video: un; apparition

[unphase]

[Tinya is dressed to the nines as per normal, but what isn't normal is that she's not broadcasting from her usual sunroom.

instead it's a darkened room with the lights barely glowing, casting a yellow pallor over Tinya's fair complexion and making her blue eyes seem sickly green]

...I bought a fainting couch because I thought it would be pretty. Not necessarily because I wanted to faint on it.

Ugh. [she lifts an arm listlessly and covers her eyes] Please tell me that there's some kind of flu going around and that I'm not the only one who feels like shit. If you don't, I'll be very cross.

Comments

[onerthes]

I do like to think of myself as a romantic at heart, no matter the path I walk.

[unphase]

So do I, even if it's left me bruised along the way.

[onerthes]

Those bruises just give character.

Well, and nightmares sometimes, but I prefer to think on the former today.

[unphase]

[Tinya chuckles bitterly]

I have plenty of reasons for bruises and nightmares. I was hoping for a break, but obviously not. Unless one breaks bone.

[onerthes]

Caaaareful. We don't need it to figure out that our bones can actually break. It might try harder next time. [She snickered] Sorry, this place breeds awful humor, it really does. But delightful for stress relief.

[unphase]

Ugh. That's the last thing I need. How would that kind of thing heal, anyway? Normally, over weeks or even months, or hastened healing?

[onerthes]

They might have a means to improve the speed, but I suspect it would probably be weeks or months. Or at least a month. So... best not to break a leg, yes?

[unphase]

Ugh. Not to mention that a broken leg could end my days as a dancer. Best not to risk it, no matter what.

[onerthes]

Agreed. Some things are not worth trying out.

...

Why do humans say break a leg anyway?

[unphase]

No idea, I'm Bgztlian! We say 'May the Mistress bless you' before such performances, since dance is one of the things sacred to her. Personally, I think our way is the better one.

[onerthes]

It certainly is less backwards and violent to offer that kind of blessing. I suppose maybe it's from a superstition or something like that.

[unphase]

It must be. I've noticed that about Terrans before. As much as they like to claim that they're all about science and rationality, they still cling to their superstitions.

[onerthes]

Yes. It seems to be a hallmark of their lives. They base its foundations on so much science and rationality, but their day to day activities are filled with illogical superstitions that most of them don't even understand the origins of.

[unphase]

It's sort of charming, isn't it? Beneath that veneer of civility lies a hint of the uncivilized, just begging to be brought to the surface.

[onerthes]

Hah, that's certainly a way to view it. There is something delightfully charming about the silly reasons people sometimes have for innocuous decisions like this. So long as they're innocuous.

[unphase]

Yes. My husband--he comes from what used to be a prison planet, but the prisoners revolted and took over. He has his superstitions, mostly based on old prison traditions. And I have mine, given my devotion to the Mistress. But they ran into each other when we got married.

My tradition dictated that I see him and approve of him before the ceremony, his that we absolutely could not see each other beforehand. But he let me win. [and she smiles fondly with a tinge of melancholy]

[onerthes]

Ah yes. I could see how the kinds of traditions you develop inside of a prison cell could be hard to get rid of. And with time, the two of you likely merged them a bit. However, I like that the two of you found a compromise on that one. it could have been quite ... messy not to.

...

I'm sorry he's not here.

[unphase]

They are. He has the...sort of bravado which can develop as well. Which sometimes leads to him biting off a bit more than he can chew during battle. [she says with a fond shake of her head] And it would have been. But he adores me, or at least he did, so he was willing to make the sacrifice.

...

So am I. I miss him so much. I only want to know if my husband and son are safe.

[onerthes]

I am fortunate, in that I know from her friends that Minako is safe, and that my loved ones are safe in my world because... well, everyone opposing us was dead. There wasn't anything left. They are safe without me.

Perhaps... try to ask the Pthumerians? They aren't always trustworthy but maybe at some point we can have a vision of our homes. Some assuaging of feelings and worry would be good.

[unphase]

Those have to be huge sources of relief. Otherwise...well, worrying is no fun.

Maybe? I know Argonaut, he's my patron and he was able to open little portals back home last year. I wonder if he could do it on a smaller scale? As a favor.

[onerthes]

It's worth asking. You will never know without asking. I remember some of what you're talking about, little glimpses of our past in motes of light yes? So, perhaps you can find what you seek with their help.

[unphase]

I think I will. Ask Argonaut, I mean. I need to know if they're safe and happy, even if it's without me.

[onerthes]

I wish you luck, and I hope you find out soon. It's not easy to not know.

[unphase]

Thank you. It's not, but I hope to have answers soon.