oo3. [video]

[holmes-fanatic.livejournal.com]

[The video opens on a grey outdoor scene. Conan's beaming broadly at the screen. He's wearing what should be a uniform jacket on a grown man but on Conan is more like a ankle length coat. He also has a matching cap that looks like it belongs to the 1950s. The reason for this quickly becomes clear.]

I have a job! It's not a very exciting or special -- but I got one! I'm delivering things for the post office in Hel! I'm still learning my way around the city, so if you see me somewhere looking lost, help me out okay? As a thank you, I'll deliver stuff for you too!

Oh, and if you're heading outside today, make sure you've got a scarf and gloves! I think it's getting even colder out here.

Comments

[holmes-fanatic.livejournal.com]

I'm making lots of friends, Loki-sama! And I think I'll make more, exploring the city and delivering things!

[forrade.livejournal.com]

I— What is that word you keep adding to my name?

[He's not sure if it's a title or what, he's a little bothered.]

[holmes-fanatic.livejournal.com]

Ah -- 'sama'? It's a suffix to indicate respect.

[forrade.livejournal.com]

And it is the custom of your world? What does the title stand for?

[holmes-fanatic.livejournal.com]

Let's see -- well, to start with, addressing someone without a suffix is either very familiar or very rude. Instead 'kun' or 'chan' is a more ... friendly way to call a child or someone your junior. 'San' is more neutral, a business equal or an acquaintance that you do not know well or wish to show respect to. 'Sensei' is a teacher or doctor, someone whose learning or knowledge you honour. 'Sama' is the highest respect.

[forrade.livejournal.com]

Then they are much like the Asgardian habit of titles, where charted names are reserved only for those of close acquaintance, and titles are given according to rank.

Has this always been the way for your people?

[holmes-fanatic.livejournal.com]

Charted names?

Ah -- I'm no historian, I'm afraid! I can't tell you when we started using the titles we use today exactly, but I do know they've changed over the ages. 'Dono' was once used for a feudal lord, for example, whereas today it's used much less frequently and in different contexts!

[forrade.livejournal.com]

—A naming tradition. I believe it is like in Midgard, when parents name their offspring for deceased family? We name after history, and the song of the stars.

[It's more complicated than that since there's the whole Asgard-is-alien thing, but that's basically it.]

Why not simply call a man lord?

[holmes-fanatic.livejournal.com]

We did. Ah, I mean, that's what 'dono' meant until it took on other meanings.

[forrade.livejournal.com]

...The curse of Babylon. So many tongues now. How many exist in Midgard, by your count?

[holmes-fanatic.livejournal.com]

[ ... isn't Babylon a Judaic thing? Oi ... ]

Let's see ... from memory, I think we've got about 6900 officially recognised languages.