A friendly smile.
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Transcript
Verengt: Hm.
Verengt considers Talita for few moments, then half-lids their eye and curls their trunk up again, the point of their lower lip down slightly.
Verengt: Well, let us know if you change your mind. It’s been a pleasure to meet you.
Talita tilts her head and smiles politely, drawing the corner of her lip back to show her teeth.
Talita: You too! Will I see you on… Um…
She peters off, confused by Verengt's face. They have flinched away, mane feathers flared, lips closed but drawn taut, trunk flattened up between their flared nostrils in an "S" shape, eyes squinting with nictitating membranes half closed.
Verengt: Talita. Do you intend to bite me?
Talita stares in disbelief.
Talita: NO??
325 thoughts on “Runaway to the Stars: Page 261”
Selkra
Just imagining Talita having to learn to mask almost literally by wearing centaur facial expressions instead of the human ones she accustomed to in order to work with her new temps, I’m already exhausted on her behalf.
Jordan Aster
Hmm. Weird lead-up to the part where they start kissing. I didn’t expect this.
Zofifi
I feel for Talita here so badly it hurts. One minute you are having a conversation you dreaded so much and it goes surprizingly well, and people are kind to you (if asking uncomfortable questions) and then suddenly you mess everything up. (Or at least you think you messed up. Did you mess up? How much? *panicks*)
holdstalitaandverengtgently
Gosh I love both Talita and Verengt as characters so much, which makes me DREAD how the rest of this interaction will go and how this will affect not only Talita’s anxiety and self esteem, but also how Verengt will feel about the reliability of Dirtball’s management and professional/safety standards. It’s not fair for Talita of course, she takes work safety more seriously than anyone, but the Gwailer clan just got here and Verengt’s children will be working an extremely dangerous job, even under the safest of safety measures. Neither of them are in the wrong and they’re trying their best to make do with what little Mel has given them to work with prior to them meeting. In my head the april fools yuri is canon….. coping…… I hope the Gwailer clan manages to make the best of their time here regardless. And Talita makes the best of her time when it’s time to run away to. The stars
PostMortem7581
I wonder whether the Gwailers are going to try to teach Talita some centaur etiquette, like trunk smiling and not baring your teeth at acquaintances.
Nikki
im losing my gd mind at this whole interaction. ho my gosh. I need to fan myself off
Nikki
Verengt’s expression in second to last panel is so intense!
The Opossum Witch
God can you imagine having a civil, if stilted, conversation with the person who will be in charge of your adult children and then suddenly they just straight up snarl and bare their teeth out of nowhere? I would be freaked out too! Unfortunately poor Talita was raised by a species where that is the common greeting and expression of happiness so I can only imagine the turmoil this will bring.
The Opossum Witch
semi-related but as an anthropologist I find these sorts of interactions so juicy and fun to read AUGH
LineOfThy
it’s more than snarling. for centaurs teeth aren’t just food munchers they are weapons. combined with the fact that theres no reason for centaurs to bare their teeth besides eating/biting (they talk through their noses), talita is basically hovering her arms around verengt’s neck.
pon
this is really probably the best equivalent. imagine if a human came up to you and tried to be friendly by reaching near your throat and making grabby hands like theyre about to try and choke you. especially someone buff as hell? no matter how feral they said they are beforehand, that’d freak me the fuck out actually because it would make me think Oh this person is Dangerous, regardless of if they know it or not. this person does not know how scary they are and that unpredictability is something most people are Not going to respond well to. i think verengt’s reaction here and in the next panel is honestly quite normal.
Joyfully
I want you to know I’ve been refreshing this page since this one came out. The tension in this conversation is incredible, can’t wait to see where this goes.
Mango The Captain
oh no, oh no
Origamigryphon
I wonder if the entourage is breaking out the centaur popcorn
Bebok
Two tigers meet in a concrete jungle. The first avoids direct eye contact and blinks slowly to show that they are relaxed and happy. The second bares her teeth and starts snarling to show that she is relaxed and happy.
…This will lead to some situations.
Olagufi
Great comment xD
Ranch
You know what sucks the most is that talita was JUST adapting her facial expressions to look MORE human in order to be better at signing. Like, we just watched her and Gillie talk about using her nictating membranes as eyebrows. And now, that effort- and all of the imprinted instinct from growing up with humans in general of course- backfires spectacularly. Fucked up. I’m so sorry talita, there really is no winning for you is there.
Silver
This comment made me go back and re-read the pages with Gillie and on page 194 she was practicing the phrase ‘Nice to meet you!’ with a big open smile uuuooghghgh I love this comic
Jordan Aster
Keep in mind where the bottom nicitating membrane is being used during that scene where Talita is practicing facial expressions for ASL, and then look at when Verengt uses their bottom nicitating membrane. They’re total opposites in terms of intent. Talita can’t possibly use her natural human-socialized facial expressions with centaurs because they’ll always be incompatable.
Towhee
I’m putting Mel in a rock tumbler bc what do you MEAN you can’t even stick around to mediate this discussion?? When Talita has assumedly NEVER met or spoken to other centaurs before, and is clearly anxious???
MEL, HOMIE, *YOU* ARE THE ONE WHO ORCHESTRATED THIS “”SURPRISE””, AT LEAST MAKE SURE THE PERSON YOU’RE SURPRISING IS GOING TO BE OK
I hope that despite the miscommunication, Verengt has the tact & awareness to realize “Talita said she’s been raised by aliens, therefore she mimics their body language. But better ask and make sure bc this is weird for all of us right now.”
Also, knowing that traditionally raised centaurs tend to look at willfully solitary centaurs as “mad hermits” (according to the lore website), I’m nervous to see how Talita’s statement that she’s fine with being alone will impact the other centaurs’ perception of her.
I don’t think Mel’s “gift” is going to help whatsoever with Talita’s species dysmorphia… They basically stood up a mirror in front of her and went “see those? That’s what your SUPPOSED to act like! Have fun getting to know each other :)” and LEFT
Not saying that is Mel’s intention, but they clearly haven’t thought of a single scenario where Talita reacts NEGATIVELY to this whole situation or how to deal with it, if the results aren’t what they’re expecting. They are so focused on their belief that this is helpful and going to be a positive experience that they’re completely disregarding Talita’s feelings and individuality. Just because people come from the same species doesn’t mean they’re immediately going to hit it off!! It’s so frustrating how they never seem to LISTEN to what Talita is trying to tell them.
(I’m also still incredibly peeved by Mel’s “is that it?” comment from earlier so that may be coloring my view of them. I know they mean well but that doesn’t mean shit when your good intentions are Still Hurting People.)
Archieve
I read Mel as someone who thinks they are caring and attentive but in reality they only do good when it’s not an inconvenience and when it benefits themselves in some way. Refusing to do their job when Talita reported the harassment was the most blatant failure to fulfill badic obligations but looking through their history….they sponsored an orphan which was great, but also gave them company after their divorce and bio kids distanced themselves from Mel and it was not that difficult because Talita was already well socialized with a promising future and qualified for a scholarship which covered most of her expenses. They got her a job, also nice but it also gave them atleast one friend in the middle of nowhere and onboarding a loyal hard working Masters graduate was a good professional move for themselves. In 8 years Talita had to make all her own accommodations without guidance….notice its only when Mel hires a whole clan who will be very useful workers that they decide more Centaur infrastructure/equipment is worth the money. No worries when Talita was testing her homemade exosuit or the bug agriculture which is now expaned on to accommodate the others. In reality, Mel benefits heavily from her solo and official work with Talita becoming increasingly taken for granted with Mels growing expectations. Unfortunately, Talita is so conditioned to see herself as a problem that she can’t see what a great boon she is for the company.
Chase Wanderstar
A hardworking engineering graduate *who is also a living forklift*.
Sabella
Straight into the pear wiggler with Mel.
T-Bird
I wonder how many AMA entries this chapter are directed at Mel, with a number of variations on the theme of WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??
Godzilla248
I’ve got a rock tumbler to put Mel in, however, though we’d have to shrink them down first.
Em
Both humans and centaurs are afraid she will maul them
PostMortem7581
Oh God, I never thought of it that way. Poor dear.
Coldest Lew
She looks like she could do it too, easily. Girl’s JACKED.
mallll
this interaction has made me realise how much ive been relying on talitas acculturated body language to get a read on her. verengts s-shaped trunk is very interesting, and makes complete sense as a response to aggression – neatly out of the way of any horns or teeth in a fight. the fact that their lips are still closed, as some have already pointed out, may show their restraint considering the situation and/or the fact that talita showed her teeth while her trunk stayed curled into her neck may be sending mixed signals. weird and surprising circumstances for everyone im sure
coo
I love verengt already!
FuzzySpiderPawz
Talita isn’t even in plinko anymore she’s in a pinball machine
JoB
Orbitor 1 [sic!], I presume? 😉
arf
Centaurs are apex predators. Staring at them with big eyes and shining teeth does not produce the same reaction as it does with the simian types Talita is used to.
Talita has a learning curve ahead of her.
Fortunately, I think(?) Verengt has a fair grasp of the situation (although what her retinue think is another matter)
Epsilon Rose
Just a reminder, but humans are also apex predators and a wide eyed human who’s baring their teeth would also look pretty aggressive.
Gander of the Shinies
Yeah but we have more nuance in how each of our facial expressions look, unless I’m missing several key posts about centaurs
Epsilon Rose
I only just started reading this webcomic, but that’s not the impression I’ve gotten. It’s more that they have a different set of facial expressions and the misalignment are pretty important.
Archieve
I personally hope Talita quits before she’s acting as a manager to the clan. Verengnt is good to clarify before assuming but Talita should not need to rush-learn Centaur body language in under a week ontop of her regular workload to avoid similar misunderstandings. Her struggles with a single Centaur highlight how unready she is to lead 8 of them, even if they are good and kind workers. I hope she can find the courage to put her own mental health first.
Stray Cat
Doing a beat-by-beat analysis of Verengt’s reactions throughout this whole scene (I’ll probably post the whole thing next page or the page after). I’ve been showing this whole scene to a friend who has a job that requires having a good grasp of body language and facial expressions, and they said that they could FEEL the misreadings and misinterpretations going on, panel to panel. This last page in particular got an “ooooh noooo” from them.
bonescaro
TALITA NOOOOOOOOOO
oh and this was going so well…….. holding my breath that this misunderstanding gets cleared up (wheres Bip when you need their invasive interruptions and knowledge of centaur culture)
cypr
veregnt at least recognizes that this may be talita not knowing how to work her face on account of being raised by wolves, due to their response being asking “are you going to bite me or is that just your face?” instead of immediately jumping into self-defense. i don’t think this will end with anybody getting injured or nothin, just further solidifying to talita that she does not belong among her own kind
cypr
oh… even when veregnt sees talita do the centaur equivalent of waving a knife in their face, they’re still hiding their own teeth…
Muse
i was looking at that too, it gives me hope that verengt will be reasonable and is more shocked/startled/confused/insulted than anything and will at least hear talita out, especially if they can connect the dots that the humans show their teeth a lot and mean it friendily, since they were Just talking to smiley mel.. please, let this just be a hiccup in the interaction that everyone can move on from relatively intact…..
WayanayaW
Yeah! I appreciate that Verengt is stopping to clarify despite clear discomfort and the awkwardness of the situation.
Lezzlebit
For this year’s feaster celebration they’re making Talita go through the endless plinko board 😁
GGFreak
While everyone is making the very apt comparison of Talita’s smile coming across to Verengt as pulling back a fist/pulling out a knife in Centaur expressions, and everyone is very rightly pointing out Verengt’s restraint in this situation, I can’t help but also think Verengt might less be taking this as Talita randomly showing aggression, but as a “I am challenging your authority to be matriarch and I will take over the Gwailer clan” signal.
This is purely me speculating, assuming, and reading hastily into both the expression charts and Centaur culture, but it would further explain Verengt asking for clarification, plus their expression putting across as Disgust along with irritation. Like, in the Culture Section of Centaurs, it mentions how how Matriarchs achieve that status through Social climbing, and importantly, Dominance struggles, with overt hostility between female members of a clan when an older matriarch’s looks to be on the outs, with some clans outright having ritualized combat. So, possibly, Verengt’s not just responding to a nervous person randomly sending a threat display, but possibly taking it as a challenge to their leadership and right as a matriarch… And with some more speculation/assumption, Verengt might’ve had to deal with a lot of that from other ambitious sisters or outsiders, with their old head injury possibly making those challengers assume lesser of them, and thus, Talita’s smile would instantly sour Verengts view on her into “just another jerk looking to take my position from me.”, showing both disgust and irritation at her behaviour, IF all my admittedly hasty research and attempts at reading the social cues of an alien species and their culture, through comicbook panels, prove to be astute.
God I hope this misunderstanding can be clarified and solved amiably, and not end up destroying a potential positive connection for both Talita AND Verengt, even though we know the title of this comic.
Callisto
Genuinely fascinating analysis of what’s happening. I hope all goes well for Talita, she doesn’t need more trouble.
Bunn
No thats a really good point. Especially with how the conversation has been going, Talita may be coming across like: Oh, no I dont want to marry into a clan as a worker. But it was great to meet /your/ clan. *flashes teeth in a threat display*
SuriXiruS
If that’s how Verengt’s interpreting it, honestly they’re taking this really well. I’ve seen other comments point this out but other matriarchs may have taken this and run with it, maybe attacking her
Gar G
That face
And whoop! Was wondering when this would come up
vinny
Verengts expressions in this page are very very good.. despite the difference between centaur and human expressions their stress and attempt to not let it immediately overpower them is very strong. Also their trunk posing made me finally notice they have piercings on their trunk!! I really like that detail
purrs
I just wanna give her a hug. 🙁 Talita I’m so sorry that Mel put you in this position. Honestly I feel bad for Verengt as well. If both of them had been given a proper heads up this wouldn’t have happened. There were so many ways to prevent this!
Muse
it’s truly incredible how mel says so many words and yet perfectly avoids even accidentally saying anything useful. couldn’t have just offhandedly thrown in a “talita will be so excited to finally get to know other centaurs! : D” that could have tipped the clan off. remarkable.
Nickalart
Talita’s RIPPED and doing the centaur equivalent of squaring up for a fight, Verengt is reacting SURPRISINGLY calmly given the circumstances.
cinna
Yeahhh, see, if Talita had been given any actual heads up, she could have prepared. I bet that Gillie and Idrisah would’ve been happy to help her research and practice centaur etiquette, too.
HAL9000
see im sort of in a bit of two minds about that, because Talita did know about the centaurs at least a full day before this meeting. while she was vastly underprepared and this whole scenario was poorly planned and poorly executed, Talita herself is avoidant of doing things that could benefit her, like rush researching centuar culture the night of her becoming aware of them being on dirtball. what was her plan? to keep avoiding them indefinitely in a very small very insular habitat? her own anxiety is self-sabotaging. but hey, this may be the final straw that pushes her to action at last
Rubicon
You say that, but also, like, does she know? Does she have any awareness at all that her facial expressions are not the norm? If she didn’t, it would explain why she didn’t research.
the Inmara
Even if she researched, even if she practiced however long it would take to develop a new habit, she’s having a lot of emotions and that reflex to smile is STRONG.
It is totally understandable that she’d slip up and not even realize what she’s done. No matter how much she may or may not have tried to prepare for this. People mess up in the thick of things all the time. It takes repeated real life experience to really change. Immersion. After a season of working with these other centaurs, she’ll start to do better.
cinna
As someone with anxiety, I just think that learning a handful of specific rules to follow can be really helpful in a new social situation, and personally speaking it also makes the inevitable mistakes easier to handle because knowing what actually went wrong is waaaay better than Wondering. But a day is not a lot of time at all to overcome that automatic fight-or-flight impulse enough to think so rationally, especially given how long this was in the works for behind her back. And, like I said, her friends could’ve helped if this was brought up sooner and not when they’re in the middle of packing for a move.
HAL9000
oh, i am aware a day isn’t near enough lol. i don’t have anxiety but i imagine it makes it much harder to do a rush job on something. just an overall observation of talita’s character across the comic is avoidance- she kept putting off sign language for example until Gillie directly addressed her, and she kept putting off the temps’ issues until it inevitably escalated. I’m hoping this incident will be the beginning of her character arc of self-improvement and self-worth 🙂
the Inmara
Here’s how we interpret this interaction from verengt’s perspective:
verengt: *asks a reasonable question*
talita: *starts to answer while pulling a very large stabbing knife out and waving it around*
verengt: *instead of pulling a gun or diving for cover, takes half a step back holding up both open palms and asks* “Just checking. You’re not planning on stabbing me with that are you?”
talita: *surprised pikachu face*
purrs
Yeah, Verengt is being very polite here considering how the situation feels for them.
Daredevild
“Talita. Do you intend to bite me?”
“No??”
“Okay just checking” (centaur thumbs up)
(Everyone links hands and skips into the sunset) (im coping)
Claire
Please???? (Also coping)
Cugz Arui
pretty please? (me too)
Boxthing
ERROR
HUMANSMILE.EXE AND TRUNKSMILE.EXE ARE INCOMPATIBLE PROGRAMS
REBOOT REBOOT
Varanid
goddd this is heart-wrenching after all the stress of how is Verengt going to react to her being clanless, them being like seemingly chill about it is probably such a relief to Talita and now it’s that relief which is probably going to be the catalyst for everything going downhill ohhmy god AHHH cannot wait to see where this goes
milk4evertoasted
Talita needs a big red pin that says “HUMAN SMILE HUMAN SMILE HUMAN SMILE!!!!!!!!!!” so so bad
JoB
Eh, a certain Mr. Ball already provided us with a suitable warning sign all centaurs dread now.
Arcstone
Could you imagine if an interplanetary war with aliens started cause someone sent a smile emoji? 😃
JoB
Sure. Just have those aliens have their eyes under their mouths (and continue to use emojis sans a neck to tell up- from downside).
Arcstone
I’m sorry, job. You kind of lost me.