έντεκα; [dictated/action]

[lioneyed]

I think I'll stay with watching the stars, rather than floating out among them, all things considered.

I have tea and some food in the gardens if anyone else wants the fresh air as well - you're welcome to join me.

Comments

[silentrunning]

[Chell had been supposed to stay in the clinic. But being boxed in wasn't to her liking. Never had been. Never would be. So when Thamuris's message had come across the journal, she's slowly dragging herself out of bed, arm in a sling, bandages and all, and carefully making her way toward the gardens. To heck with being cooped up and to hell with anyone trying to stop her.

She doesn't even tell Thamuris she's coming. She just opens the doors of the Castle with her good arm and totters outside.]

[lioneyed]

[Thamuris has found a nice wide area in the garden, and laid out a blanket and some sitting cushions along with the plates of food and the tea. It's a refreshing change to be somewhere open and sunny and calm. He's brought along a book to read, but he looks up at the sound of footsteps]

...Chell!

[His expression passes somewhat obviously through 'surprised', 'worried', and, not knowing what to say that isn't meaningless platitudes, he finally settles into a small smile that's a little worried around the edges, but he's trying]

It's good to see you again.

[silentrunning]

[She slowly eases herself onto a cushion next to him, and smiles back, as best she can. It's a little wan around the edges, that smile.]

Glad to see you too.

[She means it too. He's a calming presence on her frayed nerves, and he'd been a comfort to her when everything had started to go wrong. Taking some food and a cup of tea for herself, she just enjoys the sun on her hair, the sounds of birdsong, the companionship, and tries to remind herself that the Event Horizon is behind her. Presently, she looks over at Thamuris.]

Thank you... Back there... You were a huge comfort.

[lioneyed]

[His tea is suddenly VERY INTERESTING because yes, he's blushing again a little. But he's smiling, too.]

I'm glad. I wish... I wish there had been more I could do.

[silentrunning]

[So is she. Admitting this sort of stuff is hard for her.]

You did what you needed to. I wouldn't have wanted you to be stuck in that madhouse.

[And tentatively, she wraps her good arm around his shoulders, giving him a gentle hug. Those work better for her in showing gratitude than words anyhow.]

[lioneyed]

[That really catches him by surprise, and he almost pulls away in instinct - but manages to rein himself in in time. Suffice to say most of his friends here - cough Felix cough - are awkward about displaying affection in touch.

He shifts a little, so he can return the hug, very carefully. He's got a few bruises here and there from the hard landing, but he's physical fine - she, however, isn't, and he does what he can to hold her without aggravating any injuries]

I didn't want you - or anyone else, really - stuck there. It sounded awful.

[silentrunning]

[She's usually as awkward as Felix. Heh. But right now, she'd just needed to hug someone, to reassure herself the world's still spinning on.]

It was awful. I was telling people they should give up and die. That's not like me. I looked back through the journal. Saw my own words. And it looked like they were written by someone else. I don't know how to deal with that.

[lioneyed]

[It's an awkward hug-slash-cuddle, then, but he's not going to be the one to break it. It's... comforting. Nice.]

Maybe that's the best way to think of it - that it wasn't you. Maybe a you-that-could-have-been, in a different world or a different life - but not you, here.

[silentrunning]

[She mulls over his words. The solidity of leaning against someone else is definitely a comfort. Thamuris is real. He's not a hallucination. He's real and she's real, and there's a garden around them with pretty flowers.]

I think you're very wise, and that you're right.

[lioneyed]

[Sun and fresh air, too. Certainly beats the inside of a ship any day in his mind. Though the company definitely helps]

I'm not sure I'm wise, just... used to thinking in different perspectives.

[silentrunning]

That's one of the things I like about you.

[lioneyed]

[...Yep still blushing, though at least she probably can't see. He's just not used to people being nice to him. Not that Felix or Duke are rude, they're just... reserved. Not usually forthcoming with the compliments and all, not unless Felix wants something, which he hasn't in a while]

The school of magic I learned in my home... it was one of the things taught to us. Being able to see something in a different light.

[silentrunning]

Would you tell me about that school of magic? You've told me a little...but I'm always curious.

[lioneyed]

I can, though... I'm not sure how interesting the principles are...

[Even to other mages, really.]