21 - Video

[bodilesswarrior]

[Barbara looks - worn, mostly. It's been a few days, but she's still processing the experience. Everything she felt, everything she did. Her mind still aches, faintly, and there a

But she's smiling, a little, as she addresses the Barge.]

So which one of you plays the piano and the lute?

[Zane]

[It fades immediately, though, as she considers what she wants to say.

It was process of elimination, really, after she drew all the connections.

Finally, softly - ]

Is that how you feel all the time?

Comments

[private]

[godsays]

What?

Re: [private]

[bodilesswarrior]

[She realises all at once that it's a stupid question, closing her eyes for a moment as she pushes a hand through her hair.]

Sorry. I - the flood. I think I got something from you.

Re: [private]

[godsays]

[ Nothing she could have gotten from him is good. And he is tense, afraid suddenly, panicked like someone's revealed a close secret. He doesn't talk about the urges anymore. He isn't supposed to get them. He's a warden. ]

What. What did you get.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

I... [She's not sure how to explain it. She told Iris she wanted to kill everything, but that's not quite true.] It was like - [Oh.

Her voice goes softer still.] Leftover programming. Urges - violent, brutal - that didn't make sense any more.

[private]

[godsays]

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

It's not your fault. [She reaches up, rubs at her temple.] And nothing - actually happened.

I just... [To live with that, every single day, and resist it - ]

You're a strong man, Zane.

[private]

[godsays]

I'm undoing it. Like picking apart a knot.

It just made me want it, so much. All the time.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

I'm glad. I... [Would it be presumptive, to tell him she's proud?] How's that going?

[private]

[godsays]

I got a little peace this flood. It made me like him. [ Like Aslan. ]

I didn't think that would ever be pushed on - someone else.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

[She wonders if she'd have preferred that. It's a different sort of strength, that the Emperor needs, ones she isn't certain she can match.]

Expect the unexpected, right? [A wry smile, a slight shrug.] It was...it could have been worse.

[private]

[godsays]

Yes. It could have been.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

Would have been, probably, if it'd lasted longer.

Is there - can I do anything, to help?

[private]

[godsays]

No. I'm strong enough.

I worry about him.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

I know you are.

[A slight smile, soft and concerned.] Have you talked to him, since the flood?

[private]

[godsays]

Not yet.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

You should.

...You've helped him a lot, Zane.

[private]

[godsays]

He's getting worse.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

I know. [Barbara raises a hand, rubs her brow. She hates looking so weary, hates admitting she doesn't know what to do - but she also feels like Zane deserves honesty.] I'm not sure how to make things better. Or if I can, right now.

[private]

[godsays]

He has to break.

I know that. He's not the kind to change slowly or gracefully.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

[After a moment, she nods.] Makes sense. [She thinks of Bruce - the Bruce here, hitting rock bottom and clawing himself up into the light.]

So we should just - let it happen. Be there to help him put the pieces back together.

[private]

[godsays]

I don't know.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

That's okay. [A wry, thin smile.] People are difficult.

[private]

[godsays]

Him, especially.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

Yeah. You sure know how to pick 'em.

video;

[ichoosefight]

[ Steph's been beat over the head by the flood ending, but at least she's finally made it out of her room again. ]

Does one out of two count?

Re: video; DAMMIT DW I TOTALLY REPLIED TO THIS

[bodilesswarrior]

[It's good to see her regardless, and Barbara's smile deepens.]

Piano's pretty good. Any thoughts on teaching?

video; TROLOLOLOLO

[ichoosefight]

Not really. It's been so long since I've had any lessons myself, I'd have to start again.

>:C

[bodilesswarrior]

How'd you feel about learning together?

[ichoosefight]

I, yeah. That would be great.

[ She really should get out and do things, huh. ]

[bodilesswarrior]

Wonderful. Your room or mine?

[ichoosefight]

I don't actually have a piano, so yours.

[Private]

[logistical]

I do.

This is curious flood.

[Private]

[bodilesswarrior]

[Oh. Her grin lights up, a bit.] Isn't it?

I don't think I still have your skills, but I'd like to learn for real.

[Private]

[logistical]

It is similar to the exchange of abilities that happened during my previous stay, except I have not been robbed of my own.

I do not currently possess a lute, but one can be easily acquired from the Admiral. Are you amenable to lessons?

[Private]

[bodilesswarrior]

I am, if you'd like to teach me.

I can already hold my breath for ten minutes.

[Private]

[logistical]

That is impressive.

[By human standards, anyway.]

Is there a piano on board? Perhaps it is wiser to start there.

[Private]

[bodilesswarrior]

I've got a piano teacher - well, sort of. Unless you'd like to help both of us.

And we can always ask the Admiral for one.