flashystyle | [EL NYSA] IC INBOX

[EL NYSA] IC INBOX

●●○○○ THESA

Dorian Pavus
@sparkler (33), Tevinter, Thedas

I WAS A: Incredibly privileged know-it-all with a family complex. I got better.

I'M SKILLED IN: Talking about myself excessively. Calling everyone names. Also, some magic and archiving.

I'M LOOKING FOR: A way to stop feeling so helpless in the absence of home.

ALSO, I'M: Very tired. All the time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He's still on the station.

[There's a note of annoyance in her tone that suggests somehow, she's displeased with Robert for having the audacity to stay asleep.]

And while there are any number of delightful distractions on the planet, I don't care to be parted from him. We don't take well to it.

[His smile falters, but his tone remains light. He isn't certain how she'd react to heavy sympathy, well-meaned or not.]

Well, you're here. And I'm here. So that doesn't mean he won't come to join us forever.

[It's been two months. Two long, agonizing months; two months of going to the Institute alone, of coming home night after night to an empty house, of trying to occupy herself with experiments and studies and inane conversations, of talking and socializing and learning about other worlds, all alone. And oh, she's enjoyed nearly all of it, she likes those companions she's found, she's reveled in her newfound knowledge, but every action is taken with that sense of emptiness. Like having to suddenly go without a limb; like someone took a scoop and hollowed out part of her heart. There's always a sense that each and every experience is dimmed somehow, a filter masking over it all, lacking for his not being there.

They've never spent so long apart. Even when all they had was the atom, they'd spoken every night without fail. She'd been so accustomed to having him near when they were alive, always on her right, always pressed closely enough that they could brush shoulders. His voice even and measured, teasing and playful only ever to her, his hand on the small of her back, his eyes bright and amused at her indignance as he paused to entertain a group of children with juggling, his teeth flashing as he rejoined her, come, now, Rosie, you can't begrudge me a bit of fun--

Her constant companion. Her beloved. Her other half, and she'd spent twenty-odd years growing too used to having him. To suddenly be forced apart--

She blinks. Forces herself into flashing him a slight smile, sardonic and false.]

Naturally. He'll come and that's the last you'll ever see of me on my own, as he and I go around passing judgement on everyone we meet.

[her tone is suddenly brisker, and she straightens up, brushing off her momentary weakness in favor of brisk sarcasm.]

And in the meantime, there seems to be no end of gentlemen who want to distract me from that plight. A tidbit for you, since you're clearly after gossip.

[He can't possibly know the half of what she's feeling, but he can make a guess. There isn't anyone that truly knows him here. Not a single person can understand his pride in a country long lost, his mourning of the progress he made there, and the mourning of those from there who he found aren't just sleeping up above. It's like missing a step that should be there, then thinking you've fallen behind because you missed the step, then missing another, then falling and falling and--

He smiles the same false smile, but his tone is gentler rather than brisk.]

I could help you distract yourself from the plight of gentlemen, if you like. Not in their way, of course, but still company. There's empty space at my housing, and they'll surely turn their heads if I'm on your arm when it's convenient.

[For all her fussing at the start of this conversation, it isn't as if she dislikes Dorian. She's enjoyed their conversations, frustrating thing that he is; it's pleasant to have someone to bicker with. But he's still a man, and the thought of sharing a house with any strange man--

Well. She's sure he's honorable enough, but she doesn't trust men, as a rule.]

Of course . . . you might spare my ego a bit. I'm not certain I'm pleased to hear you could happily share a house with me without a hint of attraction.

[That's a joke. A weak joke, certainly, because she's still terribly distracted.]

[Weak, but still a reason to laugh again. He's grateful for it.]

I'll likely more attracted to the gentlemen you'll bring to the doorstep. Provided you have good taste. You are a fine woman, so I should hope the standards are high.

[Oh, and that actually takes her a second-- not because she's unfamiliar with the concept (god, no, she's had her share of panic and attraction over Aranea this week, thanks), but because she's entirely unused to it being spoken of so easily.]

You're--

[Oh. Well. That changes things.]

With whom do you reside? Or would it simply be you and I?

Yes, quite.

[Yet another reason to laugh, but he doesn't at her expense. It's a relieved one- speaking of it is easier, now, but is not guarantee of a good reaction.]

I live with an harmless oaf named Richard, back in Olympia. He says he was king back in his homeland and that his lizard is going to grow into a dragon, both which I doubt. He isn't any trouble, just simple.

[Mm, not the best company, and she wonders how long it'll take her before she snaps at the man. A week, maybe, unless she can avoid him. But it still might be worth the risk for not having to live alone again.]

I'm surprised you allow him the lizard at all, considering your phobia.

I'm not afraid of their existence, my dear. It's the pain of getting flayed alive by one that does me in, and it most certainly doesn't breathe fire.

Why don't we flip the coin again? You are taking a chance on me, after all. It's only fitting.

All right.

[Now, then. What's a fairly easy question to answer . . . ah.]

Can Dorian perform magic?

["Magic", whatever. But she flips the coin with ease, and--

Signs point to no. And rain. Um.]

This is why I wanted to test it, you see.

[He shouldn't be affronted, he knows. He can't help but look it anyway.]

I see. It did say fickle guide, so I shouldn't be surprised...

[He places a hand against his chin, narrowing his eyes at the thing.]

What would it be best used for, then? Things you're having second guesses? Things you might need just let lie?

Perhaps. Coin tosses can be perfect for making up one's mind-- you instinctively know what you'd prefer the moment you toss the coin.

[She offers it to him.]

Have any issue that's been vexing you as of late?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[EL NYSA] IC INBOX

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject