driftfleet | (no subject)

Who: Koltira; Lioriley
Broadcast: N/A
Action: The Paisley
When: RIGHT NOW ...?

[Fortunately, Koltira's torturous visions didn't last long. But their afterimages linger, and even though he can't perceive the shades anymore, he's still imagining them. Lurking in the corners of the ship; lunging for him; claws outstretched and jaws open wide. The aggressive shadows were once a constant in his life, dogging him wherever he went after he broke free of the Lich King's control. Someone had helped him, yes, had temporarily cleared them away--but they always returned.

He wonders if it's possible for the shades to cross over with him, to somehow follow him through time and space. The thought agitates him, paralyzes him.

He sits in the kitchen, gripping the edges of the table. The tension in his muscles suggests that he's ready for a fight, but there's no one there. Just him, staring straight ahead, biting his lip until it bleeds.

The relative isolation doesn't help. He's been here a few weeks now, and that's a few weeks longer than he's ever gone without a battle. It's taking a toll.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ what lioriley sees when she steps into the kitchen is not what she expects. she expects an empty room, perhaps one of her crewmates lingering about, but not this. not koltira with blood on his lips and a stare that screams of fear and agitation.

hesitantly, she steps closer, head cocked to the side to try and look him in the eyes. can he even see her? ]

Koltira? [ whispered, careful. ]

[He doesn't respond, except to make a gesture with his hand, a sharp wave that suggests she should leave.]

[ nope. ] Koltira. [ she repeats, voice stern. ] ...What is wrong?

[It's another minute before he answers her, but once it becomes clear that she's not going anywhere, he mutters.]

Did you see anything? During that broadcast on the first.

I do not recall seeing a broadcast, [ she hadn't been paying much attention to it, for whatever reason, ] but I did notice some things on the ship had been acting... oddly. Was there something I missed?

[He narrows his eyes.]

Oddly? Did you--see anything?

[ the electronics were acting wonky, but that's the extent of what she saw. so his words just serve to confuse her. ]

Nothing of merit, no.

[It still makes sense--no one on Azeroth, outside of other death knights, could perceive the shades, either.]

Good. That's good.

[He runs his nails down his cheek. The dark corners of the ship are still animate to him, still waiting to ensnare and bite. He shudders.]

[ she takes a step toward him, tentative. ]

So you say, but things do not seem so 'good.' What is troubling you?

It's not your concern.

[He sets his elbows on the table; stares down. The long, pale curtain of his hair obscures his face, muffles his ragged breathing.]

[ well, he's not wrong. it isn't her concern at all, and maybe she should finally take that hint and just leave him be, but she can't. she just... can't. ]

Perhaps not. But do you believe I should leave you here to suffer alone? I cannot do that.

I'm used to it.

[He can't remember a time when he hasn't suffered alone. Not anymore.]

That is hardly cause to continue. [ pulling out a chair now, she sits beside him - or as close as she can without being all up in his business. ] You do not need to tell me what ails you, but I will remain should you require my support nonetheless.

[There's silence for a few moments, and then he looks up at her, his expression creased with disbelief.]

Why?

[ she props her chin in her hand, head turned to meet his gaze. ]

I do not wish to see you suffer. Is that such a strange notion?

Among my kind?

[He shrugs.]

Yes.

As it stands, I am not one of your kind. And thus am not bound by the expectations of such.

[He has to smile a little at that, albeit weakly.]

I misspoke. Perhaps it would better to say 'anyone not of my kind'.

[He runs both hands through his long hair, a gesture of anxiety.]

I have already received preemptive warning from others here. You must forgive me if I find any sympathies difficult to believe.

Then all I can do is assure you that I am wholeheartedly sympathetic, for I have no reason to be otherwise. [ she tentatively reaches for one of his hands, if he'll let her, in a gesture that should (hopefully) further attest to the sincerity of what she says. ]

Warnings? What for?

[She says that now ... Koltira doesn't move his own hand, but neither does he reach for hers.]

For--what I am.

[ she says that always. slowly, she lets her hand rest atop his since he hasn't bothered to try and stop her. ]

Such a ridiculous notion, fearing someone just because of what they are. Have you done anything to these people otherwise?

I have not. Not that I know of.

[As always, Koltira's hands are covered in armor--and unusually cool besides that.]

But the fear is not unfounded.

[ it doesn't seem to bother her, and even if it did - she wouldn't dare address it. ]

Be that as it may, they do not have any right to judge you - especially if you have done nothing wrong. [ she squeezes his hand lightly. ] Do not let it bother you.

Simple to say. Difficult to do.

[He watches her reactions as she squeezes his hand--no flinching, no apparent sign of revulsion at all. His posture relaxes, at least a little.]

But thank you.

There is no need for thanks, but you are welcome nonetheless.

[ she keeps her hand on his a moment longer, then removes it only once she's certain she's gotten her point across. ] Now. Is there anything you need?

[What does he need? Nothing he'd take or accept from her, especially not right now, not when the pain is still manageable. He shakes his head, 'no'.]

I'm fine. But I ... appreciate your concern.