[o] [SE] longneck, ice cold beer never broke my heart
Iskra Firestorm
 
Woodcutter
Age: 29 | Height: 5'9" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 4
STR: 20 - DEX: 18 - END: 15 - LUCK: 12 - ARC: 56 - INT: - HP: 60 - BASE ROLL: 30
Played by: Blu
Posts: 614 | Total: 3,238
MP: 2395

#15
Iskra
BREATHE IT IN, IT'S JUST SNOW, WE'RE JUST FALLING
WE WON'T ALWAYS FREE FALL BACK TO NOTHING
Laughter would always be his undoing. It was the sound of happiness, of good memories being sealed, a reminder that there was more than just the hardships in life. Like a light cutting through the dark, it was a savior, and he cherished it. It had been a while, he realized grimly, since he had laughed so much and so freely. It was a wonder that you could lose yourself so thoroughly in the labyrinth of self, that the act of being lost was itself enough to shift the walls around and close off the exit. He could scarcely recognize his reflection these days—not the one in mirrors or lakes, rough as that one was to see too—but the one cast from others looking at him. The laughter had long been gone in his company, and he only seemed to notice its absence once it came bubbling back.

Her comment sent him back into a fit, hands forced over his mouth to keep from spraying his drink at her as he'd been hoping his sip would have quelled the cheer into something controlled. He reached for a napkin, ale dripping off his beard and pooling on the table as he fought for breath, her rising blush no help at all. As he wiped up his mess, the giggles subsided to breathy exhales and water in the corners of his eyes. He swiped at them with a finger as he shook his head, exhaling with a "hooooooooooh." Composed, he swirled his drink and met her gaze again, no longer afraid that doing so would send them both back over the edge.

"Well, that is honorable," he commended, his glass tilted towards her for a moment in recognition and applause before he resumed swirling it. "If a bit dull." he then admitted, a rueful smile softening the blow. "I do think hearing about martial problems would be rather tantalizing. Surely you could change some names, some details, and I'd be none the wiser." He lifted a 'brow with a final hope, but would not push on the object further. As fun as some spilled tea was, it did stain, and he wished not to ruin her clothes in such a manner. "Unfortunately, the woods are not very dramatic and interesting. Oh, sure, the woodpeckers are corrupt and the squirrels are embroiled in turf wars, but that's nothing new." He grinned.
I'M JUST STARTING TO LEARN
I'VE ALWAYS BEEN CHASING GHOSTS
Elizabeth Fraiser
 
Therapist
Age: 25 | Height: 5'5" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 5
STR: 14 - DEX: 18 - END: 17 - LUCK: 23 - ARC: 63 - INT: - HP: 85 - BASE ROLL: 41
Played by: Dew
Posts: 543 | Total: 4,653
MP: 525

#16
Elizabeth

Iskra's reaction did nothing to help her embarrassment, covering her face with both hands to feel the heat that rose higher with each laugh. She might have preferred he spray his drink just so she'd have a reason to excuse herself - so she might mop up a bit of her composure, maybe salvage a bit of pride. Her usual care with words had apparently abandoned her, and Elizabeth regretted having made a fool of herself in such a short time. She wasn't the kind of woman who flirted after just meeting someone - even if she did find their laugh infectious - and she'd hate to give him that impression.

At least Iskra didn't comment on it, letting her suffer until the moment had started to ease, when she finally had the strength to look at him again without laughing (or blushing too much). Without a drink to lift in return, Elizabeth nodded her head. She might have thanked him before he was adding the caveat, making her laugh again. It was a chuckle that slid into a teasing hum. "Hmm... I would, but you never know when fate decides to cause chaos." She didn't necessarily believe in superstitions, but with her luck, he would end up running into one of the people in question, especially considering how small Caido actually was. 

Leaning forward against the table again, she gave him a playful smile, finally relaxing back into the conversation. It might help that she found his joke more than a little amusing, her laughter warming the space between them. "I'd be more than happy to have a group therapy session with your coworkers. It sounds like they have a lot going on." There was a twinkle in her eyes as she thought about holding a session of various woodland creatures. She'd probably have to call an Attuned to translate, or mediate depending on how things went. 

Worried that he might think her boring, Elizabeth rambled on a little. "When I'm not meeting with clients though, I sometimes get caught up in my own chaos." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she paused. "Most recently, I ended up fighting a giant viper in the desert."
Dive into the sea of thought,
and find there pearls beyond price.
Iskra Firestorm
 
Woodcutter
Age: 29 | Height: 5'9" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 4
STR: 20 - DEX: 18 - END: 15 - LUCK: 12 - ARC: 56 - INT: - HP: 60 - BASE ROLL: 30
Played by: Blu
Posts: 614 | Total: 3,238
MP: 2395

#17
Iskra
BREATHE IT IN, IT'S JUST SNOW, WE'RE JUST FALLING
WE WON'T ALWAYS FREE FALL BACK TO NOTHING
He studied her for a moment. His motions stilled, and his smile vanished, serious as his gaze narrowed. After a few moments, his stoicism cracked, a toothy grin revealed with a laugh as he wagged an accusing finger at the space between them. "Ahhh, I couldn't tell if you were joking or not at first, and I started to wonder what to do when the therapist needs a therapist." A joke set with a theatrical flourish of false seriousness, one that had sputtered out rapidly under the humor that cracked his actor's facade. If he was ever meant for the stage, it was surely as nothing more than some opening act of a jestor, not the leading act sweeping through a broad range of emotions with expert finesse.

He paused again though, in actuality this time, hanging onto her next words as she spoke about her own chaos. He subconsciously leaned forward, eager to hear the words she readied on her tongue as she tucked her hair behind her ear. Surprise stole across his face at her admission, "What!?" His hands gripped the table, as if seeking extra support as Iskra gaped. "A giant viper? Whatever did you do to end up in that situation? How big?" He did not think her incapable. Most residents of Caido had a trick or a dagger tucked up their sleeve, and the wilds were not kind. However the scene was a bit at odds with the woman who needed her fireplace well stocked to stay warm, and who helped people navigate their bullshit.
I'M JUST STARTING TO LEARN
I'VE ALWAYS BEEN CHASING GHOSTS
Elizabeth Fraiser
 
Therapist
Age: 25 | Height: 5'5" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 5
STR: 14 - DEX: 18 - END: 17 - LUCK: 23 - ARC: 63 - INT: - HP: 85 - BASE ROLL: 41
Played by: Dew
Posts: 543 | Total: 4,653
MP: 525

#18
Elizabeth

Her laughter was light and warm, not a hint of nerves lingering in the fuzzy edge of alcohol. Elizabeth rested her head on her clasped hands, a beaming smile on her lips that she hoped might banish all uncertainties. "You'll know when I'm being serious." Her tone was almost a giggle, girlish and sweet. It wasn't a threat, but a playful jibe to reassure him that she hadn't been serious at any point thus far. As for when a 'therapist needs a therapist,' she gave him a cheeky grin at the stupid joke that passed her lips. "I've heard that talking in a mirror helps."

She stayed leaned in as he joined her, feeling very much like they were the only ones in the room, sharing goofy jokes and dramatic stories that made him pepper her with questions. Elizabeth laughed at his shocked expression, still barely believing it herself. Tilting her head, she began the 'harrowing' tale. "Well, I'd been out to study the Vernal Viper. You might have heard stories about it causing some issues with some of the Hak Etme locals a few months ago. I wanted to know more about its motives - why it chose to attack people, how it did so, how it interacted with the other wildlife, et cetera." Call her crazy, but she'd been curious

"It turned out to be much bigger than I'd expected - probably almost ten feet? - and a few other people had come to hunt it. The viper attacked before I had a chance to do much studying, so I got unwillingly pulled into the fight." After all, she couldn't just leave people to end up injured, and she thought she might be able to give them a better chance at survival. Shrugging her shoulders, she continued, "There was a lot of pollen, fire, shadows, and lightning, but we managed to take it out. I even got some scales for my troubles." Her brown eyes scanned Iskra to see whether he would believe her, a glimmer of amusement flashing through their depths.
Dive into the sea of thought,
and find there pearls beyond price.
Iskra Firestorm
 
Woodcutter
Age: 29 | Height: 5'9" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 4
STR: 20 - DEX: 18 - END: 15 - LUCK: 12 - ARC: 56 - INT: - HP: 60 - BASE ROLL: 30
Played by: Blu
Posts: 614 | Total: 3,238
MP: 2395

#19
Iskra
BREATHE IT IN, IT'S JUST SNOW, WE'RE JUST FALLING
WE WON'T ALWAYS FREE FALL BACK TO NOTHING
As their laughter and jibes trickled down into more serious talk, reminiscent of telling ghost stories around a campfire, Iskra found her no less delightful than before. It was no surprise, given her career, that she was such an apt speaker. Storytelling was its own artform, and Iskra found himself easily swept up into her tale, nodding along as she spoke.

When she finished, he gave a drawn out "Woooooo!" before tapping the table. "C'mon, let's see it then, the scale." He wasn't sure if she had it on her now, but he hoped she did. Then, as if recounting some of it, he shook his head as he asked, "you wanted to study it? Aren't they mindless beasts hell bent on their next meal?" he asked, trying to wrap his head around what she would have learned. As much as Iskra appreciated the woods and held affection for Goose, he had a healthy respect for most wildlife, albeit not much understanding. As long as they kept their distance, he kept his, and that had worked for long enough.
I'M JUST STARTING TO LEARN
I'VE ALWAYS BEEN CHASING GHOSTS
Elizabeth Fraiser
 
Therapist
Age: 25 | Height: 5'5" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 5
STR: 14 - DEX: 18 - END: 17 - LUCK: 23 - ARC: 63 - INT: - HP: 85 - BASE ROLL: 41
Played by: Dew
Posts: 543 | Total: 4,653
MP: 525

#20
Elizabeth

His enthusiasm was flattering, and Elizabeth couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.  "I don't have it on me," her head shook with laughter before giving him a playful smile, "but I'll show you next time we're both in Halo." A subtle promise to meet again, even if not in a session. After all, she had really enjoyed their conversation thus far, the interesting topics and easy flow making it hard not to relax. 

The questions made her laugh again, warm and full of passion. She smiled, leaning farther forward as she dove into her mental analysis. "Not the way I see it. Most animals have the primal desires - food, water, safety, sex - but there's also the more 'intelligent' motivators - curiosity, companionship, amusement." It was obviously something she'd spent years studying, comparing, and explaining. "For example, Goose stays with you even though he may want to go find food, willing to put aside a 'primal' desire to stay with you, his friend. There are other animals that will play with prey for the fun of it, because they find it exciting or funny. None of these meet the basic needs. That's why I find them so fascinating." Her brown eyes glowed in the low light, their depths turning to the color of crisp fall leaves as she continued sharing her interest. "Animals may not be as complicated as humans but sometimes studying them helps me understand people better." Hence the people watching, notebooks, and constant curiosity. 

Her mouth opened to say more when she realized that she'd been talking a lot. Another light blush splattered across her cheeks, a sheepish smile making her laugh. "Sorry. I didn't mean to ramble." She wondered if it was the alcohol still humming in her veins or the company that sent her into an educational lesson on psychology and the thought process of animals. Whatever it was, she doubted he found the topic as interesting as she did, hating the idea that she might be boring him.
Dive into the sea of thought,
and find there pearls beyond price.
Iskra Firestorm
 
Woodcutter
Age: 29 | Height: 5'9" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 4
STR: 20 - DEX: 18 - END: 15 - LUCK: 12 - ARC: 56 - INT: - HP: 60 - BASE ROLL: 30
Played by: Blu
Posts: 614 | Total: 3,238
MP: 2395

#21
Iskra
BREATHE IT IN, IT'S JUST SNOW, WE'RE JUST FALLING
WE WON'T ALWAYS FREE FALL BACK TO NOTHING
"Damn," he snapped his fingers with the word, a streak of disappointment there before it dissolved as she laughed. The sound wrapped delightfully around his head, falling in place alongside the warm hum of liquor. "I'll hold you to that," he fired back, grinning so wide his eyes echoed it. Having a friend of his own in town was a great addition to his social circle, which thus far had comprised mainly of Goose and Deimos when at Halo, and neither had too much to say.

He could see her settle down for another story, of sorts, so he leaned back in on his elbows, tracing each word as it parted her lips. She spoke clearly, and he could see the beat of her knowledge in the choice way she selected certain words. More than that though, an excitement entered her voice, a different kind than had been there in the retelling of her story. This was her, fascinated and fastidious, detailed and devoted. It was nice to see someone so, alive.

Having slumped back down to doze as they had chatted, Goose perked up at his name. He shuffled back to a sit, huffing softly to get their attention as he yawned. "Yeah, but Goose is a lot smarter than a viper," Iskra argued, not at all bored by her fascinating explanations and the implications of them. Hardly studious, he was not opposed to learning, or at least, standing up for Goose. "Nonononono," Iskra interjected as she caught herself, embarrassment blooming. He'd hate for her to feel that way on his behalf, especially when he wasn't bothered in the slightest. He reached over the table, gesturing with his words, animated with the dismay of robbing her of any of her joy. "Don't stop, I know you had more to say, let's hear it!"
I'M JUST STARTING TO LEARN
I'VE ALWAYS BEEN CHASING GHOSTS
Elizabeth Fraiser
 
Therapist
Age: 25 | Height: 5'5" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 5
STR: 14 - DEX: 18 - END: 17 - LUCK: 23 - ARC: 63 - INT: - HP: 85 - BASE ROLL: 41
Played by: Dew
Posts: 543 | Total: 4,653
MP: 525

#22
Elizabeth

Smiling at the dog, she gave him a warm smile and another scratch behind the ears. "I would never imply otherwise." Mainly because canines were one of the more intelligent species, but also because they often had more of a tendency to interact with humans, making it easier to observe their loyalty and depth of reasoning. 

Iskra's vehement rejection of her apology softened the embarrassment, her passion shining through again in the lean of her body. She still raised her hand to caution him, a playful lilt to her words. "Fine, but please interrupt if I'm starting to bore you. I swear I've put some of my books to sleep." Her laughter was soft in its truth, having been told by her parents that she had a tendency to overexplain to the point of exhaustion. She'd certainly put them to sleep plenty of times. 

However, with Iskra's encouragement, she let out a gentle hum, resuming her train of thought. "Well, humans - just like animals - have a 'hierarchy of needs' that determine what priorities they may possess. In animals, it's hard to see how high it goes, but for humans there are five tiers: physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. If the bottom isn't met, we can't focus on the tier above." Her hands came up, moving through the air like there was an invisible pyramid before their eyes. "For example, someone can't focus on developing a deeper relationship with a friend if they're starving, because their physiological needs aren't being met. Or someone who doesn't have a job can't work on self-reflection or building confidence because they won't see a reason if they can't support themself." She paused, taking a moment to gather her thoughts and recall the whole reason she'd gotten on this particular tangent. 

Right. Studying animals. 

Lowering her hands to the table, Elizabeth tilted her head, the buzz of alcohol keeping her from apologizing again as she tied it back to the beginning. It helped that her heart swelled with the topic, knowledge and experience rushing forth. "It's similar with animals. A feral cat won't befriend someone because they don't feel safe, their physiological needs aren't yet met; however, once they are, a cat can start to feel secure then they can move on to developing a relationship with humans. That's why studying them can help us better understand ourselves."

It felt like she'd been talking forever, all the flows of ideas twisting in a blur of notes and references. She wondered if Iskra felt the same in the flood of information, a disbelieving laugh breathy between them. "Does that make sense?" Her eyes found his, curious as to whether she'd lost him yet - whether he'd regretted his decision to join her table yet.
Dive into the sea of thought,
and find there pearls beyond price.
Iskra Firestorm
 
Woodcutter
Age: 29 | Height: 5'9" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 4
STR: 20 - DEX: 18 - END: 15 - LUCK: 12 - ARC: 56 - INT: - HP: 60 - BASE ROLL: 30
Played by: Blu
Posts: 614 | Total: 3,238
MP: 2395

#23
Iskra
BREATHE IT IN, IT'S JUST SNOW, WE'RE JUST FALLING
WE WON'T ALWAYS FREE FALL BACK TO NOTHING
He chuckled, playfulness glinting in his eye. "I seriously doubt that. But, honest, I will." He'd do no such thing. In part because he doubted there'd be a need, but also because he didn't think he could do it in any way that wouldn't make him feel like an ass. Especially not when she spoke like that—like the world made sense if you tilted your head just the right way.

He stayed quiet as she talked, propped up on one elbow, chin in hand, gaze fixed on her like it might help him soak up her words better. There was a warmth in the way she explained things, and genuine excitement that made it impossible not to smile along. Every once in a while he gave a nod or a soft noise of encouragement, but mostly he just watched. Listened. Not just to her words, but the way she spoke. Like she was sorting the world gently into place with both hands. When she finally paused, when her eyes found his, he didn’t look away.

"That's probably one of the most interesting things I've ever heard." he had stayed quiet to give her room to talk, and she had shined. "You are infinitely smarter than I am," his grin quirked, crooked and easy, but something more earnest flickered underneath. "I’ve spent most of my life just figuring out how to move around the world, not understand it. I didn't stop to think about the why's, I just learned the how's, and survived." His pyramid had collapsed above the layers of love and esteem, and it felt like the rubble had buried him. He was slowly crawling out though, and he had some people helping clear the rocks for him, letting him breathe again. Goose had been one of them.

"You should write a book," he said, suddenly and with certainty, like the thought had just tumbled out of him. His gaze flicked toward the notebook she’d had earlier, brows lifted. "Is that what you’re doing? Or is that just the rough draft of your future bestseller?"
I'M JUST STARTING TO LEARN
I'VE ALWAYS BEEN CHASING GHOSTS
Elizabeth Fraiser
 
Therapist
Age: 25 | Height: 5'5" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 5
STR: 14 - DEX: 18 - END: 17 - LUCK: 23 - ARC: 63 - INT: - HP: 85 - BASE ROLL: 41
Played by: Dew
Posts: 543 | Total: 4,653
MP: 525

#24
Elizabeth

His words brought another soft blush to her cheeks that she disguised with a hand on her lips and a disbelieving laugh, its sound coiling gently between them like a gust of warm air. "I highly doubt that." Whether that was her saying 'the most interesting thing' he'd ever heard, or that she was smarter than Iskra, Elizabeth didn't believe either - even if there was an extremely flattered smile on her face. Especially as he shared some of his own view of the world, the experience that had left him prioritizing safety over the actions and motives of the world. It made her all the more grateful for her spoiled upbringing, the one that gave her the space to investigate and be curious of the world from the protective embrace of her parents. 

Tilting her head to meet his eyes with a soothing look, Elizabeth said, "It sounds like you could use some security to give you a chance to think about the bigger workings of the world." Perhaps it was forward in a 'therapist' sort of way, but it was hard to keep the hat from her head when the alcohol still gave her an extra dose of boldness. Even more so as she said gently, "I could help with that." She meant in 'sessions' and 'therapy,' but she wouldn't withhold assistance in other areas if Iskra asked. 

The questions made her laugh again, bright with remnants of their earlier hysterics. "Oh no no. It would be extremely dull, and I prefer to read rather than write. This is mainly for notes or observations." If only to prove as much, she opened the notebook to a random page, pushing it across the table so that he could see it was covered in an elegant script about her recent assessment of a fascinating bout of negotiations in the market. There were assumptions and theories about why the woman had been so set on the particular set of mittens, and why the man might have been so firm on the price, some nonverbal display of body language resulting in a mutual respect and understanding that allowed them to come to an agreement despite nearly fifteen minutes of arguing. 

To most people, the interaction would be mundane and something unworthy of attention; but to Elizabeth, there was so much more to every nuanced piece of communication, and her eyes glowed in the soft brown lighting of the bar. As if it was the most common thing, she shrugged her shoulders in explanation. "I like to people watch." Although the way she leaned forward against the table implied that she'd only really been watching one person tonight, her attentions undivided since he'd sat down.
Dive into the sea of thought,
and find there pearls beyond price.
Iskra Firestorm
 
Woodcutter
Age: 29 | Height: 5'9" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 4
STR: 20 - DEX: 18 - END: 15 - LUCK: 12 - ARC: 56 - INT: - HP: 60 - BASE ROLL: 30
Played by: Blu
Posts: 614 | Total: 3,238
MP: 2395

#25
Iskra
BREATHE IT IN, IT'S JUST SNOW, WE'RE JUST FALLING
WE WON'T ALWAYS FREE FALL BACK TO NOTHING
It was easy to be around her, he realized as they both were smiling again. Her cheer was quick to rise, perhaps guided along by the drink in her hand, but he suspected she had a deep affection for life that made her charm so quick to settle. As for himself, Iskra's one drink hadn't been enough to stir more than a mild hum, too accustomed to more, too used to chasing a numbness by abusing the drink's warmth each night. He'd tried to slow it down, ever since those days in the Greatwood, when Sunjata and Mel each pulled a few rocks free from around him. As for life? He'd found it charming, once, but that had been a while ago. Maybe it'd return again, once he was fully out of the wreckage he'd used like bed all this time. Little by little, he was starting to glow again.

She was helping too.

Her laughter, her words, they inspired him. He never wanted her to stop, because she made it all better just by being a part of it. Whether she knew it or not, she was pulling some rocks free too.

"Hey," he said with a sudden sharpness, but there was still a playful gleam to his gaze, at odds with his tone. Then he pointed a finger towards her, tutting disapprovingly. "Much as I'd love to hear you tell me all the things I need, I'm not letting you work tonight." He offered her a lopsided grin, to keep the delivery soft and kind. He did wonder how often she slipped into it though, the analyzing, the structuring of the broken around her. He couldn't imaging walking past a tree and feeling an itching need to hack away at it, but then she had a passion he knew he couldn't match for the work. He liked his job, but he was pretty certain she loved hers. She was healthy enough to set her own boundaries, without his help, and seemed to pull herself in as he cut across her. "I mean," he tried again, inhaling audibly. "I'd love to talk more with you, about that, another night." They both agreed, he was certain, although the more he was getting to know her, admittedly the harder it'd be to want to share those darker, twisted places of himself. If she knew him, all of him, would she distance herself? He wouldn't blame her, might save her the trouble and do it himself.

The moment faded, his attention turned instead to her notebook as she offered it. He pushed his nearly empty beer to the side and pulled the notes towards him. He was quiet for a moment, eyes darting back and forth across the page as he read, absorbed by the detail she put into the exchange between the merchant and customer. He didn't think he'd have noticed even half of these small tells. He glanced up at her after what felt like far too long, his eyes moving more than his head as they flicked to hers. "This is incredible." There was excitement in his voice, appreciation for something he had never once thought to admire until now. "You notice everything." It was enough to make the back of his head prickle, a bit worried at what various clues he'd dropped for her that were undesired by him. She was terrifying, in a way, but he didn't have it in him to truly be scared of her, just awed by that power.

For all of her abilities to notice the finer details, Iskra lack them, unless it was the grain of wood. The small moments of alcohol-induced flirtation she'd granted him had not been well appraised by him, and any he'd returned in kind had been unintended. He was just happy to get to know her, to discover this new world through her eyes.

"Alright, what book do you recommend I read then?" he asked, reluctantly sliding her notebook back towards her.
I'M JUST STARTING TO LEARN
I'VE ALWAYS BEEN CHASING GHOSTS
Elizabeth Fraiser
 
Therapist
Age: 25 | Height: 5'5" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 5
STR: 14 - DEX: 18 - END: 17 - LUCK: 23 - ARC: 63 - INT: - HP: 85 - BASE ROLL: 41
Played by: Dew
Posts: 543 | Total: 4,653
MP: 525

#26
Elizabeth

It was hard not to laugh when Iskra called her out, caught red handed with her therapist hat hovering just over her brown waves. She pointed a hand at him in return, amusement painted on every inch of her face. "You're the one who suggested 'brooding' as the first action of the night." Her own tone was teasing in its playfulness without an ounce of accusation, not bothered by whatever had prompted him to suggest such a melancholy activity. Although if he ever wanted to share that with her someday, he would find a resounding lack of judgement in the warm embrace of validation and acceptance. 

With her notebook in his hands, Elizabeth watched his expression, wondering what he might think of her strange view of the world. At first, she didn't really care, tilting her head in curiosity as his eyes scanned the page; but as each silent second passed, she began to think that it might have been a little much, half-expecting him to get up and leave in light of her insanity. She was just beginning to sooth her own worries in preparation for his reaction when his gaze flicked to hers, the depth of his appreciation making her tight breath release, a surprised blush accentuating her soft laughter. Her heart fluttered against the reassurance of her passions, full of confirmation in her abilities. 

Despite the mead that was starting to slowly retreat from her system, the laughter had been enough of an inebriating factor to keep her from slipping into her usual realm of analytics, and Elizabeth didn't notice any fear in Iskra's expression. "I wouldn't say 'everything', but I've spent a lot of time learning about people. There's nothing more fascinating that relationships and the human mind." The smile on her face was certain and content in the awareness of herself and her purpose in life, having been one of the lucky few who'd known from a young age. 

Elizabeth didn't immediately reach for the notebook, not in a rush to guard or protect the contents of her mind after his many compliments. Instead, she tapped a light finger against her lips, thinking. "I guess that depends on what kind of topics interest you. Do you want to learn something new? Learn more about something you enjoy? Escape the world?" She'd read them all, choosing to rotate between genres depending on her mood and current interests, although cozy romances were her personal favorite for multiple reasons, especially when she was curled up next to the fireplace at night with a steaming mug of tea. Something told her that Iskra wasn't the 'sappy cliche romance' kind of reader.
Dive into the sea of thought,
and find there pearls beyond price.
Iskra Firestorm
 
Woodcutter
Age: 29 | Height: 5'9" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 4
STR: 20 - DEX: 18 - END: 15 - LUCK: 12 - ARC: 56 - INT: - HP: 60 - BASE ROLL: 30
Played by: Blu
Posts: 614 | Total: 3,238
MP: 2395

#27
Iskra
BREATHE IT IN, IT'S JUST SNOW, WE'RE JUST FALLING
WE WON'T ALWAYS FREE FALL BACK TO NOTHING
She was self-assured in a way that Iskra could never understand. It was something delightful to witness though, the ease in which she spoke and shared, confidence brimming behind each of them. It gave her a sort of gravitational pull, as if she were a small sun, bright and worth following.

His fingers skimmed over the book, leaving it there, as his hands retreated back towards his side. Goose seemed to catch sight of them and wandered back over to Iskra's side of the table, a snout rooting under his hand for pets. Iskra glanced down at the dog, his friend, and smiled warmly. He set a free hand to stroking the soft, silky fur, thumb rubbing against the grooves of the ear. Goose melted beside him, head too heavy to keep above the seat any longer.

"Well," Iskra considered for a moment, "I guess a book like everything you just talked about, since you haven't written one yet. What are ones you've read that helped you learn and understand those things?" Although, something told him they wouldn't be nearly as captivating as she was. "Or, anything that you like. What's your favorite book?" He didn't have many hobbies aside from working and drinking, and as he's shuffled off the dust of his collapsed pyramid, he'd begun to think perhaps he should invest in more.
I'M JUST STARTING TO LEARN
I'VE ALWAYS BEEN CHASING GHOSTS
Elizabeth Fraiser
 
Therapist
Age: 25 | Height: 5'5" | Race: Abandoned | Citizenship: Halo | Level: 5
STR: 14 - DEX: 18 - END: 17 - LUCK: 23 - ARC: 63 - INT: - HP: 85 - BASE ROLL: 41
Played by: Dew
Posts: 543 | Total: 4,653
MP: 525

#28
Elizabeth

Her eyes followed Goose as he chose to return to Iskra amidst their conversation. She couldn't say she blamed him when the man looked at him with such warmth, like the dog was the only thing he needed in the world, a soft sweetness that spoke of years spent in each other's company to the point of complete and total understanding. It was like something out of a novel, a kinship that could rarely be rivaled in the real world; yet it was right before her eyes, living and breathing, connecting man and dog. 

For a moment, Elizabeth felt extremely lonely, wondering if she might ever feel something similar. Perhaps not with a person (although she wouldn't complain), but with a companion of her own, one who might love her unconditionally. It settled against her heart like a soft ache that she chose to investigate at a later point in time. For now, she gave Iskra a warm smile. 

"I have a few books on human theory that I read when I was younger. You're free to borrow them any time, although they might turn out to be more sedative than you expect." She laughed lightly, picturing how he might end up using it as an uncomfortable pillow rather than a reading instrument. Either way, it was very different from what she would consider her favorite book. 

Tucking the same strand behind her ear again, she smiled softly. "'The Prince Groom.'" Some might consider it 'girly' or 'childish' in the way most fairytales were, but she would strongly disagree with that assessment. "I don't know if it would necessarily be something you'd like. It has a lot of romance and silly nonsense characters, but it's really fun to find the deeper meanings behind it all while enjoying a light-hearted love story." She'd spent countless hours rereading the book, catching new nuances that explained the relationships or the complexity of each character's backstory and how it impacted their development.
Dive into the sea of thought,
and find there pearls beyond price.

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