4♠ | video

[solitaire]

_{( Remy’s hanging out in what passes for one of the classier taverns, leaning back in a wooden chair as his hair falls over his eyes. He’s eyeing the communicator a little devilishly, and, as ever, he’s shuffling a deck of cards. And though the process is constant, he eventually pulls out exactly the card he meant to: the Ace of Diamonds. )}

Diamonds are called Coins, sometimes. If it was gonna be an element, it’d be Earth. Has ta do with the physical, your body an’ your wealth. People who do work like that, too—merchants, traders.

Sometimes it jus’ means you’re an achiever. Y’like gettin’ things done.

_{( He nods, solemnly, before replacing the card in the deck and continuing with his shuffling. He pulls out the Ace of Clubs, next. )}

Clubs’re different. Called Wands, in the old days. They’re Fire, willpower. People who do hard work, wit’ their hands. If you’re someone who likes destruction, that’s your suit. But that’s no so bad. The world needs breakin’ down an’ buldin’ up.

_{( Another nod, another tilt of his head. The next card is the Ace of Hearts. )}

Hearts’re special, some people think. Used ta be called Cups. They gotta do with Water, with emotion. People who do things spir’tually.

Hearts’re socializers. They like other people, more than things.

_{( He kisses the card lightly before shuffling it back in, pulling out the last. The Ace of Spades. )}

Now, Spades. Also called Swords, sometimes. They’re Air, freedom. But wit’ that comes unpredictability. If you’re a Spade, y’like havin’ authority. But that comes wit’ responsibility, an’ consequences.

Spades’re explorers. They like the unknown, seekin’ out what they might be ‘fraid of o’ what might bring ‘em joy.

_{( That card goes back into the deck, too. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. Remy smiles at the communicator once more. )}

So, here’s a question. Which’re you?

Comments

[hyanaimne]

[there's more hesitation, before she pulls back the hood of her cloak and pushes her hair away from her ear. It's long, longer than a human's, but shorter than the traditional Elf's ear. She can't help but duck her head; an attempt to continue hiding]

My mother was Elven, and my father a human. I am both and neither at the same time. [her tone turns wry] We are considered our own race, where I am from.

[solitaire]

_{( he just returns that with a grin. it seems like this is a fairly big deal to her, so he tries to return that with kindness. )}

Whatever y'are, chère, it's beautiful.

[hyanaimne]

[she blinks . . . blinks again. Wait a minute, what?]

Beg pardon?

[solitaire]

I said, "you're beautiful."

[hyanaimne]

[the video wobbles a bit as she nearly drops the tablet, and there's a mad scramble to catch it - as well as a curse in another language before it steadies again.

She's bright red, and one hand is reaching back to tug her hood back up]

You - you must be mistaken. I am not.

[solitaire]

Why d'you say that?

[hyanaimne]

I do not . . . see myself that way?

[solitaire]

Ah. Sorry if I offended, then.

[hyanaimne]

—you didn't!

[she blurts it out before she can stop herself, and reddens a moment before ducking her head again. This time, shyly]

I was just . . . taken back. I've not been called that before.

[solitaire]

_{( remy just leans in to the camera, smiles with all sincerity. )}

I'd say it's about high time, then.

[hyanaimne]

[nope nope nope tugging the hood down further, making the camera wobble again]

A-Ah . . . thank you?

[solitaire]

You're welcome, chère.

video --> text

[hyanaimne]

[you can see it in her face, the urge to flee and run out the metaphorical door. Like she's hit her quota of charming men for one day, for example.

The video switches off, but a few moments later, a text comes through;]

it was nice to talk to you, remy. i hope we can do so again soon.

[because even in the middle of her need to hide, she is at least polite]

[solitaire]

likewise. and any time.