aefenglom | text | un: feal

[ She'd embarrassed him. She hadn't meant to do that. Seeing him flustered, she ducks her head for a moment before offering him a small smile and then holding out her hand to him. Not a natural inclination for her, but she's learned some things since arriving here. Common habits of places not like her homeland. ]

I'm glad. Welcome to Aefenglom, then. I'm Yona.

[Despite his misgivings, and not necessarily being glad he's on Talam in the first place, he takes her hand to shake with his usual inoffensive grip without hesitation; it's clearly something he's used to.]

Thanks... I'm Ferran. [At least they can finally have some proper introductions.] It's good to actually meet you.

[Sorry for being such a huge downer last time, he thinks but does not say.]

Ferran.

[ She repeats his name with a nod and a warm smile, committing it to memory. ]

And I can say the same. I hoped you'd be alright, after we were separated in the dreams. You weren't hurt or anything, were you?

[ It was hard to guess at, what might have carried over into the waking world for him. But he also didn't seem to have quite the exact same appearance just now as he had in the dreams when they'd fought together. ]

[The only Fae trait that's currently visible is the faint red scales on his wrists, but he hides those in his pockets almost as soon as they're done with introductions. The question confuses him for a moment—she'd clearly seen that he was hurt in the nightmare itself, and he hadn't considered the possibility of things carrying over. It was bad enough that this place ended up being real.]

After that was kind of a blur, honestly... and then I ended up in the place with the mirrors. But I wasn't injured when I got here, so I guess not.

[Now he's worried, though.]

What about you?

[ She's quick to smile and shake her head in a reassuring manner. ]

I came out of it mostly in one piece. And we managed to gather enough magic in there from the dreams and nightmares that we could wake those we'd gone in there to save in the first place. But it's good to see you again. You've just arrived here, then? This must still be very overwhelming.

[While that "mostly" is concerning, she doesn't seem to be injured now, so it seems reasonable to assume she is actually alright.]

A couple of weeks ago. Overwhelming is a good way to put it.

[He may not be actively terrified like in the dream, or on the verge of collapsing like when he first got here, but there's a definite lack of energy with him despite his attempts to sleep and eat properly. There's only so much enthusiasm he can muster when he's changing into something he shouldn't be.]

[ She nods at that statement, letting her gaze flit over him to see what might be different from when they last met. ]

You said you were a fae, right?

Right. I figured with the dream, and then these showed up...

[He pulls a hand out of his pocket, showing off the faint scales on his wrist.]

It made sense pretty early. But—I ended up talking to someone who was several things in her dream before she came here, so it wasn't exactly the guarantee I thought it was.

[He shrugs, putting his hand back. He ended up being right, either way.]

Edited (oops that's a close italics tag not a close link tag) 2020-11-08 18:56 (UTC)

[ She gives a small nod in understanding. ]

I've heard of that happening before, even if it's somewhat rare. Dreaming being one thing - or several - and then arriving as something separate. But don't worry, there are always some here with experience at whichever it is, who can help you. And I think you'll find most people here are quite willing to be friendly and helpful.

[ At least that's been her experience? ]

But in the meantime, we can start looking for belongings for you to help you feel more comfortable here.

[Ferran nods his agreement; he really hasn't encountered anyone unpleasant so far, even though he hasn't exactly been outgoing.]

I expected the people from here to be more... obviously put off.

[Since they're kind of taking up space and (in his case) struggling to adjust... granted, they could be nicer, but he knows that would be asking for resources they might not have.]

Thank you. It already feels colder here than it tends to get back home... and the few things I've gotten weren't made with— [He hesitates briefly, and blinks almost like he's flinching.] wings in mind.

[Despite what his name may imply, he is not prepared for UK-style winters.]

Not to say that there might be some that are, but for many of us... we've all been new here and had to adjust. For some it was easier than others. And some are still trying to figure it out, honestly.

[ She reaches out to give his arm a light squeeze. ]

I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found kind friends when I arrived, willing to help and show me the strange ways of this place. When I arrived here, I'd never even imagined the magic that is commonplace here could be a real thing. it took me quite a while to find my bearings. Even now, after having been here a while, there are still things that can catch me off guard. But that can be as exciting as it can be daunting, I think.

[ But she catches that hesitation, her smile still warm and understanding. ] As I understand it, wings are especially sensitive to temperature, too. Don't worry, we can find you some warmer clothing. And there are plenty here that are made with wings in mind. The harpies and the dragons often have to work around them, as well.

Right, but... for the people who were only "new" here when they were born... having a bunch of literal aliens taking up their space. [How bitter might they be? He's not ready to ask around about it, but he can't imagine that level of open-mindedness. Not without a lot of work and time.] I can't imagine it would go smoothly where I'm from.

[Whatever awkwardness he might have felt at that physical reassurance from an acquaintance normally is such a minor issue in the grand scheme of things that the thought only registers for half a second before he tosses it right out. He lets out a quiet breath, trying to accept the comfort and not to let his anxiety get the best of him.]

I think I've had enough excitement for a lifetime or two already. [He's okay with not having any more of that, thank you. But regarding future wing prospects—]

I was thinking that. [More specifically, his thoughts were: moths don't work the same as mammals. Will he have to worry about circulation? Will blood be involved at all? Will they be endothermic like the rest of him? Is the rest of him going to be cold-blooded?? How would he get warm without fire involved. And so on.] I'd guess cloaks and things like that aren't uncommon here...

Ahh, yes. Although considering how tough a time this world has had with the infection wreaking havoc out there, I think most of them are grateful for the extra hands and new ideas we often bring. I haven't been here as long as some, but before we started arriving? Things sounded pretty hopeless and they were running out of options.

[ Seeing his hint of nerves, she withdraws her hand and tucks them behind her back instead, her smile still warm. ]

Well, hopefully I can offer a very boring day of shopping then. And yes, cloaks are very common. Many of them are going to made warmly right now with furs and things. And many of them can be enchanted on top of that!

Hmm.

[Ferran has heard about the Cwyld, of course, but he hasn't had the chance to look too deeply into their history or how magic works here, even though it's certainly something that's drawn his interest.]

Enchanted... is that a permanent thing?

[He hates that he has to worry about how much that might cost. It sucks having to worry about something as simple as affording things to keep from freezing... ugh. He's gotten enough to get by for now, but for the future...]

Where do you usually get your clothes?

It can be. It depends on the rune - or the caster. [ She wiggles her fingers, as if to say, there's a lot of variables there. ]

Ahh, well, that depends. Honestly, most of what I've gotten has been from the various designers and seamstresses in the city. A lot of times they are willing to trade favors instead of charging you outright, and I met many of them when they were looking for potential models for their clothes. Something you'd be great at, if you didn't mind hanging out in their clothes for a little while at some of the festivals. They're always looking for different types of the monster races to show off the fashions designed for the different races. But if you're not comfortable with that, we can still stop by the shops and boutiques in the market and see what catches your eye?

Ah... you think so?

[Ferran is certainly particular about his appearance, and it's one of the few things he feels much confidence about these days, but being a model wasn't something that had ever come to mind. Especially with the strange fur or fluff or whatever it is on his back... but if a designer would offer him that job in exchange for something he can use, who is he to refuse?]

I mean, I wouldn't complain if it meant free clothes... What other favors have they asked for?

[ She blinks, shaking her head. ]

None, really? They want the exposure for their fashions, it seems. If people see others wearing them at the festivals, it gets their name known and has others searching for them to acquire something similar. And apparently, it works very well. I've seen a few of them get to upgrade their boutiques considerably over the past few months. Their clothing can be a little strange sometimes and they're definitely each unique, but it's been fun getting to try out so many different things. It's barely felt like a job or a chore at all.

[Ferran is probably a little more daring in the fashion department than most of the people he knows, but that doesn't mean he's up for just anything. Even if he says he wouldn't complain, that doesn't mean he'd accept...]

How strange is a "little strange"?

[ She flushes slightly at that, her gaze darting away as she flusters and shifts awkwardly. ]

Ah, well... there are a few that like to show off as much skin as they do their fashions. While they are pretty, sometimes there is... very little of it.

[ Quite scandalous for someone used to lands where people clothe themselves from neck-to-ankle. And to appear in public in such a way? There's no judgement in her tone, of course, but that didn't mean it hadn't been shocking for her. ]

[As if her reaction on its own wasn't enough of an indication...]

Oh.

[Ferran himself probably has less shame about that kind of thing than he appears, but he understands why it would be mortifying for a more modest person—and he certainly has his limits as well.]

I wouldn't expect that from a place like this... hopefully I wouldn't have to worry about that for a while, since it's winter.

Edited (that was weird, you need more words) 2020-11-15 22:10 (UTC)

[ Yona can't help but chuckle at that, although she's quick to nod in agreement. ]

Yes, that seemed much more prevalent in the summer. Especially during one of the festivals that was... very much promoting the Bonds and other more... intimate relationships.

Huh.

[So much for Victorian modesty. Not that every society doesn't have its racier side, but...]

There's a festival for that? [Just how obvious do they get with their thirst, he wonders.]

[ Just wait till you get to your first full moon festival, Ferran.

But she just grins at his question. ]

I'm learning that I think there might be a festival for everything here.

[He technically halfway attended a festival during a full moon, does that count? He mostly spent it moping, wrapped up in a blanket burrito and watching fireworks. Then he went to bed and woke up with mouth string.]

I guess it makes sense. When you're this cut off from the rest of the world, surrounded by danger... it's a way to bring everyone together, right?

[Sure, there are the docks and a few other settlements he's heard of, but immigrating (or emigrating) doesn't seem to be like a thing here. He hasn't read anything about other lands...]

Did you do anything for Samuin? [He's pretty sure that's what it was called.]

[ She'll let it count when you spend it not moping. Deal? ]

Samuin? No, not really. I was... recovering, during that. It was shortly after our trip into the Dreamscapes, and I'm afraid I overdid it a little with my magic use. It took me a bit to rebuild my reserves.

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