minded | leave a message. ( overflow & catch-call )

[It's definitely better than the danger Muldoon was starting to get concerned about.]

It's not good for a person's relationship with nature. But not everyone gets a chance to grow up with a garden. Just don't neglect getting them familiar with bugs. Too many people are scared of them as it is.

You're really going above and beyond for them, you know that?

Many of the children under my care do not have people who do it for them. I have the means, I have the time. I would hope most would extend the same care if they had the opportunity.

[ the fact that so many do not is disheartening, certainly, but it's all the more reason to do better. ]

If you like, you could come down to the academy. We do need some instruction on wild animal behaviours for some of the students.

I think most people wouldn't be so closely involved if they were you. They'd happily hire others to do the grunt work.

Do you? [Or is he just appealing to Muldoon's interests? It doesn't really matter.] Would it be helpful to bring along some animals for them to see? If I can get kids to stop being afraid of snakes and spiders I know a few friends who would like their animals looked after for a day.

At least two of my students have fully functional tails. One transforms into a lizard.

[ it's not hyperbole, either. ]

Theory can only explain so much about the behaviours of certain species, and as much as I'd like to take them on trips for practical learning, the logistics of things are rather delicate.

You and your animal companions will be in good care, I promise you.

[That's interesting.]

I'd be curious to talk to them and ask them about their experience, if that's alright.

If you're able to identify the closest living comparison I can look at bringing an animal that will help.

Conversations will need to be supervised, given that they're under the age of majority in the state of New York, but yes, it can be arranged. I'll have to ask my school administrator for the particulars.

Is this... not strange to you?

I wouldn't expect any less. I've worked with schools before, you know.

It's incredibly strange, and you might be lying or exaggerating. But I've also seen a lot of strange things, and I've spent too much time around rich people spouting ridiculous nonsense to be rash in reacting to impossible claims.

Don't get me wrong, if you're not playing some elaborate joke on me, and you don't show me proof? I'm finding someone to get you help.

I've been seeking help all my life, but I am not lying to you. You have my word on this.

Besides, if you are coming down to the estate, you'll see for yourself the truth of things, and easily. Better to see with one's eyes than to trust the words of men, yes?

I trust your word. I just need to make sure I can trust your own perceptions and understanding.

[There's a high chance something is going on with Xavier and that Muldoon is going to have to find some helpful medical professionals. Not psychiatric. He doesn't trust psychiatrists. But someone. He'll play along, though. It can't hurt to look after all, right?

Really it doesn't matter what they look like: If he can educate kids about the natural world he's actually quite happy.]

That's how I prefer to do things, but I'm sure that's no surprise. You say when and I'll swing by. I've got old friends to visit in that part of the world anyway.

Of course. You will be staying for at least a night on campus, yes? We'll have a room ready for you and your non-human friends, absolutely. Let us know what you'll need for them so we can ready the accommodations.

[ wonderful times; he'll be hosting. his mother would be so proud. ]

[Oh! An invitation to actually stay the night! Well that does make things a lot easier.]

That would be nice, thank you.

They won't need much. Somewhere safe, secure, dry and preferably warm. A nearby shed would do if you don't want animals in the house. I'll bring everything else they need.

Do you have any other animals on your property?

Only chickens and a goat or two. We're trying to teach the kids to be self-sufficient, and to care for smaller animals besides. It's good for them to have something to care for that is relatively harmless, and some can speak to the animals besides. Good training, all around.

[ speaking of which— ]

I'm afraid I forgot to mention not to bring any sort of weapons onto the school grounds. Licenced or no, we have children easily spooked by even the sight of them. You understand. I imagine you wouldn't have, but for legal reasons, I must say so.

It's always good to teach self-sufficiency like that.

[He's about to prod Charles for apparently being oblivious to normal child behaviour, like talking to animals. Instead he gets distracted by the very fair warning.]

I'm getting the sense you've had to deal with your fair share of badly behaved guests. I understand that you need to be clear for your own peace of mind, but it's my turn to be to be frank to ease your concerns.

I'm treating this as a trip to a school of vulnerable young people. One with orphans and kids who have been through hell. That means no weapons, no loud voices, no sudden movements, no uncontained animals, no age inappropriate explanations, and a lot of patience, a lot of calm. I fully expect another adult to be there at all times, both to keep an eye on me and to reassure the children.

I know they're important to you, and my ego's not so fragile that I'm going to be offended when you do whatever you need to do. Don't worry. It's your house, your rules.

[ this— allays more than a little of his concerns, all things told. charles is protective of the children, has always had room in his heart for strays, but the school's population is especially precious to him. many have no homes to return to; even more have been abandoned by those who should be standing by them. parents, family, even friends — charles can count on two hands the ones who are still in contact with their family. ]

We don't have neighbours for a reason, yes. And I thank you for your consideration of the circumstances, given how unconventional all of this has been.

For what it's worth, I'm certain the children will be excited to meet you and your friends. We are rather a very inquisitive bunch here at the academy.

Don't be a stranger, yes? Message me right away if you need anything at all.

[Muldoon has lived and worked in plenty of places wrecked by turmoil. Natural disasters, war, raids, animal attacks... He's learned what traumatised people need from him, even when he doesn't know what they went through.]

The unconventional is always more interesting.

I'm sure they will be. Animals have a way of brightening up people's day.

I'll make the arrangements once you send me on the details. Be sure to add in any special requests and I'll see what I can do.

I'll be happy to. Thank you for your time, my friend.

[ ooc: do you want to move to a log-type new thread? ]

((I would love to continue this in a log style thread. Would you like me to set it up or would you prefer to?))

[ please start us off! we can just make a new thread here, it's just that i'm quite literally about to leave for work right now. 😭 ]

((No problem, I'll get us sorted!))

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