[It's midday when Cyril sends Solas a picture of a very nice looking chess set he found in the city. It's clearly displayed on the kitchen table in Cyril's apartment. Along with it is the message:]
I'll let you go back to work for now. I look forward to seeing you later.
[When Solas finally does arrive at Cyril apartment he had secured a supper and desserts. The food is mostly a collection of fruits, cheeses, bread, and meats. The desserts are small but decadent. It's things they can pick at while they play. The chess board waits. The apartment is warm and welcoming.
Cyril himself, though, doesn't feel entirely well. The magic lingering in his body is acting up. When the Anchor had still been in his body that had meant piercing light that harmed anyone in its way if not released.
Now that his arm is gone, it's a deep ache that flares up and makes his bones sore. He can't handle wearing the prosthetic when it's like that so when he greets Solas it's with that arm of his tunic pinned up.
He smiles and lets his friend in, trying to ignore the pain and pretend it isn't there.
It's Solas's magic, though, that taints him. Because of that, Solas can likely sense what's happening.]
( Solas has worked for the majority of the day, familiarizing himself with the sorting system the library employed, and reading what he could on this new place they found themselves in. Naturally, there was little solid information on the "program" that brought them here, but it allowed him to research, to find what he could.
When he arrives at Cyril's, he feels the magic pulsing within the other man, still painful, still brittle. He frowns, going past Cyril quickly, shutting the door behind him. He beckons the other man to sit, his hands passing gently over the arm that once contained the anchor as they move to a seat. )
Despite the Anchor's removal, I see traces still remain. Unsurprising, but unfortunate.
[Cyril shouldn't be surprised that Solas can sense the magic, but it still is a little unsettling when people can see through his efforts to hide pain.
He doesn't bristle too much, though, he simply comes over and sits with Solas.]
Yes. I think so. It will continue to do so until it kills me. Taking my arm bought me time, but it was no cure.
( His brow furrows, a tense look on his face as he inspects the arm. It was true, and unfortunate - something Solas knew as soon as he found his own Inquisitor riddled with the magic of the orb he used to carry. At the time, he had tried to swallow the guilt, to allow it due to necessity. But, it still stung, yet another mistake he had made.
Solas passes a hand over Cyril's arm, giving it a shot of cooling healing magic as he calms the nerves, settling the magic still coursing through the arm. )
There. That should calm it for a while. Please tell me if it becomes active; it is not too difficult for me to control at the moment.
[There is a bitter part of Cyril's mind that thinks if Solas could soothe the pain so easily, then why would have left him there to deal with it, but he shoves that aside in favor of gratitude.
The magic feels wonderful and easies his night considerably.]
Thank you. I will.
Though, this is not what I wanted to talk to you about. Perhaps we should get settled in for our game?
[Cyril seems fine, but he's very good at moving through pain. He's graceful by nature. Solas has a sense of the magic in Cyril though and it's at least quieted for now.]
Feel free to eat while we play? [He gestures to the food laid out by them as he sits.]
( Solas notes that quiet in the magic, glad to see it calmed. He waits for Cyril to sit before he sits himself, beginning to look curiously at the food - and naturally take a cake first. )
Thank you, it is very kind. ( He takes a look at the board, motioning to it for Cyril to take the first move. ) What is it you wished to speak of with me, then, if it is not the Mark?
( Solas smiles, fond and warmer now that he's had food and wine. )
It is merely practice and study. Both of which I have an unfair advantage in. ( After all, he had thousands of years of study under his belt in comparison. )
You've said yourself that our people tend to understand the flow, even if we don't know the vocabulary. [Let's just ignore that he said that to Sera, because he imagines bringing her up with color Solas's mood.]
( He laughs, somewhat remembering the conversation Cyril most likely is pulling from. Ah, Sera. ) Yes, much about the Elvhen survive in that way. It will help in your understanding.
[He got used to grumpy ancient elves waking up and then claiming that the modern elves were not their people. Mythal was the only one that seemed to still consider them part of her, and she had been housed in the body of a human woman.]
Ah? It is merely something to make better use of our time trapped here. And to pass what little I can on, so far from where I can make a difference for the People.
( Solas still feels less of a connection to modern elves, but he knows they are people now. Perhaps not his people, but people. He needs to open at least part of himself up while he is here, lest he go mad. )
[After their conversation on the adult friend finder, Cyril arrives at Solas's apartment. It's the first time he's really seen the housing in the Down and he has a lot of opinions about how different things are here. That's a conversation for another time. For now, he wants to talk about forming a contract with Solas. He knocks lightly on his door.]
( Solas is expecting him, and opens the door readily as soon as he hears the knock. With little fanfare, he ushers Cyril in, closing the door behind him. ) How do you find the Down?
It reminds me of the state of The People back home. It feels like an alienage.
[Which is to say he hates it.]
But I came here to talk about our contract. I want to make sure we are both on the same page. Consent matters to me and is vital with this sort of thing.
( He thinks for a moment, mulling over what he wants to say. )
Nothing akin to slavery, of course. This contract of theirs is already unnervingly familiar.
I would be happy to assist you in household necessities, and share what money I make if needed. I am comfortable with some sex within this agreement, although I am afraid I do not quite reach your level of proclivities. ( He smiles, a teasing glint in his eye. ) Clearly, we do not need nor have to be exclusive, and I would want you to have your needs met.
I only ask you be kind to yourself, and to others. And allow me to monitor the Anchor when it flares. I would like to be of help to you with it.
That all sounds exactly like what I would want too. I would not want you to feel the need to be exclusive either. I'm no good at being possessive or jealous, so you should always feel free to explore your desires whenever you want.
[He glances around the room and then back at Solas.] What about living arrangements? Did you want to move to the Up?
( Solas hums, looking around the place. ) I am not unfamiliar with squalor, nor with extravagance. I can live in either. But, I would not say no to a nicer place to live in, if given a choice.
( He opens his mouth, then closes it, surprised. He wants to say he would find a separate place, he would just need Cyril to vouch for him as a Dominant. But, with this, he could learn more about the man, and gain more insight into this alternate Anchor. He pauses, then finally answers. )
[ Congrats, Solas, you get a picture in your texts today from one (1) Neria Surana. The object in question is behind a glass in the picture, likely because Neria was wandering when she found it. It's followed up with... ]
I know you said I could send you questions but please explain this to me. I don't understand. Do people actually find these things pleasurable?
[ She glances at the text, then goes back to ordering her food.
...Looks again. Spies the name. Solas? What is he talking about? She goes into her messages and--
Fuck. Fuck. This again? After Jonathan, she'd hoped not to be so careless, but she'd never sent Solas a text before. Why would it have sent it to him instead of Arthur? ]
It was in a sex shop, yes. I have no idea what it does. It doesn't look usable at all.
( Solas is confused why Neria is texting him sex shop things as well, if it makes her feel any better. )
From what I can tell, it may stimulate the clitoris, but this is just a guess. The Elvhen used strange toys at times, but most of it was done by magic.
( A little, but he understands her charm some. It's endearing, and exciting. )
The Elvhen were able to suspend their bodies needs for some time, and to feed off of the energies of the Fade if need be. That is... difficult to do now. But yes, I could see to your needs for quite a while.
I know. And I would be pleased to show you what I can.
It's not a wonder that they were so powerful. That sort of harmony with the Fade would be impossible for almost everyone in Thedas now. And for the Fade to be able to fulfill those needs with the body in suspension...
[ It's a curious notion. She can't practice such a thing here and it would be incredibly dangerous - and difficult - to do so back home but... Well, it's an idea. ]
I'd like that, Solas. Even just a moment would be more than I'll likely ever see in my lifetime.
[ There's a sick stab of guilt that she continues to consider simply killing Solas, even as she tells him this. It feels disingenuous. But she has to think of their world, not just one person.
[ When he does come over, she'll be waiting for him to bring him into the living room and to the fire. If he allows, she'll tug him down to sit on the couch, will fix him whatever drink he wants...
...and then Neria will take up residence behind him, letting him lean back against her. She places her arms around his shoulders and simply lets the both of them rest like that, if he'll allow her, even if only for a short time. ]
[ Her hold is gentle, fingers finding the places in his shoulders to work carefully at the tension in his muscles. Neria sighs, leaning just slightly against him. ]
I'm sorry for bringing up things that remind you of the past.
[ How many things did she regret in her life? How many things has she ruined? If she could have the singular chance to go back and change even one of those moments--
But she can't. All she can do is try to move forward. ]
The weight sits on your chest and weighs you down. But Solas, you're going to burn yourself alive just to allow others to breathe. That can't be the only solution.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Care for a game?
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Yes, please.
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I have something I want to ask you while we play.
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Oh? I look forward to answering it.
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I shall see you later this evening.
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I would hope the me you are familiar with has similar tastes in food.
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Tiny cakes?
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> to action?
I'll let you go back to work for now. I look forward to seeing you later.
[When Solas finally does arrive at Cyril apartment he had secured a supper and desserts. The food is mostly a collection of fruits, cheeses, bread, and meats. The desserts are small but decadent. It's things they can pick at while they play. The chess board waits. The apartment is warm and welcoming.
Cyril himself, though, doesn't feel entirely well. The magic lingering in his body is acting up. When the Anchor had still been in his body that had meant piercing light that harmed anyone in its way if not released.
Now that his arm is gone, it's a deep ache that flares up and makes his bones sore. He can't handle wearing the prosthetic when it's like that so when he greets Solas it's with that arm of his tunic pinned up.
He smiles and lets his friend in, trying to ignore the pain and pretend it isn't there.
It's Solas's magic, though, that taints him. Because of that, Solas can likely sense what's happening.]
>to action!
When he arrives at Cyril's, he feels the magic pulsing within the other man, still painful, still brittle. He frowns, going past Cyril quickly, shutting the door behind him. He beckons the other man to sit, his hands passing gently over the arm that once contained the anchor as they move to a seat. )
Despite the Anchor's removal, I see traces still remain. Unsurprising, but unfortunate.
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He doesn't bristle too much, though, he simply comes over and sits with Solas.]
Yes. I think so. It will continue to do so until it kills me. Taking my arm bought me time, but it was no cure.
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Solas passes a hand over Cyril's arm, giving it a shot of cooling healing magic as he calms the nerves, settling the magic still coursing through the arm. )
There. That should calm it for a while. Please tell me if it becomes active; it is not too difficult for me to control at the moment.
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The magic feels wonderful and easies his night considerably.]
Thank you. I will.
Though, this is not what I wanted to talk to you about. Perhaps we should get settled in for our game?
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Yes, I would enjoy that, if you are feeling well enough.
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I warn you I'm not as good as you or Bull, but the Commander helps me at least remember the rules.
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I shall keep that in mind, then.
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Feel free to eat while we play? [He gestures to the food laid out by them as he sits.]
And I have wine.
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Thank you, it is very kind. ( He takes a look at the board, motioning to it for Cyril to take the first move. ) What is it you wished to speak of with me, then, if it is not the Mark?
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I wanted to talk to you about this place. The requirements of this culture.
They've been very clear that if we do not contract with a partner, they will assign someone to us.
Have you found anyone you are willing to pair with?
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No, not yet.
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If you'll have me.
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...Is that wise? You know who I am, beyond the apostate. Is inviting the Dread Wolf into your den a decision taken lightly?
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And aren't you tired of pretending to be someone else?
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I have never pretended.
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That was poor wording. You were always Solas and saying otherwise isn't fair.
But you often lied by omission, my friend.
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It is not a decision to be made lightly, especially here.
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That's why you can take the time you need to consider it and why I wanted to offer now, rather than shortly before their deadline.
And I asked you here to play a game to give us something to do in the meantime.
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I will... consider it. Thank you.
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Now, I gave you the light pieces. You make the first move.
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Honestly, he hadn't expected anything different. Solas was the master at this kind of thinking.]
Ah! You win. [He still seemed pleased and satisfied by the game, though.] But I think we both know that was the only outcome to this game...
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It is merely practice and study. Both of which I have an unfair advantage in. ( After all, he had thousands of years of study under his belt in comparison. )
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I want to learn what I can from you. Providing you are willing to share, of course.
For example, our language! The Dalish have only bits and pieces. Solas, you could teach me all of it. I could learn so much of what was lost...
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I am not sure I will be the best teacher of our language, but I will try. It is difficult, compared to Common.
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That will probably help.
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[He got used to grumpy ancient elves waking up and then claiming that the modern elves were not their people. Mythal was the only one that seemed to still consider them part of her, and she had been housed in the body of a human woman.]
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( Solas still feels less of a connection to modern elves, but he knows they are people now. Perhaps not his people, but people. He needs to open at least part of himself up while he is here, lest he go mad. )
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[After their conversation on the adult friend finder, Cyril arrives at Solas's apartment. It's the first time he's really seen the housing in the Down and he has a lot of opinions about how different things are here. That's a conversation for another time. For now, he wants to talk about forming a contract with Solas. He knocks lightly on his door.]
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[Which is to say he hates it.]
But I came here to talk about our contract. I want to make sure we are both on the same page. Consent matters to me and is vital with this sort of thing.
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Thank you. Many would not do the same. Let us talk. ( He motions over to the small table the place provides, sitting with him. )
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First, what would be your boundaries?
There's a certain level of public performance here, Solas, but I won't cross any lines you set.
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Nothing akin to slavery, of course. This contract of theirs is already unnervingly familiar.
I would be happy to assist you in household necessities, and share what money I make if needed. I am comfortable with some sex within this agreement, although I am afraid I do not quite reach your level of proclivities. ( He smiles, a teasing glint in his eye. ) Clearly, we do not need nor have to be exclusive, and I would want you to have your needs met.
I only ask you be kind to yourself, and to others. And allow me to monitor the Anchor when it flares. I would like to be of help to you with it.
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[He glances around the room and then back at Solas.] What about living arrangements? Did you want to move to the Up?
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[Which will make it easier for them both to explore other lovers.]
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Alright.
misfire.
I know you said I could send you questions but please explain this to me. I don't understand. Do people actually find these things pleasurable?
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I am afraid I do not know what it is myself. I am assuming if you found it here, it is sexual in nature?
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...Looks again. Spies the name. Solas? What is he talking about? She goes into her messages and--
Fuck. Fuck. This again? After Jonathan, she'd hoped not to be so careless, but she'd never sent Solas a text before. Why would it have sent it to him instead of Arthur? ]
It was in a sex shop, yes. I have no idea what it does. It doesn't look usable at all.
[ hi....solas............ ]
why does he always gotta do this. why
From what I can tell, it may stimulate the clitoris, but this is just a guess. The Elvhen used strange toys at times, but most of it was done by magic.
LMAO solas please
I think you're a little off the mark with that but, honestly, I wasn't going to go back and try it. So I suppose we'll just be better off not knowing.
The Elvhen used magic on one another?
[ this is her life now ]
i'm honestly shooting in the dark about this sex toy i know nothing
Yes, often. One could keep an orgasm prolonged over days, even a week, if you were skilled enough.
( welcome to hell, neria )
honestly the page I nixed it from had no idea either SO
oh good we're all in the dark with this cursed object
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[ It's more of a question. Or would be so, if she was in front of him. ]
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One needn't be a god to make another quake in pleasure.
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I haven't heard you volunteer to make me do anything of the kind. And for an entire day, no less.
[ so are you gonna do this or nah? ]
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Presumably, you would want to eat.
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I am uncertain of how the magic may work here, but I could always try. It would be... interesting to see it again.
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Are you saying you wouldn't see to all of my wants while we're together?
Then again, I think just being able to see a fraction of that old magic would be a reward in and of itself, if I'm being honest.
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The Elvhen were able to suspend their bodies needs for some time, and to feed off of the energies of the Fade if need be. That is... difficult to do now. But yes, I could see to your needs for quite a while.
I know. And I would be pleased to show you what I can.
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[ It's a curious notion. She can't practice such a thing here and it would be incredibly dangerous - and difficult - to do so back home but... Well, it's an idea. ]
I'd like that, Solas. Even just a moment would be more than I'll likely ever see in my lifetime.
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I can show you simplistic things from my time, things you may be able to do, even without the presence of the Fade.
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But more seriously, it takes her a few minutes to respond. ]
When you go through with your plan, Solas, what will happen to you?
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It is not important what happens to me.
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[ There's a sick stab of guilt that she continues to consider simply killing Solas, even as she tells him this. It feels disingenuous. But she has to think of their world, not just one person.
...Right? ]
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It is no matter. It is a gloomy subject, and one I should not have turned the conversation towards. My apologies.
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Come over, Solas.
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Alright.
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...and then Neria will take up residence behind him, letting him lean back against her. She places her arms around his shoulders and simply lets the both of them rest like that, if he'll allow her, even if only for a short time. ]
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But, he settles against her, letting her slowly lull him into a calm, into something he never would have thought would come from their conversation. )
Thank you.
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[ Her hold is gentle, fingers finding the places in his shoulders to work carefully at the tension in his muscles. Neria sighs, leaning just slightly against him. ]
I'm sorry for bringing up things that remind you of the past.
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( He relaxes into the touch, a little more open to it after their agreements, and how they're learning each other in this place. )
Do not worry about it. I am happy to speak of the past, but it is what I have also ruined with my own hands. I cannot help but be melancholy.
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[ How many things did she regret in her life? How many things has she ruined? If she could have the singular chance to go back and change even one of those moments--
But she can't. All she can do is try to move forward. ]
The weight sits on your chest and weighs you down. But Solas, you're going to burn yourself alive just to allow others to breathe. That can't be the only solution.
( text | un: golem ) misfire garbage
then: ] I don't know, I've never worn stockings before. I think my legs are too smooth for them, they keep slipping down.