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[drawsblood]

// username: joric

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XIMILIA

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[deaddrop]

They cause chaos, but I'm not sure that's the same thing as being chaotic themselves.

[She's put a lot of thought into this, but can't say it's ever led to a conclusion.]

If it were as easy as that, I'd expect them to be more self-defeating.

[drawsblood]

[ Those are big brain thoughts and it takes him a moment to understand her meaning. ]

It's more like they have a task they feel compelled to complete, but if they were chaotic they would never be able to achieve it.

[ He blows out a breath before smiling. ]

You are wise.

[deaddrop]

[Natasha laughs at that, not exactly self-deprecating. More... flattered? It's not something she's told a lot, despite the fact she's very confident in her intelligence.

Maybe it's just nice to hear someone else say it.]

Something like that. It's something to think about at least... or maybe not, since I'm not sure worrying about it accomplishes much.

[drawsblood]

Mm. I have noticed that too, about how I don't know whether to think on these things or let them go. Such is the way of the orbs. They probably like that we don't know how to react.

[deaddrop]

I think you're right about that. They probably enjoy watching us squirm.

[drawsblood]

Stupid things.

[ He shakes his head. ]

But at least some good things will come out of all this. Regrets undone.

[deaddrop]

There is that. And you know, all things considered, I'm not hating this.

[She tilts her head toward the scenery around them: the station, the missions, all of it.]

[drawsblood]

No. This part is good too.

[ She'll find he's no poet who can describe the sights or his feelings eloquently. He just sticks to the simple. ]

Maybe chaos isn't just things being in upheaval. Maybe it's a mix of the good and the bad and weighing them against each other without knowing if you should bother thinking on it too hard.

[deaddrop]

[Simple gets the job done, sometimes better than poetry.]

You know, that sounds pretty wise too.

[drawsblood]

[ That stirs a laugh from him. ]

I won't make a habit of it. I am unwise far more than wise.

[deaddrop]

I won't hold it against you, either way.

[Not that she was going to. She likes to stay open to who people are.]

[drawsblood]

[ He chuckles. ]

My thanks for your understanding.

[ Looking out at the landscape around him, he pauses to admire it. There is still some sense of calm and beauty to be found in it, even if the false can never compare to the real thing. ]

Are you much of an outdoors person?

[deaddrop]

[That's a more loaded question than he probably knows. Natasha does like the outdoors. She's also had some survival experiences she'd rather not repeat.

People contain multitudes, and Joric probably doesn't need to go too deep down that rabbit hole.]

Sometimes. I like being active. I like the view. More fun to go rock climbing on real rocks than a man made wall.

[drawsblood]

You do that? A dangerous activity, but I can see the appeal.

[ But then he digests that and gives her a curious look. ]

They make fake walls of rocks?

[deaddrop]

It is, it's true. I'd say that's part of the fun, but we also have better gear.

[The question gets a nod though, and a look of consideration.]

It's safer that way. Pads on the ground and plenty of safety equipment. I won't say no one ever gets hurt, but it's a good way to learn. I could show you in the sim room, sometime?

[drawsblood]

Hm. Sure, why not? It could be a useful skill to have on a mission someday.

[ And he's no stranger to pain, so falling down isn't much of a fear. ]

[deaddrop]

Put those long arms to work.

[Lightly, then shrugging and giving him a curious look.]

What about you? I already know you prefer the outdoors, but I'm sure you do more than just amble.

[drawsblood]

Oh, I like to fish, hike, do some whittling.

[ He mimes the action of whittling down wood with a knife. ]

Though I'm not any good at it. But I'm used to spending most of my time outdoors unless it's the dead of winter. Being inside is stifling.

[deaddrop]

Claustrophobic? It's when you're afraid of or uncomfortable in enclosed places.

[Helpfully. It can be hard to gauge what knowledge people have from other times or worlds. Usually Natasha just goes ahead with what she'd normally say and lets people ask if they have questions, but she can be thoughtful. For a friend.]

What do you whittle? You could give what you make as gifts.

[drawsblood]

Well, I suppose it's uncomfortable sometimes, but I'm not afraid. At home we have to spend the whole of winter indoors except for quick trips outside so one likes having the freedom to not be confined by four walls anymore.

[ He appreciates it. Since his arrival he's said "I don't know what that means" so many times that he's started to let it go and just changes the subject instead. ]

Oh no. No one would want anything I make. It's just animals or runes. And I mean it when I say I'm not any good.

[deaddrop]

Didn't we just cover that friends will be happy to receive any gift you made for them. It's not like they're even mittens—no one would have to wear it if you carved them a little... fish? Maybe a duck.

[Would a duck be difficult to whittle?]

Maybe a fox?

[drawsblood]

[ He briefly laughs at her suggestions. ]

Never tried a fish before. That might prove simpler than a deer or horse.

[ Shrugging, since he really doesn't go out of his way to get wood to whittle, he adds: ]

If I ever pick it up during a dull moment I'll make you a fish.

[deaddrop]

Maybe for next Christmas?

[Very much teasing. Who knows if they'll even be here in six more months?]

I be you'll make a really neat fish.

[Also kind of joking, but in a gentle way.]

[drawsblood]

Yes. By that time I'll have more people to give gifts to.

[ A pause. ]

Unless they leave or this whole thing ends. Not the best thing to think about.

[deaddrop]

I think for the time being it makes the most sense for us to assume we'll still be here. If not... [Natasha shrugs as she pauses, considering her words.] Plans change. I'd still rather make them.