STORIES
222 - Speak
Racolo Usagi
In Usagi’s room ...
RACOLO:
... Qualina said you have my book.
USAGI:
Yes, it is here. You may come in. I’ll find it.
USAGI:
… I found it to be very interesting. Some of the symbols
are similar to ones I have seen before.
RACOLO:
They’re runes, not symbols. Just give me back my book.
USAGI:
You act as if I took it without permission.
Your grandmother insisted I borrow it.
RACOLO:
I know, but I need it.
USAGI:
You will find it here, in this pile.
RACOLO:
You want me to get it?
USAGI:
If you please.
RACOLO:
Fine.
RACOLO:
… Have you read all of these?
USAGI:
Yes. It is important to continue to learn new things. You must
know this, being a teacher. Human magic is new to me.
RACOLO:
Magic is magic.
USAGI:
No. Your people approach it differently. Like this, have you read it?
RACOLO:
Not entirely.
USAGI:
It interprets the symbols of dreams in a most peculiar way. Let me
show you. See? It acts as a dictionary, and that is wrong.
RACOLO:
'Cause it's not the way you do it, right?
USAGI:
No. Subject matter cannot be interpreted accurately when
completely isolated from the part it plays in the dream. One must
consider its context in the dream, and what it means to the dreamer.
RACOLO:
What?
USAGI:
Your way does not take the dreamer into account. For instance, if you dreamt of the color red, the color could mean something different to you than me.
RACOLO:
It's not about the color, it's about what's red in the dream.
USAGI:
No. One must consider every detail in order to understand
its full meaning. I see your book, there.
RACOLO:
If dreams were interpreted on an individual basis, like you
suggest, it would be impossible to interpret anyone's dreams
- cause the symbols would be different for every person.
USAGI:
The symbolic meaning of dreams is different for every
person, that is what I have been telling you.
USAGI:
… Here it is, 'Runes'. You will note that I am returning
it to you in the condition in which it was lent.
RACOLO:
Careful - don't fall.
USAGI:
If I do, you will catch me.
RACOLO:
I wouldn't be so sure of that.
USAGI:
I am sure of many things.
RACOLO:
Hey - look lady I don't even like you.
USAGI:
I don't need you to like me to suit my purposes.
Besides, I don’t believe you.
RACOLO:
Wow. Maybe Jesse’s right.
USAGI:
Who?
RACOLO:
Nothing.
Later ...
Magic flows from Usagi’s hand.
RACOLO:
What the hell are you doing?
USAGI:
There is a chill in the air, I was covering you.
RACOLO:
Nice try. You were using magic. I felt it.
USAGI:
Did you? Interesting. These symbols you have painted
on you – they blocked my magic?
RACOLO:
Something like that. Is that why I'm here?
USAGI:
I thought I was clear, I want to know more about human magic.
RACOLO:
So you lured me in here and …
USAGI:
I did not lure you …
RACOLO:
Oh c'mon - you took my book …
USAGI:
Borrowed your book.
RACOLO:
My mistake - you borrowed my book and held onto it long
enough for me to come get it. You even arranged for
your husband to give me his blessing before he left ...
USAGI:
Washi gave you had his blessing? I was unsure if he would.
RACOLO:
Yeah – imagine my surprise when I found out what it meant.
Man you Elves! You always think you're one up on everyone.
USAGU:
You will watch your tone with me.
RACOLO:
Sorry if I’m not behaving like an obedient human for you.
USAGI:
You are not leaving. I have not given you permission to go.
RACOLO:
I don't need permission.
USAGI:
How dare you speak to me like that. I am daughter to the Empress …
RACOLO:
Yeah and I’m the grandson to a sorceress – so what?
USAGI:
Washi was right about you - you are a barbarian. And you forgot
your book. Apparently it is not as important as you claimed.
Perhaps you had other intentions for coming here?
RACOLO:
You think I came here to seduce you? Other way around lady.
Remember - you kissed me.
USAGI:
You kissed me back and it thrilled you to your core. I dare you
to disagree! Speak human, I give you permission. Tell me
you cannot feel the fire between us.
RACOLO:
I’m feeling something, alright …
USAGI:
Will you deny yourself more?
RACOLO:
More?
USAGI:
Yes, more.
