this is the best that I can give

[awakenings]

Who: Re-l (awakenings) and Fenris (canavarum)
When: October 22nd, night.
Where: Some restaurant in Sector 4.
Summary: Two acquaintances get to know one another better over dinner. What could possibly happen?
Warnings: None.


[She'd said that dinner would be on her. Considering how new Fenris was to the city, for Re-l to expect him to pay for something potentially outlandish would be cruel indeed. Besides, she's learned by now that it's nice to treat someone else once in a while (so long as their name isn't Raul Creed). She gets the feeling he deserves it, especially after his past few months in the city. If he felt the need to repay her over something as simple as a chair, she wonders what he would have done if she'd allowed him to pick where they went.

But no, it was up to her, and that's why she's standing in the entry hallway of a small Italian restaurant not too far from Fenris' apartment ten minutes early. She knows from experience that the food is well worth it, something she hopes he'll enjoy. It occurs to her too late that he might be used to this sort of cuisine, but she's already made arrangements and they'll just have to make do. If he really doesn't like it, she knows there are other things to choose from on the menu itself.

And why is she worried? It's just a meeting between...what, acquaintances? Two people who have met once and spoken occasionally over the network? She shouldn't feel so concerned. But the truth is that he's not from any time or culture she's familiar with and she hasn't the faintest clue how to approach this properly.

Oh well. Too late to go back now.]

Comments

[canavarum]

[He is not drunk this time.

He is antsy, not really knowing what he should expect and cursing himself for arranging these things while intoxicated. But he refuses to call it off -- in a way, he's looking forward to it. Re-l has always been a good friend, after all, and is the purpose of this not to get to know her better? For a heart as untrusting as his own, this could only help.

For once, he's not dressed in his leathers, but he's not dressed extravagantly either. Simple black slacks and a simple long-sleeved shirt, also dark in color. As he walks toward her, smiling slightly, there's something of an uncomfortable hunch in his posture. It's less the idea of their evening and more the addition of actual shoes. They cramp and feel confining and he's not certain what to do without the feel of gravel under hardened soles.]

Re-l. Good evening.

[awakenings]

[When she hears him, she turns, eyes briefly widening in surprise. He looks different without the plate mail and gauntlets he'd been wearing when she first met him. In fact, he's also wearing shoes, which is a bit of a surprise. Her mouth turns upwards in a slight smile to see he's also wearing dark colors, just as she is. She, however, has the benefit of a purple vest to offset all of her black, a single blue brooch at her throat that matches her eyes. (She's glad she decided to forego the makeup tonight.)

Her arms unfold from her chest as she turns, hoping not to appear so distant in her mannerisms. She tries for a better smile and actually succeeds.]

It's good to see you, Fenris. How've you been?

[canavarum]

Well. I am-- sorry you had to see me like that the other day. I was, ah-- I enjoy my wines. Perhaps a little too much.

[He offers a tentative smile, glancing quickly over her attire. She's a beautiful woman, that much is for certain. Poised, strong, and so certain as well. She has been kind to him and has, so far, offered him no reason for mistrust. Despite the discomfort of his shoes, he relaxes a bit in her presence.]

And yourself?

[awakenings]

[She gives a faint chuckle, shaking her head to reassure him.]

You weren't a problem. Honestly, I've seen much, much worse in this city than that. Everyone's entitled to relax somehow. I drink just as much if I have an evening free to myself.

[A quick glance back has her catch sight of the hostess and the woman makes a motion to say it'll just be a minute. Re-l turns back to Fenris.]

I'm doing all right. I can't complain.

[When the hostess comes back, she leads them past the main area of the restaurant, the setup very similar to a cafe. People are mostly loud, chatting over their food, laughing occasionally. The back is much quieter, mostly used for business purposes. There are plenty of people but all of them talking quietly, perhaps most of them working still. The woman shows them to a small table by the window.]

[canavarum]

[Fenris feels so out of place here. He'd never really gone the the restaurants in the city - only the supermarket where he got his apples and such. He's used to being stared at, but it's strange being in such an establishment, where before he only really frequented the Hanged Man.

Elves are stared at anywhere, it seems.]

The police force is doing well? I can't imagine you ever suffer a quiet moment.

[Right. He made these arrangements to get to know her.

So he's just gonna.

Try to get to know her.]

[awakenings]

[It's only when she sits that she sees people staring. Fenris probably gets it a lot here, she realizes, but it's still damn well unnerving. Especially when this was supposed to be where he could relax. When the hostess leaves, Re-l answers his question first, though the gears are already turning and she has to force herself to say something or else she'll jump to the question she really wants to ask.]

Always busy. Thankfully, I'm not chasing after Newcomers like I used to. That was a nightmare.

[She glances back and, seeing the waitress won't be joining them anytime soon, she turns back to him.]

...Are you all right?

[canavarum]

Yes, I imagine that does get a bit unnerving from time to time. Though you seem like the kind of woman who can handle it and more so.

[Fenris has an unusually sharp intuition - he's not fool, and he knows exactly what she means. He barely spares the other patrons a glance, keeping his attention focused on her instead.

Which is just as well. He doesn't care a fig for them - he's here for her.]

It is nothing I am not already accustomed to. I hope it is not too unsettling for you, however.

[awakenings]

It has less to do with the fact that we're Newcomers and more to do with what they're actually doing. I could tell you really terrible stories about what I've seen here, people who never would exist where I'm from.

[Her eyes search his face and while her mouth sets in a light frown, it's not directed at him.]

I could care less what they think. But if you're uncomfortable, they have private rooms here. I could ask for one. I just want you to be able to enjoy yourself without feeling scrutinized.

[canavarum]

You are kind, but it is truly no matter. They may stare all they like, they will soon tire of it.

[He gives them no attention, though perhaps he ought to have worn a higher color. And some gloves. But weren't tattoos more common in this world? Perhaps even then his are considered strange.]

Let us move on with our evening, shall we?

[awakenings]

Fair enough.

[She won't insult him by asking if this is so normal. It's not fair to him in many ways, mostly because he can't help his own appearance, and she'd just find herself more frustrated for him than anything else. She leans back in her chair, attention back on him and him alone.]

Tell me about yourself and your world. You haven't said much of either.

[canavarum]

Thedas...in some respects, is not too different from this place. Slavery runs in the shadows in some places, blatantly in others. I believe the only real difference, other than the advancements in technology made here, is the confinement of mages.

[He doesn't know what to say about himself, so as they wait for -- well, he doesn't know, but they appear to be waiting -- he answers the easier question.]

[awakenings]

What constitutes as "mages", though? You can't expect the entire Port to start confining people for just having unnatural abilities. Most people who come here are given powers by the Core. They don't have a choice in the matter.

[The waitress comes before she can finish, giving them menus and asking what they'd like to drink. Re-l gestures to him.]

Whatever you'd like. My treat.

[canavarum]

And that is precisely why Thedas and here are very much different in every other respect. In a world where everyone wields a permanent blade, the danger is not nearly so imminent. But in Thedas where the innocent fall prey to those who hold an unfair advantage... when those in power hold the ability to control your every movement... confinement is necessary. At the very least, some sort of check.

[................RE-L WHY DID YOU ASK.]

I--

[He squints at the menu. He recognizes letters, some words. But he doesn't feel too confident to stray from his usual.]

A glass of wine, if that is possible. A decent year.

[awakenings]

But you're talking about imprisonment for crimes they haven't necessarily committed. We do that in my home, too, with people who speak out against the norm. It doesn't make it right. Being vigilant, being watchful... Those are things that can be done. But outright confinement seems extreme.

[YOU HAVE TO ORDER OFF OF THE MENU ANYWAY, BUDDY. Re-l glances at him, then up at the woman.]

Just bring the bottle out and two glasses. We'll go through it, trust me.

[When the waitress leaves, she's careful not to give him any sort of look that may belie her thoughts.]

Do you know what you want to eat?

[canavarum]

Thank you. You know me far too well already, it seems.

[A subtle smirk - he doesn't often go overboard with his wine, but when he does. He really does. And lately it seems as if he's drinking more and more often.

He peers down at the menu. It takes a bit of staring and mentally sounding out the letters, but he's found something simple enough for his, well, simple tastes.]

I believe I've found something suitable, yes.

[He sets the menu down and leans back in his chair, shifting.]

You have not lived in Thedas. It is unlike here- unlike anywhere, I imagine. We are not so advanced. Magic is far too great a weapon, and leaving it unchecked would lead only to our end.

[awakenings]

I'm a drinker, myself. I usually prefer something stronger or bitter but I've found wine enjoyable too.

[It's just more of a rich person's drink back home, something she likes to separate herself from, even if she has the money to throw around here.]

But is imprisonment necessary? Why not give them a place to live where they can be monitored but still allowed freedom and rights?

[canavarum]

Is it truly imprisonment? They are not being forced to do anything they do not wish to save for whatever guidelines against magic use that may be in place. They learn, they are free to wander the perimeters. What oppression are they experiencing?

[Fenris = forever a skewed view on oppression.]

[awakenings]

You tell me. Were you in their place, would you believe your circumstances to be fair? Wouldn't you want to be able to be free to live your own life on your own terms? Are they allowed to marry or have children in this tower? Can they see their families when they'd like?

[canavarum]

Magic is a terrifying force, Re-l. A mage who cannot control it can easily harm others - or worse, succumb to blood magic. It is not something I've seen here, fortunately, but it is a possibility in Thedas nonetheless.

[His head hangs as he glares down at his napkin]

While in the mage's body several months before, I felt firsthand the incredible amount of power these people possess. I wanted nothing more than to hide myself.