Watching birds // open // watching me here all alone

[jacob w.c.]

WHAT A PRIVILEGE IT IS TO LOVE — When Jacob first heard Jewelia's voice, he had to stop himself from grimacing. He'd really hoped he could sit here and analyze the plants without drawing too much attention. He'd even partly hoped that no one would even recognize him and then he couldn't have to face anyone with his stupid glasses on. He glanced up at the avian and attempted to give a light smile but kept his eyes focusedo n the work before him, taking note of the texture and the smell and the different spots that were on it. He still couldn't quite identify exactly what was wrong with all the plants but he was sure it was only a matter of time. His Ma had trained him well and he had no doubt he'd be able to figure it out soon so he could try to plant a healthy batch for them to use until they could control the illness spreading through them. He heard the soft 'oh' she gave but tried not to acknowledge it. Maybe she didn't really notice. Maybe she was looking at how weird the plants were. "Oh, uh, hello, Jewelia. How've things been for ya', today?" he asked, clearly unsure of what he was supposed to do or talk about as he shifted uncomfortable, briefly glancing at her before his eyes returned to his work.

Then came August and Melantha, the first of which directly asked about the spectacles that sat on his snout. "Uh, yeah, well, I mean, technically, yes I did. But, uh, I think I'm jus' gonna' get rid ah' 'em after this. I just' pulled 'em out so I could look at all the spots n' things on these herbs properly. I wanna' know what's wrong with 'em so I can make sure I plant healthy ones apart from whatever those humans are spreadin'," he answered quickly, his words stumbling into one another as he spoke quickly. His voice was nearly a mumble and he couldn't even bring himself to look at the surrounding Snowbounders. He must look so ridiculous. At Melantha's question, he let out a sigh and slowly shook his head. "No, I don' think so. Not with this, anyway. I did mark a few more places tha' I noticed some ah' the infected prey seemed ta' be comin' from so if ya' could lead some kinda' patrol or somethin' ta' take care ah' those, I'd really appreciate it," he answered. —A GREAT HONOR TO HOLD YOU UP

"SPEECH"

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