Science Fiction Romance Brigade Presents: Both Sides Now

It’s Saturday, and time for Science Fiction Romance Brigade Presents: click on the logo above to find links to other participants. I’m continuing with a work in progress, Both Sides Now. Roi’s badly damaged feet have just been swabbed with a medication Doc has brought, and Doc is worried that Roi held his feet still during the doctoring. Roi speaks first.

“Of course I felt it. It stings more than a little. But you said hold still.”

The vet grinned. “First time I ever had a patient who obeyed orders that well. I was afraid the nerves were damaged. Here, better put these on if you’re going to keep running around.” He handed Roi a pair of high slippers, almost soft boots.

They fit, cradling Roi’s abused feet in fleecy warmth. The R’il’noid bent to examine them. “Silkie hide?” he asked in surprise.

Doc nodded. “Tanned with the fleece on. Not good enough for export, but they’ll protect your feet while they finish healing. Not that you’re ready for too much running around. Finished that soup? Come on, then; I’ve got some solid food up front.”

Roi followed him, almost comfortable walking. “I did warn you I’m a terrible patient, didn’t I? Ever know a doctor who wasn’t? Don’t be fooled by the fact that I can hold still. I did most of my healing while I slept. Now I’m ready to get back in shape.” He had no intention of staying an invalid a moment longer than he had to.

Jarn’s Journal Year 10 Day 126

Year 10 Day 126

There are times when I wonder if I’m even as smart as some of the People.

Photo Source

When they are not here, I swim for exercise. Mostly I go to the salt lake, though it’s a little warm this time of year. Certainly not the lake by my home; it’s far too good a habitat for crocodiles. Yes, a warnoff would protect me, I think, though they don’t have much brain to affect! But I do not want to set a bad example for the children of the People, and I have implanted in Patches’ mind that she should never swim in or even drink from the lake.

So I’ve been taking Patches for long walks, and while I am keeping in as good condition as I can expect, my feet are killing me. I don’t think I have the genes to grow the kind of tough soles on my feet that they seem to take for granted.

This morning it finally occurred to me. Patches can swim; all mammals can. The crocodiles in the local lake make it unwise, but there is no reason at all I cannot take her with me to the salt lake and let her exercise by swimming with me. There are no predators in the salt lake, and as long as I implant in her mind that she should not drink the water she is swimming in, she should get plenty of exercise.

This morning I tried it.

I wore her out pretty quickly, and had to cut my own swim short. But there is a little fresh-water pool, too small for crocodiles even if the bottom weren’t visible, fairly near the shore of the lake and draining into it. We took a brief dip in that to wash the salt off both of us before teleporting home in time for lunch – a very small lunch, in Patches’ case. This schedule leaves my afternoons free for exploring. I think I may fly all the way north, and determine if the drift ice extends to the pole.

Quotations from J.R.R. Tolkien

Here are the contexts of the quotes tweeted from @sueannbowling between June 26 and July 2, 2014. All but the last are from The Two Towers, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

“In doubt a man of worth will trust to his own wisdom.” Hama the doorward of Edoras, when he decides not to take Gandalf’s staff.

“Alas, that these evil days should be mine.” Theoden, once he has returned to himself and understands Saruman’s treachery.

“Faithful heart may have forward tongue.” Theoden realizing that Eomer has been loyal to him.

“To crooked eyes truth may wear a wry face.” Gandalf to Theoden, same scene.

“Men need many words before deeds.” Gimili to Legolas as they set out for the Hornburg.

“The gift seems already to be given.” Theoden, as he gives Shadowfax to Gandalf, and realizes that the horse has already given himself.

“Since he had to get some sleep, in class was the place to do it.” Sue Ann Bowling, Homecoming. This refers to Roi, having to prepare for a judicial challenge while spending his days in school, but I don’t think it’s that uncommon an attitude among students.

First Daylily of the Year

Surprise! My first daylily of the year opened Monday.

P.S. 7:40 am: we had .01 ” precipitation early last night, which may well give us a new wettest June, and it’s still raining.