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r & r
"Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us."
The Ingress has pulled you in. Your body experiences several sensations at once: being pushed forward as if a hand is resting on your back, momentary and startling blindness, a gentle ringing in your head. You have difficulty discerning whether it is hot or cold, but where you have been prodded is noticeably warmer than the rest of you. Some may suffer from dizziness while others are perfectly fine. Once equilibrium has been reestablished, you will notice you are standing on a long platform and that the room is filled with a soft cerulean light. It's slightly humid and dark despite the glow around you, and nothing is familiar. Shortly after, you are led out and toward the medbay.
Inside this room, you are given a physical scan and offered a contract to sign that states you are now part of the crew of the Moira with a specific job. This process consists of a complete work-up of medical history and current health, and afterwards, you are given your MID, a device that is integrated into your hand with only the slightest pinch. From there, you are guided out of the medbay and to your living quarters.
Having left Amissis-Re behind, tensions among crew members have continued to escalate into ship-wide consequences, and recognizing the need for some separation among those aboard the Moira, the Captains make the unanimous decision to deviate from their present course to a "nearby" planet that is notable for such popular distractions. While it is not a permanent solution, measures are being taken to monitor the crew's morale much more closely. New arrivals will be treated as they always are; yet, now, more than ever, it is important to stress the balance of working together toward their goal of reaching their destination so that everyone will return home.
WELCOME TO COLLECTIVES ASH3 - BF3 - CLF5
The Collective is a paradise resort located far from any other neighboring planets to offer the most leisurely experience possible to its patrons. Artificially created for multiple uses, it is divided into separate locales interconnected with a tubing transport system that is so fast and efficient that it’s like being teleported to the next area. Extensive mapping can be found at various intersecting points to offer some direction, and there are even recognizable adverts from a very familiar stop months before spread out across the Collective. Whether looking to explore or to simply shed the weight of anxiety, there are plenty of opportunities to be found within ASH3, BF3, and CLF5.
All crew members are given a card from the Captains that has an unlimited amount of credits on it. Organized through trade, these allow Moirans access to any of the luxuries that the Collective has to offer aside from the purchase of items considered weapons due to the escalation of recent events. Food, clothes, trinkets, or even a full spa experience—the limits, otherwise, are endless. The Captains emphasize that this is time to relax and take a break from the grind that is living and working on a spaceship as unique as the Moira.
☄ B.E.A.C.H! THE BEST ESCAPE ANYONE CAN HAVE!
For those seeking a fun time, the Collective offers a variety of activities on ASH3. There are multiple beaches to enjoy as well as beachside kiosks offering drinks, beach toys and surf equipment for those a little more sports-minded. The tide washes in beautiful shells to collect, and there are always life-guards on duty to make sure everyone stays safe while enjoying their time on the beach. ASH3 offers a safe and friendly environment with plenty of fun in the sun for everyone. There is also a boardwalk full of restaurants, bars and plenty of games and entertainment for when you want to step off the sand but don’t want to give up being out in the sun.For those who can’t or won’t bear the sun, ASH3 also offers a thriving night life on both beach and boardwalk. There are midnight boat tours to view the bioluminescent schools of fish native to the island and bonfire dance parties that go long into the mornings. On the boardwalk, all shops are open until midnight as well as many clubs and social spots where crew can mingle with other tourists in the area.
So you don’t like the sand. It’s too hot, and it gets everywhere. Then hop onto one of the many transportation systems, slip into some warmer clothes, and take to the slopes. More experienced crew can immediately dive in, but those who need help can take lessons on how to ski or snowboard. There’s hot cocoa, sleds, snowball fights, and the occasional person making a snow angel (or snow person). ASH3 also has areas for rock climbing, sky diving, base jumping, bodyboarding, canoeing, hang gliding, jetskis, mountain biking, hiking, and much more.
☄ WHEN I SHOP, THE WORLD GETS BETTER Not everyone enjoys shopping, but this Collective entices even the most frugal and reluctant into spending their credits here. In fact, the Captains are encouraging this. They give the explicit “order” to buy whatever you want for yourself and your fellow crew members, but more than that, to consider making purchases to better the ship. Is there any area of the Moira that needs spruced up? Maybe some fresh paint in the mess hall,or new furniture in the decks? Maybe some fancy curtains for all those windows on the observation deck, or a few throw pillows? New pots and pans for the kitchen might be something to add to this list as well as equipment for the rec area, or whatever else you think BF3 will have to help increase comfort aboard the Moira.
To enhance your shopping experience, the technology here allows you to try on clothes without lifting a hand. The food here is an unlimited spread of gourmet dining to comfort food and every dessert you can think of. When you’re finished with your purchases, have all your packages and larger items delivered back to the ship for you.
☄ TREAT YO SELF The accommodations on the Collective of CLF5 are as unique as they come. Lodging is available for those who want to sleep in an environment that’s underwater or perhaps those who desire something as simple as a soft bed. No matter what kind of room you want to purchase for the night, it’ll be available here, and the only true limit is the imagination. When you aren’t relaxing in a hotel room, you’ll find that there are numerous spas and hair salons that offer varied services. Gold face masks rejuvenate your skin, the Ever Young™ Spa can make you look ten years younger with one treatment, and the mud baths are known across the universes for making you feel youthful and refreshed. If you’re looking for a new hairstyle or to relax, this Collective is the place for you to spend those hard-earned credits.
( ooc; For questions, go here. Please comment to activity check to receive new ranks (if applicable)! )
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thisavrou_log2016-06-01 12:20 am
Don't be sorry, it is great.
[Dorian of House Pavus gets an A++ rank on his flirt game.]
The greetings I usually know are to shake hands or bows but I can't argue with that particular version of hello. [And honestly, for a man as hungry for rarely given tastes of approval as he is? This has already proven to be a pretty big day.] How about we share a drink, Dorian? I would offer to cover it... but for whatever reason, income doesn't seem to be an issue. Once I-
[He holds up the apron. Probably should take care of that first.]
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Ah, it was the small successes.]
Bowing I am accustomed to, but perhaps we can discuss other methods of greeting in...more detail. Maker forbid I make an unthinkable social faux pas, but then again I've always enjoyed the notoriety of pariahdom...especially when the results are so pleasant. [Need him to stroke your ego some more? He's very capable.] And expose myself to such exquisite company? How can I resist? A drink is always called for when you're sharing it with an attractive someone.
[Ego stroking enabled. Dorian nods at the apron, of course he'll wait.] Afterward we might find you some flattering, yet expendable outfits, for your cooking.
[This is the sort of thing that was right up Dorian's alley after all.]
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[Memory being his worst sin, nowadays.]
I'm hardly affronted. Especially not after feedback like that.
[And he does take the opportunity then to tug off his left glove, reach out, and touch the brocade. Just lightly with the pad of his index finger, brushing the underside of a fold, indulging in texture for that moment of intrusion rather than manhandling the garment. Then he puts that glove back on.] I'll see you put your taste in fabric to good use.
[He heads over then to pay for his purchase, grateful for this distraction.]
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Better to lose himself in self congratulations.]
Are you not accustomed to such...feedback? A shame that would be, were it the case.
[Oh?
Dorian raised his eyebrows, not in offence, but in amusement, a finger experimentally touching the silk of his robes was cause for wonder. Something to take note of, perhaps? Some people were true sensationalists who enjoyed the texture a feel of certain fabrics...whether for wearing or otherwise.
Regardless, he took note.]
An excellent choice! [He agreed tilting his head discreetly, a little harmless observation while Kazuhira made his purchase. Nothing more.]
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[Plus, it's his own not-so-discrete way of flirting. Can't avoid the tactile approach sometimes, when someone's wearing something like that.]
[New item bought, he cants his head towards the door, ready to get out of here. So far? this guy is proving a pretty great distraction.] So, what's the standard greeting where you're from. Should try to avoid some accidental insults while I'm at it, after you've been so polite.
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And flirting can never be understated, subtle as it is, it's enough to be charming and flattering. Of course Dorian does enjoy appreciation, even if it's for the material of his clothing...because it's really an extension of himself.
Taking the hint, Dorian moves toward the door, presenting his back momentarily, just long enough to expose the staff on his back. An item he's never without, nd one that looks as though it could be a weapon or a tool for some kind of self-denfense.
It was just long enough for the mage to sweep an arm out for Kazuhira, automatic doors might be a new thing for him, but polite gestures? Well that's just class. Once through the door he'll offer his arm to his companion, he's free to take it or leave it, Dorian's skin is thick and social protocol might have other dictations where he's from.] Heh...well I suppose that depends on what you mean by standard. Region and race are the best indicators, but for argument's sake, in the Imperium men greet one another with a bow...waist deep or a simple nod of the head...or with a simple how do you do. For ladies it is the same, or if they extend their hand- well you already know that one.
[And Dorian can't help making a noise in the back of his throat, as though recalling a fond memory of moments past.] But I'm flexible...and not easily insulted. So tell me about this hand shake, otherwise yours might not be the only one I kiss on this venture. A custom I dare say should be for us.
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[He genuinely hopes that it's not.]
The handshake started as a gesture of assurance to show you weren't carrying weapons up your sleeve, a very long time ago. Usually done with the right hand and a firm grip. [And as he was missing said right hand for a while, before he was finally talked into the prosthetic hidden under the glove resting on Dorian's forearm, he often had to grab the back of their offered hand instead. People usually didn't pay attention, just worked on autopilot.] The country I was born in tends to bow more frequently than not, but they're integrating those other introductions.
Not a lot of ladies get their hands kissed anymore, but it seems like they're missing out. [He had no idea how to react to that other than it drastically improved his day.] Races? Do you mean just different humans or-
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And he felt comfortable. The reciprocity was pleasing, exciting, refreshing, and slightly confounding. More important than any of that, however? This is not a joke, and he treats his companion's arm with the utmost respect.]
Oh, I might have to see this in action. Nothing wrong with a firm grip in my personal opinion. [If only that were a euphemism. It is interesting, however, how certain things become cultural norms by complete accident, and Dorian has quite the love of history, so bonus points for historical significance.] And what country were you born in, if you don't mind my asking? I'm quivering with curiosity.
A shame they let some of the old practices go. [Who doesn't enjoy having their hand kissed?] Well...different humans and different species that are human-esque, there are many in Thedas. There are the Avaar and the Chasind Wilders...other human tribes that have their own way about things...but there are the elves, the dwarves, and the qunari as well. Each greet their own differently.
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[Business, not mercenary, he liked to clarify often enough.]
[Either way, big tough guys with big guns and many with a need to prove themselves. No country, no ideology, and in that no one gave a damn what about what anyone else did. Sort of nice in its unifying self-interest, or at the very least disinterest in the affairs of others. Probably why divorcing himself from the love of the idea in general has been so difficult.]
[But that's beside the point, and he'd rather pay attention to the strong arm he has his hand on.] Japan. It's an island nation. Pretty prosperous by the time I came here, but when I was young? Not so much. [He didn't get to be there for most of those better years. Mostly he was too busy being everywhere else.]
[It's odd, still, hearing people tell these stories, tilting his head slightly as he had when Fi had been telling him about Hyrule. Age old homelands or races he's never heard of. They'd be something out of a legend except here he has to acknowledge them as a real. Especially when someone that could pass as the hero of some dragon slaying legend or figure of historical European political intrigue strolls up and starts treating him as valuable or at least worthy of attention.]
[He's well-read, he can wrap his mind around the concepts, but that doesn't mean they're not baffling.] I think I've gathered enough from reading in the library about Elves and Dwarves- not their greetings, but their appearances in general -but what Qunari? Avaar?
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[A learning experience for the both of them it seems and Dorian was certain he would find himself spending many hours in the library, one of the first things he made note of. Doing research for his research and even then he was hoping for someone receptive enough to further illustrate the things that books could not. He wasn't disappointed in the slightest, Kazuhira was charming.]
Ah...well, I might have something of a biased opinion, you'll have to forgive me. The Qunari and the Tevene are rather like two cats in a sack, skirmishes break out when we find ourselves in close proximity. Tevinter has an unfortunately long history for skirmishes, it has often put us on the wrong side of history...I'd like to change that. [Dorian had plans and goals, wants and ambitions for his country. He loved his home and believed it could be saved, but there was nothing for it...at least for the time being.] But to answer your question the Qunari are somewhat human in appearance, but they have dragon-like features...their horns, skin, eyes and they are very robust, you couldn't miss them even if you wanted to. They are a very duty oriented culture, which isn't a bad thing, everyone has a place and there is a place for everyone...but there is also no room for movement. If you are a farmer you do not dream of becoming a warrior because you are a farmer. It's decided what you are at a young age and that is that, regardless of latent potential. They do not have families and lovers in the same way most people do...I suspect, and the warriors revel in brutality.
[He's really trying to be accurate without being biased, but it isn't easy.]
The Avaar are humans, but they are very tribal and as I understand it they do not believe in permanence. Everything from marriage to agreements, it is all temporary [Dorian laughs a bit] their marriage custom particularly unique. The bride will sing a hymn while the groom undoes knots in a rope...the number of knots he undoes before the end of the hymn determines how long you'll be married. So practical. They are wonderful survivors, residing in some of the most inhospitable regions of Thedas.
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Though I would love to see her reaction to the man that undid one knot and threw the thing over his shoulder. [While loyalty is his strong suit, breaking it requiring feats of magnificent negligence and regaining it as simple as a bluntly stated revelation or a well-meant genuine apology, he was not well suited for monogamy until recent years.]
As for Japan, no. I don't look like most of the people there. I was born during the occupation of an enemy nation after a rather destructive war, and look more closer to my father than my mother. Made me stand out a bit.
Not that we're an ugly people. But they don't usually come as tall or as blonde. [Or blue-eyed. But those are well-hidden behind his glasses, despite being fixed now.]
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As for being without a place, Dorian would say that he was lucky, but that's not true. He denounced his home and family and there was still a dull ache where it all belonged.]
Tickled pink most likely. Ah, if only there were such traditions in Tevinter, but alas, I live in a mageocracy...that makes me a product of generations of careful breeding. The great mage families in Tevinter do not have children. They refine traits, weed out the undesirable, and promote the rest. My parents were chosen for one another due to the powerful magic running through their veins, despite loathing one another. I am the repository of their hopes and dreams, but I tossed it all on the fire and ran when the opportunity presented itself. [The arranged marriage business was only part of the reason he left, but he felt...uncomfortable...talking about the truth of it. Maybe, over time, he might open up but he was still feeling out his strange situation and those who were sharing it with him.]
Made you stand out a bit...[Dorian parroted somewhat perplexed, because in Thedas people were divided by their species and their country...but not necessairily by height, hair, and skin color]...you're very striking and that's enough to make anyone look more than once, I'll give you that, but you truly stand out that much?
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[He can't tell if the man approves of the method of trial and error there or not, but he does sound uncomfortable with many parts of his situation. At least Miller has the sense to say that he can't pass judgement on a culture he's so unfamiliar with. It may not sound like his cup of tea, but what is the necessity that drives them? At least he got out of what he obviously disapproves of.]
They didn't do a bad job of putting you together, but I can see why you'd want out. Good to keep your options open.
...And I guess the best explanation would be to say my mother was this tall. [He holds his free hand up to his chest, drawing a line under Dorian's collarbone before dropping it again.] Men rarely reach my nose. If I want to wear traditional clothing I have to have it custom made. So on and so forth.
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[Oh Dorian absolutely disapproves of being forced to marry and live in luxurious despair for the rest of his life like his own parents. The thought had never appealed to him and he rejected their whole idyllic little plan. However he did love his homeland so inevitably he could see how that made it difficult to read his take on it.]
Naturally, they did break the mold with me, but you're right...I prefer having options. It's an adjustment, however, from living in the lap of luxury to roughing it in the Hinterlands...bloody bears.
[Is it wrong that a pleasant chill ran up his arm when that finger drew a line across his collar. If he knew this wasn't flirting Dorian might have opted for seduction, because that's not something that happens often.]
Seems almost elvish to me...humans average 6'0" and elves average around 5'5". You would fit right in. [With the human's anyway, he wouldn't recommend crossing a Dalish, some could be suspicious if not downright violent]
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Eventually, yeah. When I first showed up, we practically had a full month to take it easy. So maybe we'll get a good break.
[They've stopped at some hellish places, but Emiri hadn't been too bad before the end. This? He doesn't expect much better. But he'll take as much advantage of it as possible. He adjusts his grip as he walks, hand sliding down to rest casually on Dorian's forearm. He can be comfortably tactile, casual, or he can be caustic and defensive as hell. Dorian's definitely found the better half of his personality (though he has been doing his best to surprise that more biting portion, anyway).]
The man I worked with last caught bears. [He smiles a little to himself.] Alive, that is. We were paid to move animals out of warzones for a while. Actually... it was probably one of the better contracts we had. [More noble, anyway.]
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[Oh, but it occurred to him that Kazuhira might not know what the Fade was, and perhaps that was the reason he somehow knew this wasn't it. It felt...different.]
The Fade is the beyond, it's connected to my world, but separated by the Veil, a barrier. In places where there is a great deal of death the Veil can often be very thin attracting spirits and demons alike. Mages have...a strong connection to the Fade that often makes us vulnerable to demon possession.
[Not Dorian of course, his training had been very thorough. Anyway, that was the brief overview, there was a more complicated explanation, but it needn't be complicated.]
I digress, however. This is some sort of reprieve? A calm before the storm?
[Dorian had expected something of that nature, which is why he was taking advantage of the pleasant situation as it were. Present company making the situation all the more pleasurable, regardless of how temporary the setup might be.]
Ah, now where were you when I needed you! It would have been much better than running pell-mell all over those hills, can you imagine? [Dorian gave his companion a light, teasing nudge with his arm. Granted he could defend himself against bears, but they could be stubborn and thick skinned. They could withstand enough magical abuse to cause damage if they got their paws in you.] I had no idea they had such fantastic noses, they always seemed to find me. They must enjoy the smell of burning fish and my awful cooking.
Sorry for the giant delay but I am happy to get back to the flirt
[
He's never, ever telling Ocelot about this.][But then the story veers off towards demonic possession, and his steeped blond brows climb up. There are a lot of questions there.]
For one, I would certainly like a demonstration of what a mage can do... and for another? What do you know about possession?
I ask because someone made a vague suggestion about something that happened to me recently. That I might have been haunted by something. Nothing that could have possibly been in my experience before, but on the ship...
[Where people can encounter ghosts, where they can wield magic? It's very possible.]
[He'll definitely give his thoughts on inevitable storms and the eyes of hurricanes, and offers to sate this poor man with his own cooking. But his mind goes back to the thing that had him reeling.]
Backtagging is my bread and butter~
But they can always talk about finery and engage in finery, Dorian is quite fond of extravagance. In spite of having recently camped his way from the Imperium to Ferelden and sold much of his luxuries just to get to the Inquisition, he never lost his taste for it.
But then they breech the subject of spirits and just in time too, they've come upon one of the many local taverns- so many. And drinking was a necessity, so with another sweeping "after you" gesture Dorian joined Kazuhira inside.]
I know a great deal about spirits and demons as a mage. I know I've never been possessed, but I also know what possession looks like...as a necromancer I can bind spirits...but I'm not sure how well my gifts would translate here. It could be worth exploring further.
[Right now, anything else paled in comparison to spirits, hauntings, possessions, and demons. If Miller was being stalked, then he was obligated to find out what it was, and as a mage he was curious. With his opposite hand he gave Millers hand, still wrapped around his arm, a comforting pat.]
Magic is meant to serve mankind, after all, and if something was indeed haunting you then I'll protect you. Here...I'll grab a few drinks and you can pick my brain in depth. What would you like?
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Seems to have cleared up though. For now, anyway. This probably isn't the first thing I should be talking about to you, is it?
[Miller's ability to be somewhat suave was waning there for a moment.]
I'm flexible. Be it wine or whiskey I'll drink to match.
[Kaz is grateful for the patience, though. Might not be saying it in the right way, but even the distraction, someone sharing the drink; he's thought it before, but it is nice. Not to mention the guy is handsome. Not like normal handsome. Handsome like someone ripped him right out of a painting and that seems a little unfair.]
[He's about ten years too late to match that face in looks. Kazuhira Miller isn't ugly but that outclasses him far more than he's willing to admit out loud.]
[Anyway, he's glad to stop at a place with those drinks. Noting their clothes are probably a culture shock of difference for anyone walking by.]
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As Kazuhira seemed to waver over whether they should be discussing this, Dorian flashed him his most brilliant smile.]
Oh, I don't know, it is right up my alley...and it means you're thinking of me quite seriously. [Even if it was serious help he might be thinking of, it didn't matter. Dorian could work it into flirtation just as easily.] I happen to like that.
[No suave points lost, though it would be difficult at this point. Dorian was well engaged with him now.]
That seems to be something we have in common. [If Dorian could drink the vinegar the quartermaster purchased for Skyhold, he could drink just about anything...drunkard that he was] I won't be long.
[Of course that also meant extracting himself from Kazuhira's arm, leaving him feeling somewhat under-adorned.
Kazuhira wasn't wrong in his assessment, Dorian would be the first to admit to his own handsomeness, vain as he was, when it came to self-care he put in a great deal of effort. It helped being a mage with access to potions that could prevent scarring and other cosmetic anomalies.
While no small part of him wanted to have Kazuhira under his self care, Dorian was an expert with a straight razor! Regardless, Dorian was built for aesthetics, while, something told the mage, his companion was built for physical conflict and could probably lay the mage out one-on-one.
That held an entirely different sort of appeal, though attractiveness was perhaps in the eye of the beholder. He was attractive, if they'd been serious, Dorian might say that Kazuhira was his type. Not that he would take advantage knowing that, he'd been very receptive of Dorian and uncommonly kind.
Better to drink more wine and think less along that line of thought.]
You didn't miss me terribly did you? [Dorian ribbed, gently.] I certainly noticed your absence. Here.
[He passed his companion a goblet filled near to the brim with red wine.] The bartender will keep them coming.
[As if one glass would be enough for Dorian.]
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[As Dorian left, Miller finally had to remove his gloves. Didn't even think about it at first, until his new acquaintance brought back the wine. The hand he took it in had fingers nigh on clear. A trick of the light; a prosthetic meant to allow him to feel. Science beyond Kaz's ken, but it did the job. Only it was a little odd to look at.]
[He nodded gratefully.] I tried to get by. [Referring to his absence, a small joke, before he decided to have a drink. Did that respectably enough.]
I've seen a lot of things since I got here, so while it would normally be doubtful where I come from? Not a lot of demons or anything. Not outside of us military men. The only ghosts, the phantoms of our former selves and our lost brothers. Souls carried in pictures and memories, but otherwise left to their peace and honor. [Unfortunate that Dorian has chosen a man prone to bouts of poetic rambling.] But here, it's not that unlikely.
And I made sure that man I mentioned died with a hell of a lot of unfinished business. [And in pain. Kazuhira Miller didn't do vengeance in halves.] Might have caught up to me, I guess. But if that's the case, seems like I met the right guy in the right place for a lot of good reasons.
Besides a knack for coordination.
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As promised, Dorian returned quickly enough and the first thing he happened to notice, only because it was glaring to him, were his companion's gloveless hands. The prosthetic in particular was worthy of note. Not that Dorian had not seen his fair share of the unusual, but technology was a magic he couldn't comprehend yet.
His gaze didn't linger long, maybe he would ask about it, perhaps his charming companion would get around to telling him. If it came up, he wasn't prone to talking about body parts that weren't his unless invited.]
Well, if you ever miss my presence and the velvety sound of my voice, you can always contact me. [An open invitation, Dorian was still trying to get used to the contraption they affixed to his wrist. Blasted thing.]
[For his part Dorian didn't mind poetic rambling, he was prone to having lively dialogues with himself on occasion. He liked it when there were others around to listen. Sometimes that's all one needed in a conversation, was someone to listen to them.]
Hm...I cannot claim to know much about the life of military men as a mage, but where I come from when people carry...demons with them, metaphorically, that does become problematic. We did not speak of this at length, but the Veil to the Fade is often thinnest around places where there's death...but it's exceptionally thin in places where that death was met with extreme negative emotions. Rage, bitterness, envy, resentment, vengeance...it does attract spirits...but such emotions, they linger for a time and when spirits latch on to those emotions it can corrupt them and twist their intended purpose. A spirit of justice might become a demon of vengeance. They can latch on to those feelings, bring the dead back...in some form or other.
[Dorian sipped at his wine thoughtfully still wondering if it might be the same thing.]
Mm...fortunate for the both of us, we might have to spend quite a bit of time together, if this continues to keep catching up with you. [And what a shame that was, really.] Were there times in which you felt more vulnerable than others to this experience?
[Asleep, awake, during certain activities? The devil was always in the details. But that didn't come without saying:] It's not an obligation to answer any question that might make you uncomfortable. If what I ask or represent makes you feel ill at ease at any time, I do want to know.
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