Schön W. Freund (
u_can_have_it_4_a_song) wrote2015-12-29 03:48 pm
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Ephemeral Truths [Verity]
When Verity arrives for her daily shift, Schön's demeanor in answering the door suggests this might not be just another day at the office. "Ah, good morning. I wonder if you might feel like a small change in the routine?"
no subject
"If you do that show, you should call it 'Beautiful Lies'," she murmurs. "I think I need to leave now."
no subject
That's some impressive progress. All the same, Schön is keeping a close eye on her condition, and sees the signs of fatigue.
"Excellent name," he murmurs. "Would you like to dine out, or bring something back to the office?" It's an offer of shelter, under the guise of an innocuous question about meal preferences, and he knows she'll both recognize that and the intentions behind it.
no subject
no subject
Fancy dining can be another trip. Perhaps she'd enjoy a working dinner with a restaurant critic, pointing out any dishonesty in the menu? Or perhaps she'd prefer a relaxing dinner with an honest chef.
"Peking duck and crab rangoon," he agrees, "I know just where to go." And they're off! A brisk walk, if she's up to it, hailing a cab if she isn't.
no subject
"I had a feeling you would." A walk will do her good, but perhaps not as brisk as usual. It's not a bad thing to take their time and appreciate the sights. "Is there any city where you don't know your way around in some version of it?"
no subject
"There's a long list of such cities," he admits, "but I shorten it, periodically." There's nothing wrong with a more leisurely pace, and if she likes that's certainly how they can go. A pleasant stroll on one of England's rare sunny days.
no subject
If he'd like to talk while they walk, she'd enjoy that. Taking her mind off the pain helps.
no subject
"My favorite city of all time and space?" He pretends to think about it for a moment, before answering, "that would have to be Arcadia, the capital of the Sidhe. Every fairy-tale palace that has ever been imagined, described, wrought, is the palest reflection of the tiniest glimpse of Arcadia's glory. The Silver Tower, the Court of Courts, the Thousandth Hall, Twilight's Embrace, truly it is the beating heart where noble dreams are born."
no subject
"That does sound like your kind of place," she admits quietly.
no subject
Alright, he probably should have taken the answer as that, but without such conditions, Arcadia is his favorite, and he didn't want to spoil their day with a technical lie.
"It was," he admits. "But the way there is lost, and all my people in the mortal realm can only look across the hazy gulf of memory to where it shines."
no subject
"I'm sorry. I hope you can find the way back." His arm gets another squeeze. "You'll send me a postcard when you do, right?"
no subject
"Dear Verity," he purrs, "you shall be my honored guest if you so desire! What a stir you would make."
no subject
no subject
He's just full of perils.
"Afraid of you?" he scoffs. "Why should they be afraid of you?"
no subject
"Your fire is." That's the best way she knows how to explain it.
no subject
"Ah." Nothing gets by her. It's a blessing and a curse. "Less so, now, than when we first met, I think. And there are things that can be done, to protect you from the Dreaming and the Dreaming from you."
no subject
"You think so?" She's doubtful, but he's the expert. "Will I have to wear a hazmat suit?"
no subject
"I know so," he answers firmly, before her question makes him laugh. "Nothing so gauche! Although on second thought, you might prefer the hazmat suit. Mortals who take a little bit of fairy magic into themselves can see the Dreaming and enter it without harming us or coming to harm."
no subject
no subject
"Of course. And speaking of tables," it's a convenient segue into his getting the door of a little Chinese restaurant for her.
no subject
no subject
Oh, doesn't he just wish! "You're quite welcome." The restaurant is in the midst of its lunch rush, so while they can get a table, the place is going to be crowded and loud. If Verity would rather get take-out and go to a park, or back to the Nexus, they can easily do that.
no subject
"Your office would probably be the best choice," she admits finally.
no subject
"The office it is, then. And we can call this morning's efforts your full shift for the day." With a wry little smirk, he adds, "besides, field trips always eat up the whole day."
no subject
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)