sixwordstories | (no subject)

Happy autumn, too.

That too. So long, summer.

Ah... New Year is January. So I'm guessing this is some kinda Jewish festival? Shalom anyway Katherine.

Oh, come on, it's Rosh Hashanah! Am I, like, the only Jew you know?

Ah... pretty much, yeah, short of Ben Grimm anyway. I wouldn't take it personally anyway, my family all come from Vermont and we're nearly all Catholic backgrounds. So what's Rosh Hashanah?

Oh, I don't. I'm just surprised is all. [A shrug.] Okay, so. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year -- this, of course, operating on a lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar -- and the first of the two High Holidays. (The second being Yom Kippur, which is next weekend.) It's not so much a Time To Pop The Champagne and Party Like It's 1999 sort of affair, like the new year in January, but rather a time spent with family. It is a time of introspection, a time cast away your sins of the past year, and to plan to do better in the new. It's a time for apology and forgiveness. There's also a heck'uva lotta food which is one of my favorite parts. What can I say? I like to eat.

That's a more basic overview of it, at least.

Of course, my Rosh Hashanah traditions are a little different as I've gotten older, but I like to think I manage the more important parts.

Edited (oh my goodness those typos) 2014-09-26 05:51 (UTC)

I thought Earth celebrated New Years on January the first. Unless we're talking about a different planet here.

Happy New Year. For serious. Should I come with you to Temple?

[Kitty shakes her head.] Oh no, still Earth. Just a different sort of new year.

Do you actually want to come with me?

Ok, so family and food, sounds like a blast. I guess unless you're Jewish you don't tend to know those specific holidays, aside from maybe the Passover and the one involving Ruth and having special dinners on Fridays or something... still, it's nice you still hold to all that stuff. Haven't exactly been an exhaulted Catholic type myself.

Edited (Gah me too) 2014-09-26 08:01 (UTC)

Sure.

Oh, it is? I don't know all these Earth cultures.

[A smile.] Well, alright then. It'd actually be kind of nice to have some company and you are family, after all.

I will not burst into flames, promise.

Ah, a time for celebration! May I partake of your festivities as well, dear Kitty of Pryde? I am quite fond of any opportunity for revelry, as you well know.

[She rolls her eyes.] Not worried about that. Actually a little more worried someone will try to destroy the world before we get to hear the shofar.

[She nods.] Chanukkah. Chanukkah comes off as being much bigger a deal than it really is and that's only because of how close it is to Christmas. I'd say just about everyone knows the basics of Chanukkah.

It's funny, I still wear my Star of David under my uniform and all, but I feel like I've pulled away from it a bit. I'm trying to hold onto what I still can manage, despite how crazy things are when you're rollin' with the X-Men.

Earth is host to many different cultures. I like to think I'm pretty smart -- [The modest way of saying "I'm a genius," which apparently gets really old really quick.] -- and even I don't know them all.

Yes, of course! There aren't many festivities left to partake in now that services are over, but-- [She smiles brightly and sets her bag down on the table, pulling out a large Ziploc bag and a small jar of amber-colored honey, setting both in front of him.] This was one of my favorite parts when I was a kid.

[He kneels so that he is eye level with the honey and the baggie and strokes his chin] You ring in the new year with honey!

[Nod, nod, nod.] On Rosh Hashanah -- the Jewish New Year -- we dip apples in honey as a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. Actually, there's a lot of eating on Rosh Hashanah, but my mom was always the one who did the cooking in our family and my cooking skills aren't quite on par with hers. These days I just go out, I have a nice dinner, and then I go someplace nice and quiet and just reflect on the past year.

[She unscrews the lid on the jar and sets it aside. The Ziploc, of course, filled with pre-cut apple slices. Kitty takes an apple slice and dips it into the honey demonstratively, taking a bite.] Simple, but so good. Brings back a lot of good memories too.

I believe that I very much like the idea of this ritual. But then, I am quite the fan of both honey and apples, but I have never mixed the two. [He follows her lead, and takes a bite. His eyes light up.]

And now, I shall ever wonder why I never thought of this! [Takes another bite and chews it up quickly.] May I inquire as to these good memories of yours? Are they tales worth telling?

To be honest I know about as much about Chanukkah from that episode of Friends where Ross dresses up as an Armadillo. Something about God keeping lights burning for a good while. It does sound nice though, what I have heard anyway.

I don't think I'm been a great guy, but I would like to hope that if there is a God, whatever faith, he'll figure I've tried to be a good guy overall. But it's good that you try to manage that.

Another holiday with a heck of a lot of food, so I'm down. I'd always really liked lighting the menorah when I was a kid.

In all honesty, I think all anyone ever can do is try to be a good person.

[Kitty smiles brightly, pleased as punch that he seems to enjoy it as much as she does.] Good stuff, right? There's even this cake with apples and honey that we used to make. My great-aunt's recipe, I think, but the recipe never did make it's way down to me.

Oh no, they're terribly mundane. It's just the memory of being a kid-- of being happy and care-free because things are always so much simpler when you're a child. [She snorts, shaking her head.] Wow, I make myself sound so much older when I talk like this.

A cake with apples and honey?? You don't say! And you do not have this wondrous recipe? Oh Kitty, you break my heart. We shall have to go on a valiant quest to retrieve this recipe!

[He nods, but then smiles at her last comment] If it is of any consolation to you, I too remember my childhood fondly...but it was, oh, centuries ago by your measurement of time. Perhaps millennia. [He considers this for a moment, face screwed up in thought as he taps his chin] How long ago did my maid Marian live? Perhaps that would give me some reference...

Winter is all about stuffing your face, right? Yum. It does sound it would be kind of magical. I had the same thing watching the trees lit up and doing the Navivity play. I was some random shepard dude I think.

Well I've probably done a fair few bad and stupid stuff, but I like to imagine I've done more good in the end than bad.

I do not and trust me, I am kicking myself right now. I could always try to get ahold of my mother, but that's not always an easy task.

I'd say I feel silly for complaining about something like age with someone who is centuries older than me, but I'm a woman and once we reach a certain age, it gets a little scary. Thankfully, though, we do get over it. Just in time to tell our loved ones to stop being such babies about the whole getting older thing. [She quirks an eyebrow at that.] Marian? Who's Marian?

That is why it shall be a valiant quest! If it were easy, it would not be a good quest. We shall find your fair mother and we shall endeavor to persuade her to give us this recipe! I can be quite persuasive, I assure you.

Ah, but it is okay! You mortal Midgardians live such short lives. It is...heartbreaking. [His general jolly demeanor cracks for a moment and he looks sad, almost forlorn, and it is especially at speaking of Marian] Oh, she was my wife, once upon a time. Oh, she so detested being called a maid, so that was what I called her just to get a rise! Maid Marian! Maid Marian! I was the only one whom she would let get away with it, you see. Ah, but we had such adventures in that Sherwood Forest....[forlorn has changed to wistful by now]

But alas, that was when I first learned the danger of truly loving a woman of Midgard. [He sighs, glancing away.]

[She giggles, waving her hand dismissively.] Oh, I'm not worried about that part. In fact, I'm pretty sure that my mother would be quite charmed by you, but it's... a bit more complicated than that.

Some shorter than others. [Kitty has, after all, had her share of loss. Kitty is quiet as he speaks, offering her new friend a soft, sympathetic sort of smile.] I feel a little bad for asking now. It sounds like she loved you a whole lot, though. And you, sir, are much braver than I thought if you were brave enough to tease her like that. [It's funny, though, as closely as she has been listening to his story, it takes her a moment to put two and two together. Kitty's eyes light up with recognition.] Wait, Maid Marian, Sherwood Forest, that's--

How so? Is she being held against her will in lands far away? Do we need to save her from the dastardly rock trolls? Has she been spirited away by an evil prince?

Yes...and that is truly tragic. Your lives are so valuable, and yet so very fragile. [He brightens a bit at her jest of sorts] I was indeed. I believe it may be why she enjoyed my company so. [He tilts his head to the side a bit, entirely unaware of the legend his exploits from that time became to the modern world] Yes? Does it help you place how long ago it was?

[She shrugs her shoulders.] We don't really talk a lot. My mom has her life and I have mine and they're just... too different to coexist. It has just always felt safer, for her, for me to keep my distance, y'know?

All the more reason to live life to its fullest, right? Enjoy things as they come. It sounds pretty cheesy, but it's not a terrible way to live. [It shouldn't really surprise her that Fandral seems to have no clue what she's talking about; someone who has lived as long as he has likely has had a hand in many a folklore or legend without their knowledge. Of course, she just kinda blurts it out like this is something he should just know about already.] No way! You're Robin Hood! ... aren't you?

Oh Kitty...[He reaches out and places a hand on her shoulder, and his earnestness is as intense as his normal jovial nature] I do not mean to alarm you, but since we have been discussing it, both your life and that of your mother is relatively short. It takes two to recognize this, I know, but I also know just how precious mortal life is, and how important it is to appreciate your lives while they exist. If there is any way for the two of you to come to an accord, you should pursue it. You do not have much time, unless your ability to disrupt your molecules can slow your aging process. And even if it can, your mother cannot say the same of her own mortality.

[Now his features light up with a soft smile] Aye, living life to it's fullest and enjoying the moment is the best course of action. [And at her outburst, he laughs aloud, fully restored to his higher spirits just like that] Robin Hood, eh?? Why yes, some called me that! I adopted the name Robert of Loxley during that time, as Robert was a most common name then. It was all too quickly reduced to Robin, which I found more pleasing. Both allowed me to blend in with ease. I see the "Hood" title stuck, though. [shakes his head with a small smile.] It never failed to amuse and even annoy me that I was so named for the fact that I simply enjoyed wearing a hood! Oh Marian, you did have the last laugh, didn't you? She called me that most frequently, in a light hearted lover's revenge for my calling her Maid Marian. And clearly it survives to this day! How came you to know of my alter ego from ages ago??? Come, tell me, I must know!

Trust me, I do realize this and I would be lying if I said that I didn't miss my mother or that I didn't wish things were different, but... my life is messy and while I'm proud of who I am, being a mutant isn't exactly a walk in the park. I've already lost one parent who got caught up in the mess; I don't want to -- I can't -- lose another. We email, we talk on the phone when I get a chance, and we've talked about seeing each other, but this is how things have to be for right now.

Oh, jeez. All over. I think the first version that I was introduced to as a child was the Disney film -- cute, colorful, made up entirely of anthropomorphic animals. There are a ton of films and books and... really, just about anything you could think of. [And Kitty might be just a little overly excited. He's Robin Hood! Robin Hood! How cool is that?] I think just about everyone knows about Robin Hood, or at least a version of the tale.

Ah. [he nods] I believe I see. You live the life of a warrior, and that endangers those you may be closest to, so you keep your distance. At least you meet her on this "Phone" however! Is it a safe zone? [And he's just completely at a loss as to what "email" is.]

Me? As an animal? Was I something ferocious, such as a tiger? [terribly, terribly amused] I must admit, I did not realize my time as Robin had achieved such fame! I merely lived a life, and did what was right as I always do. Granted, I did steal from the rich, but it was only to assist the poor, I swear!

[Despite the mood of the subject matter, Kitty can't help but snort in response to his question. Come on, Pryde. Of course the poor guy doesn't know what email is.] Fairly safe. I be almost anywhere in the world and still be able to reach my mother via phone. Sometimes it's just nice to hear her voice.

You were a fox, actually. I haven't seen it since I was a kid, but from what I remember I was rooting for-- well, you, so it must have been a pretty flattering portrayal. Maybe we can watch it sometime?

What wondrous device is this, that allows you to teleport so! I thought only Asgardians were privy to the Bifrost Bridge!

[he strokes his chin thoughtfully] A fox, hmm? I do believe I can live with this. The fox is a clever, dashing beast. And of course, has your support. [grins] Kitty of Pryde, I should like nothing more than to watch this interpretation of my deeds with you. And it appears that should you desire my company when I am unavailable, you may come to me via Phone!

Oh no, it's nothing that exciting or useful -- we can talk to each other on the phone and some phones allow you to see a person, but there's no teleportation. Though, I do have a few friends who can do that. Teleportation comes in very handy.

I'm sure I could probably bribe my friend Illyana into teleporting me wherever you'd like to meet, though. You'll like the movie, I promise.

I see...[but his confused expression says he doesn't, not quite] Your technology nowadays is so incredibly fascinating. We in Asgard sometimes still think of ours as so far beyond Midgard, but in truth I think it is simply different any more. Can you use this phone to talk to me?

Such as this movie, for example! You speak of it as though we can watch it anywhere, at any time, which is so unlike the plays I am more used to. It opens up so many options! Could we watch it somewhere magnificent, such as the Grand Canyon? [He has learned the names of several of the more prominent Midgard places, at least]

[Kitty opens the bag again, offering him another apple slice with a smile. Don't worry, Fandral, she's used to dealing with this sort of thing -- people from other places and other timelines, all a little confused. She's starting to get used to having to explain things.] From my experience, it's a little of both. I've been to worlds and seen technology from all over and some of it is so far beyond us, it's insane. Personally, I think phones are a little outdated now that we have so many other methods of communication. [A nod.] Yeah, but only if you had a telephone or a cellphone yourself.

With the right tools, we probably could watch it anywhere. I could upload the movie onto my tablet -- the device you saw the photo of my old costume on a few weeks back -- and all we'd need is a quiet place to sit and watch. Grand Canyon included.

[He takes the apple and nibbles with relish. She does seem to deal with her new friend remarkably well, and he appreciates it.] Then I shall require one of these...ah...there is more than one type?! Well, I shall master them all to speak to you from across the distance. [nods, challenge accepted]

What a wondrous device, this tablet! Yes, let us do that. And at the Grand Canyon. I have always had a fondness for it.

[Stick with Kitty, guy. Before long she'll teach you all about the world of Midgardian technology-- well, the useful bits, at least.] You're going to want a cellphone, but I should warn you this will only work while you're on earth. [And then said quietly, mostly to herself:] I wonder if something like the communicator Peter gave me would work elsewhere? Hmmm...

The Grand Canyon it is, then. It'll be different, but different is good, right?

Edited (omg what happened to my subject line) 2014-10-15 01:54 (UTC)

Alas! But that means you cannot contact me as I traverse the realms. I shall have to visit Midgard more often, simply to wield the mighty cellphone. [Oh, he has every intention of sticking with her. She is his new favorite Midgardian!]

M'lady, I endeavor to have only the best experiences with you, different or no. [And he kisses her hand, all courtly gentleman like]

For now, at least. There is this thing I'm working on, but... I'm going to guess it wouldn't really work while you're traveling between realms. [What an honor!]

Maybe that can be one of our wishes for the new year -- [And cue the blushing.] -- only the best, most memorable experiences.

Yes, communication can be difficult between realms, even for Asgardians. [thoughtful] Perhaps I shall simply have to take you with me. Spirit you away for adventure!

That sounds like a wonderful proposition! To a new year filled with only the best, most memorable experiences for Kitty of Pryde! [toasts her with his apple slice]

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aaaand a billion years later, with updated icons. *cough*

Hooray updated icons!! :D And no worries! I..*cough*..might be just as bad recently...

idk, a week in between replies is lookin' p bad for me, but bless u for putting up w/ me!

Trust me...I know delays! I work at a college, and it's midterm season!

oh jeez, i'm sorry!!

Haha, don't be! I love teaching, even when it is at it's most crazy. :D

craziness aside, it's great that you've found something you love! :3

Yes! :D I actually always feel really lucky there. Finding what you love can be HARD!

something i've learned the hard way, unfortunately. congrats on finding it. :)

Ah, but do you do what you love now??

i'm getting there. i got thrown off course for a while; listened to a lot of crap i shouldn't have.

Aww! Well, I'm rooting for you. Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life and all!

why, thank you! now here's hoping i can actually be successful at what i love.

It can be a challenge, but worth the effort and the journey!

aaaand a billion years later, with updated icons. cough

Hooray updated icons!! :D And no worries! I..cough..might be just as bad recently...