I searched beyond the clouds

[unasked_for]

[Fenris is stalking through Mayfield today, looking uncomfortable and irritable in the clothing Mayfield has provided for him. There must have been a time before he wore his armor constantly, taking it off only to clean and repair it or for sleep, but those days have been forgotten. It feels like walking around without his skin.

Skin which is, of course, devoid of the lyrium markings. He still feels phantom pain, as though they are there, and the shock is fresh every time he looks down and sees only unmarred skin. And this is, of course, only speaking of his own personal issues; there are plenty of other things around Mayfield (like cars) which are only adding to his aggravated bafflement, only serving to make him feel that much more out of place.

He is, to put it mildly, not adjusting well.

But he's determined to explore this town, even if he's given up on finding anything so unlikely as satisfactory answers. He wants to know where the important locations are, where his home (and the Arishok's, who's the only person thus far he trusts here) lies in relation to everything else, and in particular where the post office is. He also wants to get a feel for the other captives of this place...which is easier said than done, given that he's usually only social when prodded. Or drunk.

Feel free to approach the grumpy elf!]

Comments

[unasked-for.livejournal.com]

[Fenris stops short, studying Dist with a mixture of suspicion and bemused resentment. As if he needs his confusion added to.] And just how do you know I'm new?

[Beat.] The what I just dodged? What are you talking about?

[buildstherobots.livejournal.com]

Bullet. It's a ballistic weapon-- look, never mind.

[Dist tosses his hair a little and sighs, a little huffily.]

I can tell you're new because you're wandering. You're not going anywhere, you're just figuring out where things are. I could spot you a mile away; you're not even trying to hide it.

[unasked-for.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize I was being so closely observed. [Fenris folds his arms over his chest.] Is there some reason I should hide it?

[buildstherobots.livejournal.com]

Not particularly. In fact, you're lucky you caught my attention.

[Dist lets the implications of his following random strangers hang without comment, choosing instead to grin broadly and reach into the inside pocket of his coat.]

It's the best possible scenario, really, given the unfortunate circumstances of being trapped here. I just so happen to have penned a letter for wayward newcomers like yourself.

[And he holds one of said letters (http://buildstherobots.livejournal.com/12857.html) out for the man to take.]

[unasked-for.livejournal.com]

[If Dist was expecting gratitude or relief, he won't get either. In fact, Fenris doesn't even reach for the paper; he simply scowls at it resentfully.]

...I can't read. [There seems to be no alternative to admitting this.]

[bedroombattling.livejournal.com]

[Oh. Awkward times. That's the perfect time for Bianca to show up, right? She was walking by with her Snivy in her arms before she spotted Dist and the other man. She gives a wave and walks right up to interrupt their conversation, holding out Snivy so Dist can see.]

Dist! Oh, Dist! I wanted to show you something. [[!] She turns to look at Fenris.] Oh! Sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt.

[buildstherobots.livejournal.com]

[This is actually the best timing, because otherwise Dist would be relentlessly mocking Fenris right now. He's not particularly subtle.]

Ah, Bianca, how wonderful. This one is to stay, this time?

I was just talking to... ah, your name?

[He turns back to Fenris as he speaks, trying not to smirk. Not very hard, though.]

[unasked-for.livejournal.com]

[Fenris' gaze flickers briefly to the girl, but if he finds her interruption rude, he makes no acknowledgment of it. He doesn't really stand upon social niceties, anyway.

Besides, Dist has more of his attention. He can see the man's mocking amusement in his eyes - it's very similar to the sorts of looks Hadriana would give him, at her most superior. His fists clench of their own accord.] Fenris.

[He looks down at the paper Dist is holding. Perhaps he should grab it and ask Noel to read it to him...she seems agreeable enough.]

[bedroombattling.livejournal.com]

Yes. I think so. Snivy came in the mail...which is funny, because he used to be a Servine. Oh, well. I'm sure he'll evolve later.

[Bianca turns to Fenris as well. Snivy doesn't seem interested in either man, though, since he hops down and turns away from them both.]

Oh, are you new here, Fenris? It's nice to meet you, too. What were you guys talking about?

[buildstherobots.livejournal.com]

They change form?

[Bianca had never explained Pokémon evolution to him. He makes a note to ask later; her world sounds interesting.]

Ah, I was just explaining to our new friend what he can expect, now that he's here. It's just a part of my generous spirit.

[He turns back to Fenris, clearly proud of himself. He hasn't put the letter away.]

I could have her read it to you?

[unasked-for.livejournal.com]

[A child reading to him. Fenris is perfectly aware he's being subtly condescended to. His lip curls, revealing a hint of bared teeth, but...the girl seems oblivious, and he needs to know.

But he won't forget this, Dist.] ...if she is willing.

[bedroombattling.livejournal.com]

Hey, wait a second. Didn't we speak the other day on the phone? [Her ears, they are one of her few talents. She smiles at Fenris. Mayfield...isn't really affecting her much.

She's also completely oblivious to the tension and what's going on in the conversation, but she's always willing to help, so she takes the letter from Dist and starts reading.]

[buildstherobots.livejournal.com]

[This is, quite possibly, the most subtle way Dist has ever earned an enemy. It isn't even a planned insult; Bianca's there and he's lazy, so why not let her do the work for him?]

That would be perfect, yes. I think you'll agree that my work is providing a valuable service to our otherwise uninformed newcomers.

[unasked-for.livejournal.com]

[Fenris listens to Bianca's voice, eyes narrowed. There's so much he doesn't understand in it - acid rain? Television? Hazmats? - but enough that he most certainly does. The post office and the postman are what really hold his interest, however.] ...they can take your memories from you?

[bedroombattling.livejournal.com]

Oh...I heard about that. It happened before I got here. Dist probably knows more. Or are you talking about the drones...?

[buildstherobots.livejournal.com]

[Is that deference? Oh, it's sweet.]

They can take anything from you, memories included. They took my eye.

[That's why he can lift up his glasses and tap on it without a reaction.]

It seems to be the same amount of difficulty for them. Easy as chopping off a body part.

[unasked-for.livejournal.com]

That is...troubling. [And he certainly looks troubled. He'd had a vague plan forming, and this throws it into disarray. He lost all his memories once already; he won't risk that again, even if the risk might be otherwise profitable.] Perhaps you can tell me, then. Do they keep our possessions and the like at the post office? Can they be taken back by force?