teacher's pet | v + ☀
Oct 19, 2015 21:51:18 GMT -5
Post by Python on Oct 19, 2015 21:51:18 GMT -5
venus azrael
An assortment of treats had been lined up horizontally across his desk: cherries, grapes, cheese cubes, sugar cubes, crackers, chocolates, chips, strawberries, and pretzels. All important papers and documents were cleared away for the purpose of creating the appropriate teaching environment. The foods were potential reinforcers; their Avox, now having spent the past couple months under their roof, did not respond well to his teachings. He needed a catalyst, something to motivate him into responding to the sign lessons. The language barrier was murky; he couldn’t read or write, and his signing was limited. In case of emergency, he needed a real method of communication other than meaningless, spastic gestures that wouldn’t convey a message if, say, Vepar or himself were to be injured.
These lessons were the solution, but so far the Avox seemed uninterested. Food was historically one of the most potent reinforcers, but he knew nothing of the Avox’s sensory preferences. He only knew what he had carefully observed, like his fondness for solitude. Given his history with an abusive master – which had been clearer during the physical exam, palpating his malnourished body for signs of abnormalities other than the obvious scars – it was no surprise that he was timid, silent, and hesitant. He reminded Venus of a cat, perfectly discreet. He often appeared in doorways when Venus least expected it. It wasn’t startling as much as it was impressive.
Venus glanced at his watch. The Avox was due in one minute, four o’clock sharp. He was no longer concerned with interrupting cleaning duties. Language was a priority. Communication was a priority, even if the Avox didn’t like him.
He wouldn’t let trivial things bother him. Maybe the Avox tolerated him, maybe he despised him. As long as he listened, it didn’t matter.
Venus checked his watch again. Four o’clock.
These lessons were the solution, but so far the Avox seemed uninterested. Food was historically one of the most potent reinforcers, but he knew nothing of the Avox’s sensory preferences. He only knew what he had carefully observed, like his fondness for solitude. Given his history with an abusive master – which had been clearer during the physical exam, palpating his malnourished body for signs of abnormalities other than the obvious scars – it was no surprise that he was timid, silent, and hesitant. He reminded Venus of a cat, perfectly discreet. He often appeared in doorways when Venus least expected it. It wasn’t startling as much as it was impressive.
Venus glanced at his watch. The Avox was due in one minute, four o’clock sharp. He was no longer concerned with interrupting cleaning duties. Language was a priority. Communication was a priority, even if the Avox didn’t like him.
He wouldn’t let trivial things bother him. Maybe the Avox tolerated him, maybe he despised him. As long as he listened, it didn’t matter.
Venus checked his watch again. Four o’clock.
