[Even if he had something particularly special to wear--he does not--he wouldn't be inclined to wear it. A drink and some kind of semi-awkward getting-to-know-you chat isn't really a date, after all. But if she, perhaps, is willing to delve into some of her secrets, well. That might make it all worth it, right? Information can go both ways.
He looks slightly more bundled than he had by the fire when he gets to the docks, but only because he imagines it will be rather late by the time they stumble back to the ferry with no blaze to keep them warm, only alcohol in their system.]
[ She offers him a crooked grin though, her hands buried deep in her cloak's pockets and the collar pulled up tight around her ears. Being cold was a novelty she's quickly gotten tired of. The ferry approaches in the distance, and she makes no effort to hide her attempt use him to buffer herself against the wind by sidling up next to his shoulder. ]
I'll never get used to how fragile you lot are. I already can't feel my nose.
[His eyebrows bob up, clearly entertained and somewhat befuddled by her reaction. No idea what a Jotun is, but apparently it's something cold.] It's not that cold. Or, no colder than a winter in the southern Marches. You're used to it being warmer where you're from? Or just a side effect of not being a goddess?
[ His amusement doesn't stop her from keeping close, though she does give him a pointed look. ]
This body barely can make enough heat to sustain it through the day time, nights and it feels like my fingers and toes no longer wish it remain attached to my body. It's a wonder humans have made it this far when they're so close to death at any time.
You get used to it. [Probably. In theory. He's never been not human before.] Just like you'll get used to figuring out how much to wear and what's good for layering, what's good for heavier wear, what's for snow and what's for rain and muck instead.
Did you want to do some daydrinking instead? [They're already here, though. Might as well make the trip.]
[ The ferry is docking now, the hubbub of bundled men leaping across the dock to tie it into place, the few passengers meandering off the ship before they're allowed on themselves. At least inside the ferry there is some protection from the wind, although Sylvie still stays close, her arm bumping against his on and off. ]
Have you been in Kirkwall before your employment here Mobius?
[For him, getting used to getting ferried to and fro is the thing that's going to take some time. He hasn't been seasick yet, thank the Maker.]
No, but I've heard stories. Plenty of stories about Kirkwall to go around. Stories about when it was still a major slaver port, stories about the atrocities at the Circle, stories that make it seem like a hive of scum and villainy. It's got a reputation.
[ If she had, they'd be laying dead on her blade of course. There's something bout trying to play with someone's life like they're a toy, or a tool, that sits with her all sorts of wrong. ]
But otherwise, probably a pretty accurate assessment. I don't help it myself of course.
[ The gates are opened, and Sylvie takes in a breath before looping her arm through his and patting his bicep like one would an old friend, or elderly family member, as she leads him forward towards the ferry. It's teasing more than sincerely friendly, the fact that she has no problem pulling him along. Even human Sylvie has the muscles to make herself more than intimidating enough. ]
Let's see if we can't find something good about the city together then hm?
[One good thing about Mobius in any universe, apparently, is rolling with the punches. She tugs him along, arm in arm with a little pat, and he just smiles and lets her. Maybe there's a lesson to be learned in not pissing off a supposed former goddess, but every little thing can be an insight to personality, intent. They settle into the ferry with him acting the perfect gentleman for the lady on his arm.]
Plenty of good people, [commented idly.] So I'm sure there's plenty of good to make up for a rough history.
[There's also plenty of bad. That's just city life, things that will inevitably happen when you have a lot of people in a relatively small space.]
[ It is telling, how he just goes along with it. No pulling back or chastising her for the very intentional way she was treating him. It makes her relax a little more, the hold on his arm going from direct to more...comfortable. He is quite a bit like their Mobius, no matter which way she pushes him. Not the same, but still. ]
If you say so. I've not made it a habit to get very cozy with the locals.
[ Perhaps its in part her usual way of living, and in part the hesitation to believe any of this is permanent. She'll take this time with this variant to start maybe.
There's a few tucked away seats on the ferry, and Sylvie guides them to the one she's found most sheltered from the cold, wedging the two of them in hip to hip so that they can talk uninterrupted. ]
So, I take it you've had plenty of time to talk with Loki? I'm curious what you've spoken about.
Not everyone here can be bad. Statistically speaking. And with the influx of so many refugees...
[Which he is, in a way. Starkhaven still stands, last he knew, but there's no going back to it. Maybe he could have gone back to Ostwick, but--too many bad memories. Too much guilty and difficult feelings.
But the point is not other people. He thinks the point is them, or supposed to be them. Especially cozied up in the ferry as they are. So it surprises him that she changes the topic to that of Loki. He looks at her, curious, not judgemental. Considers what to say.]
I've spoken with him before. [Not incorrect. That he admitted to devastating atrocities around the fire still...echoes uncomfortably around in his soul. But they are friends.] You a buddy of his?
Something like that. [ The complicated nature is insinuated in her tone, but there's a soft smile on her face, probably not the emotion Mobius is connecting to his own associations with her variant. ] But yes, I know him well enough. He's from a place quite similar but not exactly the same as me. I knew him before I arrived here.
Oh yeah? [That seems to perk him up a little more.] Where from? You run into each other in this similar-but-not-the-same place? You both...do have some similarities in your stories.
[ There's a bit too much enthusiasm in that, and she presses her lips together a moment, eyes searching his face before she leans in conspiratorially. ]
You see, we're actually twins. Separated at birth and raised as though we were enemies across two planes. Because of a funny coincidence we met again in a massive grocery store called Roxxcart, in which I of course attempted to kill him. But one thing lead to another, and now we're incestuous lovers; looking past our horrible cards dealt by fate to really embrace the true meaning of love.
[It's either the boldness of the claim or her giddy enthusiasm or both. Can he say for certain that it's a lie? Well, no, he can't say anything for certain when it comes to Rifters; he can only rely on what he's told. And Sylvie has tended not to say much.
Still. He takes that little tale in, tilts his head, squints his eyes a bit. It's a familiar sight around her, and around anyone he's trying to see through, to parse. It's definitely the giddiness, the ready excitement. Seeing what she can get away with. Say something outrageous to get a rise out of him. (Would Loki have hinted at an insinuation? Maybe, maybe not, but it feels like something would have at least briefly come up instead of a very vague sense that they come from similar places.)]
I don't know how much of that was bullshit, but I can definitely smell it this close.
You're having fun with this. Withholding information, little lies. Never tell anyone the whole truth; it's safer that way. [With a little nod to himself. Makes sense.] You guys don't look like twins.
Perceptive. [ She wrinkles her nose at him, settling a little in their little nook a bit, the arm she still has looped around his adjusting a bit. He's warm and it's nice at least. The heat from him. ] We could be fraternal you know.
You could be. Do you want me to guess with pithy observations? Or do you want me to nod along and pretend? [They could talk about Loki, sure. Or they could talk about Sylvie!] What's more fun for you?
[ And she isn't; not really. She's still probing what parts of this Mobius is the most fun; or the most interesting. What parts of him are similar and what might be different. ]
Definitely not playing pretend. I like calling people out. Maybe not being called out, but turnabout's fair play. So I'm not gonna sit back and act like everything out of your mouth is the Maker's honest truth. You okay with that?
[ She nods ever so slightly at that, still smiling. ]
It'd be hardly any real fun if you did believe every word Mobius.
[ There's a pause, as she thinks a moment. Probably the right moment to go all out in the truth then. ]
We're variants of each other. Not twins. Two souls filling the same roles in separate universes. I don't go by that name anymore, but our temporal aura doesn't change.
[His brow furrows, a thoughtful frown on his face, trying to parse that, the meaning of it. It's tempting to brush it off with an ignorant I don't understand, but Loki has given him at least a bit of context for the very idea. So did Sylvie, even. But it's still a complicated idea, and he has to take the time to pick apart the words and the implications. He doesn't know what a temporal aura is, but the rest he can...at least start with.]
There's a Loki and his whole family here. [Start with that.] A version of him that was born and raised here as a citizen of Thedas. Still Loki, but different. A variation on a theme--a variant. [He can only presume that's where the word comes from, so odd in the context.] Wouldn't want to be at that family dinner if he ever found out where they're at.
And you are him, from another world. Another variation. [And she, did she revel in wanton destruction, invade a nation on a petty whim?] And you know me. A variation of me.
So now you're taking everything I say at face value. I thought you weren't going to believe me?
[ Her nose scrunches up a bit at the end there, tone teasing. ]
That's not quite how variant is used but yes, a variant of you, also called Mobius. He spent most my life trying to eradicate my existence, but that's behind us. Or was; I'm really not sure what he's doing now. Last time I saw him we parted ways with him going to burn the authoritarian organization he worked for to the ground as I took on the man behind the curtain.
I wouldn't have much idea what you're talking about if Loki hadn't already let me know about some of his weirdness. And with other versions of selves in the great wide world of...other worlds, is there anything that can't happen?
[He's not sure if he should take it as a warning that what she says about the him she knows, knew, is not entirely factual. Because he's not sure he likes what he hears. She says that's behind us, but that doesn't sound like something one just simply puts behind them. There's burning his authoritarian organization to the ground, and it unsettles him. The Chantry as an organization has its flaws. (Okay, that's admittedly an understatement.) But he can't imagine upending it, setting the whole institution alight and taking out the Grand Cathedral to the very foundation. It's...uncomfortable. To think about another him in another place making strange choices in stranger lands.]
For what it's worth, I don't want to eradicate your existence. I like your existence as is.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rosecarmine
->action
Date: 2022-02-05 03:13 am (UTC)He looks slightly more bundled than he had by the fire when he gets to the docks, but only because he imagines it will be rather late by the time they stumble back to the ferry with no blaze to keep them warm, only alcohol in their system.]
So. [So!] Nice evening.
action;
Date: 2022-02-05 11:34 pm (UTC)[ She offers him a crooked grin though, her hands buried deep in her cloak's pockets and the collar pulled up tight around her ears. Being cold was a novelty she's quickly gotten tired of. The ferry approaches in the distance, and she makes no effort to hide her attempt use him to buffer herself against the wind by sidling up next to his shoulder. ]
I'll never get used to how fragile you lot are. I already can't feel my nose.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-05 11:39 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-06 12:12 am (UTC)[ His amusement doesn't stop her from keeping close, though she does give him a pointed look. ]
This body barely can make enough heat to sustain it through the day time, nights and it feels like my fingers and toes no longer wish it remain attached to my body. It's a wonder humans have made it this far when they're so close to death at any time.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-06 12:38 am (UTC)Did you want to do some daydrinking instead? [They're already here, though. Might as well make the trip.]
(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-06 01:34 am (UTC)[ The ferry is docking now, the hubbub of bundled men leaping across the dock to tie it into place, the few passengers meandering off the ship before they're allowed on themselves. At least inside the ferry there is some protection from the wind, although Sylvie still stays close, her arm bumping against his on and off. ]
Have you been in Kirkwall before your employment here Mobius?
(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-06 01:42 am (UTC)No, but I've heard stories. Plenty of stories about Kirkwall to go around. Stories about when it was still a major slaver port, stories about the atrocities at the Circle, stories that make it seem like a hive of scum and villainy. It's got a reputation.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-19 02:03 am (UTC)[ If she had, they'd be laying dead on her blade of course. There's something bout trying to play with someone's life like they're a toy, or a tool, that sits with her all sorts of wrong. ]
But otherwise, probably a pretty accurate assessment. I don't help it myself of course.
[ The gates are opened, and Sylvie takes in a breath before looping her arm through his and patting his bicep like one would an old friend, or elderly family member, as she leads him forward towards the ferry. It's teasing more than sincerely friendly, the fact that she has no problem pulling him along. Even human Sylvie has the muscles to make herself more than intimidating enough. ]
Let's see if we can't find something good about the city together then hm?
(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-19 09:40 am (UTC)Plenty of good people, [commented idly.] So I'm sure there's plenty of good to make up for a rough history.
[There's also plenty of bad. That's just city life, things that will inevitably happen when you have a lot of people in a relatively small space.]
(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-21 12:59 am (UTC)If you say so. I've not made it a habit to get very cozy with the locals.
[ Perhaps its in part her usual way of living, and in part the hesitation to believe any of this is permanent. She'll take this time with this variant to start maybe.
There's a few tucked away seats on the ferry, and Sylvie guides them to the one she's found most sheltered from the cold, wedging the two of them in hip to hip so that they can talk uninterrupted. ]
So, I take it you've had plenty of time to talk with Loki? I'm curious what you've spoken about.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-21 02:23 am (UTC)[Which he is, in a way. Starkhaven still stands, last he knew, but there's no going back to it. Maybe he could have gone back to Ostwick, but--too many bad memories. Too much guilty and difficult feelings.
But the point is not other people. He thinks the point is them, or supposed to be them. Especially cozied up in the ferry as they are. So it surprises him that she changes the topic to that of Loki. He looks at her, curious, not judgemental. Considers what to say.]
I've spoken with him before. [Not incorrect. That he admitted to devastating atrocities around the fire still...echoes uncomfortably around in his soul. But they are friends.] You a buddy of his?
(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-25 03:19 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-27 01:09 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-28 02:12 am (UTC)[ There's a bit too much enthusiasm in that, and she presses her lips together a moment, eyes searching his face before she leans in conspiratorially. ]
You see, we're actually twins. Separated at birth and raised as though we were enemies across two planes. Because of a funny coincidence we met again in a massive grocery store called Roxxcart, in which I of course attempted to kill him. But one thing lead to another, and now we're incestuous lovers; looking past our horrible cards dealt by fate to really embrace the true meaning of love.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-02-28 02:32 am (UTC)Still. He takes that little tale in, tilts his head, squints his eyes a bit. It's a familiar sight around her, and around anyone he's trying to see through, to parse. It's definitely the giddiness, the ready excitement. Seeing what she can get away with. Say something outrageous to get a rise out of him. (Would Loki have hinted at an insinuation? Maybe, maybe not, but it feels like something would have at least briefly come up instead of a very vague sense that they come from similar places.)]
I don't know how much of that was bullshit, but I can definitely smell it this close.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-03-09 05:39 pm (UTC)Not all of it. Though I'm not about to tell you which part is and which part isn't. More fun that way.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-03-09 05:52 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-03-09 06:04 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-03-09 08:38 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-03-11 11:26 pm (UTC)[ And she isn't; not really. She's still probing what parts of this Mobius is the most fun; or the most interesting. What parts of him are similar and what might be different. ]
What sounds more fun to you?
(no subject)
Date: 2022-03-11 11:57 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-03-12 01:15 am (UTC)It'd be hardly any real fun if you did believe every word Mobius.
[ There's a pause, as she thinks a moment. Probably the right moment to go all out in the truth then. ]
We're variants of each other. Not twins. Two souls filling the same roles in separate universes. I don't go by that name anymore, but our temporal aura doesn't change.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-03-12 02:09 am (UTC)There's a Loki and his whole family here. [Start with that.] A version of him that was born and raised here as a citizen of Thedas. Still Loki, but different. A variation on a theme--a variant. [He can only presume that's where the word comes from, so odd in the context.] Wouldn't want to be at that family dinner if he ever found out where they're at.
And you are him, from another world. Another variation. [And she, did she revel in wanton destruction, invade a nation on a petty whim?] And you know me. A variation of me.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-03-13 02:19 am (UTC)[ Her nose scrunches up a bit at the end there, tone teasing. ]
That's not quite how variant is used but yes, a variant of you, also called Mobius. He spent most my life trying to eradicate my existence, but that's behind us. Or was; I'm really not sure what he's doing now. Last time I saw him we parted ways with him going to burn the authoritarian organization he worked for to the ground as I took on the man behind the curtain.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-03-13 08:58 am (UTC)[He's not sure if he should take it as a warning that what she says about the him she knows, knew, is not entirely factual. Because he's not sure he likes what he hears. She says that's behind us, but that doesn't sound like something one just simply puts behind them. There's burning his authoritarian organization to the ground, and it unsettles him. The Chantry as an organization has its flaws. (Okay, that's admittedly an understatement.) But he can't imagine upending it, setting the whole institution alight and taking out the Grand Cathedral to the very foundation. It's...uncomfortable. To think about another him in another place making strange choices in stranger lands.]
For what it's worth, I don't want to eradicate your existence. I like your existence as is.
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