winds_voice | 18 - [Video/Action]

[Video]

[As the feed begins, it's probably not difficult to tell that Eley is in another of his thoughtful moods, and is likely about to pose a question to the Lucetians once again. For even though the Spirit had learned of the concept of 'fun', there was still something that seemed to run alongside this that he hadn't quite found an understanding for. One might call it a sense of humour.]

What exactly does it mean to tell a 'joke'? And how can you tell the difference between one that is good and one that is bad?

[Action]

[Another Christmas had passed, embarrassing moments exchanged but also good, positive moments as well. Though Eley did not usually have much of a sense of time, other than the seasons coming and going, these human holidays always seemed to make the time pass much faster for him, he was finding.

That didn't mean that he wanted time to pass that quickly, however, and now Eley was trying to find a moment to sit and relax. This time, he found himself in the forest, wondering how much of it might have changed since he'd arrived after all the fighting and experiments... Saleh had shown him how to build a bonfire and despite his instinctive wariness of the fire, there had been something strangely relaxing about staring into the gently flickering flames. He didn't have Saleh's magic to make the fire with, but he could at least practice the construction. So anyone who's passing through might find him searching for large stones and tinder, or wander past a half-constructed stone circle that the Spirit had left nearby.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I asked myself the same question when my humour was designated as such. From what I was able to find out, humour that is 'dry' utilizes sarcasm and comments that could almost be called insulting.

I do not believe there is such a thing as wet humour... [Though Spock will have to research it more.]

An insult can be considered humourous?

[Didn't that just go against the very definition of an insult? Then how exactly was someone supposed to know if they were being insulted or being told a joke?]

And what do you mean by 'sarcasm'?

[Yes, that's another thing Eley's never heard of, sob.]

Indeed, I am dubious as to human humour as well... To be 'sarcastic' means to utilize irony to mock or convey contempt.... [Now that he was talking about it out loud, Spock was more confused by 'joking' than usual...]

I admit, I do not fully understand.

[Now Eley was trying to match Spock's description to the things he might have said to the Spirit. Had he ever said anything he could call 'sarcastic'? Could he even identify it if he did? Mocking someone did not seem to be something the recipient should find amusing...]

I am not sure if I do either... Your explanation does not sound like something I would say could contribute to amusement. Could it be that I do not understand 'irony' in that case?

It is possible. Though I might have a solution to our problem if you are amenable?

[Spock had an idea, everybody duck.]

[That definitely gets Eley's attention. He's listening, Spock.]

Perhaps. What did you have in mind?

We practice. We could take time every week... or even every day telling jokes to one another and observing our responses.
What do you think?

I have found that doing has been most useful to me in terms of learning. So... yes I would be willing to practice with you.

[Though he wonders where exactly he should start, having no knowledge of such things.]

Perhaps there is something in the library which would prove useful. I will go there and meet you in a few days.

Indeed, research would be essential. However, perhaps there is another angle in which we should take this from.
Jokes, or humour in general also stems from entertaining stories derived from personal experience.
Has anything particularly 'funny' happened in your life recently that you could tell others?

...

[Give Eley a moment to think about events that might have happened recently that he would consider amusing. It was a hard task, given that he wasn't really sure what should be considered funny in the first place.

After a considerable pause where he's obviously thinking hard, he speaks again.]

I am afraid the only events I can recall are far from what I would call amusing... Although I suppose some may find my lack of understanding to be 'funny' in certain instances.

I once believed that my legs had failed me or disappeared altogether, when in fact it was quite a natural experience, occurring due to decreased blood flow. My friend was rather entertained by that moment, despite the hour in which I called for her aid.

[Spock hummed...]

I have heard that 'delivery' is crucial in telling stories or jokes. But I do not have a full understanding of what that means. Have you heard of it before?

Delivery? The way in which the joke or story is... brought to the recipient?

[This really was confusing poor Eley. He tries to work the term out in his head, approaching it from a different angle.]

Perhaps... it is not just the subject that is amusing, but the way the person telling it explains it.

Indeed. Though... inflection has never been my forte. Telling stories requires physiological animation...

This is not going to be easy.
[Spock already looks slightly frustrated.]

No... I do not believe it will be.

[For either of them, though he was sure the experience would be good if they ever made any progress. He was certainly still willing to try at least.]

I am willing to take this challenge if you are. If we persevere then I am sure something will come of it in the end.

[Spock inclines his head, amusement flashing across his features.]

Knock knock.

...knock knock?

[What was that supposed to mean? If there was a door where Eley was sitting right now, he'd be inclined to go and see if someone was waiting outside that he'd missed. As it was he simply tilted his head and waited for an explanation.]

It is the beginning of a well known Terran joke. You are supposed to reply with "who is there?".
[Spock tilted his head, still looking amused.] Knock knock.

[Ah, all right. Eley's still not entirely sure where this is going but he's always eager to learn. He gives a nod of understanding. Well, at least for this first part.]

Who is there?

Boo.

[Spock waited for a moment, then realized that there was something else Eley was supposed to say.] You respond with 'Boo who?'

...boo who?

[He still looks pretty attentive, as if he's expecting something to happen. Some revelation that might express itself as amusement, or even a laugh.

The joke is going over his head, unfortunately.]

You must cease your crying, for it is only a joke.

[That was the punchline, right? Spock waited for a response.]

...but I was not crying. Why should I when you do not seek to upset me?

[Sorry Spock that just went straight over his head.

But wait, he'd mentioned that it was only a joke. In that case what part was the joke? He sighs.]

I believe that I have missed the point of your joke, I am afraid.

[Spock hummed....] Perhaps I got it wrong in the delivery perhaps?
I believe this joke utilizes irony in a subtle way, or alliteration... [Spock grows quiet...]

Perhaps we need to try again. But more research must be done.

Hm... Perhaps a more obvious joke would help us to make a better start. I am afraid I am not well-equipped to know how to recognise such subtle attempts at humour at the moment.

You are right though. If we help each other, I am sure we will make progress.

A baby seal walks into a club...

[Spock frowns after he said that.] Perhaps that is not a very good joke.

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