Video: CW: Language

[runs_on_batteries]

[A disheveled middle aged man's face appears on the screen looking incredibly over it. Whatever 'it' is, he's been done with it since Friday and there's no end in sight. There's a large smear of chocolate running from just about his ear on his left side down his neck and along one side of a red hoodie he's wearing.]

Dammit! Damn this place and those creepy bears from god-knows-what! Where the hell am I? Voidtreckers, if you can hear me, my communicator isn't connecting me to the train!

Of all the f-

[Tony's cut off as he spots another bear gang down the street and moves quickly to an alley out of sight.]

What is this place?

Comments

[runs_on_batteries]

[Tony noted the discomfort and felt a little bad for it. Still, he started it already, might as well finish the thought.]

Because, Au Ra women are beautiful and they are always married. It's the damnedest thing. What's a guy gotta do to find one of you lovely ladies single?

[astralera]

Auri women. Au ra is a noun, and auri the adjective.

[ She tenses further, both anxious and angry]

Yes. So beautiful and rare. What exotic far eastern beauties we are. The slavers would have earned a pretty penny had they found me, and up north many would simply have slaughtered me like they did my father.

[runs_on_batteries]

[Well shit.]

I've only met one other and she was a warrior of light who could kick anyone's ass who got near her, including me. I was close friends with her husband as well. I'm not from your world so I don't know that much of the history. The only thing I know is that she was a badass and I was making an assumption that you are too.

[astralera]

She was not from my world, either. I do not want to hear of her. I don't want to know anything about her!

[ She shakes with emotion she cannot put to words, lightning aether crackling at her fingertips. She wants desperately to lash out at something—anything—and so she punches the wall next to her. Her fist smashes right through, right up to the elbow before getting stuck.

She hisses, breath wet and wavering in a way that makes it clear she is trying not to cry. ]

I hate this place.

[runs_on_batteries]

[Tony stood, ignoring his untied shoe when he feels static in the air. He prepared to summon his shield if he needed it, but she went for a wall instead of him and.. gets stuck.]

Hey.. Era.. calm down.

[He very cautiously stepped forward and reached out for her arm.]

I've clearly said some wrong things. I'm sorry for that. I was trying to be friendly- turn your elbow to your left a little. It's caught on the drywall. You can punch me later once we get you out.- I really wasn't trying to upset you. About thirty minutes ago I woke up in a temple full of pink mice. You gotta give me a little bit of a learning curve here. Not a lot, I'm a quick learner, but some.

[Once her arm was free of the wall, he let go. He was ready for her to swing at him, but he wasn't going to dodge it this time.]

Is it injured?

[astralera]

[ She recoils the moment he touches her, yanking her arm out and away and taking three steps back. She ignores the tear in her sleeve and the sting in her arm. Her fist is broken (a familiar feeling), but she welcomes the discomfort for the time being, using it to keep herself grounded.

Era lets out a shaky breath and turns toward the kitchen, leading the way if he still has any inclination to follow. ]

No outside shoes are allowed past the entry tile. The flooring is warm, but slippers are recommended.

You are welcome to sit on either of the sofas, but the armchairs are off limits.

[ Pretending what just happened didn't happen is the healthiest course of action, obviously. ]

Do you like whipped cream on your hot chocolate?

[runs_on_batteries]

[He stared after her with an open jaw and about eighty five questions that all include words 'what' and 'fuck'.

He is torn on what to do for a moment before he bends down, reties his boot and steps out of the house. Yikes.]

[astralera]

[ Realizing that he has left, Era is quick to latch the door and then heal her fist.

When she has time to process their conversation she'll feel guilty and seek to apologize, but for now she knows it best that he seek out better company. ]