III. ♔ Video

[oathwalk]

[Time for your scheduled public service announcement. At his console, Richard's arms are folded and his tone level. After talking to Sadie, he has realized that they can't continue with people being ignorant of the situation.]

For those who aren't yet aware, in Sinbrilee, there are marble arches with runes on them. The gateways with runs that seem to glow with a faint light lead to the realm of Dreaming, while the gates to Death have runes oozing a black substance.

Be careful of both. The worlds both shape themselves to the minds of those within. Dreaming can be pleasant, if you are in such a state of mind, but if you are not, it can be cruel. Death is always malicious. If you come to harm in either realm, that injury may prove to be very real. [Hidden in the folds of his sleeves, his hand tightens into a fist.] In at least one case, an injury has been. It's most likely that healing magic won't work there, nor any other abilities to protect you that require Tu Vishan's energy to function.

[Richard unfolds his arms so he can brush his bangs from his eyes.] I'd like to know if anyone has done any research on the gateways themselves or the realms beyond. Given that one seems the home territory of the being we've been brought here to handle, some understanding of how to move in and out of it could be an advantage.

Comments

video;

[oathwalk]

It may be the wisest course [he agrees with a slow nod] yet it feels like a wasted opportunity. As usual, we're working blind even of what risks we may be taking.

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[cmdreffingshepard]

That's true. With the connection between Tu Vishan and this place, who's to say whatever it is won't... somehow end up here?

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[oathwalk]

That's certainly a terrifying possibility. However, we are back to full abilities now. If we're going to take a risk, now may be the best time to do it.

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[cmdreffingshepard]

I doubt I'd be much help with a mission like that - but if someone with more knowledge of that sort of thing wants to give it a shot, I'm happy to play escort.

[A brief pause.]

I'd rather not go back in, though.

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[oathwalk]

[Richard is silent a moment.]

There won't be any need for you to do so. If there are researchers willing to examine it, studying the gateways from the outside is more likely to be informative than searching from within. One experience is, I suspect, enough to know what's inside.

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[cmdreffingshepard]

More than enough, for one lifetime.

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[oathwalk]

[Richard switches the video over to private before frowning in concern.] Commander, are you all right? [It's an obvious 'no' but he'll do the courtesy of asking.] It sounds as if what was in there struck at you hard indeed.

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[cmdreffingshepard]

I'm sure it's no worse than anyone else who's been dealing with it.

[That's right Shepard, shrug it off. Bigger things to worry about.]

video; private 40%

[oathwalk]

That is all the more reason for us to offer each other support in a time like this. [A lot of his commanders have a hard time accepting that they need some help.] There is no immediate problem to be dealt with. Please, allow me at least to bring you a herbal tea I found. It's very like a mix friends used to make for me at home when I needed to rest.

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[cmdreffingshepard]

I appreciate the concern - really. [She hesitates a moment, but honestly, what's the harm in some tea? If one of her crew from back home offered her something like that, she'd take it.]

All right.

video; private 40%

[oathwalk]

[She gets a smile of genuine warmth for that. He worries.] To where should I bring it?

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[cmdreffingshepard]

Earth sector, 2B.

Thanks.

->action?

[oathwalk]

[Richard will come by promptly with tea. That Shep is a decade older than him and clearly more than capable is irrelevant; Richard is programmed to look after the well-being of others, and he feels that the commander is in need of some at least mild looking after.]

actionnnnnn

[cmdreffingshepard]

[It's been a while since anyone's cared enough to ask after her well-being - so she's not about to turn it down from Richard. She's pretty used to being the strong one, the one who takes all the risks, and takes the fall when things go wrong.

It can put a strain on even the toughest person.

She gives him a small smile when she opens the door, waving him in. The place is pretty utilitarian, and even a little empty-looking. Even on the Cerberus-redesigned Normandy, Shepard didn't have nearly this much space.]

[oathwalk]

[Richard smiles back at her, a warm expression as he steps inside. It is certainly more sparse than he likes his living arrangements. Perhaps he should look into getting her some nice flowers for it.]

Hello, Commander. It's good to see you in person again. [He lifts the small bag containing a lot of tea leaves.] If you'd like, I could show you how to prepare it the way Lady Kerri did for me. [Also, an excuse to stay near her a little longer and look after her.]

[cmdreffingshepard]

[She could use a new hamster, actually. She'd probably just kill any plants he gave her, but she misses Commander Squeaky.]

Sure, why not? [She can make her own tea, but she could use some company right now, anyway.]

[oathwalk]

Excellent. [Richard quietly takes over the kitchen area, setting the hot water to boil.

He doesn't want to pry into what is bothering her; it's something he really only feels comfortable pressing his closest friends on. At the same time, he is concerned, and would gladly listen if she would speak to him. So as he readies the tea, he starts to speak a little about himself, wanting to give her a chance to talk if she wishes it.] I've had troubles sleeping peacefully since I was a boy, actually. That is why Lady Kerri—Asbel's mother—sent me tea to help me with sleep. When I was younger, I had a mask I wore when I couldn't sleep, of the kind superheroes wear. [He laughs at himself.] 'Tiger Festival.' It reminded me of the strength and protection of my friends. I have been fortunate enough to have one of those friends by my side here in times of trouble.

[He puts the tea leaves in the strainer before looking over to her.] You know that you, too, are not alone here, I hope.

[cmdreffingshepard]

I - thanks. I know, really.

[And she does, but it's tough not having anyone else here from her world, anyone else who has the same shared experiences and culture as her. But that's not his fault, and it's not really what's bothering her right now, anyway.]

I've always slept best after a fight. When the adrenaline stops, and you crash, and you're sore all over. I've always been able to sleep like the dead after that.

But there haven't been many fights, lately. Just a lot of waiting. Even before I got dumped here.

[oathwalk]

[Richard half-smiles in sympathy.] And even here with Death through the doors, there is no true enemy to pursue. Has the planning and organizing you've been doing helped any with your rest?

[cmdreffingshepard]

No. If anything, it makes it worse. It's tough to turn my thoughts off these days, without a fight to tire me out. I guess I'm too much the soldier.

[oathwalk]

Would a spar be a sufficient substitute? I can offer myself, though my training is in the sword, and doubtless there are others who may be a more suitable match.

[cmdreffingshepard]

I don't have any idea how to use a sword. But a sparring partner might - [She hesitates, inexplicably going a little red as she remembers another conversation about reach and flexibility. Then she shakes her head.]

I should keep in practice, with my hand-to-hand. Maybe I'll ask around.

[oathwalk]

[His head tilts just a little in confusion at that pause, but he brushes past it.] It can do no harm—well, not for your training or your sleep, at any rate.

[cmdreffingshepard]

[She's glad he doesn't seem interested in asking her about the pause, the momentary chink in her armor.] Sleeping's not something I've ever done a lot of, anyway. Figure I'll sleep when I'm dead.

[oathwalk]

[Richard is very big on giving people space and letting them come to opening up on their own time. He laughs a little at that comment.] Considering what we've seen here, I wouldn't be so certain of that.