07 | audio

[implying]

Do you know, I've been here for a year now. Oh, how the time flies, or whatever other cliches you might like! But then with all of this time flying, I'll get straight to business and stop wasting it.

I'd like to suggest a celebration. I personally will be celebrating a year here, but I'm certain we can find a good handful of other causes, if you're in need of one to allow yourself a little food, drink, and dancing!

Ah, let's see… we might celebrate that the Initiative has finally come to its senses and realized the value of a therapeutic trip to the beach. Yes? Lovely, that one. I'm sorry to any of our new arrivals who've missed it! Or if you're not a fan, for some reason, of sun, water, and half-naked people, then maybe we might celebrate a favorite holiday from home. Calendars between here and our collective homes hardly match up, so it shouldn't be any trouble at all if it isn't the right time of year for it. Or if you're of a grimmer persuasion, perhaps we might simply celebrate the fact that, despite the United Earth's occasional brutal efforts, most of us are still alive.

So then. What do you think? Shall it have a theme? I've already done a masquerade in Versailles, it would be unsightly to do a repeat performance. I don't suppose there are any suggestions? Food requests may be delivered to Adrasteius, who I'm quite certain won't mind at all managing the banquet again. He's very agreeable like that.

Comments

[implying]

[ Oh. Well. Maybe they have even more in common than the amusing superficial similarities. And this is terrible dinner conversation, Vanadi knows, but then conversations like these really have no opportune time. He drops his eyes away as well, voice carefully calm. ]

For aesthetics? Or a purpose?

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris' mouth twitches to a scowl, just for a moment, before it's replaced with something a little more weary]

He wished for me to be a living weapon. This lyrium... it allows me to become something of a ghost.

[implying]

[ He only nods, like he'd been expecting the answer. Though—  ]

A ghost? [ That gets him up look up again, curious. ] How so?

[wolfuncaged]

[In answer, Fenris' markings glow an eerie white-blue, making the elf almost transparent]

I can pass through the battlefield, almost undetected. And I can put my hand through men's chests to rip out their hearts. [He sneers] A perfect weapon.

[implying]

[ Vanadi watches that closely, a smile uncharacteristically far from his face. ]

That's quite impressive. I suppose the Initiative is very lucky to have caught ahold of you.

[wolfuncaged]

[The lyrium fades, the absence of the glow darkening the room slightly]

I am still not wholly willing to fight for them yet.

[implying]

[ Now he smiles, but only faintly, and it's directed at his plate. ]

Nor am I. It puts entirely another slant on fighting when you've seen choice taken from the matter, no?

[wolfuncaged]

It does.

[He glances up, his head tilted slightly, watching Vandini]

You know of what I speak? Were you a slave, also?

[implying]

[ He hesitates for a second — but ultimately it's Fenris's easy discussion of it that pushes him to movement. It seems sort of silly to keep hidden away when another has just spoken so frankly. He musters his usual easy grace, and tugs off his left glove by the tip of a finger. It's entirely metal below, intricately designed and fitted together, and there's a very faint click as he flexes his fingers. ]

For a while — and I will be again, should I go home. This is my version of your lyrium.

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris' eyes widen, if just for a moment, giving away his surprise at the sight of the metal. It looks much like armour, perhaps something the dwarves would create...but]

I would ask if there were hope for your freedom, but I know it is often foolish to hope for such things. It is often achieved, even realised with luck, more than hope.

...I am sorry to hear this is your situation, however.

[implying]

[ He forces himself to take a few seconds before pulling his glove on again, as if he's admiring his own hand. Better to look vain than self-loathing. ]

That's a kind thought, thank you. [ On goes the glove, and he smiles as he plucks up his fork again. ] I've quite managed to solve the problem, though. I simply don't plan to go home again.

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris arches one eyebrow at that, casting a look which suggests he doesn't quite believe him]

You have found a way to manage such a thing?

[implying]

Yes, actually.

[ He pauses for a second here, on the pretense of chewing a bite. He prefers not to unload this particular part on people, and especially not new acquaintances. This conversation isn't like his usual ones, though. In a moment, as if the pause was incidental: ]

I'm programmable, you see. Like a computer, yes? So I've had a fellow Transport implant a program to kill me, should the Transporter activate to send me home.

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris' brow furrows as Vanadi speaks of computers and programs, things he has the most basic understanding of since coming to Exsilium. You turn them on. They do things. The last part, however, he understands only too well]

So, you either stay here for the rest of your days, or you die. A desperate act.

[implying]

[ He shrugs, exactly as if it hardly matters. ]

I suppose. But surely you must see where I'm coming from.

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris lapses into silence, taking a bite out of his food while he contemplates his answer. He's a fighter by nature, but he understands that mentality well]

It means the game is in your hands. If they wish to take you back, they cannot take you alive.

[implying]

[ And, finally, he smiles. All the things he hadn't been able to explain about his decision to Collette — and here's someone that doesn't need it explained. ]

You've the right of it, my dear. [ That's somewhat softly, and then a little louder: ] So, perhaps that gives me an unfair advantage, when it comes to enjoying what I have now.

[wolfuncaged]

You are fortunate, to have that surety. To be able to enjoy the life you have here, without worrying about what will come in the future. [He tilts his head in Vanadi's direction] I almost envy you.

[implying]

[ He nods faintly, even if some days he's not sure at all that it's fortune. There is comfort in the surety, though, that part isn't wrong. ]

It's true, I've wiggled myself into the prospect of a better future than many here can claim. [ He glances up, curious. ] What of you?

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris shrugs, his eyes dropping to the food in front of them]

I have spent so much of my life either enslaved, or running from it, that I never had the chance to breathe, to think of what sort of life I could lead for myself. And just when I had the opportunity to begin so back home, I arrived here, no more wiser on how to live for myself.

[implying]

Well, I should say that hardly anyone knows what sort of life to carve out when they begin it! Why, many still haven't any idea by the time they're well into it.

[ He smiles again, this time warmly. ]

It's the possibility that excites us the most — when we feel we might pick any of the routes before us. And you, my friend, are currently staring into the face of endless possibilities. All you need do is begin stepping forward.

[wolfuncaged]

[He makes a noise that could almost be considered one of amusement]

I do, but I... I suppose I do not know how. How would I know where was the right step to make?

[implying]

Well...

[ He considers it for a moment, setting down the fork to tent his fingers thoughtfully. ]

Personally, I like to find the most interesting and attractive person about, and take them to bed. I find it's a wonderful celebration of enjoyment and personal freedom! Perhaps you might try that route.

[ did that sound hopeful. it might have. ]

[wolfuncaged]

[Fenris looks up, surprised, before clearing his throat, hoping the flush across his face is less obvious than it feels. Maker, he reminded the elf so much of Isabela]

That was direct.

[implying]

[ He grins, looking pleased. That's not a no — and that blush. Maybe there's hope for this one. ]

Why, it was merely a suggestion! You are, of course, encouraged to find whatever it is that gives you the most pleasure. [ His grin grows a little, and he can't resist adding: ] Just do let me know when you find it, yes?