driftfleet | video

Who: Leilani
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Blue Fish, later
When: Now!

[ The feed opens with the camera focussed on someone's back - it takes a moment to settle, but then Leilani peers over her shoulder, a soft smile on her face. What she's showing off is quite clear; where her skin was once bare, there's a winding tattoo that covers her spine from the small of her back up to her shoulders.

The centre is a green stalk, like a plant, with roses of bright Fade green and blood red surrounding it, coloured in a watercolour style. Weaving through the stem of the flowers is a bright purple snake that seems to have... Bull horns on the top, and a pair of red, glowing eyes. The stem branches out into curves and patterns across her back: anyone familiar with Dalish vallaslin will recognise the design. ]

Leilani grins, even though it makes her wince a little - the tattoo is fresh, and it's red and a little sore from where it's starting to heal. At least she has the decency to make sure she doesn't flash anything by holding a shirt over her chest. ]

I used to have tattoos on my face. For my people, blood writing - the vallaslin - was a sign of becoming an adult. You would get the markings of one of the Gods placed on you, and you would have to sit in silence or you would not be allowed to be given the writing at all.

[ She takes a deep breath, quiet, before she breathes it out. It's obviously hurting, both the ache from the tattoo and the loss of her actual vallaslin. ]

I lost my vallaslin, so I thought it was time to get something new, something for myself rather than for the Gods. [ She finally smiles properly, tilting her head. ] And I'm fishing for compliments, now. I'd like to hear what you think - Loyalty.

[ She ducks out of view before she can finish the sentence, and whoever is holding the camera ends the feed as she goes. ]

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[ That makes her laugh, a little sharp and bitter. She could say half a dozen things here, actually, and all of them would be about Solas. ]

If we do something together I want it to be on equal terms. On good terms.

[ They won't discuss He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named here. She's of far better character than he is, and she didn't deserve to have her heart broken as it had been. ]

Hopefully you can reach an agreement soon, hmm?

[ Her tattoo hurts, even with the soothing cold of Dorian's hand, and it reminds her of the vallaslin she lost, taken from her by someone who claimed to love her. It makes her close her eyes, tears prickling over her eyes even as she grits her teeth. ]

When things are better for him, yes.

What about when things are better for you?

[ If she won't protect her own heart, he will. ]

Things won't be better for me for a long time, Dorian.

[ It'll end with either the world being destroyed or her murdering the man she loves. Either way, she's fucked. ]

[ It doesn't necessarily have to come to that. Dorian will do everything in his power to find a solution, but also kick his teeth in as he deserves for hurting her so. ]

They will. [ He's insistent on this, at least. ] Do you think you can be happy with him?

[ With Justice. ]

[ Leilani wishes it was that easy. She bows her head, shifting a little ready to cuddle into Dorian's body. ]

I don't know. I'm not sure I can ever forget him, Dorian.

[ Solas, she means. ]

You shouldn't have to forget him, but you shouldn't forgive him, either.

[ Resent and remember, Leilani. ]

It's hardly that simple. I know what he did - I understand what he did to me. I understand why he thinks he's doing the right thing. I've forgiven him for breaking my heart, but now I need to make sure he doesn't do worse to the entire world.

It is that simple. We're not talking about how he intends to destroy the Fade and thus, the world. We're only talking about how he played with your heart and then cast it aside as if it were some frivolous thing.

You bear your burden far too much in a place that time does not reach, Inquisitor. This time, it is not about Thedas. It is about you.

I know what he did, Dorian, and he had a point. I would never have believed that he was the Dread Wolf even if he'd told me. I'd have thought he was insane.

[ She turns, pressing her face into his body, squeezing her eyes shut. ]

He loved me. I know that. He really did love me and I can't forget that, no matter where I am.

All I ask is that you try to move on, Leilani. He won't bring you anything but pain, and you have a true chance for something better, here.

I know it won't mean much if we do leave this place, but for now? Fuck it. [ His fingers stroke through her hair in what he hopes is a soothing motion. ]

I'm trying, Dorian. It's not as easy as just forgetting, not when it was someone like Solas.

[ She makes a soft, frustrated noise, hand shaking as she clenches it - her Anchor stings. ]

Whatever happiness we find here... I won't remember it.

No, I'm certain it isn't. [ He sighs wearily. ]

Does that mean you give it up entirely? You've given up more than your fair share of things already. ...If you suggest that it's because of your duty, I may actually strike you.

[ He won't, of course. ]

[ She manages something like a fond smile, stroking her fingers through his hair gently. ]

It's not as though I have a choice. [ It was her duty; there was no option. ] I'm doing my best.

[ He allows the affection because he is a weak, weak man, even letting his eyes slide closed for a few moments. ]

You are running yourself ragged. There's no Corypheus here. Not that some of these things are any less bad, but you can make room for both. You don't have to do it all.

[ She smiles, settling near to him with a hum. ]

Why not? I'm used to doing to it all. [ She shrugs a shoulder absently. ] It feels like home.

You should let us bear some of the weight on occasion. I know, I sound like a broken and repetitive song.

[ She laughs, soft and fond. ]

I might have heard it once or twice before now.

[ He nudges her in the leg with his cold toes. ]

Get some sleep, carissima.

Since you asked so nicely.

[ She shifts, settling down against him with a soft sigh. ]

Thank you, Dorian.

I've not done anything that requires thanks, Leilani.

[ He'll watch as she sleeps if that's what she requires. He can always crack open the book he hadn't finished reading. ]

You’re here.

[ And if her hand tilts so he can read, then... ]

These are my quarters, after all.

[ It's a done deal at this point, really. His fatigue is more physical than mental, so it means he can lie in bed and finish his book while also keeping an eye on Leilani. ]

You know what I mean. [ But she's relaxing now, settled and tired, exhausted from the day. Dorian is here, and that's what matters. ]

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