Erik Lehnsherr ○ Magneto (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
heavymetals) wrote2023-11-01 12:00 am
heavymetals) wrote2023-11-01 12:00 am
( abraxas ) inbox
erik lehnsherr — magneto
text — action
info post
erik lehnsherr — magneto
text — action
info post
[gardsbruk farm in the primary settlement was wanda's first home, here in abraxas. deciding to move was something that had come with time, but with the oldest gardsbruk sibling getting married it only felt like it was the necessary course of action. they are good folk, though, happy to host the summoned whenever they stop by for things other than helping around.
wanda's talking with maeve, the younger sister, and tiril, the wife, by the front of the farmhouse, catching up with them while she waits for erik to arrive. the ladies bid her goodbye as they set off back to their business, wanda turning to the older man and meeting him down the path when he approaches.
it is a quiet procession further down the path, into the field proper, walking past goats and chickens, when they reach the place she had been aiming for.]
I used to live in this farm, [she explains, motioning for erik to take a seat wherever he wants] and no one usually makes it this far.
[only the rustle of the trees and the bleating goats nearby are their companions. wanda takes a seat across from him, hands pressed together, resting on her lap, shoulders and back straight.]
Reaching the Horizon is not a painful experience, but... have you heard about what happens when you first enter it?
wanda's talking with maeve, the younger sister, and tiril, the wife, by the front of the farmhouse, catching up with them while she waits for erik to arrive. the ladies bid her goodbye as they set off back to their business, wanda turning to the older man and meeting him down the path when he approaches.
it is a quiet procession further down the path, into the field proper, walking past goats and chickens, when they reach the place she had been aiming for.]
I used to live in this farm, [she explains, motioning for erik to take a seat wherever he wants] and no one usually makes it this far.
[only the rustle of the trees and the bleating goats nearby are their companions. wanda takes a seat across from him, hands pressed together, resting on her lap, shoulders and back straight.]
Reaching the Horizon is not a painful experience, but... have you heard about what happens when you first enter it?
Edited 2023-10-08 15:41 (UTC)
[ Erik had noticed the farm before, but it's the first time he's come to visit. He's been considering his options, knows he needs to start helping out while he's here, and it's not like physical labor would be new to him.
He's not here for that today, but it's an opportunity to see the place up close for the first time. There's a quiet greeting as Wanda meets him on the path, then he follows after her, watching the surroundings until they reach the little nook she takes him to. ]
It's peaceful.
[ Everything seems to be, here. But he means this spot in particular, like a safe haven even more secluded and isolated from everything else.
He takes a seat, fingers threaded together, shifted just enough that he can face her. ]
I know about the memory loss, if that's what you mean. [ There is a reason why he asked her, of all people. He hasn't gotten to a place where he trusts anyone here, but if he had to choose... well. ] How does it work, exactly? Will I really forget everything?
He's not here for that today, but it's an opportunity to see the place up close for the first time. There's a quiet greeting as Wanda meets him on the path, then he follows after her, watching the surroundings until they reach the little nook she takes him to. ]
It's peaceful.
[ Everything seems to be, here. But he means this spot in particular, like a safe haven even more secluded and isolated from everything else.
He takes a seat, fingers threaded together, shifted just enough that he can face her. ]
I know about the memory loss, if that's what you mean. [ There is a reason why he asked her, of all people. He hasn't gotten to a place where he trusts anyone here, but if he had to choose... well. ] How does it work, exactly? Will I really forget everything?
[wanda likes this specific spot. it her time here, months ago, they built this spot with the permission of the twins that run the farm. it's little projects like this that allowed them to make the most of their time, to add to the commune and feel part of it.
at least that's how wanda feels.
however, the situation at hand is about reaching the horizon.]
You will forget everything about yourself except for your name and the arcana you've been given when summoned. You will remember things of your world and about Abraxas, but not about your place and role in either of them. [she's quiet, pausing, to let him consider this further.] It is likely that your past experiences and memories, good and bad, will influence how the place is first shaped.
[it can be quite a jarring experience, and she doesn't know erik enough to know what baggage he carries.]
—in any case, it's like meditating. I'll hold onto you, you'll take a deep breath, and you have to let your mind wander. I'll guide you in — and then you'll be in the Horizon.
No matter what happens, though, I'll be there with you to drag you out.
at least that's how wanda feels.
however, the situation at hand is about reaching the horizon.]
You will forget everything about yourself except for your name and the arcana you've been given when summoned. You will remember things of your world and about Abraxas, but not about your place and role in either of them. [she's quiet, pausing, to let him consider this further.] It is likely that your past experiences and memories, good and bad, will influence how the place is first shaped.
[it can be quite a jarring experience, and she doesn't know erik enough to know what baggage he carries.]
—in any case, it's like meditating. I'll hold onto you, you'll take a deep breath, and you have to let your mind wander. I'll guide you in — and then you'll be in the Horizon.
No matter what happens, though, I'll be there with you to drag you out.
Edited 2023-10-08 19:18 (UTC)
[ Erik nods slowly. He can't say he likes the thought of forgetting everything he is, but then again, would anyone? Most of all, he's concerned about how much of himself he might show, how his experiences might bleed through in this process, when he doesn't have the same presence of mind to block them, keep them to himself.
But he has come this far. He wants to go to the Horizon, and he doesn't want to waste any time doing it. He's never been the type of person to back down from anything, and this is no different. ]
Very well. I'm ready. [ Or as ready as can be, in any case. He at least trusts her to bring him back out, when time comes. ]
But he has come this far. He wants to go to the Horizon, and he doesn't want to waste any time doing it. He's never been the type of person to back down from anything, and this is no different. ]
Very well. I'm ready. [ Or as ready as can be, in any case. He at least trusts her to bring him back out, when time comes. ]
[that's unsurprising.]
I always heard Germans were very much about getting to the point. [standing up, she takes the few steps to reach his bench, sitting beside him. turned to face him, she puts a hand to his arm. her eyes meet his.] Like I said, close your eyes and take a deep breath.
[wanda waits for him to do as much]
And let yourself relax. Think of something that makes you feel calm. Some people think of themselves at the beach. [her voice lowers] I like to imagine a field with flowers, dancing in the breeze, the sun hitting my skin.
[and she'll wait for him to ease into the horizon, before joining him herself.]
I always heard Germans were very much about getting to the point. [standing up, she takes the few steps to reach his bench, sitting beside him. turned to face him, she puts a hand to his arm. her eyes meet his.] Like I said, close your eyes and take a deep breath.
[wanda waits for him to do as much]
And let yourself relax. Think of something that makes you feel calm. Some people think of themselves at the beach. [her voice lowers] I like to imagine a field with flowers, dancing in the breeze, the sun hitting my skin.
[and she'll wait for him to ease into the horizon, before joining him herself.]
[ He shoots her an amused look, but doesn't rise to the teasing remark. She kids, but he does appreciate getting to the point. No use wasting time otherwise. They could just talk about it for hours, but that'd just be a sign of hesitation.
Anyway, he'll follow her instructions to the letter. Eyes closing, he takes a deep, calming breath, shoulders easing, heart slowing its pace. It feels a lot like the first time Charles helped him, reaching into his mind, seeking a single happy memory in his past. Wanda isn't doing that, but the sense of calm, finding a balance of quiet and peace, is close enough.
He doesn't think of a beach, or a field. There is a forest, dense and humid, sunlight filtering through impossibly tall trees. He can almost hear the birds in the distance, the greenery rustling with the breeze, smell the early dew in the air. The laugher of a child, too distant for him to truly reach, nothing and no one else around for miles and miles... ]
Anyway, he'll follow her instructions to the letter. Eyes closing, he takes a deep, calming breath, shoulders easing, heart slowing its pace. It feels a lot like the first time Charles helped him, reaching into his mind, seeking a single happy memory in his past. Wanda isn't doing that, but the sense of calm, finding a balance of quiet and peace, is close enough.
He doesn't think of a beach, or a field. There is a forest, dense and humid, sunlight filtering through impossibly tall trees. He can almost hear the birds in the distance, the greenery rustling with the breeze, smell the early dew in the air. The laugher of a child, too distant for him to truly reach, nothing and no one else around for miles and miles... ]
[the horizon unfolds before them. it's a familiar sensation to wanda, one she is accustomed to, and as they enter it, she's still got a hand on his arm. his arcana symbol, the hermit, is emblazoned on his clothes—a simple dark flannel shirt and jeans with a vest atop.]
—hello, Erik.
[he won't remember her, but the world around them starts to take shape, slowly, as he becomes cognizant of the space. walls, building up.]
—hello, Erik.
[he won't remember her, but the world around them starts to take shape, slowly, as he becomes cognizant of the space. walls, building up.]
[ It's a strange first for Erik, all the more so when his memories fade, leaving very little behind. He opens his eyes in the middle of the woods, and turns when he hears his own name, remembering at least that much. ]
... hello?
[ Who is she? Why is she even here? Why is he here? But that is a whole barrage of questions he doesn't go into, instead his attention scattering to the surrounding area, and the simple house that seems to rise from the ground up right in front of them, brick by brick. ]
Where are we...
... hello?
[ Who is she? Why is she even here? Why is he here? But that is a whole barrage of questions he doesn't go into, instead his attention scattering to the surrounding area, and the simple house that seems to rise from the ground up right in front of them, brick by brick. ]
Where are we...
[when he stops looking at her to focus on their surroundings, wanda lets go of his arm. she stays close by, though, and glances about, too, at the house that is being built in the middle of the woods.]
A place you've forgotten, but we're here to visit.
[there's no easy or convenient way to have this conversation when his memories are gone.]
It's a nice house.
[wanda will let him walk through this with minimal interference, see how he handles it.]
A place you've forgotten, but we're here to visit.
[there's no easy or convenient way to have this conversation when his memories are gone.]
It's a nice house.
[wanda will let him walk through this with minimal interference, see how he handles it.]
[ Erik doesn't question it. This feels like a safe place, comforting in a deep, inexplicable way, something that tugs at his heart when his mind is all but a blank. He instinctively knows that he should step inside, so he does, but he finds nothing but an empty room. If there once was furniture here, there is none now, the walls bare, the floor covered in the thinnest layer of dust.
He doesn't say a word. Whatever this is, it hurts, but it pulls him in deeper, and he climbs the stairs to the second floor, down the hallway, a trembling hand reaching for a doorknob. ]
He doesn't say a word. Whatever this is, it hurts, but it pulls him in deeper, and he climbs the stairs to the second floor, down the hallway, a trembling hand reaching for a doorknob. ]
[wanda's alright with the silence.
instead, she lets him lead the way, following a few steps behind him. hands tucked into the pockets of her jeans, it only makes sense that being within the horizon for the first time, those here would want to create and build. erik doesn't seem to focus on the material, leaving the walls bare and the rooms empty, but up the stairs, towards a door—
it feels like he's thought of something inside.
there's giggling inside, the voice of a happy, young girl in a language she doesn't quite recognize. it sounds like she's playing with toys in her room. suddenly—understanding, and wanda reaches forward to put a hand on erik's back.]
It's okay.
[to go in, that is.]
instead, she lets him lead the way, following a few steps behind him. hands tucked into the pockets of her jeans, it only makes sense that being within the horizon for the first time, those here would want to create and build. erik doesn't seem to focus on the material, leaving the walls bare and the rooms empty, but up the stairs, towards a door—
it feels like he's thought of something inside.
there's giggling inside, the voice of a happy, young girl in a language she doesn't quite recognize. it sounds like she's playing with toys in her room. suddenly—understanding, and wanda reaches forward to put a hand on erik's back.]
It's okay.
[to go in, that is.]
[ It doesn't feel like it is okay. He has no idea what lies beyond that door, and yet he's terrified of it, like he knows it's something bad.
He looks to Wanda. Why should he trust her? He doesn't know her. It could very well be a trap, all of this. But why? What's the purpose of it all? What would anyone want from a man who has no idea who he is, or what his place on either reality is?
But the bottom line is, he has to open that door. He won't be able to walk away until he does. So he turns the knob and pushes it open, to reveal a child's room. Here, there are at least a few things. A bed, toys, drawings tacked to the walls. There's a little girl sitting on the ground, back turned to them, speaking in Polish to the little rabbit she's cradling in her lap. ]
Aniołku—
[ The little girl turns her head to look at him, but her features don't seem fixed. There's a constant blur like static, a smile that can't be really seen, and then she turns her attention back to the rabbit, continuing to do the exact same thing she was doing before, over and over again. ]
He looks to Wanda. Why should he trust her? He doesn't know her. It could very well be a trap, all of this. But why? What's the purpose of it all? What would anyone want from a man who has no idea who he is, or what his place on either reality is?
But the bottom line is, he has to open that door. He won't be able to walk away until he does. So he turns the knob and pushes it open, to reveal a child's room. Here, there are at least a few things. A bed, toys, drawings tacked to the walls. There's a little girl sitting on the ground, back turned to them, speaking in Polish to the little rabbit she's cradling in her lap. ]
Aniołku—
[ The little girl turns her head to look at him, but her features don't seem fixed. There's a constant blur like static, a smile that can't be really seen, and then she turns her attention back to the rabbit, continuing to do the exact same thing she was doing before, over and over again. ]
[this is the exact same sentiment any parent who has lost a child can understand.
wanda's hand leaves erik's back as he steps forward, inside the room. there's a little girl there, and his voice sounds like it might just break. wanda doesn't know if the girl's reaction is because of his own memories being locked away due to his visit in the horizon or a general sense of not wanting to touch the open wound.
hopefully erik will forgive her this one thing—but it's not like he'll remember.
using the energy of his memories cast within this room, that of his emotions, she builds upon the child. her face no longer a blue, her smile bright and precious, and her attention more realistic, less robotic. nina sets the rabbit down on the floor and stands up, turning back towards erik.]
Tata!
[a near seamless recreation, as the girl rushes in for a hug, and wanda observes from the doorframe of the room.]
wanda's hand leaves erik's back as he steps forward, inside the room. there's a little girl there, and his voice sounds like it might just break. wanda doesn't know if the girl's reaction is because of his own memories being locked away due to his visit in the horizon or a general sense of not wanting to touch the open wound.
hopefully erik will forgive her this one thing—but it's not like he'll remember.
using the energy of his memories cast within this room, that of his emotions, she builds upon the child. her face no longer a blue, her smile bright and precious, and her attention more realistic, less robotic. nina sets the rabbit down on the floor and stands up, turning back towards erik.]
Tata!
[a near seamless recreation, as the girl rushes in for a hug, and wanda observes from the doorframe of the room.]
[ It's pain that he doesn't understand, pain that he doesn't know where it comes from. Part of him wants to will that girl's face to come into focus, but he can't find the memories, no matter how hard he tries. It's all kept far away from reach.
He should leave, but he can't even think about it. He might as well be rooted to the spot, with how he doesn't seem able to move a muscle. So whatever Wanda's doing in the periphery, he doesn't even notice, let alone tell her not to.
Besides, how could he when she further draws out those memories, when the shadow of that little girl is fleshed out into something tangent and real? Erik still couldn't say how he knows her, all he knows is that she's important, and so incredibly far away.
When she rushes towards him, he reacts on instinct, arms opened, lowering himself to hold her in his arms. He falls to his knees, face buried in her hair, the quietest of sobs slipping past his lips. If he couldn't move before, now he feels like he can't ever leave. This is where he has to be. ]
He should leave, but he can't even think about it. He might as well be rooted to the spot, with how he doesn't seem able to move a muscle. So whatever Wanda's doing in the periphery, he doesn't even notice, let alone tell her not to.
Besides, how could he when she further draws out those memories, when the shadow of that little girl is fleshed out into something tangent and real? Erik still couldn't say how he knows her, all he knows is that she's important, and so incredibly far away.
When she rushes towards him, he reacts on instinct, arms opened, lowering himself to hold her in his arms. He falls to his knees, face buried in her hair, the quietest of sobs slipping past his lips. If he couldn't move before, now he feels like he can't ever leave. This is where he has to be. ]
[it's a sadness that she can understand, but it's not her own to partake in. wanda moves to stand just outside the room, breathing in deep and letting the sounds from within tell her what's going on. nina teases her dad in that childish way kids do, why are you crying, tata?, giggling softly and complaining a little about how his unshaven face tickles her.
wanda's magic unspools enough to allow this moment to stretch out a little longer, of nina introducing erik to her pet rabbit, to them sitting together, with her on his lap, and having a quiet but tender moment together.
when wanda thinks she herself cannot bear with the circumstances, she steps inside the room. the little girl smiles toothily at her, waving, and wanda smiles back.]
We have to go now, Erik.
[wanda offers her hand to him.]
wanda's magic unspools enough to allow this moment to stretch out a little longer, of nina introducing erik to her pet rabbit, to them sitting together, with her on his lap, and having a quiet but tender moment together.
when wanda thinks she herself cannot bear with the circumstances, she steps inside the room. the little girl smiles toothily at her, waving, and wanda smiles back.]
We have to go now, Erik.
[wanda offers her hand to him.]
[ Erik can't tell how long he's there, but it hardly seems to matter. Nothing really seems to matter outside of this room right now, and he's content to just sit there, holding the little girl tightly, his angel.
He's forgotten all about Wanda standing right outside, with how immersed he was in the moment. It nearly startles him when she comes back inside, glancing back when Nina waves at her. It's almost as painful when Wanda says they need to leave, and he wants to fight it, wants to ask why, wants to refuse.
But somewhere deep down, he knows he has to. Knows that this isn't real, it isn't something he can cling to forever, no matter how hard he wants to. It's all but a memory, one he can't even remember to begin with. But he will. If he goes, he can get this back. He just can't go back to it.
He holds Nina in a firm embrace, kisses her, and tells her to go back to playing with her rabbit. I'll be right back, sweetheart, he assures her, and she doesn't seem worried that he won't. That's good enough.
Wiping a hand over his eyes, he gets to his feet and turns to Wanda, taking her hand without further hesitation. ]
He's forgotten all about Wanda standing right outside, with how immersed he was in the moment. It nearly startles him when she comes back inside, glancing back when Nina waves at her. It's almost as painful when Wanda says they need to leave, and he wants to fight it, wants to ask why, wants to refuse.
But somewhere deep down, he knows he has to. Knows that this isn't real, it isn't something he can cling to forever, no matter how hard he wants to. It's all but a memory, one he can't even remember to begin with. But he will. If he goes, he can get this back. He just can't go back to it.
He holds Nina in a firm embrace, kisses her, and tells her to go back to playing with her rabbit. I'll be right back, sweetheart, he assures her, and she doesn't seem worried that he won't. That's good enough.
Wiping a hand over his eyes, he gets to his feet and turns to Wanda, taking her hand without further hesitation. ]
[wanda doesn’t linger in this space of the horizon as soon as erik takes hold of her hand. there’s a vulnerability here that he’s allowed her—inadvertently—to witness; one that she is far too familiar with, as any parent who has lost a child would relate.
they get dragged back into the waking world, like surfacing from the deep end of a pool, taking in a deep breath.
her hand is holding tightly onto erik’s now that they’re back here in this quiet corner of the farm, where the breeze continues to sway the trees around them, where the goats bleat and the chickens cluck, none the wiser to what was lived within the horizon. erik will remember his visit in the horizon—will remember the hold of a daughter that he no longer has.]
I’m sorry. [and so, wanda breaks the silence first, voice small.] My sons were ten when I lost them. It’s not comfort — but I… know.
I know.
[know what it’s like.
she brings her other hand to wrap around erik’s, looking at him with gentle eyes.]
What was her name?
they get dragged back into the waking world, like surfacing from the deep end of a pool, taking in a deep breath.
her hand is holding tightly onto erik’s now that they’re back here in this quiet corner of the farm, where the breeze continues to sway the trees around them, where the goats bleat and the chickens cluck, none the wiser to what was lived within the horizon. erik will remember his visit in the horizon—will remember the hold of a daughter that he no longer has.]
I’m sorry. [and so, wanda breaks the silence first, voice small.] My sons were ten when I lost them. It’s not comfort — but I… know.
I know.
[know what it’s like.
she brings her other hand to wrap around erik’s, looking at him with gentle eyes.]
What was her name?
[ It's a good thing Wanda breaks the silence, because Erik certainly wasn't about to. Coming back isn't physically taxing, but there's a flood of memories that comes along with it, overwhelming him all the more when it comes with what he's just experienced in the Horizon.
His breath catches in his throat, and he holds it in, too afraid that trying to exhale would come with another sob. But tears well in his eyes regardless, and when he shuts them tightly, they run down his cheeks. It's quiet, and he doesn't say anything, listening to her. Wishing that this wasn't yet another horrible experience that they share with each other.
He can't bring himself to let go of her hand just yet, like it's a link to that memory, to the Horizon. The precious, incomparable and unrepeatable chance that he got to be with her again. But she doesn't seem to mind, even adding more to the contact, so he doesn't pull away yet. ]
Nina.
[ Somehow, saying the name is as painful as everything else. He's suddenly aware he hadn't said it out loud once, since he lost her. ]
I'm... sorry, too. About your sons. [ His fingers tighten briefly over hers. ] No parent should live to see their children die.
His breath catches in his throat, and he holds it in, too afraid that trying to exhale would come with another sob. But tears well in his eyes regardless, and when he shuts them tightly, they run down his cheeks. It's quiet, and he doesn't say anything, listening to her. Wishing that this wasn't yet another horrible experience that they share with each other.
He can't bring himself to let go of her hand just yet, like it's a link to that memory, to the Horizon. The precious, incomparable and unrepeatable chance that he got to be with her again. But she doesn't seem to mind, even adding more to the contact, so he doesn't pull away yet. ]
Nina.
[ Somehow, saying the name is as painful as everything else. He's suddenly aware he hadn't said it out loud once, since he lost her. ]
I'm... sorry, too. About your sons. [ His fingers tighten briefly over hers. ] No parent should live to see their children die.
[wanda shakes her head. it's never a pleasant thing to think about, much less to talk about—especially with a relative stranger. wanda only ever feels comfortable talking about her sons with matt, but even that was for the comfort that his company would bring to her. she keeps her gaze lowered.
nina is a good name, but wanda can also feel his pain all too close to the surface.]
We need to stop having these kind of experiences in common.
[—something a bit lighter, for them to anchor themselves to.]
Are you feeling alright? It's common to feel lightheaded after the first visit.
[he can have some time to compose himself, if that's what he needs, too.]
nina is a good name, but wanda can also feel his pain all too close to the surface.]
We need to stop having these kind of experiences in common.
[—something a bit lighter, for them to anchor themselves to.]
Are you feeling alright? It's common to feel lightheaded after the first visit.
[he can have some time to compose himself, if that's what he needs, too.]
[ Erik hasn't really talked about it with anyone, but it seems unfair to not at least answer a simple question, after she witnessed what she did. And after what she did to flesh out that memory too. At least, he is pretty sure she did something; he didn't have the memories or the focus necessary to manage more than a shadow of his daughter.
He lets out a weak chuckle, smiling through the pain. Wiping the tears from his cheeks, again, he shakes his head. ]
I'm alright. [ Well, he isn't. But who would be? ] I think I just— need a moment, that's all.
He lets out a weak chuckle, smiling through the pain. Wiping the tears from his cheeks, again, he shakes his head. ]
I'm alright. [ Well, he isn't. But who would be? ] I think I just— need a moment, that's all.
[wanda nods, understanding.
she motions towards the field that opens up before them, hoping that he takes the invite to get up on his feet and walk about a bit. should he do so, wanda will stay behind, seated, giving him a bit of space. it’s only after a few minutes pass that she’ll get up, walking up towards him again.
it is rough, but wanda can’t imagine herself not being honest about the circumstances around the horizon.]
You’ll be able to go back to the Horizon any time now, [she says, stopping beside him, leaning forward a bit to push her hands into the face of an approaching, friendly goat wanting pats.] but your body will be left defenseless in the waking world. I tend to make my trips there at night, when I can just say I’m asleep.
The Horizon itself is a little crowded now, but you can find a space to create whatever you’d want to be considered as ‘yours’ within it. [she glances up at him, as the goat walks away] There’s about three New York neighborhoods in there, if you’ll believe it. You can visit anyone’s space at any time.
she motions towards the field that opens up before them, hoping that he takes the invite to get up on his feet and walk about a bit. should he do so, wanda will stay behind, seated, giving him a bit of space. it’s only after a few minutes pass that she’ll get up, walking up towards him again.
it is rough, but wanda can’t imagine herself not being honest about the circumstances around the horizon.]
You’ll be able to go back to the Horizon any time now, [she says, stopping beside him, leaning forward a bit to push her hands into the face of an approaching, friendly goat wanting pats.] but your body will be left defenseless in the waking world. I tend to make my trips there at night, when I can just say I’m asleep.
The Horizon itself is a little crowded now, but you can find a space to create whatever you’d want to be considered as ‘yours’ within it. [she glances up at him, as the goat walks away] There’s about three New York neighborhoods in there, if you’ll believe it. You can visit anyone’s space at any time.
[ He takes the invite, if nothing else then because it gives him something to do. Walking helps, the fresh breeze on his face drying his tears quickly, the simple action of walking already easing the thick haze in his head. She was right, he does feel lightheaded. He hadn't even realized.
He looks down as Wanda approaches, silently watching her pet the goat, and listening to her explanation too. Having full control is a definite improvement. However, the rest makes him frown. ]
And anyone could visit mine.
[ So the cottage has to go. Even if he ends up with nothing in its place, he's never going to be alright with strangers just randomly walking around in there. ]
He looks down as Wanda approaches, silently watching her pet the goat, and listening to her explanation too. Having full control is a definite improvement. However, the rest makes him frown. ]
And anyone could visit mine.
[ So the cottage has to go. Even if he ends up with nothing in its place, he's never going to be alright with strangers just randomly walking around in there. ]
[straightening, wanda tilts her head at his rather correct conclusion. it's a neighborhood, in a way, between the summoned, with no locked doors. it is inevitable that someone would step foot into someone else's domain—eat their porridge, use their chairs, sleep on their beds, so to speak.]
It doesn't have to be so easy to reach. [a suggestion, then. they should all be allowed their comforts, their privacy.] Mine is only reachable through an unfriendly forest. It's likelier to get turned around than find the place I have.
[she pulls at her shawl, then, tucking her arms within.]
Design it however you want, but don't remove comforts just because of others. A strong enough will can make a door in the Horizon impossible to open.
It doesn't have to be so easy to reach. [a suggestion, then. they should all be allowed their comforts, their privacy.] Mine is only reachable through an unfriendly forest. It's likelier to get turned around than find the place I have.
[she pulls at her shawl, then, tucking her arms within.]
Design it however you want, but don't remove comforts just because of others. A strong enough will can make a door in the Horizon impossible to open.
[ He ponders on her suggestion for a moment, while giving himself a little longer to process what he's just experienced. The pain is still there, but it subsides, dwindles back into the dull, constant ache he's been carrying all along. Easier to push down, to contain within the limits of his own personal comfort. ]
Maybe so. I'm just not sure that I want to be there, either.
[ Because it wouldn't be a comfort, would it? It would just be torture. As long as he could go back there and be with his little girl, why would heve ever want to leave? ]
This was... incredibly helpful of you, Wanda. Thank you. [ He means that, genuinely so. With a smile, he adds. ] I think I just need some time to process all of this.
Maybe so. I'm just not sure that I want to be there, either.
[ Because it wouldn't be a comfort, would it? It would just be torture. As long as he could go back there and be with his little girl, why would heve ever want to leave? ]
This was... incredibly helpful of you, Wanda. Thank you. [ He means that, genuinely so. With a smile, he adds. ] I think I just need some time to process all of this.
[wanda returns his smile with one of her own, one that's certainly dulled by the knowledge that there was a rooted pain that was exposed just now. it's certainly no comfort, but there is comfort in not being alone.
only in time can such thing be understood.]
Here to help, as they'd say.
[she shrugs lightly.]
You do with it whatever you want, no matter what others say. At least now you'll be privy to communicating through the connection we have with the Singularity. [the brain texts, that is.] You can shut it off if it's too annoying.
[and, abruptly, like she's been negotiating with herself asking this at all,]
—can I treat you to lunch, by the way?
only in time can such thing be understood.]
Here to help, as they'd say.
[she shrugs lightly.]
You do with it whatever you want, no matter what others say. At least now you'll be privy to communicating through the connection we have with the Singularity. [the brain texts, that is.] You can shut it off if it's too annoying.
[and, abruptly, like she's been negotiating with herself asking this at all,]
—can I treat you to lunch, by the way?
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