forgodssake | ic inbox } ataraxion.

[ Through this medium, she's spared his hilarious expression of oh, right, well then split through with a quick grin, one that fades as she makes her point.

He opens his mouth like he might ask questions. Hesitates. ]

Are you in danger, Nuala? Or simply preempting something I ought to be aware of?

( n- maybe. )

My brother's liege suffered a great deal, recently. I bore witness- I came to the attention of his captor, and...he drew to my attention the oversight.

( this is a fascinating retelling of events. )

[ There is a stagnant pause as this is considered and parsed. Not a barrier against Tranquility related stimulus, then. Something far more concerning. Other people.

Other telepaths. ]

I see. I hope you're all right, and your friends. [ Acquaintances? The elves are their own league, he doesn't know. ] But that's probably good thinking. I've only ever met one, back where I come from, one that could almost match my ability. But she was more of a defensive player, fortunately.

( there's a pause where she might dispute the term-- a breath drawn to do so-- and she does not. there is a wall, between herself and her brother and his people. it is a wall that she and nuada have built between them, and it won't come down if she keeps adding stones. )

I am well, and I believe that in time, so too will be his grace.

( this is not a belief based on anything. she just does. )

Still-- yes. My father knew of such things; what of their nature I have is his doing, but too small in scope. ( and unnecessary? no; that rock can stay. )

Edited 2014-02-21 12:44 (UTC)

[ Pause and remove sound like correction, all the same, but he is not within range to detect the meaning of it -- nor does Charles care to, anyway. It's not the matter at hand. ]

But you aren't asking for my tutorage, I take it.

Were it suitable, I would know you less well.

( literally everything that followed the first face to face encounter came from the fact that they've been strutting about like arrogant kittens who've mastered pouncing and forgotten that other cats probably know how to do that, too. )

[ Her meaning is taken. He laughs, quiet. ]

Fair point. What did you have in mind?

I bet I can learn to keep you out of my mind before you can learn to keep me out of yours.

( ................. Nuala's bright idea is the worst game of tag ever, yes. )

Edited 2014-02-21 12:55 (UTC)

Ah, good, trial and error. That sounds exactly the sort of strategy one should take in developing psychological defense against psychological invasion.

And I'll take that bet, by the way.

( nuala is undeterred by this criticism of her clever plan, mainly because he rose admirably to her blatant and unabashed baiting. )

What shall our terms be?

[ Another laugh, this time startled out of him. This would be a good time to point out she has some clear advantages, but that would also mean admitting she's a superior telepath and that's not very sporting. ]

Lacking an economy, we'll have to be rather creative.

( he has it on record, her admission that she's already not only experienced but quite confident in her ability to break into somebody's mind if she wants to-- which really means that he only has himself to blame for nevertheless agreeing to what is as much a (terrible) game as it is a practical and useful exercise. )

First of all, the winner must teach the loser their technique.

[ Maybe he'll win through sheer optimism. Not that this has literally ever worked out before but it's his old stand by. ]

Agreed. I imagine you'd be terribly put out if I didn't.

[ He is going to get his ass kicked! ] In addition, I'll request a story, of your choosing. Over dinner.

( the important part is that the important part of him (e.g. his ego) is going to be just fine. )

Hm! Very well.

I will have of you...

( let's see. )

...your waistcoat.

I do think our measurements are marginally disparate, but as you wish.

[ At least he didn't explicitly comment on her rack. ]

At your convenience, of course.

I'm an adept seamstress.

( somewhere nuada just had a rage black-out and doesn't know why. )

Perhaps-- soon? There's so much, presently. The young woman in Engineering.

I suppose 'convenience' is something of a rare commodity.

ic inbox } ataraxion.

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