( Red can guess what she means about being no-stranger to being watched especially after their last conversation, but it does seem different in Minaras. No gods or god-like beings, but other forms of surveillance.
She's grateful she ended up in Eidris instead even if the dragons dislike her. Generally, she can avoid them. )
Yeah, wish you guys could catch a break from all the being watched. But nah, I don't mind. I'm used to it. Honestly, it'd probably weird me out if I ever lost that... ( It helps her feel more aware of her surroundings. ) How much did you want?
[ That, too, she can understand. While Vanessa may call herself cursed at times, she also can't imagine living without her spiritual gifts. She isn't so sure she could ever be happy in a normal life, though that makes her even sadder.
Which is exactly something this shopping trip is meant to help. She will have to ready a gift (as well as payment) for Red's endeavors. ]
I suppose that will depend on what they charge, if you should locate some. I would only get a small amount for now, until we can be certain of its quality. No more than a few grams? I will certainly compensate you.
Cool. I'll check out the situation. I have some gold, but yeah, I'd appreciate that. ( and she'll use a bit of that gold to buy herself some of it, because damn, she could use it. she wonders if any of her housemates would be down to get high too. hrm. )
I feel like a drug dealer, which is way cooler than a hall monitor. ( .....ahem. ) On my way now.
[ Understanding that Red means in a very illegal sense, as opposed to the drugs a doctor might deal, Vanessa feels a twinge of guilt. Not for her own sake, but for Red's. Perhaps the girlish form she carries has some effect on Vanessa after all. ]
Please don't engage in anything that might put you under any suspicions...or in danger. It certainly is not so necessary to me that I would trade your company for that of any drug. Next to your safety, the desire is petty.
[ Even if they haven't spent much company together since splitting up. She still worries from afar, but must trust that Red will know how to handle herself in any scenario. ]
( And Red's not entirely used to that at all, but it's this group and how they react to each other and how they react to her. Vanessa knows though - she has felt the monster inside of her, and still she acts concerned. )
But uh, unnecessary, it's not illegal here, and I found some.
[ Whether the drugs are illegal or not, Vanessa has to assume that illicit activity will always lurk in the alleyways around such shops. If a doctor isn't prescribing it, then the lack of regulation invites trouble.
It seems she had nothing to worry about, after all. ]
So swift! I ought to have sought out your skills long ago.
[ Of course, she hadn't even thought to ask until Red offered, but she still feels foolish for not having been as successful in the hunt.
The address is written out. Though it's an apartment, it takes up the entire top floor, so shouldn't be hard to find once the building's located. ]
Yes, of course. You are always welcome. [ Even if her neighbors may not agree. ]
( Red can honestly... find Vanessa without an address, which is obviously weird, which is why she asked for the address. So she doesn't have to admit that she can find anything/anyone that she has... gotten a 'scent' of before. God, it's a Cerberus thing that's tied into the body she currently inhabits.
And it's-
Yeah.
She gathers the bag together, following that feeling, heading in that direction. Until she's found her home, and she knocks on the outside-
She's smelling blood too, which is. Yeah. Worrying. )
[ It isn't until Vanessa opens the door with a polite smile that she realizes that her blood totem may impede Red's entry. Would it? She's curious. Do those from Hades truly count as demonic, or dark? Perhaps not.
She steps aside to let the lovely creature in, watching with a curious fascination to see if it gives her any trouble. Vanessa should warn her, but it isn't as if it would cause pain if it did restrain her. Truly, she hopes there is no impediment, but there's a simple fix if so.
Hades is not the same as Satan, she reminds herself. It should be fine. ]
I am so pleased to see you. Please, come in. I warn you, there is a ward against certain beings. I don't know if it will affect you.
( Red steps forward into the home - she feels something weird, something that makes her feel strange, nauseous. She stops abruptly before going any further in at the moment.
Her expression twists into something like confusion. )
It's not really stopping me.
But I can... feel it. You're doing this to protect yourself?
( That makes sense. After what Red feels from her aura, Vanessa needs to be careful. )
[ Her fingertips touch her chin while she watches, sensing the discomfort and feeling a flicker of guilt at being the cause, even if there was no helping it. It seems that Red's status is more complicated than she had given it credit for. ]
A habit borrowed from home. Should those who seek me find their way to Serthica, I cannot be too cautious.
[ Ignoring the delivery for the moment, Vanessa moves to her side to better glance her posture over. Analytical in a sense, but not without compassion. ]
Does it cause any pain? I can make it easier for you, if you require.
You are the first to show discomfort and still make your way through the entry.
[ Not wanting to worry Red, she refrains from mentioning that her ward has already had prior conflict with a demon. She doesn't want to imagine that he could also just make his way through, and only suffer nausea.
Red is hardly a thing of evil, though. She doesn't deserve even that much discomfort, especially not at the hands of Vanessa. ]
Hold, then. That won't do.
[ Joan would not be pleased with which Vanessa continues to permit in demons and similar creatures, but this world is too unfamiliar to play by the same old rules. Even the Cut-Wife of Balantree Moore would have to make concessions, though...something like nausea would not have moved that woman's heart. Vanessa had loved her for that hardness in her heart.
The small knife is out of her pocket and flipped open swiftly, and she makes a small cut on her thumb. It may be difficult for a normal person to see the small scars already on the fingertip before blood beads at the tiny cut, but Red is hardly normal.
Vanessa hesitates before reaching for her forehead, though. She isn't nearly as callous as Joan was, and it is best to ask permission before grabbing hold of someone. ]
May I touch you? You can clean off the blood as soon as I speak the words. It should ease any discomfort.
( Red notes the wording there, because it makes it clear others have shown their discomfort. They just maybe haven't made their way past the point of entry. They were probably more demonic than her - whoever got stuck at the start. It's not like there's any real demon in here.
Just the complication of the Underworld.
She lifts her gaze as the knife comes out, as she makes that cut - Red can feel the power on the blood that spills. She takes a step back, guards herself, and then- )
Yeah. Sure.
You can go ahead. ( Especially if it will ease the nausea twisting in her gut, she- she needs that. )
[ Foolish of Vanessa to underestimate Red's perceptive nature. She smiles thinly in response, acknowledging her understanding but not elaborating further. Vanessa would hate to admit that she let a devil into her home. She doesn't want to look as unwise as it made her feel.
With Red's permission, Vanessa gently draws a cross upon the girl's forehead. The incantation is different, and even if Red may not be a Daywalker in actuality, Vanessa does not consider her a demon of the night, either. It should work well enough on her. If anything, Vanessa is christening her as a Daywalker. In this human form, is Red so different from a witch? A witch still discovering her own powers.
The words are whispered, but the harshness still congeals the air. True darkness looms in them, despite the incantation expelling the very evil the words seem to be mired in. They come from deep in the throat, the chest, the soul, as if spoken by something entirely inhuman. There's a flicker in her eyes as she speaks, barely controlled, but controlled it is. ]
Etsoo Sataan sha’am tu pemoder mendafa’. Etsoon moqaf yerkhomi lakwe em heraa zahomblar.
[ The pressure should immediately lighten once she stops and lowers her hand, head tilting while waiting for confirmation that Red no longer suffers from any ill will. ]
( Red stares. She is not really accustomed to magic at all. It's not like any of it existed in the Underworld. A god's powers are very different, and her own abilities are not steeped in magic. They're just part of who she is, part of what she is, and so there's some fascination as she watches, sensing the evil of it all, the power of it all too.
None of the words does she understand. Her face screws up into confusion. )
...completely.
Shit. Wow. Your wards are something powerful, but so was... that. ( She blinks, shaking her head. ) Do you always have to spill your blood to do magic? Cause that's kind of bullshit in its unfairness.
[ Red's inquiry causes Vanessa's thoughts to drift back over what her mentor had once said, about how Vanessa had never needed to learn the power. Even Joan Clayton had needed to learn what Vanessa had been born into. When she least expects it, power has poured out of her without conscious thought. Things she shouldn't even know about. Curses she never asked for, not consciously.
Yet, so often when she tries to understand, she is left knowing nothing. Her mind feels barren of understanding, no matter what Joan drilled into her mind again and again. In cases like this, isn't she only parroting the power of another? The spell isn't even hers, though she has already found ways to differently mold it. Could she manage it without blood spilt? Even Joan had needed blood for her totems, but the ancient witch had said that Vanessa's power far exceeded her own.
It isn't something she's willing to risk just yet. She needs the assurance of her blood scorpion, which her gaze casts over momentarily before turning to lead Red further into the apartment. ]
Not always, no. But there is a power in blood that few can overcome.
[ To the kitchen she goes. The droid is off cleaning something, and Vanessa thinks Red deserves a treat for her errand. ]
( Red blows out a breath at that, thinking of how it felt when she stepped inside, and she knows she's not even who it was intended for specifically. It's not like what she is even has a word or label for it. )
Seriously.
That was pretty damn amazing.
( Also, she imagines Vanessa's blood is likely more powerful than most too. And she'll follow after her into the kitchen, pulling out the container that the weed comes in. She wants to make sure to leave that with her. )
Uh, yeah. Basically always hungry these days. ( Becoming mortal, feeling hunger, realizing how good food can taste for the first time has been an experience. ) Least for food outside of the Mouse House. Food's actually pretty delicious so I guess it depends on who makes it and the ingredients and all that.
[ The compliment draws a strange feeling out of Vanessa, revealed in a puzzled frown while glancing over her shoulder before carrying on to the kitchen. She had never thought fondly of her 'gifts', her curses, and never have they been addressed as anything but terrible or powerful. Perhaps that is because Red has yet to suffer for being within the realm of knowing. Give it time, and Vanessa is sure that any amazement will turn to wariness.
Moving on, since she doesn't know what to do with such praise, Vanessa will disappear into the pantry long enough to pull out some bread. Leaving it on the table, she'll begin digging through the refrigerator for some wrapped cheese. ]
I hope that this will garner your approval, then. There are some apples in the basket there if you would care to slice one?
[ If they're apples at all; she isn't even sure what they're called, but they taste enough like apples.
She isn't about to accept Red's delivery without assembling something she can enjoy in return, pulling two knives out of a nearby drawer so that she can get a start on the bread and cheese. Vanessa also has proper payment at the ready before the sweet creature leaves, but this is more fun than simple coin. ]
Edited (bc idk if they have apples! android just stocks the kitchen, she doesn't do the shopping.) 2022-10-09 15:58 (UTC)
( Red stares at the fruit and then reaches for the knife. She is still kind of new to holding and using a knife and working in the kitchen, but she's looking at the way Vanessa is holding hers and then trying to mirror that.
She has been around Emilia enough in the kitchen to get some lessons on how to hold one so here's to hoping she remembers how. She's gotta learn if she's gonna live the mortal life now. )
Uh, yeah. I got this. You wanna not leave the seeds in, right?
( She inclines the tip of the knife into the apple and then cuts down. A hunk of it falls away. )
[ It isn't until Red's inquiry that Vanessa realizes she may have never done this before. Watching the chunk of fruit fall away, her smile is charmed while she nods. She isn't going to nitpick how fine the slices are. Red already seems to know what's most important: the seeds are no good. Not unless she wants more nausea.
She slices the cheese thinly while considering her next question. ]
Troubled, I suppose. For my lack of purpose in such a city. More mysteries unfold, and I cannot seem to discover enough answers. Have you managed to find any solace where you stay?
( Red continues to chop up the fruit - a bit haphazardly, but she's making progress, and she gathers up the seeds to separate from the rest. )
Yeah, this place is big on being endless questions without any fucking answers. Like Zeus dick, it'd be nice to be able to solve one of the mysteries at least. ( She stabs the knife into the fruit again but then nods. ) I'm staying with some good people from the group - Emilia and Hermione, and I'm supposed to be like a etiquette tutor so you can imagine how well that's going. But the dragons are freaked out by me, which is kind of Eidris whole deal.
[ The unique curse from Red gets a sharp laugh in return, somewhat fractured with an unsteady breath in her failed attempt to try to stay silent. Such foul language... She has heard cursing before, though not very often, but that one is quite new. For her to tutor etiquette, well... The children will no doubt find unique ways to carry conversation.
Clearing her throat, Vanessa will push aside a few slices of cheese before moving on to the bread, where she'll borrow much thicker slices. She has spoken with Hermione and Emilia, though not enough to know them well. It seems Red is drawn to the magically inclined. Given her origin, who can blame her? ]
Beasts born of magic must be able to sense something similar in you. It speaks to your strength, I suspect. Even grander than a dragon... Perhaps they need only to know that you bear them no ill will. [ A glance. A curious smile. ] Does that mean you have not ridden one?
( Red feels a bit proud that she could have made Vanessa laugh. She gets the sense it probably doesn't happen very often. She shoves the haphazardly cut fruit pieces on to the plate now that she has finished and then set the knife back down. )
Uh, yeah, with their psychic connection thing especially, they take one poke into my brain, and they're like, Hell no. ( Which is pretty fair. ) I haven't. I don't think I'd like it though being all high up there away from the ground. ( She spent her entire existence under the ground so the idea of flying over it is... unsettling. ) How's the whole... robot situation on this side?
[ Her nose wrinkles in distaste at the reminder of the ease with which dragons can invade one's mind. She is worried about what they might see in her as well. Rejection is not a welcome feeling, not for anyone.
Though Vanessa will always wonder what it is to fly. She has wondered since she gazed upon her first falcon. ]
It takes poorly to the company of men who draw too near, as if I were its ward. Vexing at times, humorous at others, though its assistance with cleaning and cooking is of value. It never seems to sleep.
...that's weird that it's so in tune to humanity that it can react that way to men getting near you, but then also be funny and clean and cook and never need sleep. ( Red releases a very, very long breath as she rests her chin in her hands and then shakes her head. Humanity is a complicated fucking thing, and she still doesn't know-
A lot. Gods and goddesses, not the time to relate to a robot. ) Do you like having it around, or is it a pain in the ass? Especially with it acting like you're its ward.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
She's grateful she ended up in Eidris instead even if the dragons dislike her. Generally, she can avoid them. )
Yeah, wish you guys could catch a break from all the being watched. But nah, I don't mind. I'm used to it. Honestly, it'd probably weird me out if I ever lost that... ( It helps her feel more aware of her surroundings. ) How much did you want?
no subject
Which is exactly something this shopping trip is meant to help. She will have to ready a gift (as well as payment) for Red's endeavors. ]
I suppose that will depend on what they charge, if you should locate some. I would only get a small amount for now, until we can be certain of its quality. No more than a few grams? I will certainly compensate you.
no subject
I feel like a drug dealer, which is way cooler than a hall monitor. ( .....ahem. ) On my way now.
no subject
Please don't engage in anything that might put you under any suspicions...or in danger. It certainly is not so necessary to me that I would trade your company for that of any drug. Next to your safety, the desire is petty.
[ Even if they haven't spent much company together since splitting up. She still worries from afar, but must trust that Red will know how to handle herself in any scenario. ]
I wish you luck.
no subject
( And Red's not entirely used to that at all, but it's this group and how they react to each other and how they react to her. Vanessa knows though - she has felt the monster inside of her, and still she acts concerned. )
But uh, unnecessary, it's not illegal here, and I found some.
I can swing by. I wanted to visit Minaras.
no subject
It seems she had nothing to worry about, after all. ]
So swift! I ought to have sought out your skills long ago.
[ Of course, she hadn't even thought to ask until Red offered, but she still feels foolish for not having been as successful in the hunt.
The address is written out. Though it's an apartment, it takes up the entire top floor, so shouldn't be hard to find once the building's located. ]
Yes, of course. You are always welcome. [ Even if her neighbors may not agree. ]
no subject
And it's-
Yeah.
She gathers the bag together, following that feeling, heading in that direction. Until she's found her home, and she knocks on the outside-
She's smelling blood too, which is. Yeah. Worrying. )
no subject
She steps aside to let the lovely creature in, watching with a curious fascination to see if it gives her any trouble. Vanessa should warn her, but it isn't as if it would cause pain if it did restrain her. Truly, she hopes there is no impediment, but there's a simple fix if so.
Hades is not the same as Satan, she reminds herself. It should be fine. ]
I am so pleased to see you. Please, come in. I warn you, there is a ward against certain beings. I don't know if it will affect you.
no subject
Her expression twists into something like confusion. )
It's not really stopping me.
But I can... feel it. You're doing this to protect yourself?
( That makes sense. After what Red feels from her aura, Vanessa needs to be careful. )
no subject
A habit borrowed from home. Should those who seek me find their way to Serthica, I cannot be too cautious.
[ Ignoring the delivery for the moment, Vanessa moves to her side to better glance her posture over. Analytical in a sense, but not without compassion. ]
Does it cause any pain? I can make it easier for you, if you require.
no subject
... I'm sure I'm not the first person who-
( She gestures toward the wards and then makes a face. She shakes her head, looking up at Vanessa. )
Mostly just makes me feel nauseous?
no subject
[ Not wanting to worry Red, she refrains from mentioning that her ward has already had prior conflict with a demon. She doesn't want to imagine that he could also just make his way through, and only suffer nausea.
Red is hardly a thing of evil, though. She doesn't deserve even that much discomfort, especially not at the hands of Vanessa. ]
Hold, then. That won't do.
[ Joan would not be pleased with which Vanessa continues to permit in demons and similar creatures, but this world is too unfamiliar to play by the same old rules. Even the Cut-Wife of Balantree Moore would have to make concessions, though...something like nausea would not have moved that woman's heart. Vanessa had loved her for that hardness in her heart.
The small knife is out of her pocket and flipped open swiftly, and she makes a small cut on her thumb. It may be difficult for a normal person to see the small scars already on the fingertip before blood beads at the tiny cut, but Red is hardly normal.
Vanessa hesitates before reaching for her forehead, though. She isn't nearly as callous as Joan was, and it is best to ask permission before grabbing hold of someone. ]
May I touch you? You can clean off the blood as soon as I speak the words. It should ease any discomfort.
no subject
( Red notes the wording there, because it makes it clear others have shown their discomfort. They just maybe haven't made their way past the point of entry. They were probably more demonic than her - whoever got stuck at the start. It's not like there's any real demon in here.
Just the complication of the Underworld.
She lifts her gaze as the knife comes out, as she makes that cut - Red can feel the power on the blood that spills. She takes a step back, guards herself, and then- )
Yeah. Sure.
You can go ahead. ( Especially if it will ease the nausea twisting in her gut, she- she needs that. )
no subject
With Red's permission, Vanessa gently draws a cross upon the girl's forehead. The incantation is different, and even if Red may not be a Daywalker in actuality, Vanessa does not consider her a demon of the night, either. It should work well enough on her. If anything, Vanessa is christening her as a Daywalker. In this human form, is Red so different from a witch? A witch still discovering her own powers.
The words are whispered, but the harshness still congeals the air. True darkness looms in them, despite the incantation expelling the very evil the words seem to be mired in. They come from deep in the throat, the chest, the soul, as if spoken by something entirely inhuman. There's a flicker in her eyes as she speaks, barely controlled, but controlled it is. ]
Etsoo Sataan sha’am tu pemoder mendafa’. Etsoon moqaf yerkhomi lakwe em heraa zahomblar.
[ The pressure should immediately lighten once she stops and lowers her hand, head tilting while waiting for confirmation that Red no longer suffers from any ill will. ]
Better?
no subject
None of the words does she understand. Her face screws up into confusion. )
...completely.
Shit. Wow. Your wards are something powerful, but so was... that. ( She blinks, shaking her head. ) Do you always have to spill your blood to do magic? Cause that's kind of bullshit in its unfairness.
no subject
Yet, so often when she tries to understand, she is left knowing nothing. Her mind feels barren of understanding, no matter what Joan drilled into her mind again and again. In cases like this, isn't she only parroting the power of another? The spell isn't even hers, though she has already found ways to differently mold it. Could she manage it without blood spilt? Even Joan had needed blood for her totems, but the ancient witch had said that Vanessa's power far exceeded her own.
It isn't something she's willing to risk just yet. She needs the assurance of her blood scorpion, which her gaze casts over momentarily before turning to lead Red further into the apartment. ]
Not always, no. But there is a power in blood that few can overcome.
[ To the kitchen she goes. The droid is off cleaning something, and Vanessa thinks Red deserves a treat for her errand. ]
Are you hungry? Thirsty?
no subject
Seriously.
That was pretty damn amazing.
( Also, she imagines Vanessa's blood is likely more powerful than most too. And she'll follow after her into the kitchen, pulling out the container that the weed comes in. She wants to make sure to leave that with her. )
Uh, yeah. Basically always hungry these days. ( Becoming mortal, feeling hunger, realizing how good food can taste for the first time has been an experience. ) Least for food outside of the Mouse House. Food's actually pretty delicious so I guess it depends on who makes it and the ingredients and all that.
no subject
Moving on, since she doesn't know what to do with such praise, Vanessa will disappear into the pantry long enough to pull out some bread. Leaving it on the table, she'll begin digging through the refrigerator for some wrapped cheese. ]
I hope that this will garner your approval, then. There are some apples in the basket there if you would care to slice one?
[ If they're apples at all; she isn't even sure what they're called, but they taste enough like apples.
She isn't about to accept Red's delivery without assembling something she can enjoy in return, pulling two knives out of a nearby drawer so that she can get a start on the bread and cheese. Vanessa also has proper payment at the ready before the sweet creature leaves, but this is more fun than simple coin. ]
no subject
She has been around Emilia enough in the kitchen to get some lessons on how to hold one so here's to hoping she remembers how. She's gotta learn if she's gonna live the mortal life now. )
Uh, yeah. I got this. You wanna not leave the seeds in, right?
( She inclines the tip of the knife into the apple and then cuts down. A hunk of it falls away. )
So how've you been on the other side?
no subject
[ It isn't until Red's inquiry that Vanessa realizes she may have never done this before. Watching the chunk of fruit fall away, her smile is charmed while she nods. She isn't going to nitpick how fine the slices are. Red already seems to know what's most important: the seeds are no good. Not unless she wants more nausea.
She slices the cheese thinly while considering her next question. ]
Troubled, I suppose. For my lack of purpose in such a city. More mysteries unfold, and I cannot seem to discover enough answers. Have you managed to find any solace where you stay?
no subject
Yeah, this place is big on being endless questions without any fucking answers. Like Zeus dick, it'd be nice to be able to solve one of the mysteries at least. ( She stabs the knife into the fruit again but then nods. ) I'm staying with some good people from the group - Emilia and Hermione, and I'm supposed to be like a etiquette tutor so you can imagine how well that's going. But the dragons are freaked out by me, which is kind of Eidris whole deal.
no subject
Clearing her throat, Vanessa will push aside a few slices of cheese before moving on to the bread, where she'll borrow much thicker slices. She has spoken with Hermione and Emilia, though not enough to know them well. It seems Red is drawn to the magically inclined. Given her origin, who can blame her? ]
Beasts born of magic must be able to sense something similar in you. It speaks to your strength, I suspect. Even grander than a dragon... Perhaps they need only to know that you bear them no ill will. [ A glance. A curious smile. ] Does that mean you have not ridden one?
no subject
Uh, yeah, with their psychic connection thing especially, they take one poke into my brain, and they're like, Hell no. ( Which is pretty fair. ) I haven't. I don't think I'd like it though being all high up there away from the ground. ( She spent her entire existence under the ground so the idea of flying over it is... unsettling. ) How's the whole... robot situation on this side?
no subject
Though Vanessa will always wonder what it is to fly. She has wondered since she gazed upon her first falcon. ]
It takes poorly to the company of men who draw too near, as if I were its ward. Vexing at times, humorous at others, though its assistance with cleaning and cooking is of value. It never seems to sleep.
no subject
A lot. Gods and goddesses, not the time to relate to a robot. ) Do you like having it around, or is it a pain in the ass? Especially with it acting like you're its ward.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)