+1 Space Ninja

[ayatantreasure]

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?

Comments

[torsion]

At least there's acknowledgement. She's never thought much about language barriers considering she speaks several herself, but she saw something unrecognizable in that script before it was translated. Not long enough to relate it to anything she might know, so she probably doesn't know it. It's curious enough that she tries to catch it the second time around still.

"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.

[ayatantreasure]

The warframe's face is inflexible, so there's no change in their expression as they listen. But their body language shifts, head raising a little, tension in the shoulders softening. Something in her story has struck a chord, personal or not.

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.