessive amount is just causing more problems than it solves." I shrug, and Kaspar asks about my tastes in music. "I really just like upbeat music. I’ll listen to 80s music, some alt rock stuff, indie pop songs, a bit of EDM. Uh, some of my favorite songs right now are “Hear Me Say” by Jonas Blue and LEON, “Icarus” by Bastille, and “Heading West” by Cyndi Lauper. What about you? What’s your taste in music? And do you play any instruments?”|
Pangolin
Poinsettia talks about some of the books she likes, and though I haven’t read many of them, they all sound very cool. I’ll have to remember to order them from the library.
“Ah, cool! I haven’t listened to a ton of Martina McBride, but I have listened to “Ride” and I really liked it! Hmm, I think the Indigo Girls’ music would be folk rock? I’m not entirely sure, though. I love their music too! They have so many good songs — I especially like “Airplane,” “Galileo,” “Ghost,” and “Closer to Fine,” but again, they’re all so good. I just listened to the songs you mentioned — I really liked them, especially “The Lucky One”! I’d already heard “Behet Ghol Midam” (I think it was in the June CB Playlist?) and you’re absolutely right; the melody and instrumentals are incredible! My music tastes are kind of all over the place, to be honest. I suppose indie and pop are my main genres, but there’s some Celtic, rock, punk, EDM, and showtunes sprinkled in as well. Right now, some of my favorite artists are Gabrielle Aplin, Orla Gartland, LEON, Taylor Swift (especially her albums evermore and folklore), and dodie. I really like “Lose” by Hannah Jadagu, “ivy” by Taylor Swift, “Until The Sun Comes Up” by Gabrielle Aplin, and anything from LEON’s album Circles. I don’t really play any instruments — I’ve messed around with the guitar, banjo, harmonica, ukulele, baritone ukulele, piano, and steel tongue drum, as well as experimented with digital music making, but that’s all by ear, so I don’t actually play an instrument. I’ve done a bit of songwriting as well, but I can’t sing for the life of me, so for the most part I stick to poetry.” I laugh slightly. “Anyway, what about you? Do you play an instrument?”
oops the two conversations are kind of about the same topics–
ah well
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~Shyla~
~"~Of course you can have baklava! I baked some this morning, and not to brag, but it's definitely a good batch.~" I cut two large pieces, one for each of us, and hand her a plate. She takes a big bite, and her eyes widen.
~"It's so good!" I beam.~
~"~Thanks!~" She devours the whole slice within seconds. I study her while she eats. She really is quite pretty. Not like me. But I don't really care about my looks–and Firefly doesn't seem the type to judge people because of their appearance either. I decide I like Firefly. Maybe more than a friend, but it's hard to tell since I haven't known her that long.
Sorry it took me so long!
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Firefly's POV:
Shyla cuts me a piece of baklava, and I take a big bite. "This is so good!" I exclaim. It really is – its by far the best baklava I've ever had.
"~Thanks!~" Shyla smiles, and that makes me really happy for some reason. I guess I'm just glad I was able to make someone so cool and so, well, attractive smile like that. She really is beautiful when she smiles – her whole face lights up.
I awkwardly fiddle with a lock of my hair as I think of what to say next. I'm not used to being at a loss for words, but I don't know what to say to Shyla. She's just so pretty and cool and I just…want her to think I'm cool, too, not the annoying, awkward dork that I am.
But I don't want the conversation to end, so I blurt out, "Um, what have you been up to lately?"
I hope that question wasn't too invasive or pushy. Dragonfly's always telling me to stop getting involved in other people's business. Now Shyla's probably going to think I'm annoying…
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Oops I took way longer than I should have to reply :/ I'm so sorry!!
\Kaspar\
\The songs Arum mentions sound interesting; I mentally resolve to look them up as soon as I get back to the house and my computer. |"What's your taste in music? And do you play any instruments?"| Arum asks. "I'm not quite sure what genre I like best," I admit. "When I first became Poinsettia's AE, I wasn't really into music – but since all Poinsettia's other AEs listen to it night and day, they've kind of pushed me to explore a greater range of songs. Ariella basically dragged me over to her laptop and left me there listening to a playlist she'd assembled… She is… a little bossy. Anyway, I've done some exploring on my own too, and so far I really like '50s rock and pop. I also really like Don McLean's songs; they're soft enough that I can listen to them while I'm doing something else like homework, but they're not boring. I'll try out the songs you mentioned," I add, smiling at her. "As for instruments, I play the drums very minimally – I never really managed to learn how very well, so my playing basically consists of experimentally banging them! How about you? And what movies do you like to watch?" I realize that last question probably sounded way too abrupt – I blurted it out the moment the question came to my mind – but it's too late now. Suddenly I feel awkward. It really is – odd, how I really seem to care about what Arum thinks of me.\
Poinsettia
"Oh yeah, right, 'Behet Ghol Midam' was in the June playlist," I remember. "(I should know – I put it there!) I've listened to "Home" by Gabrielle Aplin, but I haven't heard the other artists you mentioned. I really have to go listen to something of Taylor Swift's – I keep seeing CBers talk about her music, and it's made me curious to see what it's like. (Only I'm in a rush right now – my family and I are going to do the shopping soon – so I can't at the moment :/) Wow, you've experimented with a ton of instruments! I've tried songwriting too, but it's really hard to think of melodies for the lyrics, plus lyrics in themselves are sometimes tricky. I play piano and ukulele, and I tried to learn the recorder at one point (I didn't get very far, though). I also love to sing! Although I'm probably not super good at it. I haven't joined any musical or performance groups, sadly – at the moment I just play music at home, like for family celebrations. My sister and I were actually singing and playing the ukulele after dinner on the Fourth of July. Happy late Fourth of July, by the way! Did you do anythng special to celebrate?"
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|Arum|
|Kaspar's music tastes sound really interesting; I've never really listened to the genres or artist he mentioned, but Kaspar likes them, I suppose I'll give them a shot. "|I'll have to listen to those genres when I get home,|" I tell him. "|And the drums! That's really cool. I've always wanted to learn the drums. I don't really play any instrument, but I have done some songwriting and I sing a bit — I mean, not really in front of other people," I add, cringing. I love singing, but I'm nowhere near confident enough to share that with other people. It feels personal, I guess, especially when I'm singing the songs I wrote. And I'm always afraid of what people'll think of me. Especially Kaspar, I realize. Why do I care so much what he thinks of me? "|But, uh, my favorite movie! That's tough. I don't watch a ton of TV, but I suppose I like 80s adventure comedies. The Goonies, The Princess Bride, that sort of stuff. What about you?|"
Pangolin
"Oh, the piano and ukulele! That's really cool. So is singing — wow, I don't really have the courage to sing in front of people, and it's cool you do. Happy late Fourth of July to you too! This Forth of July, my family did the same thing we do every year — drive up to the Adirondacks of upstate New York to my great aunt's house. Her house is on a lake, and we also has some property in the woods. Usually a lot of my extended family is there, but due to several factors, it was only me, my parents, my sister, and my grandmother, and some family friends. It was really fun! We did some hiking, and I was out for hours on the lake kayaking — speaking of which, do you do any sports?" I ask. "Anyway, yeah, it was fun. What about you? Did you do anything special (besides your and your sister's performance (which I'm sure was absolutely amazing))?"
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Okay! Here at last! Again, my sincere apologies…
\Kaspar\
\"Oh, that's cool that you like to sing!" I say. "I understand not really wanting to do it in front of other people, though. I tend to feel very self-conscious as well when I do something like that, although I've never actually done any singing performances. Hmm, I like most types of movies – I'll pretty much watch anything. But I guess I especially enjoy adventure movies. I watched one a few months ago called Uncharted, about how the main character tries to find a treasure (as usual in adventure movies) and his missing brother. I think there's going to be a sequel, because he still hadn't found his brother by the end of the movie, and the final scene was kind of mysterious. The only thing that irritated me was that one of the villains was Spanish and the other was African-American; it's like even now, with all the emphasis on diversity, Latins and Africans are still habitually seen as shady characters. I wouldn't mind if it were just this one movie, but it seems to happen a lot. But I did enjoy it anyway." I pause for a moment, wondering whether to tell Arum about my dream of being a screenwriter, and then decide to go ahead. "Actually, when I'm old enough, I really want to be a director or a screenwriter and play a part in making movies myself. I just think it would be super interesting to imagine something and then get to actually see it happening on a screen. Have you given anythought to what kind of career you want to have?"\
Poinsettia
"Ooh, your Fourth of July traditions sound like so much fun!" I exclaim. "It's always wonderful to get together with extended family. Unfortunately my relatives live in various places all over the world, so it's really hard to get everyone together; there are some I've never even met! I actually met a couple of my very distant cousins virtually just yesterday, and it was so weird. I mean, if i'd met them on the street, I wouldn't have known we were related, and yet they were my own grandmother's cousin's grandchildren (okay I know that's like super distantly related, but still.) And being in the woods near a lake… wow. My family and I just did the traditional type of Fourth of July – we had hot dogs outside for dinner, and then we went to see the local fireworks display. It was really great. Sports… well, I play soccer and badminton in the backyard with my dad and sister, but other than that, nope. Do you?"
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