The date is currently unknown to me, so I shall simply refer to this as "Log Three".
I have somehow made the blunder of using up my fuel reserves without restocking them. Luckily, I was able to drift into orbit above another planet. Unluckily, it was yet another widespread desert. My servos cry in anticipation of the sand that will soon clog my joints, but I have no other option, I must find a viable source of fuel to leave this place.
Log will be continued at a later time.
After a number of hours of searching, I have stumbled across a township that apparently belongs to an Avian colony.
I approached warily, as the guardsman at the bridge did give me quite a cautionary once-over, but otherwise, was surprisingly friendly.
He asked me if I came with any knowledge of the state of their home planet, Avos, but regrettably I had to disappoint him.
He introduced himself to me as Keenock, a guard and mighty warrior of the Avian people, his job to defend this bridge over the wide chasm surrounding their home from any form of hostile entity. He asked me what I was doing on their planet, to which I told him of my plight.
He laughed, however, I was unable to discern whether or not his amusement was directed at my poor situation, or myself in general.
He called over a young male by the name of Dark Feather, who seemed fascinated by my presence. The boy said he had "never seen a Tin-Cap before." A tin-cap? Is that what they referred to my people as? I wasn't certain if it was meant to be a racial remark, but the boy didn't seem to use it in anger, more curiosity.
"This Glitch is a friend. Show him around the town, and then bring him to the house. I will be home for dinner."
Dark Feather took my hand and, excitedly, lead me into the town, winding through alleyways and courtyards. Avian architecture, much like that of the Glitch, holds a very old-world appeal. Unlike the Apex or the Humans, whose structures are all clean, sterile, and
boring, and the Floran, whose structures are barely more intricate than thatch-roof houses, the Avian have a fine eye for building.
"I will take you to see Manna! She loves meeting people from other worlds, even Florans!" Dark Feather chirped as he pulled me out into the town square. I must say, his excitement was somewhat infectious. I found myself in awe of the many different colored Avian folk and their vibrant garbs and impressive headpieces.
Many Avian children began swarming around and following Dark Feather and eye, the air abuzz with their chatter as they questioned him in their own language about, what I could only assume, was myself.
"Are you a pirate?" One of the children asked. When I told him that, no, I was not in fact a pirate, he seemed very disappointed. All of the children were looking at me now, the sound of my voice apparently equal parts startling and mystifying.
"You can talk?!"
"Are you a boy or a girl?"
"Egghead, he's obviously a boy!"
"Don't call me egghead, egghead!"
"How do you eat?"
"If you get wet will you die?"
"Do you get cold at night like I do?"
"If you get bitten by a monster, does it hurt?"
"How many pirates have you fought?"
"Can I go for a ride on your spaceship?!"
I was suddenly hit with a wave of emotion I was completely unfamiliar with. I felt...uncomfortable, as well as slightly scared, and very...anxious, I believe? I would learn later that this was called embarrassment.
I met with the one Dark Feather referred to as Manna. She was a female Avian with light blue plumage. She ran a clothing store in the town's bazaar. We spoke for a number of hours. I told her all there was I could recall about myself, my people, and the state of the galaxies. I do not much care for politics. I may not remember who I was, but I'm certain of one thing, and it is that the few controlling the many will only end in trouble.
After we finished speaking, she offered me a set of clothing.
"While you are here, you might as well look the part!" She exclaimed as she began measuring my waste. I tried to politely refuse, but she did not appear to hear my minor objections.
I wanted to wear something vibrant, such as the purple garments Dark Feather had, but Manna just cringed and instead gave me a dark skirt and a commoner's shirt.
I feel like a fool...and I also feel a draft. But, if it will allow me to better fit in here, then I shall oblige.
Dark Feather eventually found me again and brought me to his home. Keenock met me at the door with a smile. I am unable to do the same. I hope he did not take offense to this.
I sat down with the two of them at their dining table. They offered me food, to which I politely turned down.
Keenock told me how their people had fled from the Clipped Council, the ruling party of their home planet, and came here, seeking freedom from their religious leaders. On Avos, he said, children such as Dark Feather would be killed at birth, due to black feathers being considered an ill omen.
The Avians have a name for those who flee the teachinngs of Kluex; the Grounded. Those who would never regain their wings in the afterlife.
I told Keenock it mattered little to me whether they worshiped their people's God or not. What is a God to a non-believer? What is one false being to another? I have no knowledge of any such life after this one.
After we finished discussing his people, we began what I believe would be called smalltalk. We spoke of things such as interests, hobbies, and I mentioned my...
admiration of music. Keenock seemed to find amusement in this.
"I've never heard of a Glitch taking an interest in music."
I retrieved my guitar and played him a few random notes. I reveled in the sounds, the vibrations. I am not very good by anyone's standards, but all the same, this is something I...
enjoy.
Dark Feather was watching me silently, and then, standing walked out of the room. For a moment, I felt I had angered him somehow, but he soon came back with something in his arms. It was a large, gilded object with strings much like my guitar. He held it up to me and strummed a few soft, lilting notes off of it. It was a...
beautiful sound, much sharper than my guitar, yet, in a feminine way.
"This is an instrument that was passed down in my family. We call it a Harp."
"...
Harp." I repeated slowly.
"You may have it." He said, holding it out for me to take. I saw Keenock raise his brow in...surprise, I think.
I hesitated, "Surely you would want to keep an item that makes such wondrous sound."
Keenock spoke up, "Nobody has touched it since Dark Feather's mother passed on. It's just collecting dust, and it's a complete waste if nobody plays it now and again."
I looked at the golden instrument, then back at him, puzzled. "Confused...Dark Feather's mother...your wife?"
Keenock let out a hearty laugh, "No, no, Dark Feather isn't my son, I'm merely looking after him."
I looked between the two. Dark Feather explained that his mother had fallen ill years ago and died, and Keenock, being a close friend of their family, had taken him in.
I thanked Dark Feather, and then Keenock exclaimed it was time for bed. The boy protested, but Keenock hoisted the young Avian over his shoulder and carried him upstairs.
I went outside onto the balcony and gazed up at the stars, strumming a few chords on my new Harp.
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