artistinexile

I've been in tune with this energy since I was a child. And, while there have been allusions that I can do things in my future while in the Lifestream, it doesn't mean I will know how to leave.

Or that something wouldn't go very wrong if I did try.

I could come back, physically, but only physically. Living people who are exposed too much to the Lifestream can have their minds and souls swept away.

There's still a lot that I don't know when it comes to having any control over the Lifestream. I can only assume that if the reports are true, it's something I learned after I entered it, and have because I'm a Cetra.

[a brief nod of thanks to Florian]

So you are essence made manifest, only here by the Admiral's grace. Is that correct?

Correct.

[a short nod.

Then, Thrawn reaches forward and prods Aerith, quite hard, on her arm]

Ow.

[She doesn't move but...she's puzzled.]

Um? Thrawn? I'm not...you wouldn't really see it unless I was dead?

I see Florian, and he is dead.

Forgive me; an experiment only.

[his tone is dry but his eyes are mischievous. He's messing with her, in his own odd way]

Technically, I'm undead, being a vampire.

And as I was resurrected by graduation from being dead.

Right...

I keep thinking of you as...Florian. Not Florian, vampire.

Or...undead?

I just thought...vampires are vampires?

[She shrugs, and glances at Thrawn.]

Florian’s aura has changed. He has no heartbeat, no pulse, and is colder in body temperature than he once was. His movements are subtly different, more akin to a coiled spring: an easy predator lope. To my eyes he looks something like a cross between a groundlion and a walking corpse.

I'm not sure about the aura but...

I don't really see Florian slinking? He's very light on his feet, but I guess...

Florian? Does this mean you're cold all the time? Would you like some hugs to warm up?

[ Florian can't help but smile. ]

I would not mind a hug or two from you, Aerith, but I assure you, I am more comfortable now than when I was not a vampire.

[ A small smile at Thrawn. ]

And my change in stance is more of a choice than anything. I assure you that if I chose to, I could appear as docile and vulnerable as a bared throat. Appearing in the pose of a prey animal, an easy victim, is a very useful tactic. I did it before as part of my business. Being a vampire only accelerated my choice in shifting to something more honest.

Edited 2025-04-08 16:39 (UTC)

Maybe cuddles later if you're up for it.

And...I am glad it's comfortable for you Florian.

[She offers him a fond smile, before moving to clasp her hands in front of her.]

Though- that makes me wonder. How do you feel you move Thrawn? What does your aura project to the world?

Edited (Didn't feel right, this is better ) 2025-04-08 19:28 (UTC)

That would be something to see. I would be interested to see if I could catch on; it is not simply something you choose that reflects your aura, but who and what you are.

[a slight head tilt towards Aerith]

It is difficult to describe to a non-Chiss. An 'aura' is akin to many things at once: it is how I can identify others before they make themselves known outside doors, or behind masks or disguises.

Yours is something I have memorized as belonging to Aerith Gainsborough and no other. Were you in a crowd of thousands, I could find you.

[ Not something for now, or he would. But there's a nod to Thrawn's comment as if to say 'later, sure'. ]

I imagine it's something like hearing someone's heartbeat. Or their magical signature would be to me.

Huh.

It sounds like...how I sometimes have just the awareness of people I know sometimes. It's not like...colors, or music, or magic.

It just is. Like...Florian is still...Florian, vampire or not.

Yes. All of us have our additional senses to recognize one another.

Forgive me when I overstep. It is difficult to determine your boundaries between 'curious friend' and 'invasive scientist.'

I'm still learning to be comfortable with talking about being a cetra.

And there are still things I don't know about it. So long as you're not trying to get samples or strapping me down to a chair...

I'm not going to punch you in the nose, literally or figuratively.

[an eyebrow raise.]

You could not reach my nose.

Did you want me to try?

[A slow eyebrow rise.]

She also has a stick, Thrawn. Never ignore that she has a stick.

[ A smile at Aerith. ]

I don't think he does, but you never know.

[he settles his hands behind his back. Walks forward, and leans down, right in Aerith's face, an extremely smug, sly look on his face. He's theatrical now.]

Careful, Warden Gainsborough. We would not wish to test the merit of the so-called Inmate Bill of Rights so soon.

Oh, we don't. But...

[She smiled up at him. He's being so dramatic! It's actually...very funny.]

I think you're just scared of my big stick.

[And she. Makes to tap him very gently on the tip of the nose.]

[without taking his eyes off Aerith and only moving as much as needed, Thrawn's hand whips out from behind his back to capture the top of the staff before it can boop him.]

A preemptive strike against a known warrior. You are bold.

[his stick now; he doesn't try to wrest it from her hands - that's not the game - but he will not release it without verbal input from Aerith]

I am that.

[She's still smiling. Still looks the same as usual. But she doesn't let go of her stick either.]

Because a preemptive strike is sometimes the only way to win. Right, Grand Admiral Thrawn?

Indeed.

We appear to be at a stalemate. I have the upper hand in strength, but you could use your staff to fire at me. Or you could call for back-up.

[a nod towards Florian]

The question is, does his loyalties lie with you, his fellow warden...or his own inmate?

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