[She appreciates the attempt at subtlety, even if they're both making it more awkward than necessary. She gives him a smile for the effort, though.] It can be, or so I've heard. I've never prolonged it so far. The very atmosphere here can be, ah, quite convincing. [She resists the urge to adjust her collar, for fear of bringing light to the warmth on her face.]
These pranks, that is somewhat new. [After the first day - that first disastrous day - of the pranking she hasn't felt the need for it and she found herself looking down disdainfully at the practice. What this seeks to serve? I have yet to guess. The whims of these witches sometimes are beyond my understanding. Though I suppose I shouldn't think to understand the minds of kidnappers, their thoughts diverging so completely from what I would ever do.
[She refrains from shrugging, as if that would make things too casual and dismiss them completely.] We simply make do with what we have.
[His eyebrows hitch up at her admission, surprised by how candid she is about it while she'd purposely been avoiding outright talking about sex. The contrast makes him chuckle quietly.] By atmosphere, you mean the curses? The food at the last party was all laced with magic, and I think I could venture a guess as to what the curses would encourage. Not to mention the mistletoe.
And you... you aren't bitter? I can't help but feeling as though our options are either to find a partner we don't truly want to bed, or at least not immediately, or be drugged or cursed into doing it.
[His frown deepens at her advice. None of it is alright, and yet obeying is better than death. It was a sentiment he'd used to understand very well. His expression shifts to something blankly resigned.] Both options seem equally horrible.
[She nods, glad to be spared the crude language. There are times to use it. First meetings are not among them.] There are parties like that. In fact all of their parties are such, some simply more than others. [They aren't bad, per se, but no being drugged with anything, especially magic, wasn't quite nice.]
I... [She gives him a lopsided look, lips thinning as they press together but neither scowling or smiling. She clearly doesn't know how to explain that she isn't much bitter about things in general.] I do wish I could go home and stay there but one can't simply spend their time being angry and wishing. At some point we can only make do. The enjoyment of, ah, the lovers you choose here can be what you make of it, to some extent. Some with certain... specialized desires... [She coughs delicately.] might have more trouble than others but companions can be found and pleasant ways to spend the time are possible.
[Fenris' expression is a mix of awe and respect and envy at the attitude that seems to come so easily for her. He tended to dwell on things, stewing and brooding, for far longer than those things deserved, but he'd always been that way. Still, it didn't mean he wasn't trying to change that about himself, not blind to his own shortcomings.]
I suppose, making the best of things is all we really have left to do. [His stubborn side disagreed. 'Making the best of things' sounded a lot like giving in and doing what they were told.
There were easier things to think about though.] Specialized desires? [He chuckled quietly.] And do you have any of those?
[She can guess what he's thinking, bets that it feels like giving in, and she gives him a look of sympathy in turn.
Before she can say anything, he turns the questions back on her. Her first instinct is to sputter a little and turn red.]
No. [She looks away, wondering for all the world if the ground could swallow her whole.]
I meant... That is... Other people, I mean. [Her own preferences and leanings were not nearly as scandalous as some but this reaction isn't helping her case.]
Ah, yes, other people. Of course. [His tone is completely serious and borderline apologetic, but the glint in his eyes and the slight curl at the corner of his mouth sends a different message.
They all had quirks, whether they indulged them or not.
He clears his throat and shifts the basket of goodies to his other hand.] Anyway, now that I know this was actually intended for me, thank you... I probably shouldn't take up more of your time, but it's a pleasure to meet you, Joesphine. [He gives her another half bow, a slight incline of his head.]
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These pranks, that is somewhat new. [After the first day - that first disastrous day - of the pranking she hasn't felt the need for it and she found herself looking down disdainfully at the practice. What this seeks to serve? I have yet to guess. The whims of these witches sometimes are beyond my understanding. Though I suppose I shouldn't think to understand the minds of kidnappers, their thoughts diverging so completely from what I would ever do.
[She refrains from shrugging, as if that would make things too casual and dismiss them completely.] We simply make do with what we have.
no subject
And you... you aren't bitter? I can't help but feeling as though our options are either to find a partner we don't truly want to bed, or at least not immediately, or be drugged or cursed into doing it.
[His frown deepens at her advice. None of it is alright, and yet obeying is better than death. It was a sentiment he'd used to understand very well. His expression shifts to something blankly resigned.] Both options seem equally horrible.
no subject
I... [She gives him a lopsided look, lips thinning as they press together but neither scowling or smiling. She clearly doesn't know how to explain that she isn't much bitter about things in general.] I do wish I could go home and stay there but one can't simply spend their time being angry and wishing. At some point we can only make do. The enjoyment of, ah, the lovers you choose here can be what you make of it, to some extent. Some with certain... specialized desires... [She coughs delicately.] might have more trouble than others but companions can be found and pleasant ways to spend the time are possible.
no subject
I suppose, making the best of things is all we really have left to do. [His stubborn side disagreed. 'Making the best of things' sounded a lot like giving in and doing what they were told.
There were easier things to think about though.] Specialized desires? [He chuckled quietly.] And do you have any of those?
no subject
Before she can say anything, he turns the questions back on her. Her first instinct is to sputter a little and turn red.]
No. [She looks away, wondering for all the world if the ground could swallow her whole.]
I meant... That is... Other people, I mean. [Her own preferences and leanings were not nearly as scandalous as some but this reaction isn't helping her case.]
no subject
They all had quirks, whether they indulged them or not.
He clears his throat and shifts the basket of goodies to his other hand.] Anyway, now that I know this was actually intended for me, thank you... I probably shouldn't take up more of your time, but it's a pleasure to meet you, Joesphine. [He gives her another half bow, a slight incline of his head.]