driftfleet | 2nd Blight

Entry tags:

2nd Blight - video

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.

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Uh, yeah. Leader of the country. It's a political role.

Ah, I see. Is it much different than a monarch? That's what my world primarily has.

Definitely different. Not quite so much control, and they're voted on by-well by a lot of different factors-but the common people get a little say in who leads the country.

How's the monarchy treating you?

Oh, voting! I've heard about that. Not a terrible idea, though in my world it would be very difficult to implement. Does the president rule for life?

[His question makes her pause. It's a bit awkward, since she is the monarchy. Well, half of it. The other half is her rather adorable husband.]

Can't complain, all things considered.

No. Terms. Four years. And he can attempt two terms. After that, somebody new comes in.

[But politics. So messy. And not nearly as interesting a conversation as belly rubs.]

Well good. I mean, you know, if we ever get back, at least you have something decent to return to.

[Riona loves discussing politics of other worlds, it's been fascinating. You gone done it now, FDR.]

Interesting! But that must make for a very chaotic political climate, given that you have a ruler being swapped out every few years, essentially.

[She snorts.]

You could say that. But what of you? Do you have something decent to return to?

Well, they don't have so much power that they make big waves when they're replaced with someone else. Usually.

[And he nods.]

Oh definitely. It was...pretty much perfect. I had my dog, I had a girl lined up, I had my best friend. What more could a guy ask for?

Ah, so they have a means of being checked?

[Good. More governments need that.]

I suppose that depends on the man. I knew a man who would be content with endless amounts of ale and pretty dwarven women to ogle at. [Oh, Oghren.] But I do like your priorities, especially the bit with the dog. Though what exactly do you mean by "lined up"?

Yep. [Mostly. Some order some pretty sneaky things. And he's the man that usually carries out those sneaky orders. But, can't really discuss those fine details outloud.]

Yeah, seems like we have some things in common. [He's probably going to hell for these lines.]

Uh. I was. Kind of...seeing someone. But she was also seeing a buddy of mine. I'm not sure who she would of picked in the end.

Oh, do you? So you also admire the shape of a dwarven female's curves? I would not have pegged you as such. If my friend is ever brought to the fleet, I'll have to tell him.

[She absolutely figures that's not what he meant, but she's going with this because it's hilarious.]

She courted two men at once? Gutsy. [Not unheard of where she's from, but rather looked down upon. More so in some circles than others.]

That's not- [Hm. Who knows. There might be a cute drawve out there. They're just about the right height...]

Aaaanyway. Yeah, I mean, it's not that big of a thing. People date more than one person all the time.

[She hides her snicker behind her hand, pretending to cough a little to mask it.

Date must mean courting where he's from, or so she figures.]

And the people they... date? They do not mind?

[Mhmm. That cough laugh isn't sneezing anyone, sweetheart. And he quirks her a playful brow just so she knows it.]

Well, dating is really just a way to get to know people. Nothing about it demands a commitment. [Spoken like the kind of man he generally is.]

And everyone feels that way? I can only speak from my own experience, but if there's considerable courting of someone - dating as you call it - back home, there's an understanding it's going to result in something.

Yeah? you mean sex? [That's normally where dating goes, right?]

[UH]

Well... I suppose eventually. But I was referring to marriage.

[Oh. Right.]

Marriage...Uh, yeah. I mean, if things work out, some people start thinking about marriage. It's usually more a final step though...than a first?

[And his nose scrunches slightly.] How do you know you're going to enjoy someone in bed? What happens if you marry someone and they suck in the sack?

[...well, he's blunt and to the point. She'll give him credit for that.]

Many in the social circles I grew up in were lucky if they even liked the person they were marrying, let alone if they were... good in the sack. Many marriages were arranged.

[Interesting turn of phrase, that. She'll have to remember it.]

It's quite frowned upon back home to be sleeping around with others, especially if you were courting another or already betrothed. Or married, naturally. Of course, there's a difference between not sleeping around and not letting people know you are. [If one was discreet enough about it and wasn't sleeping around with half of Ferelden, most would be willing to let it slide. Depending on who one was, of course.]

Oh. You're from one of those worlds.

[He's read enough history, watched enough time pieces. It makes sense now.]

So, was yours an arranged marriage?

"One of those worlds"? What do you mean by that?

[Her tone isn't offended, and she isn't in the least. She honestly just... doesn't get what he means when he says that. Are there certain types of worlds? Do they fall into categories she doesn't know about?

At his question, she smiles and shakes her head.]

No, it wasn't. I chose him. But I acknowledge that I am one of the luckier ones for it.

Well, one of those worlds that are still all Arthurian. You know, kings and queens and arranged marriages. No sex before marriage, etc. etc. Guessing women rights weren't real big either, huh?

[That... does sound about right, mostly.]

I do not know about "Arthurian", but you're not entirely wrong. Many countries are kingdoms, with a few exceptions. Sex before marriage does happen, and probably frequently, but it's not something you typically should go around boasting about. [That's definitely her noble upbringing talking. A good chunk of commoners probably don't give a fig so long as a pregnancy doesn't result.]

As for... women's rights? Rights to what, exactly? In Ferelden, women can own land and rule as a man can. Bloodlines do run through the father, though, and some certainly don't think women should be allowed to have the same... rights. Outside of Ferelden, though, I cannot speak intelligently on the matter. Not for every country. Ferelden is not the only one, that much I am certain.

[Wow this is really an enjoyable subject for you, isn't it? FDR tilts his head curiously. It's not often he finds someone that adamant about politics. Granted, he's got a certain stake in it because it's a part of his job. It does give him a better picture of her, and he certainly enjoys that.]

Yeah, pretty much. But it sounds like your place might be a little more progressive as far as women's rights go. It was more a be seen and not heard kind of situation back in the olden days where I'm from.

So what do you do there? Back home?

[Don't encourage her, FDR. She'll never shut up. Politics and dogs: he's managed to hit two of her favorite subjects pretty easily.]

Ah. Not something I'm unfamiliar with. I am sorry the women in your world - even if it was in the past - had to suffer that. I hope it is not the case so much anymore.

[Before she can help herself, she snorts. His question isn't a dumb one or anything. It's just funny, as it's the first time anyone's really asked her that. Not to mention, well... she's got a few jobs, if she's being honest.]

I'm a few things. My biggest... priority, I suppose for a lack of better term, at the moment is Commander of the Grey Wardens.

Not so much. [At least, in his experience, women have certainly climbed their way to the top. He spends his money and his time and his efforts trying to please them. And he works under one. Was raised by another one. No, in his life, women are certainly the top dog, and he...kind of likes it like that.

So the whole 'Commander' comment only gets an arched brow. Not because she's a woman, but she doesn't exactly give off that authoritative vibe he's used to.] And what are the Grey Wardens? Knights?

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bryces_pup - 2016-04-14 23:45 (UTC) - Expand

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