deernet | text; un: tsabin

[ It's not you, it's her. Really! No matter how cliché that sounds. ]

That's quite a long time to be away from home, assuming you were in this Deerington place for as long or longer.

A year in Deerington, yes.

[But Ariadne refuses to be sad about it, to pity herself. What she's lost, she's also gained, in unexpected ways.

And Trench is better than home in a lot of way.]

I hope someone's explained to you. About multiverses and all of that. It's kind of confusing.

I've only just arrived... I've heard a little, but not much I'm afraid.

[ It would help if she would, you know, talk to people. But who has time for that? ]

[She laughs softly.]

I think I may be the worst possible person to do the explaining. One of the scholars would be better but...the way I understand it...there are an infinite number of realities. And they're supposed to exist side-by-side and not touch at all.

Except here, they don't follow the rules. They touch.

And I thought the galaxy was a large place... Having infinite realities makes it seem small in comparison.

[ It makes enough sense to... get her to ask someone for more information if she chooses to learn more about it. ]

I guess that's one way to look at it.

[She feels small herself, sometimes. Other times, though...]

Or, if you want to see it another way, it makes you special. Chosen, I guess.

[ She's only been Chosen once in her life. The only time that ever mattered, really. Before and even after, she was always second best. Second choice.

And that was fine with her. ]

I can't blame people who choose to see it that way- it's a nice thought.

I think it helps. Trying to see the positive side to being here.

[If she doesn't laugh, she'll probably weep. And Ariadne likes to save her tears for when it really matters.

Or not shed them at all.]

But I know it's not for everyone.

I'm not about to judge anyone's way of coping with the unknown... and I'll admit I'm a little jealous of those capable of seeing the positive side.

Jealous? Really?

[She peers closer to the screen.]

I'm sorry, it's not that I don't believe you. It's just that most people kind of make fun of me for it. They call me naive a lot. Childish, sometimes. Occasionally stupid.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with holding onto hope.

I feel sorry for those small minded enough to call you childish and stupid for wanting to see the best side of things.

Well, they've had experiences I haven't.

[Yes, Ariadne. Make excuses for people being rude to you.

She shakes her head, making a vague, dismissive gesture.]

If you aren't the optimistic sort, though, I hope you'll find some time to visit my orchard. When the weather turns. I'm opening it to the public precisely because...well...sometimes, you just need a place to be alone with your thoughts. Somewhere that's green.

[ The intense urge to protect this woman from other people's assholery- it's partly because she's already shown her a great kindness, sure. But it's also partly because of the uncanny resemblance she has to Padmé.

It's several moments still before Sabé replies- and now that she does, it's through video. Her jaw is more pronounced and there's not even a hint of a smile on her face, but it could be noted how similar even the two of them look. ]

Everyone has different experiences from each other. That doesn't give anyone the right to treat anyone lesser than themselves.

[ Her voice is evenly pitched, but not harsh. Just finite. ]

Optimism was never my strong suit, but the invitation is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Ariadne blinks in surprise at the sight of the other woman's face. She's beautiful, of course. Striking. But there's something...something more.

They could almost be sisters. Except for the fact that all of Ariadne's sisters are dead. And only three of them could take Human form.

What an absurd notion. Obviously, this woman is not her sister. She never had one named Tsabin. So she shakes the thought away.]

Of course, my lady. We need to watch out for each other. That's the surest way to survive and thrive.

[ There's a flicker of a wince at being addressed as 'my lady', but she lets it pass and instead just offers a tight sort of smile. ]

There's no need for formalities, please.

But... Is that what being here is like, then? Surviving with the hopes of thriving?

[Noted. It's always better to err on the side of caution, when it comes to Humans and formalities. But she's more than happy to drop them. With a slight nod of understanding.]

I suppose that's a way to look at it. Most of us are still so new to this place, we're just trying to figure out the...rules.

But there's so much potential here! So many people with such a wide variety of skills and abilities. I think we could really make this place our own.

Are there any 'rules', so to speak, that aren't apparent right away? Ones that took a while to figure out and aren't talked about a lot?

[ Any hot tips for the newbie, in other words?

Whatever small smile had tugged at her lips before turned back into a small frown. Not that she has much of anything waiting for her back home, but it's not really her intent to make herself so comfortable here. ]

When people come here- or even the old place you spoke of... do they not return home?

Sometimes people return.

[And she shudders a little with those words. She's only just lost Sam and it's still complicated. He was doing some terrible things. But it also wasn't him. And she never got a chance to talk to the 'real' Sam.

Well. There's nothing she can do about it. Except try not to mourn too much.]

From the stories I've heard, when they return, they don't remember being here or...knowing...any of us.

[Right back to sad again.]

[ Well. She's not thrilled to hear all of that- but it's also not the worst news. ]

That's, perhaps, a blessing and a curse. [ She frowns a little. ] I'm sorry if that question brought up rough memories for you.

I appreciate that.

[She gives half a smile.]

It's something we all need to face, I guess.

[The implication being, of course, that's it's impossible not to get close to people here. Make of that what you will.]

The other side of it is that you never know who you'll meet here. A lot of people see familiar faces from their own worlds.

[ Can't get close to people if you don't let them in~ That's her motto. 8D ]

Because of the 'multiverse' theory you mentioned, correct?

Yes, I suppose.

I mean, I've seen siblings reunited. And lovers. And old enemies.

[Seen being the operative word. She hasn't had the pleasure herself.]

I guess I took that as meaning familiar faces from home- just in appearances.

[ Partly because she's looking at one right now. ]

I suppose there's something comforting about what you really meant, too.

[ But apart from who she already knows is here, she won't hope for anything more- she doesn't want to get her hopes up. ]

[Ariadne touches her cheek.]

There is...that too.

[Oh, has her face played tricks on everyone. It's really quite frustrating. And has caused her no end to trouble. Including for those closest to her.]

I...get mistaken for two other women, sometimes.

[ Two other women. Sabé raises an eyebrow at that, but frowns thoughtfully. ]

That's not fair to you.

[ Or those who mistake her for Padmé and whomever else she shares a face with. ]

I imagine it's not easy to deal with.

text; un: tsabin

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