Twelfth Blight - voice

[bryces_pup]

Who: Riona and you
Broadcast: Yup
Action: On the Blue Fish if desired
When: September 2nd

[These past weeks have been rough, to say the least. Today has been harder than normal, though she knows why. Ultimately it shouldn't matter, she tells herself. It's just another day, nothing's different-

No, that's a load of crock and she knows it. Birthdays aren't meant to be spent alone.

Ordinarily she'd just take to going to one of the Iskaulit's bars to help her ignore her troubles. Or maybe, since they've landed now, she can try and find a place planetside. Alcohol makes everything better, right? (No, it doesn't.) Yet she finds herself hoping to find another way to spend her birthday, rather than just doing what she's been doing for weeks: get drunk until she stumbles back to her bed and wakes up with a hangover. Logically she knows if she says something about it, her friends will reach out to her. But something holds her back, some combination of not wanting to seem needy and looking like she's throwing a pity party for herself. Besides, she's never been one to broadcast - figuratively or literally - her problems. Why start now?

Even still, it's harder to plug her ears and pretend everything's going okay today. It'd be nice to just... do something for once. Go out, have fun. Maybe even smile. But she feels more or less glued to her bed, and no matter what she tells herself, she finds it hard to work up the desire to get up.

...okay, maybe she should. Ask for help. Subtly. Luckily, her communicator is nearby.]

Lovely little place we've come to, isn't it? [From what little she's seen of it through the windows.] Though, given the recent rash of nightmares and how this planet "sings" like some of the other ones did, I suspect there's something underneath the idyllic facade this place presents. Or maybe I've just grown cynical. [Or wised up to Atroma's patterns.] Maybe it's nothing, but... be careful down there, everyone.

[It's a struggle to keep her tone light, as if she's merely discussing what color she should paint her door.] Matters of cynicism or caution aside, I have a query for you all. How do you motivate yourself to... go do something? Not necessarily to be productive, but more just because you know you should be doing something, rather than letting yourself sink into a rut? There's not a lack of things to do, especially now that we've landed, but sometimes it's... difficult to find the motivation. [Okay that sounds mildly alarming and that's not her intention at all.] Just every now and then [More like nearly every day], but it's frustrating when it happens nonetheless, doubly so when there's a new planet to explore. Maybe it's just a matter of riding it out, but any advice would be appreciated.

Comments

[bryces_pup]

I don't really announce it, so it's not like I expected anyone to remember. But thank you.

[She sighs, running a hand through her hair.]

I know what you're saying. Right now it's just like, all the fight's been taken out of me. It feels like I've been doing nothing but that for years and it's gotten me barely anywhere. I don't have a purpose or something to work towards here so I'm just left with no direction or any outlet. And... yeah, I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself, but it's my bloody birthday and so far it's been awful.

[wolfuncaged]

[He doesn't remember his at all, so he's always a little at a loss of what to do with birthdays in general. He wants her to be happy, though, that much he does know. He just wishes he could give it to her. ]

Then don't fight, but live. I think you of all people deserve as much of a normal life as you can get here. Perhaps, you just need to find a new goal. Something different to strive towards.

...Is there anything I can do to help? I have wine.

[bryces_pup]

That'd be nice. It just seems so empty anymore. I know I shouldn't complain, I'm not friendless. Just feeling the losses especially hard today, I guess.

[That manages a little chuckle out of her, at least.]

Wine's always good. And company. I wonder if I can scrounge up a cake somewhere, too...

[wolfuncaged]

Have you thought of teaching, perhaps? You are a very skilled warrior. I am sure others would appreciate learning from you.

[He doesn't want to overstep. He knows she's likely still angry at him for what he's done. ]

I can provide both wine and company, if you so wish.

[bryces_pup]

Perhaps. I'm not sure how much of an interest there is here. Those guns tend to do the job pretty well when it comes to protection.

[Amidst all this technology and whatnot, would anyone care to learn something as old fashioned as fighting with a sword?]

I think I'd like that, if you're willing.

[wolfuncaged]

They do, but there are plenty of people who still would prefer a sword. I am trying to teach Pavel to defend himself better. Perhaps I can send him your way?

[But don't hurt his tiny Russian son, okay. ]

Yes. I would like that very much.

[bryces_pup]

If he's willing. Have you just taught him hand to hand, or gone beyond that?

[Look she makes no promises. It's do or die!!]

Then it shall be. I suppose in the interest of actually getting up off my ass, I will meet you somewhere.

[wolfuncaged]

Hand to hand, so far. He's interested in learning more, however.

[She'd still probably be less murder-y than Fenris tends towards, so there's that.]

Certainly. Where would you like to meet? Not the demon bar.

[bryces_pup]

Good place to start. But yes, if he'd like to learn how to wield a sword, I wouldn't mind training him, so long as he's willing to commit.

[Less murder-y, yes, but she won't take a soft line on him either.]

Why's the Malum a demon bar? Anyway, I should probably actually go out and get fresh air. Maybe on the planet somewhere? Did you see any good places?

[wolfuncaged]

Good. I could train him myself, but I fear it might be a little much for him. Thank you.

[Perfect combo, really. ]

Because it is owned by a demon. [COME ON, RIONA!!! ] We can give it a try. I tend to avoid the singing plants as a rule, but perhaps we can find something?

[bryces_pup]

Not the gentlest teacher, I take it?

[It wouldn't surprise her.]

Oh, is it? Honestly, I've never met the proprietor, as I usually frequent the other bar. Huh. That's... interesting. Didn't think demons had business acumen. [Perhaps something to ask Marian about later.] There should be plenty. From what I've seen, the city looks nice enough. I can meet you by the city entrance and we can explore from there?

[wolfuncaged]

Gentleness is not exactly my forte.

[Not that that should be surprising to anyone who's spent more than five seconds in his general presence. ]

Apparently this one can. I wish to avoid it as much as possible. [Fucking DEMONS. ] Certainly, I will see you there soon. It will be...pleasant.

[bryces_pup]

I would never have guessed.

[Not surprised at all but that's not gonna stop her from being sarcastic af about it.

She's also as equally unsurprised by him avoiding that bar, but that's something she won't tease him about.] I hope so. I'm not the best company these days, but hopefully I won't ruin the pleasantness. See you soon.

[She gives a little wave before she signs off.

Ugh now she has to shower and look decent. Gosh. But hey, it gets her out of bed, so that's a plus. In due time, she's all ready and heads down to the planet. She parks her shuttle near the city entrance and looks for Fenris. The sunshine makes her squint, but the fresh air's nice.]

[wolfuncaged]

I am sure you will be fine, Riona.

[Riona, he's like the worst company for anyone ever. Spending time with him is like spending time with a rabid, angry cat. She'll be fine.

He does eventually turn up, offering a smile and a raise of his hand in greeting as he walks over to her. ]

I am glad you could make it.

[And he means that. That she pulled herself out of bed, got herself back into the world- for however long she deigns she wishes to be out in it for. ]

[bryces_pup]

[Aww, he's not that bad! She likes him fine! ...never mind she has questionable choices in friends most of the time...

She waves back to him, smiling as well as she approaches.]

As am I. I forgot what the sun looked like. [Okay she's joking. Really! ...sort of.] Kidding. But it's a nice day. Shall we begin our epic quest for a good bar?

[wolfuncaged]

[He turns his head up to the sky, letting out a thoughtful hum. ]

It is a nice day, I had not noticed.

[Because he doesn't generally notice this kind of thing. He smiles, nodding. ]

Yes, let's. There has to be something good around here.

[bryces_pup]

[It's the sort of day that makes one want to go frolic somewhere in a meadow. Or something. Too bad they're not the frolicking sort.]

Onwards then.

[And off they gooooo. The city's nice, Riona has to admit. Sort of quaint, if not quirky.]

My goodness, these people have a love of colors. I think I might go cross-eyed.

[wolfuncaged]

[It's at least less...horribly obnoxious and bright like the last one. ]

They do, I believe Leliana would have a lot to say about their fashion sense.

[bryces_pup]

[The lack of blaring ads IS a nice change of pace.

Riona smiles, albeit with a touch of sadness at the mention of Leliana.]

I'm sure she would. And she'd be critiquing their shoe styles, too. All the while stockpiling more.

[wolfuncaged]

[He smiles, relaxing a little. ]

But of course. But ti would be different for her, via some...complicated Orleasian reason that neither of us could hope to understand even if we tried. They do love contradicting themselves on their fashions.

[bryces_pup]

Orlesians are just insane. [Nothing complicated about it to her, but she's kind of biased.] Leli told me once about a woman who did up her hair in such a fashion that little birds were able to perch on it. Real live birds, in her hair. Made for a sight, and lots of pretty singing... until the birdies got scared and started doing what birds do. [She snickers.] I can't imagine how long that must have taken to clean up.

[wolfuncaged]

Yes, yes they are.

[So are people from Tevinter but- ]

But... why would. [He despairs. ] There is suffering for fashion and then there is taking it to ridiculous levels.

[bryces_pup]

It's Orlais. They take everything to ridiculous levels. Their food doesn't just taste sweet or sour, it tastes of despair or the unbidden rush of relief you feel after you take an enormous shit.

[wolfuncaged]

[He chuckles. ]

That sounds about right. I don't think I could bear to stay there. Visiting Chateau Haine was enough for me.

[bryces_pup]

Isn't that your misadventure where some duke fell off a cliff and Marian - and possibly other Hawkes - made the best worst pun about it in modern history?