deernet | text; un: tsabin

[Ariadne knows about the text feature of course. And she usually tries to honor the preferred method of the original post. The problem is...she can't text.

Seriously. It's a disaster every time. And this is more than a yes/no question, so it's probably best just to answer in a way that's going to be at least reasonably comprehensible. Or she'll just give the obviously-new person a headache.

So her face fills up the video, smiling with polite curiosity. Her eyes are gray. But the rest of her is...well. Oddly Padmé.]

I imagine that depends on what kind of drink you're looking for. I know most people say "a drink" when they mean something alcoholic, but it's never appropriate to assume, you know?

[ There's a long pause before Sabé replies. The face is far too familiar for comfort, but the eyes are not her eyes. The lack of recognition of her given name helps pull her from her shock... but that doesn't make it hurt any less.

Sorry, but she'll be sticking to text for now. Easier to conceal her emotions this way. ]

I appreciate it, but you're correct to assume I meant an alcoholic drink.

[She nods, not questioning the choice. Everyone has their own way of doing things.]

Well, I'm not an expert on spirits, but the first place that comes to mind is the Earworm at the Cellar Door.

It...it doesn't smell very good. And it's kind of clammy there. But the drinks are good and you'll never find a better performer than Orpheus, who often frequents the place.

Just...don't try any of the mushrooms.

Some of the best drinks come from places like that- I'll be sure to check it out.

Do you mind elaborating about the mushrooms?

Oh. They're hallucinogenic. Which, I mean, some people enjoy, I suppose. But I don't think it's the safest thing to do in a public place. Journeys like that usually end up deeply personal.

[She shrugs. Alastrian metabolism makes it difficult to enjoy things like drugs or drinks. But she's studied humanoid culture enough to get the basics.]

I have a friend who grows marijuana, if that's the sort of experience you're looking for. It's less intense.

Interesting. Thank you for the heads up about them.

[ At this point she can't tell if something like that would be better or worse for her current mental state. ]

I'm afraid I don't know what marijuana is, but if I decide it's something to try, I'll be sure to get in touch with you.

Of course. I'm always happy to help someone who...I'm guessing...is new to this place.

It can...be a lot.

[She flashes a sweet smile. Sweet and sincere. No pity. Because as hard as it is to arrive in Trench, she actually likes it very much. She likes the impossible possibilities of the multiverse. And the chance to meet so many people she was never supposed to know, to hear their stories.]

I'm Ariadne, by the way. But feel free to call me "Airy." Everyone does.

[No surprise. There's a lightness to every movement, every gesture. Even the way she talks. Her words lilt, floating away on the air.]

[ There's a small reluctance to introduce herself- who knows how long she'll be stuck here? Any name given now might have to stick with her for the duration of her stay...

So she doesn't, for now. It's hard enough to think with the ever present reminder of her dearest friend in this woman's face. ]

It's a pleasure, Airy... Have you been here long?

i would also like this information

[The lack of introduction does not go unnoticed. But Ariadne decides not to say anything. For the time being. It could be a cultural taboo. Or someone could have something to hide. Either way, it's not her place to comment.

She ducks her head.]

Nearly half a year, I think. It can sometimes be a little tricky to keep track of time here. The sun, moon, and stars are different from back home.

And before that, I was with many of the others in another sort of living town, called Deerington. You'll hear people talk about it, sometimes.

[ 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.

I've only had one suggestion so far, so I'm afraid I don't have a definitive answer just yet.

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.

well damn. in a city this size there's gotta be more than one crappy pub, right

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? ]

That's what I'm thinking. I might just have to go searching for one.

[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.

text; un: tsabin

[VIDEO]; UN: [USERNAME NOT SET]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

text - un; bluebird69

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

no subject

no subject

no subject