You know, with Dragon software or similar, you wouldn't actually need fingers. All you'd need is someone to install it. I'll bet you could figure out how to use a pen or pencil to activate and deactivate the computer as well as how to manipulate a mouse.

Medoro: *tilts his head in curiosity* This is certainly intriguing. I can only assume software and computers are a new form of technology, but I cannot fathom why a rodent would be involved. Please pardon my confusion. It was only recently that I learned about the existence automobiles. However, I should very much like to try this "Dragon" if it is not a magical creature.

In that case I should warn you that computers are usually quite befuddling to those that are not familiar with them.

Medoro: *with a wag of his tail* Indeed? Then I am all the more fascinated. I love a good puzzle.

Hmm, this presents some issues. Software and computers are a new form of technology, but I don't know how to explain them in a way that will make much sense without knowing which technologies you are familiar with. Even then I may end up having to use somewhat inaccurate analogies. If I'm able, I'd love to bring you one and show you how it works. As for the 'mouse' it is also a piece of technology that is rather fancifully named. It has two large, wide buttons and a small wheel between them as well as a long cord. The whole effect could (to a fanciful imagination) look like its rodent namesake. Similarly the Dragon software is named after the creatures.

In any case, the whole reason I mention it is because the software transcribes what a person says into typed words, which could be saved as a document on the computer, stored into a file within the computer, and then later printed out. It seems to me that this would allow you to write out (or should I say dictate?) your thoughts on various philosophies without actually needing thumbs to do so.

I really hope you will be able to become familiar with various technologies - some of the things we humans are able to do with technology now can seem almost like magic! In fact, here is an article you may like! -hands Medoro a magazine article to read-

Medoro: *carefully takes the magazine article between his teeth and lays it down in front of himself* Thank you, my friend. I am afraid that I have been very out of touch. I remember the last human contraption that I was introduced to, with the exception of the automobile, was a light reflecting device called a telescope. It was a marvel concocted by one Isaac Newton, if I remember correctly. Of course, I am sure in the interim 350 years there have been many more impressive contraptions, like this mouse and Dragon that you speak of.

I should very much like to have such a "magic", as you say, by which I might transcribe my own ideas. Perhaps Master Louis has a computer that I might experiment with. He seems to stay abreast of all the newest inventions. *he takes a moment to read the article*

My word. And you say this was accomplished without magic? How far the arts of science have come!

If the only other "new" contraption was a telescope then I'm really stuck. Even trying to describe part of its basic appearance would require familiarity with both a typewriter and a movie screen and even those would be a very crude generalization, much a kin to describing a dragon as a sort of large lizard. You might be interested to know that in the time since we have discovered much about our solar system. Even more exciting than learning about our own planets, though, has been the discovered extrasolar planets thanks to advances in telescope technology. It's been a most exciting time!

I hope Louis will show you one and how it works. There's a great deal to know, but I think you'll enjoy the possibilities one presents.

Oh yes. Science has indeed advanced a great deal! I really enjoy reading similar stories which are full of hope and inspiration. It is not too hard to hear bad news, but I think good news can restore faith.

Medoro: Truly? Planets outside of our system? This is intriguing! It would seem that have much to research. It is easy to forget how quickly time passes when one is living among the fae. I am coming to regret that I have not kept myself informed.

I am sure, should we survive our quest, that he will indulge me. He is a generous fellow.

Yes, I believe you are right. The importance of hope cannot be understated, especially when times seem bleak. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring article with me. It is good to know that, should the realm of magic come undone, humans might still soldier on. It puts my mind at ease, just a little.

Indeed! The first planet discovered, though, was a mere twenty-five years ago, so don't feel too badly. Should you survive your quest, I would be happy to share a number of scientific discoveries with you.

Thank you for such a wonderful conversation! I wish you well in your quest!

Medoro: And I would be pleased to learn! The pleasure is mine. Thank you for taking the time to explain so much to me. Farewell, friend. *he stands and bows*

Most intriguing. I think you could easily run circles around me, sir. I've never really studied the greats of philosophy. I simply prefer to keep to the basic understanding and my personal morality.

Medoro: Master Omni, I find that your studies are equally as important. When one has a limited time in this realm, one must focus on the good that they can do within their own means. I, on the other paw, do not know the scope of my life. I exhausted the study of my own morality long ago when I came to the realization that my existence does not seem as hindered by death as it is for others, and now strive to find more wide-reaching answers.

A thing that is both blessing and curse. Then again, I suppose since you are serving an entity who is also exceedingly long-lived, if not immortal, it fits rather well.

Medoro: It is an agreeable arrangement, so long as my mistress can maintain her sanity.

I wondered if you might hint at that.

Medoro: *smiles and wags his tail* Am I so predictable? I suppose it cannot be helped.

It's only natural for one to voice one's concerns in veiled allusions when talking amongst friends or colleagues.

Medoro: Indeed. I am grateful to have such a friend. I am sure you can understand how difficult it is to try to make the fae see reason.

Medoro, there's a whole slew of faerie tales that prove just how hard that is.

Medoro: *with a rueful shake of his head* Cautionary tales, no doubt.

Quite a few, yes.

Medoro: Hardly surprising. I have lately wondered whether it was the wisest decision to create ties with the fae.

Well, from what I understand, it has proven most beneficial to you. It's more a matter of how much longer those benefits will last, and how they match up compared to changing conditions.

Medoro: Yes, this is true. Perhaps after this last task I should leave the side behind me. There is much more of the world to see.

That will be up to your conscience to decide, methinks.

Medoro: *sighs heavily* I shall have to see how this all plays out.

*hugs the dog* Good luck.

Medoro: *places a paw on your back in a hug* Thank you, Master Omni.

Acrathia: Ah yes Aristotle he was fascinating, I particularly enjoyed his ideas on Catharsis.

Medoro: Indeed! I believe Catharsis was one of the greatest discoveries he hit upon.