Ayatan (They/Them) (
ayatantreasure) wrote in
nexus_crossings2022-02-23 08:12 am
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
+1 Space Ninja
This place reminds them of Cetus, a little. Not quite as bustling and busy with the snow blanketing the walkways, but the closed shopfronts and toned-down open air markets suggest that the dry seasons might be comparable - surpass it even. They've been doing recon for several days now, first by observing from rooftop perches, then mingling among the pedestrians. It seems odd to walk among people of so many different sizes and shapes, and almost never be looked at twice. Never recognized for what they are.
No fear. No adoration. They can just... be.
It's a start.
The warframe is tall as an adult human, metal skin glinting slightly in the faded winter sunlight, hoof-like feet stepping lightly despite the metallic scrape against snow-dusted concrete. The long ribbon-like syandana attached to their back flutters softly in the breeze, a playful contrast to the weapons they carry on their back - a sword, some kind of rifle, a pouch of throwing knives. Their hands are empty, though, flexing yellow fingers absently as if trying to grasp something intangible.
Finally, they choose a perch on the edge of the walkway that passes by the Plaza, balanced effortlessly in a crouch atop a low wall. They raise one hand, projecting an image of words in a swooping script, which the Nexus then translates:
Have you ever dreamed so deeply you forgot who you were?
No fear. No adoration. They can just... be.
It's a start.
The warframe is tall as an adult human, metal skin glinting slightly in the faded winter sunlight, hoof-like feet stepping lightly despite the metallic scrape against snow-dusted concrete. The long ribbon-like syandana attached to their back flutters softly in the breeze, a playful contrast to the weapons they carry on their back - a sword, some kind of rifle, a pouch of throwing knives. Their hands are empty, though, flexing yellow fingers absently as if trying to grasp something intangible.
Finally, they choose a perch on the edge of the walkway that passes by the Plaza, balanced effortlessly in a crouch atop a low wall. They raise one hand, projecting an image of words in a swooping script, which the Nexus then translates:
Have you ever dreamed so deeply you forgot who you were?
no subject
"Uh so---dreamed so deeply I forgot who I was? Good question, blue. Maybe? I mean I've woken up thinking I was someone else or wishing I was someone else, depending on the question. I've slept in my suit before and that was pretty embarrassing."
Tony liked to talk and he figured he should stop for a moment so the newcomer could get their bearings.
no subject
Who did you think you were?
Though their emotions are impossible to read from their face, the stillness of their form suggests a quiet patience, someone used to waiting a long time for the perfect moment. That patience is being exercised now, holding out the projected text as long as it takes for it to be read and considered.
no subject
The engineer sipped his coffee and then blew on the rim, hoping he wouldn't scald his mouth like last time because he was talking too fast and didn't time the whole drinking hot coffee while talking thing. Patience was something Tony Stark often forgot existed.
"How about you, Blue? I'm assuming you woke up thinking you were someone else at some point? Hence the question I guess."
no subject
They nod, their crested head dipping down once, gold accents gleaming under the sunlight. Not all dreams are untrue. They're just not what you think.
no subject
She walks the street but can easily reach whatever it is that's addressing her (or perhaps the Nexus as a whole) but the distance allows for safety and certainty for both parties and the weapons they hold seem to be no joke, far more impressive than some she's seen here. She, herself is equipped with a large knife at her calf and on the same side, a handgun that remains carefully strapped and without indication of being drawn.
"That's a very personal question." Albeit one she seems to have an answer to. She doesn't have to offer all details, she supposes, and there's no harm in being frank. "Almost, maybe. I don't often remember my dreams. I've felt that way when awake, though. Or tried to."
no subject
Their head tilts slightly to one side, a subtle curiosity. How so?
no subject
"Personal," she repeats, but lighter, almost jokingly. Her smile is taut with burnt memories, but none so sour that she can't share. "There was a time when I couldn't control myself, when someone else made every move for me against my will. I was aware the whole time, though. A part of me, in the corner of my mind that rallied against the person I was turning into."
It was complicated, to put it lightly. Jill didn't know how to explain her inner voice, her inner self still existing and fighting back and the separation between her 'real' self there and what she was on the exterior.
"Is there a reason you ask?" She's cautious because it is a personal question.
no subject
Perspective. The word lingers on their fingertips, their other hand fidgeting a little, tapping fingers against their leg. Thinking, cautious. I dreamed of something real.
no subject
"You're sharing thoughts and memories, then. It's sacred, in a way. There is no lying there. So sometimes if you're dreamfasting with someone you already care about and you're close to them, it feels like living what they've lived."
no subject
There's a fascination in their body language as they listen, a quiet stillness that speaks of a great patience. They turn over a hand to reply, words inscribing themselves in the air above their palm. Are all your dreams like that?
no subject
"Not all. We dream alone, too, when we sleep. But dreamfasting is a sacred gift that all gelfling have. You have to touch another gelfling to dreamfast with them, usually, but sometimes if the call is very, very powerful a group can dreamfast together from a distance."
"That's what I am. A gelfling," she adds, because most people here haven't heard of her kind, and that's okay! She's happy to share. "My name is Deet, what's yours?"
no subject
They're very quiet and still as she speaks, something she's saying striking a chord, maybe. Then a pause, almost hesitant, when she asks for their name. Uncertain? But they do raise their hand after a few moments, summoning words to their palm.
This warframe is named Volt. They leave the message for a moment, making sure she's read it, before the words dance and shift again. I'm a Tenno.
no subject
Part of her really wants to reach out and touch the glowing letters, but she refrains for the moment. Candle-flames look pretty and touchable to children, after all, and grabbing them is the opposite of a good idea. "Did you just get here? Do you need anything to eat or drink? It's a strange place, but people can be very kind and friendly here, and there are lots of things to see."
no subject
Warframes don't eat. It's difficult to look apologetic when your face is so inflexible, so they shrug instead, and tap a hand against their chest as if to indicate their heart, a gesture of appreciation for the offer. But I like to look at shops.
no subject
"Well, if you'd like to walk around with me, we can," she offers. "I don't have anything to do this afternoon. We could look at shops or go to the park."
no subject
I'd like that, they project after, in case their response wasn't understood. What shops are your favorite?
no subject
"I like the toy shops the most," she admits, a little sheepish. "But the plant nursery is nice, too. It's just, we didn't have the variety of fabric they have here, to make toys with. Some of the plush animals are just so wonderfully soft and fluffy! And they're made for people bigger than me, so some of them are honestly big enough I could just set them on the floor and sleep on them like a little bed."
She might or might not have napped on a unicorn squishmallow, ssh.
no subject
Toy shop please!
Though their attention is clearly on Deet as they begin to make their way toward the aforementioned shops, they still take the time to peer here and there at whatever landmarks they're passing, much like a tourist would. There's a contrasting sort of vigilance about them, however, like someone who's spent so long at war that they're keeping an eye out for trouble even in complete safety. It contrasts with their obvious delight at their surroundings, an inner child yearning for play.
no subject
"Toy shop!" She agrees happily, and she would offer to hold hands and lead them, but given the height disparity they would have to walk bent over. Instead, she walks a short distance ahead until they're on the sidewalk, then flutters her way into the air. As delicate as those wings of hers look, she seems to be able to hover with them, an impressive feat.
The toy shop isn't far, situated between a clothing shop and a thrift store for electronic equipment (a lucrative business where so many worlds with varying technology levels meet). A little bell chimes when Deet tugs the door open. The inside smells a little like vanilla and cotton candy.
no subject
Their footsteps are light as they follow in her wake, the long ribbon on their back fluttering and shining like a tail. They can't smile, but there is an amused pause in their step at the gentle jingle of the bell, an ancient novelty to the Tenno. It's quickly forgotten, of course, on seeing the inside of the toy shop.
It's all so clean.
Pristine fluffy plushies of all sorts of animals that they've never seen before. Boxes of jigsaw puzzles and constructive toys, colorful blocks and sleds with hovertech instead of metal runners. Sheets of stickers, flying models of spacecraft that do buzzing loop-de-loops around the ceiling. It's hard to know where to start! Their fingers twitch a little, eager to touch, uncertain if they're allowed.
no subject
So he's probably stared too long by the time the scrawl comes up, which is then so conveniently translated. He glances at it- and laughs suddenly, in disbelief.
"Sorry, just- didn't expect that one. Yeah, I have. Once, I did forget myself. And once, I found myself again, after being lost for a long time." He heaves a thoughtful sigh before looking at them again. "I don't know if it's the sort of thing you're thinking of, though. I had help both times. Why do you ask?"
no subject
Seeking perspective. Perhaps a bit vague on their part as well, but once they feel confident their message has been understood, the text changes with a flick of their fingers. What help did you have?
no subject
The question gives him pause, although it's only a matter of deciding which 'dream' to talk about. "Where I come from, there's someone who can make people dream. And he pushed me under, until I literally thought I was someone else. It was-" His eyes narrow slightly. "-difficult, realizing the truth. But better in the long run, I think."
He realizes he's been looking at the ground and looks back up to meet the warframe's...eyes? He's not entirely sure, but the humanoid appearance has to be there for some reason. "Are you worried you've forgotten yourself?"
no subject
Impossible to explain, especially in such short messages. Still not sure who to trust, either. Especially now. Still, there's a mutual understanding here, and they tilt their head a little in acknowledgment.
I was also made to dream.
no subject
Sylar nods, a small frown on his face. As far as he's concerned, that's all that needs to be said.
"I'm sorry. It'll probably take a long time to work through everything. Took me years, honestly." He gives the warframe a small, apologetic smile. This is going to be tough for them. "But things did, eventually, become clear. I was able to separate what I wanted, who I was, from everything that'd been done to me."
Considering how mixed up he'd been (even before the 'forced dream,' really), he's hopeful for the person in front of him.
no subject
They remain like that for a span of heartbeats, then raise their head again, opening their fingers once more to project another message.
How do you remind yourself what's real?
no subject
"I had to find an anchor." He sticks his hands in his pockets, a tic he's picked up recently whenever he's feeling nervous. "Something that I knew to be true, that would readjust my perspective and center my reality, whenever it slid out of whack. I- well, I didn't exactly do well with that, at first. It might take you a few tries to find something- or someone- you can rely on. It'll still feel like you're fumbling around in the dark, but- it helps."
no subject
no subject
He shakes his head. He has no idea if this entity would even know what a snow globe was. "But if you're lucky enough to find a person willing to help you, someone you can even remotely trust- that'll help more."
no subject
Finally, they nod slightly, and raise a hand again to project a message. I need a lotus. Do you know where I can find one?
no subject
Taking care of a live plant probably has some therapeutic benefits, too, going by one of the books he'd been reading recently. But who knows if this is a situation where one can take care of a plant? "There's also jewelry shaped like lotus flowers, if that won't work. Pendants and crystal paperweights, things like that. Any of that sounding like it'd work for you?"
no subject
no subject
A way of both establishing himself, and suggesting a line of conversation without giving too much away to someone he doesn't know well. But the mention of dreams has drawn the attention of Paul Atreides. He surveys the warframe, trying to work with his own frame of reference to determine what kind of being he's looking at. With his universe's history with intelligent machines he should be scared of them, but he's aware of Exos and Cybertronians.
"I always thought the danger of dreams was mistaking them for the real world...but some dreams are special."
no subject
In what way? The words hover above their palm, simple script that belies the depth of what they're discussing.
no subject
"I hope you don't mind me asking, not to be rude, but who are you?"
no subject
A traveler like everyone else. Who are you?
no subject
"My name is Paul Atreides. You're a traveler. Most people are, here - don't live in the Nexus. I only visit."
no subject
Visions aren't my problem. Just a very real dream.
no subject
"What do you mean by 'very real'? They feel realistic? You aren't sure where the dream ends and the real world begins?"
no subject
Why does it matter? Surely others here can relate to the experience, even if it's not identical.
no subject
He scribbles on his whiteboard. What kinds of things do you dream about?
His own dreams involve hunting. Stalking prey. But he knows humans dream about different things - and he's kind of interested that a machine being like they are dreams as well. He knows Blaze has a human mind inside, so he might be talking to someone similar.