Nochka's Links
At the mention of Nokstella's name, Noch lets out a high pitched trill. It's hard to parse exactly what he means by it at first, but he quickly settles into the rhythmic murmurs of lepitongue. "At first, I was an intruder. He did not remember." It's cryptic, but before you have time to ask for elaboration, he's moving on. "I'm glad he has allowed me into his... heart." Are you hallucinating or does Noch seem to be embarrassed by his proclamation?
"Oh right, before I forget, Noch is dropping by today" you tell the orphanage janitor. He jumps in surprise. Nochka is dropping by for a visit?! The supplies Nokstella had been carrying slip out of his grasp and scatter across the floor with a loud clatter. He briskly scoops them up and runs off before you can say a word. Despite the sudden mishap, he seems animated, more so than usual. You follow him to the kitchen, finding him excitedly signing to the cook. The cook begins gathering ingredients and once again Nokstella dashes off, nearly skipping. "Where are you going?!" you call to him. He doesn't appear to hear you, and hurries to clean everything in his line of sight.
When translated to the common language, Noch's response is as follows: "Icarus has been a great help to me." He shuffles slightly uneasily. "Perhaps more than I deserve." A loud squawk indicates that the subject of your conversation has overheard. "Ладно, I hear you!" Noch leans forward, as if sharing a secret. "As grumpy as it seems, it never tolerates any self flagellating. So... I'm thankful for such a friend."
"Noch is more of a nuisance than a help," Icarus grumbles, curling itself into a more comfortable position. "He may be the one gathering memories and dreams for the library, but he has no concept of organisation or conservation at all! If I left him to his own devices, he'd sooner eat the whole lot!" Despite its incensed complaints, there's an edge of fondness to its tone.