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contact part deux
if this were modern times byerly would probably make you listen to total eclipse of the heart before you were able to leave a message
[She pauses to sip from her own glass, and perhaps takes a moment to think on it. Then,]
Yes.
Yes.
[The shadow of a smile.]
She does, [Fifi confirms.]
I came to Riftwatch with a friend from Val Royeaux. We were associated, for a time, with the Freemen of the Dales, but we were intercepted by Inquisition agents while making a lyrium delivery, and... it was the excuse I needed.
[A strand of hair is tucked carefully behind one pointed ear.]
After all their pains to establish themselves as separate from and against the War of the Lions, they re-entered it in opposition to both sides. I had no stomach left for it.
[She looks down at her wine as she swirls it gently, some of the light leaving her eyes.]
She does, [Fifi confirms.]
I came to Riftwatch with a friend from Val Royeaux. We were associated, for a time, with the Freemen of the Dales, but we were intercepted by Inquisition agents while making a lyrium delivery, and... it was the excuse I needed.
[A strand of hair is tucked carefully behind one pointed ear.]
After all their pains to establish themselves as separate from and against the War of the Lions, they re-entered it in opposition to both sides. I had no stomach left for it.
[She looks down at her wine as she swirls it gently, some of the light leaving her eyes.]
Regarde moi, Byerly.
Even in a dream where it may be that we made ourselves out of the pieces of ourselves we think ugliest for the enjoyment of some demon you were not like him.
What was it, in this dream, that caused you to capture me.
Even in a dream where it may be that we made ourselves out of the pieces of ourselves we think ugliest for the enjoyment of some demon you were not like him.
What was it, in this dream, that caused you to capture me.
[ She won’t push any farther. Instead she lets her grip loosen slightly and strokes his cheek once with her thumb. Still here. ]
I imagine the resentment had to do with my having hurt you very deeply and then making an attempt to have you killed.
Do you know why he chose me?
I imagine the resentment had to do with my having hurt you very deeply and then making an attempt to have you killed.
Do you know why he chose me?
[Meeting his eyes, she nods. Though her gaze is not exhausted, per se, Fifi has the overall look of someone who has spent a lifetime concealing her true opinions for the sake of survival.]
Edited 2021-02-26 02:17 (UTC)
And I had done nothing to him. He chose me because I was vulnerable: alone, young, inexperienced, overawed that he should even deign to speak with me.
Did you find it a light-hearted diversion to do as you dreamed you did? I cannot recall you laughing at my helplessness.
Did you find it a light-hearted diversion to do as you dreamed you did? I cannot recall you laughing at my helplessness.
[ She nods slightly, strokes his cheek again. Then closes her eyes for a moment to put herself together carefully so she can speak the next without shuddering at it. Looks at him again. ]
You know well enough what Rolant does to helpless women who have done nothing. What do you think he would have done to one who had done him the injuries I had done you.
You know well enough what Rolant does to helpless women who have done nothing. What do you think he would have done to one who had done him the injuries I had done you.
[ She shakes her head, lets her hands relax from holding to simply framing his face. ]
I am the one who hurt you. If you would rather another offer you comfort I shall understand, but... any balm I can be, I wish to.
I am the one who hurt you. If you would rather another offer you comfort I shall understand, but... any balm I can be, I wish to.
[She warms somewhat, but only slightly.]
If I was noticed at all, I was the help.
[A small, bitter scoff through her nose doesn't change her expression.]
My husband was killed in action. I hoped I might find some justice for him there.
If I was noticed at all, I was the help.
[A small, bitter scoff through her nose doesn't change her expression.]
My husband was killed in action. I hoped I might find some justice for him there.
Athessa crosses her arms over the back of the chair, leaning on it as she looks at Byerly. Her expression is one of consideration, the line of her mouth tucked towards one cheek.
"Well, alright," she concedes after a moment, clucking her tongue against the back of her teeth. "I forgave you for it already so he's got nothing to be displeased about, anyway."
"Well, alright," she concedes after a moment, clucking her tongue against the back of her teeth. "I forgave you for it already so he's got nothing to be displeased about, anyway."
[ It is as soft as her hands: ]
If you believe I have ever thought you similar to him, then we are speaking of us.
If you believe I have ever thought you similar to him, then we are speaking of us.
[ He lets out a soft breath. Now, he raises his eyes to hers. ]
It is the same fear. You say that loving me makes you afraid, but what you're afraid of is a fear of your own vulnerability. That you could be hurt again by someone you trust.
[ By me. He hesitates, then, and admits: ]
I could not even think to compare, but - Leander terrifies me, and I know that some part of it is that he's like Richars. That some part of it is the shadow of another man. These things stay with you.
It is the same fear. You say that loving me makes you afraid, but what you're afraid of is a fear of your own vulnerability. That you could be hurt again by someone you trust.
[ By me. He hesitates, then, and admits: ]
I could not even think to compare, but - Leander terrifies me, and I know that some part of it is that he's like Richars. That some part of it is the shadow of another man. These things stay with you.
[She believes him.]
For all the culture and grandeur of my country, there are many who've died within its borders without ever seeing it.
For all the culture and grandeur of my country, there are many who've died within its borders without ever seeing it.
I auditioned for the opera ballet, when I first arrived. I was...
[Self-consciousness hits her, and her eyes lower.]
...foolish. Elves have been known to make it there, but a select few, who have been training under the masters their whole lives, brought up to do only that. I came from the countryside. I was a shepherdess with a bit of dance knowledge.
[The strand of hair has fallen forward, and she tucks it behind her ear again.]
My husband's brother painted the backdrops for the theatre near the alienage, and was able to secure us cheap seats there sometimes. I think that's the closest I've been to grandeur.
[This yields a fond smile, despite the bitterness of the conversation.]
[Self-consciousness hits her, and her eyes lower.]
...foolish. Elves have been known to make it there, but a select few, who have been training under the masters their whole lives, brought up to do only that. I came from the countryside. I was a shepherdess with a bit of dance knowledge.
[The strand of hair has fallen forward, and she tucks it behind her ear again.]
My husband's brother painted the backdrops for the theatre near the alienage, and was able to secure us cheap seats there sometimes. I think that's the closest I've been to grandeur.
[This yields a fond smile, despite the bitterness of the conversation.]
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