driftfleet | 2nd Blight

Who: Riona and you!
Broadcast: Yes
Action: On the Blue Fish, if you really want
When: Now

[The device is propped up somehow on Riona's bed. It affords a view of her stretched out on said bed, fiddling with a long knife that she picked up on the station. It's sheathed, and she seems to be doing it just to occupy her hands. Don't worry, she's not about to go around threatening anyone with it.
She glances over at the camera and offers a smile.]

It occurred to me this morning that it's been approximately a month since I arrived here. Admittedly, it's put me in a bit of a contemplative mood. Been thinking of the usual: what I'm supposed to be doing right now back home, the people I left behind, my dog...

[She misses his slobbery kisses...]

But fear not, I'm not here to weigh everyone down with me waxing nostalgic and pining for home. As while I was doing that, it also occurred to me that I've learned quite a bit in the few weeks I've been here. Not just about all this technology and whatnot - though I am of the mind that refrigerators are one of the loveliest things ever invented - but with what I've been able to experience and, of course, the people I've been able to meet. Before anyone goes off, I'm not applauding Atroma. They're still a bunch of bastards. It's more like making the best of a... well, weird situation.

So I pose a question to you all: if there is one thing you could take back with you to your world - whether it's a physical object, an experience, a bit of knowledge you've gained, or so on - what would it be? Feel free to take the question as seriously or not as you'd like. I'm curious to see what all of you would be willing to take from our time here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Have you managed to find any work? Something to try and take your mind off of it?

[Now that she's thinking about it, this would explain why he was getting drunk at Varric's bar...]

A little bit, but a lot of it is still just sitting around trying to look scary.

[ So he still has a lot of time to brood. ]

Hmmmm... then you need to be doing something more engaging.

[Unfortunately, a lot of the work available on the station is either mindless, illegal, or involves navigating.]

There's always all the books at the datary on the station. You would not believe the sort of books they have out there. Oh, and there are those casinos. Have you been to one yet?

Also, there's always a good old-fashioned spar to work out the frustrations.

I could try reading, I guess. I'm no good at gambling, and I'd rather fritter away my hard earned coin on alcohol, anyway.

Know of any good sparring partners?

Just on alcohol? No fancy clothes or ill-advised tattoos? [It's like she's trying to enable him into lightly terrible decisions...]

Hmmm... I know a woman who was offering self-defense lessons on the Iskaulit. She told me she had more volunteers for teachers than students, so clearly there isn't a lack of experienced fighters in the fleet. She was willing to spar with me. So there's her and myself. [She shrugs, unsure if he'd be comfortable going up against her, given their... odd relationship.] If you ask on the network, I'm sure you could find more, too.

I barely know how to dress myself in Fereldan fashion, let alone... whatever it is they have here. And if I came to regret a tattoo... what would I do then?

But I suppose I should, anyway. There are so many people from such different worlds here. They probably all fight very different from what I'm used to.

Well, that's sort of the point, isn't it? Do something rash and impulsive that you don't normally get to do. Though I wouldn't recommend getting anything too silly. [Really, this is his only chance. Teagan and Eamon aren't here to stop him.]

It is worth a try, I would think. If nothing else, to see how others fight, like you said. There are people here who can "bend" fire and lightning to their will, and others who use something called lasers as swords. Who knows what you'd find out?

Sounds a lot like magic, if you ask me. Just with different words.

And what in the Maker's name is a laser?

Quite possibly. I don't believe they can call on a number of different elements and spells like Thedas mages can, but that's conjecture. I don't know enough on it to intelligently discuss the matter. [And she rather not spread misinformation.]

I... am not entirely sure. But apparently it can cut through almost anything, including metal. Makes our weapons look pretty paltry, basically.

Sounds like a great big headache to me. All of it.

[ And far beyond his ability to comprehend, probably. Then again, Alistair doesn't think he's as smart as he actually is. ]

You're not wrong. Sadly, it seems to come with the territory. I envy the people whose worlds have the technology and whatnot the fleet has. I still can't use half the things in the kitchen correctly.

I can barely find the kitchen, let alone use it!

[Once again, his lack of navigational skills astounds her. She figures he's at least exaggerating somewhat, but she also suspects there's some truth to it, too.]

Look for the big room with the chair and tables and silver box things. Can't miss it. [Her smile betrays her teasing] But really, there's a certain kind of sense to using some of the equipment. Once you understand that, the rest usually falls into place.

It's just that nothing here looks right. It's all cold and metal.

I know. [She scrunches her nose, totally agreeing with him there. It really is just... depressing.]

Needs a fireplace and stone walls and rats. And an angry cook to throw you out of the kitchen. My ship's cook is too nice. I adore her as a person but she does not have the true temperament of a cook.

I can't tell you how many times I got rapped with a wooden spoon as a child for trying to steal things from the kitchen at Redcliffe.

Oh Maker, the wooden spoon! [The very memory makes her cringe, even as she laughs.] They always manage to make it hurt as much as physically possible, too, don't they? Nan was a beast with that thing.

And here I thought I got special treatment for being a bastard. Glad to know it wasn't just me.

Well I cannot speak for everywhere but Nan ran a tight ship in Highever. Even my father got the stink-eye if he tried to take food. Couldn't give him the spoon of course but the intent was there.

I never knew the man, but if he was anything like Arl Eamon, that's a really great mental image.

I suppose it's safe to say they aren't entirely dissimilar. I never gave it much thought. Father always walked out of there with his tail between his legs, so to speak. He never minded. Said it kept him humble and that he should know better than to raise Nan's ire.

[The talk of her father brings out a sad smile. It's not as hard as it used to be, but it still stings.]

Right. Well, anyway, uh, thanks. For the advice?

[ He just sort of feels awkward again - not her fault, just the way things are. ]

[The conversation has come to a close it seems. One day, things will be less awkward. Maybe.]

Anytime. I'm always here if you ever need anything.

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