( video. )

[archivy]

[ The video switches on-- not unbeknownst to Ivy because she remembers the video feed the second it starts, but accidentally no less, and she leaves it in. She's settled on the couch, legs dangling over the edge of it.

There's a tiny owl perched on her hand and Ivy is peering at it, quite seriously. The owl peers back. ]

I would have thought that you could change form. I am a child still, I believe that is the way it is supposed to work. Daemons do not settle until a later age.

[ The owl gives a hooting sound. ] But you are not simply a child.

[ Ivy nods briefly, cut short when Timur jumps up on the couch and Ivy's other hand holds back the cat before it can bat its paw at the owl which has flown from Ivy's hand to settle on her shoulder. ]

You don't need to worry. I won't let him eat you.

Comments

[worldofourown]

How absolutely charming~

[archivy]

Yes.

[ It comes out flat, neutral. The owl has no compunction about neutrality, hopping towards the device until the screen is almost filled out with its beak. ]

You should leave her alone.

[worldofourown]

[ Silly owl. Karl does what he wants. ]

Why? Has she a tummy-ache?

[archivy]

Because I don't like you.

[ And then there's Ivy's hands closing around the owl and pulling him back, settling him on her shoulder again. They look at each other silently for just a moment before the owl gives in, hiding his head under a wing. ]

Was there anything that you wanted, Mr Fei-Ong?

[worldofourown]

Should your opinion matter, Mr. Owl?

[ Focusing on Ivy. ]

Nothing in particular. But you should tape your little friend's beak shut.

[archivy]

[ The owl ignores Karl. For now. ]

I do not think that I will.

[worldofourown]

[ Le Shrug. ]

Your choice.

Perhaps feeding it a mouse or two will keep its beak occupied.

[archivy]

He is too small for mice.

[ Video ]

[bettercallit]

Either you've acquired a talking owl or I'm finally losing it.

[ Video ]

[archivy]

You are not losing it, Agent Barton. It is a curse and he [ pointing at the owl that promptly preens ] is my soul.

[ Video ]

[bettercallit]

That explains the intenseness of the eyes.

[ Video ]

[archivy]

Do you like my eyes? [ Subtle preening. ]

[ Video ]

[bettercallit]

[ He's seen a lot of things, but that is unnerving, not that he lets it show. ] They bring out your feathers.

[ Video ]

[archivy]

[ More preening from the owl. ] Do not mind him.

[ Video ]

[bettercallit]

I've come across more surreal things. He keeping you company?

[ Video ]

[archivy]

He is my soul. What else would he do?

[ At the same time: ] Yes.

[ Video ]

[bettercallit]

Good point. But, hey, it's good to know you've got one. [ Sometimes he wonders about his own. ] He's kinda cute.

[ Video ]

[archivy]

Of course she has one. She's human.

[ A beat, and then Ivy's voice, thoughtful and sounding very young. ] I don't think he is the Archive's soul.

[worldofourown]

Perhaps the mice can feed on it~?

video;

[anunluckypenny]

Is this the one where part of your soul shows up as an animal?

[Not the most eloquent description of the daemon curse, but...]

He's cute--the owl. He suits you really well.

[flensing]

That's a handsome friend you have there.

[She probably means the cat, but the owl can preen too if he likes.]

[uprouse]

Are you certain you're speaking to the right one? The cat may have much more to worry about than the owl.

[archivy]

He is too big for that to happen.

[worldofourown]

Mice. Plural. More than one.

I'm sure they could manage it together.

video;

[archivy]

It is. He is very cute, isn't he? [ She's petting the owl, which is preening. ]