Inbox

[artistinexile]

You have reached the inbox of the former Grand Admiral Thrawn of the Imperial Star Destroyer Chimaera and the Seventh Fleet, also formerly known as Senior Commander Mitth'raw'nuruodo of the Springhawk.

I will return your message promptly.

[The message repeats in six different languages]

Comments

[artistinexile]

[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]

[planetdialup]

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?

[artistinexile]

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?

[a_titanum]

[ Florian's just going to lean back and cross his legs and raise both eyebrows.

A MYSTERY! ]

[planetdialup]

My goodness. Him, choosing between us?

He'd lose, and he knows it. So, he has two choices, really!

Do nothing, or...take us both out with a sleep spell.

[She smile brightened.]

Or, third:

Realize that while you have my staff, you should really look out for my feet.

[artistinexile]

A clever ruse. But careful study has told me that you would never be so underhanded as that, Aerith. Especially not when our friendship is at stake.

[planetdialup]

You're having way too much fun with this.

[She offered a quiet laugh.]

But you're right. I wouldn't try to ever hurt you if I could help it, ever.

You win.

[artistinexile]

[a narrow smile before he relaxes, releasing Aerith's staff and stepping back from her]

Perhaps. I too would not wish to hurt you, so a stalemate is a more adept term.

[planetdialup]

If you'd like to put it that way- sure.

[Gently, she made to set her staff down onto the floor.]

We both know that we'd rather keep each other safe.

I never want to hurt you Thrawn. Because I care for you so, so much as my friend.

So...I'd feel conflicted if you really wanted me to punch you seriously.

[artistinexile]

I would, but only in the context of...'play-fighting'?

[a glance to Florian to make sure this is the right word]

[a_titanum]

[ Florian nods. Well done. ]

[planetdialup]

Play fighting would be fine. So long as we both know it is that- play.

[Her smile is warm.]

I have been learning how to punch properly. Alexei has been teaching me.

[artistinexile]

Then I would be interested to witness these lessons in action. Perhaps in the gym, or the Enclosure?

[planetdialup]

Maybe the Enclosure? With the door locked.

We don't want either of us to be turned into cats or anything. Just in case.

[artistinexile]

Is that a concern?

[planetdialup]

Abel and Vaggie do have cat wands.

I'd rather trouble if I can help it.

[a_titanum]

...I do wonder if you'd turn into a chocobo regardless if they tried and you wanted to.

[planetdialup]

Trying to get me to experiment Florian?

I can transform for both of you once we're outside.

[artistinexile]

[a confused, silent eyebrow raise as he glances between them. What in the kriff is a chocobo?]

[planetdialup]

Oh sorry- Thrawn.

[She glances at him, apologetic.]

I didnt see you when Wen Qionglin and I did chocobo and horseback racing in the Enclosure. But- it's a large native bird from my world.

We use them for riding and transportation. Florian gave me a transformation bracelet for one for my birthday.

[artistinexile]

I see.

[this is where someone who knows about small talk might volunteer that Florian made him a transformation bracelet as well. Thrawn does not]

Do they fly?

[planetdialup]

Glide, mostly. But they can climb up cliffs and swim with people on their back.

[artistinexile]

[a glance to Florian, before returning to Aerith]

They sound like prey animals. Do they have natural defenses apart from agility and dexterity?

[planetdialup]

You mean other then talons, sharp beak, and wings that can break bones?

Not really.

[artistinexile]

You are...that is sarcasm. Yes?